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Genesis Archive, Vol. 1: 1967-1975
Genesis
Atlantic, 1998
http://www.genesis-music.com
REVIEW BY: Benjamin Ray
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 05/31/2005
Now THIS is what a box set should be. Live and rareperformances, unreleased tracks, demos and intricate liner notesthat cater to lifelong fans and newbies alike make up any box setworth its salt, which this is.
For fans of Peter Gabriel-led Genesis, this set is a dream cometrue. Featuring an entire live performance of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, other live selections fromthe band's history, and an entire disc of early demos and outtakes,anyone who wants to know why Genesis was among the most respectedand popular progressive rock bands need only listen to this.
The set is divided into four CD's and runs roughlychronologically, but to get the full experience, I'll review themin reverse order. It's awe-inspiring to listen to the Trespass demos first and the live Lamb next; not since the Beatles did a band grow so muchartistically, musically and lyrically in so short a time.
However, this is not to say the music is perfect. Disc 4 has ashare of good moments, but many of the songs feature just a piano,flute and Gabriel singing. It's the sound of a band finding itsfeet, and some of the highlights are indicative of where Genesiswould head -- songs such as "Going Out To Get You," an early "Dusk"and "Where the Sour Turns to Sweet" are among the best.
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