LIVE OVER EUROPE 2007

I have been a long time Genesis fan like most of the readers hear, and was really excited when I heard they were getting back together for a tour (I know, I know, it's not the dream tour feat. Gabriel and Hackett, but did anyone really think that was going to happen?). Unfortunatly they did not get to my neck of the woods so this release and the subsequent video (in 2008) will have to suffice. The good news is , I popped it in my disc player and it really rekindled my devotion for these guys (having fallen out of regular rotation a while ago).

On the positive side, the set list they chose was extremely strong giving a good balance of old and new to satisfy both generations of fans, and while I understand the readers here who would have much rather seen an entire oldies list, that is not in the bounds of reality (that being said, I would have liked them to roll out a couple f substitutions for "Home By The Sea" and "Throwing It All Away" both of which have been played out long ago). Of particular note is the inclusion of "Ripples" which is given the full treatment and not excerpted, the muscular version of "Firth of Fifth" and the 'Duke" material which pops up in the opening and in the medley section of 'In The Cage.' Collins voice is in fine form throughout, clear and strong, without any dropping down a key at the end of long notes (see Steve Walsh live as the opposite).

Issues do crop up that might bother some listeners. First off, some of it is played in a slower pace, maybe belying their age, "Duke's Intro" seems at almost 3/4th time. Much of the music is dropped dow a key to accomodate Collins voice, particularily 'Turn It on Again". Also the recording seems to lack a little oompf, the drums are mixed way up front and the guitars in the back causing it not to sound as full as previous live releases. And is it me but does the opening of 'The Last Domino' section ssound a little off rhythm. To me these issues only cause me to like it more as it sounds more real, not mindlessly overdubbed like most concert releases which fix every imperfection.

The only real complaint I have is the decision to use a variety of venues to get the recordings than from one solid show. I've always felt this was a shortcoming in all live realeases as it kills the natural flow and energy that occurs on a good night (just listen to countless bootlegs from any band and you can hear the difference). As a result the energy level on the songs varies, with some coming off low-key (Dusseldorf and Rome) and others at a very high (Manchester).

In summation, not an essential release but a very welcome one to those fans who are glad to see these guys out there doing it again.