DUKE

Duke was an album that was conceived and produced under trying circumstances for both the band and Phil Collins. Phil gong through a divorce, moving to Canada, starting a solo career, not sure if Genesis was in his future. Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford made some concessions to him and this album was the result.

The first thing I notice here and among many of the prog legends entering the eighties was abandoning the Hammond organ. ELP, Genesis, Yes and Kansas to name a few all did this and it changed their sound. A lot of this music seems like something is missing and I believe that is what is missing.

The second thing is the music is written different. Much more minimalism going on and less is better attitude to the songs even in Dukes Travels and Dukes End. No embellishing keyboards or lavish guitar colors accent the music as it did on Wind And Wuthering just three years before. It isn't bad just not as good as before. More going through the motions or settling for less.

All that said this album had a personal attachment for me when I went through my divorce over 15 years ago. The music touches you there and though many critisize it's songs as being poppy or drivel I don't think many of these people have experienced the loneliness of a divorce such as what is laid out here.

On top of that the Duke suite which is comprised of Behind the Lines, Dutchess, Guide Vocal, Turn it On, Dukes Travel's and Dukes End was supposed to be one piece of music. The rational was that it would be too much in the format of Suppers Ready. While i am sure no one would make that mistake it would have been a better way to present the music. I would give this CD 4 stars if they did because it would have meant a big nod to the former progressive sound and ideas. Alas they did not.

Even so rating this album without my personal attachment to it's subject I can only give this one a three.