SECONDS OUT

If you are a fan of Genesis but you don't have any of their live albums all I can say is shame on you. A Genesis concert was a powerful thing of beauty and awe. The first live album suffered from a lack of good engineering, mike placement, mix, performance, etc. but all subsequent offerings have been exemplary. This one stands out because it shows how the band unleashed their enthusiasm and energy to compensate for the loss of P. Gabriel. Aside from a few "noodling" explorations during "I know what I like" there isn't a weak spot to be found. The melding of "The Lamb" with the emotional end of "Musical Box" is incredible and stunning. But the drums are the real stars here. When Phil and Chester play together on "Suppers Ready," "Firth of Fifth" and "Los Endos" it signifies one of the finest moments in dual percussion history. I'm so glad their performances are preserved because it may never happen again. If you can't get over Gabriel's departure then you will surely enjoy Archives I but don't miss out on this and the British version of "Three sides live" to truly appreciate what a juggernaut Genesis was on stage.