No one really knows if Genesis is still a band any longer. Following Phil Collin's departure and a basically uknown follow up album with new vocalist Ray Wilson leaves many Genesis fans if this is truly the end. Regardless of the future of this progressive English unit, the entire back cataloge has received a much needed remastering and repackaging effort. It's nice to revisit albums that I haven't listened to in a while, and to discover releases that I haven't heard the first time around ("Trick of the Tail" is a good example). When it comes down to it, 1980's "Duke" and 1981'S "Abacab" stand out as my favorites. These two releases were my first introduction to Genesis' music, so part of my attraction is pure nostalgia. But hearing "Abacab" again, over 20 years after it's release, I understand that this was arguably the highest moment in Genesis' long career.
Genesis was down to a threesome in 1976, and by 1981, they were the hottest band in the world. Collins, Banks, and Rutherford created the perfect blend of chart topping hits with progressive rock elements. Sure, they had a couple hits from "Abacab", but fans could still hold them to higher musical standards. This was perfectly acceptable for me when I was fifteen years old! The title track is an explosive array of sound and power. Obscure lyrics fill the first part of the song, but it eventually turns into a brilliant instrumental that highlights the many skills and sounds of Tony Banks. The most popular song here would be "No Reply At All". A great contrast to the other songs on the release, this track swings along effortlessly with a horn section supplied by Earth, Wind, and Fire. This, along with Duke's "Misunderstanding" are my favorite hits by Genesis. Where "No Reply..." tries hard to hit the top 40, "Keep It Dark" was ahead of it's time in discussing alien abductions! Possibly my favorite song on the album, Mike Rutherfords fuzzy guitar along with Bank's "spacey" keyboard lines are the perfect match for the weird subject matter. The man in the song is abducted by aliens, but he's shown their world in which there's "a world full of people their hearts full of joy, cities of light with no fear of war.". He becomes frustrated to the fact that he must keep his visit a secret when he could be telling people on earth about his wonderful experience. People claim that on the Art Bell show now, so who would believe him anyway? The epic "Dodo/Lurker" draws upon the same unique sound as "Keep It Dark". More obscure lyrics decorate this track that deals with, I think, the evolution of man and where we are going. Tony Banks shines here again with his layers of keyboards and synthesizers. Banks was a true pioneer because his sound doesn't sound dated like many of the 80's bands synth sounds. The other popular single from "Abacab" is "Man on the Corner". This was a nice and subdued choice for the radio, but I prefer the powerful "Like it or Not". Collins ability as a percusionist can't be overstated on this track. This was one of many songs during this time in which Phil Collin's addressed the end of his marriage: "there's a lot I could say, 'cos I've got a lot on my mind. It's won't be very long, you're just another face that I used to know...". This was when Collins was at his best, lyric wise and vocally. He still did quality work after this release, but a lot can be said about an artist going through pain or conflict.
The sound quality on this release is very clean and solid. I'm not sure why the band didn't release any alternate or bonus tracks for this remastered releases, but many of their albums were somewhat conceptual in nature so, perhaps, they felt that this wouldn't help these releases. I think they saved those tracks for their box set anyway. These releases are a great temptation for people who followed Genesis in the 70's and 80's. "Abacab" is my favorite of the bunch, but I look forward to reviewing "Trick of the Tail" and the Peter Gabriel led "Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" in the near future. It's great to re-listen to this great band again.
