GENESIS 1970 -75

This Box Set revisits Gabriel era Genesis of the early 70's when Genesis were at the forefront of the development of what we now call Progressive Music. Every genesis fan will already by now have a copy to add to their vinyl and remastered CD versions.

This set has it all. Updated mixes including 5.1 versions, bonus DVD material that includes interviews with the various band members (Ant, Steve, Peter, Mike, Phil and Tony), video of live performances (including several versions of Musical Box and Supper's Ready, although not of the best sound/video quality). The set does not include "From Genesis from Revelation".

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway SCAD version also includes a set of the original slides that went with the stage production that you can watch whilst listening to the enhanced sound. In general, the discs all sound much better than before, in particular Trespass. Some will suggest that the vinyl or original CDs have better sound but I prefer the improved clarity and separation and I still have the other formats anyway!

There is also a bonus disc which includes some of the better non-album tracks that are also on the Archive - Volume 1: 1967-1975 (Happy the Man, Twilight, Going Out to Get You, Shepherd, Pacidy, Let Us Now Make Love) but the real extra is what is known as the Jackson Tapes. These are pieces that were recorded before Trespass to serve as backing music for a BBC TV programme about artist Mick Jackson and his painting.

These tracks are called Provocation, Frustration, Manipulation and Resignation. The tracks are at an early stage of development with only guide vocals. Parts of the tracks are recognisable in Fountain of Salmacis (Provocation), Anyway from The Lamb (Frustration), Musical Box (Manipulation)

Since each of the original discs are all 5 star, this box set adds an extra star for the bonus disc for a total of 6 stars.

ProgArchive Overall rating: 5 stars.

Absolutely essential for any Genesis Fan or if you are starting out.

If you already have the discs and are not a true believer then this could be considered as non-essential.