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Losing their way

"Congo" was the first single to be taken from the post Collins era "Calling all stations" album. Lead vocals are thus in the hands of Ray Wilson, previously of Stiltskin. The song is certainly commercially orientated, but the tribal rhythms and apparently banal lyric's did little to endear those who still purchased singles to the new music of this old band, and the release only briefly entered the UK top 30.

As had quickly become the custom for single releases, the various formats offered different additional tracks. The CD version has an extract from the magnificent "Home by the sea", presumably taken from a studio rehearsal for the then forthcoming tour. This is of passing interest only, since the definitive versions featuring Phil Collins were already available in studio and live format. Also included is a PC multi-media section with the promotional video for the single, and interviews with the three band members.

Ironically, it is the cassette version which is greater interest though. Although the title track is an edited version, here we have two other tracks which were omitted from "Calling all stations", and are otherwise unavailable. "Papa he said" is slightly reminiscent of "I can't dance", the funky backbeat suiting Wilson's style of delivery, but the song itself was left off the album for all too obvious reasons. "Banjo man" does indeed feature that instrument, but the overall sound is prosaic, with Wilson's vocals once again being the dominant feature.

These two (thankfully) rare tracks only serve to emphasise how desperate Rutherford and in particular Banks were becoming to rekindle the formula for a hit single. The philosophy here is clearly keep is as simple as possible, and it will sell in vast quantities. Unfortunately, in the process they completely forgot that you still have to come up with a decent tune.

Flip side material aside like Papa He said, this was the most disappointing piece of music Genesis ever released. I remember when the video came out which was my first taste of the new single and I was mortified at the well below par music being dished out. If my memory serves correctly the video filmed in Gibralter was equally poor. Thank goodness the album was stronger than this their first single. I would not recommend this as an introduction to CAS but as it is a single review and the xtras that came with this release it needs the necessary rating and unfortunately it merely shades a one star rating.

I only have the US version of this single which features the shortened and edited version of Congo (hint: radio suitable) and the album version. This was the first single Genesis in a post-Phil Collins lineup released. Although Ray Wilson is a good singer, his husky-like style takes a bit getting used making the song, and indeed the Calling All Stations album, seem more like a Banks/Rutherford collaboration rather than an actual Genesis song. That for me, is the major downside.

The other problem I have is why the US version didn't contain something different that didn't make it onto the album? I know the album was bad, so I can only guess the material that didn't make the cut was worst (or maybe not?).

Basically this is pop music from a band struggling in the late 1990s to get a new identity. Similar to the usual fare from Asia and ELP at the time. Not worth looking for unless your a completionist. One star.

"Like a soldier ant, I will wait for the signal to act. To take a walk right through the door, if you don't want me here anymore"

I might be one of the few people who actually like the song Congo. To my ears this is actually one of the best "hit" songs by Genesis. It has strong vocals by Ray Wilson and a powerful melody; I even like the lyrics which have a special meaning to me. However, this single version is an edited one and the album version is strongly preferable. This single version runs for only 3:15 while the album version runs for 4:53. I hate it when a song is butchered like that!

Like the other two singles released from the Calling All Stations album, the present one also holds b-sides that are not available elsewhere (with the exception of three tracks that ended up on the extra disc in the recent remasters box set). Sadly, these b-sides are very far below the material that actually made in onto the album. Both Papa He Said and Banjo Man are disposable and are not worthy of serious investigation by anyone other than the most devoted fan and even a fan like myself who actually enjoyed Calling All Stations is bound to be disappointed by these feeble songs. Needless to say there is not a trace of Prog in these songs, but even as Pop/Rock songs they do not hold up well.

Of the three Calling All Stations singles, this is the least interesting one. Go for the album instead!