DUKE

The 173'rd rating of this Genesis release, where the first dozen or so reviews say it all - this shows Genesis in their final, transitional phase (which has been increasingly obvious since 'Wind and Wuthering') from Progressive Giants, to being accessible and radio-friendly , and contains a fine cross-over in the process. The last of the truly 'Prog' Genesis albums IMO. Opening track 'Behind The Lines' incorporates a nicely performed instrumental introduction which gives the three-some equal share of the spotlight - cleverly arranged Drumming, dynamic Bass and lead- Guitaring, and some of the best sounding modern Keyboards for 1980 (discounting older, analogue hardware still used at the time). The bulk of the song has a 'soul' flavour to it, very tasty Bass-lines from Rutherford. Ironically, Collins did a funky re- recording of this song on his debut solo record, complete with a Brass section !..... 'Duchess' is quite an epic in its own right, and not too bad either. 'Man of Our Times' highlights an interesting drum pattern from Phil and is a very good song with an uplifting chorus. The weakest tune during the first half would be 'Misunderstanding', a Motown-flavoured poppy piano ballad, it's O.K. 'Heathaze' is a fantastic piece - Banks' keyboards shine, with some ripping fretless bass from Rutherford. 'Turn It On Again' is an intelligent song, in that it is extremely catchy, poppy, but with interesting rhythmic displacement - incorporating bars of 5,6, 7 and 8 beats, (if I'm not mistaken), but Collins makes these irregular patterns flow - a compositionally progressive trait. Next song worthy of mention is the touching ballad 'Please Don't Ask' - not even remotely Prog, but really beautiful. I have to say that we have an emotionally moving vocal from Phil, and the tune itself is quite pretty - along the lines of 'Many Too Many' from the previous album.) I still appreciate it a lot. The closing suite of 'Duke's Travels/Duke's End' is quality, inspired Prog-Rock, and allows Bank's to let loose on his synths and trusty old Hammond, and never becomes stale sounding, courtesy of the constantly shifting tempo's - Phil drums' his heart out. An outstanding composition and up there with the best Genesis has to offer. 'Duke's End' is a reprise of the opening passage of 'Behind The Lines' with the riff from 'Turn it On Again'. I rate DUKE as a 4 star album.