GENESIS LIVE

'Genesis Live' is the first live album from Genesis. When I listen to a live album from any band, I want it to feel like I am there at the concert. I don't like when live albums contain an incomplete concert; I want to hear the whole concert as if I was there. Live albums should be mixed in a way that sounds like you were there when that unique performance happened, but I don't like when band's overdub live recordings. I want to hear the imperfections of a live recording; live performance is a tightrope act. As you can tell, I'm very particular when it comes to live albums, which is probably why I don't typically listen to live albums too often. 'Genesis Live' is a strange live album as everything that is contained within it is magnificent. However, my biggest issue with this album is that it's incomplete. As I said before, I want to feel immersed in the full concert experience, but with this album, I don't feel that. The single most annoying aspect of 'Genesis Live' is the album cover, which features Peter Gabriel in his iconic "Magog" costume during "Supper's Ready," and it isn't even included on the album! I believe it was for marketing reasons that that song was omitted from 'Genesis Live,' but that doesn't diminish the mild frustration that I feel whenever I look at the album sleeve.

The album opens with "Watcher of the Skies," which is a bit slower than the studio version. The song does drag a bit, not in terms of tempo but in terms of energy. Mike Rutherford's bass protrudes in the mix, which isn't a bad thing per se; I just wish the instrumentation was more balanced in the mix. I prefer the studio version. Despite that, it's a haunting show opener. Peter Gabriel manages to act even more theatrical and flamboyant on the live version of "Get Em' Out By Friday" than the studio version due to the energy that was emanating from the audience. The voice he puts on during the bar section (before he sings about genetic control) is quite amusing. During the bridge section, the music and audience are so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. The coda to "The Return of the Giant Hogweed" is heavier than the studio version and Phil Collins' drumming is even more spectacular.

"The Musical Box" starts humorously with "an unaccompanied bass pedal solo from Mike Rutherford." Phil Collins' subtle cymbal work during the first section is delicate, which complements the interweaving 12-string acoustic guitars. During the electric parts, Steve Hackett's electric guitar has even more ferocity when played live. "The Knife" is a fan favorite, and it's hard not to see why when it's performed live. It's interesting to hear Steve Hackett and Phil Collins' musical contributions with their respective instruments. I personally find Phil Collins' drumming to be far better than John Mayhew's. Peter Gabriel also changes some of the lyrics to the verses. Out of all the songs, I find "The Knife" to be the most interesting to listen to in this particular context because it's the most different from the studio version.

In conclusion, this is a decent live album from Genesis with a great collection of songs. I would rate the album much higher if it included Supper's Ready and if all the recordings came from one show so that you could hear Peter Gabriel's introductory stories that made you feel like you were truly there in that magical setting. 7/10