GENESIS 1970 -75

Well, it doesn't get much better than this. The most vital Genesis period, with Peter Gabriel, all in one place with updated sound and lots of extras. This box contains the 5 studio albums from Trespass to Lamb plus bonus DVD audio/video discs. As the music is reviewed under the individual albums this review simply discusses advantages of the box set.

Sound: Typically I'm not a box set fan and I rarely buy them, but this one was an exception I couldn't refuse. I wanted to hear the new mixes and see some of the extras and interviews. First, the sound issue. Most like the new mixes while some folks complain about revisionism and compression issues. I'm not an audiophile to any extreme degree, I'm just a thumbs-up or thumbs-down kinda guy. To me the new discs sound as good as the previous "definitive edition remasters" generation and I do hear some things that were buried in the mix before, which I consider a positive development. It's been so long since I've heard the vinyl but I can understand Jeff Carney's position about the lack of warmth and differences in the new mixes-though they are simply not enough to ruin this package for me. I like the sound for the most part, especially the gorgeous Trespass which sounds heavenly.

Packaging: The packaging is a mixed book. The outer box is small and efficient which is much appreciated. It fits well in a small shelf space and the door flips up so you don't have to remove the product to take some huge box top off. Four of the six titles come in jewel cases as they should. Sadly, the Lamb and the extras disc come in ridiculous "book" style sleeves so the discs have to slide in and out of VERY tight paper guaranteeing they will eventually be scratched if you use these sleeves. Very poor decision. Of course each album has a nicely adorned lyrics booklet. The extras album has a complete band history with lots of photos and notes.

Extras: The extras are plentiful. Each title comes with a CD and a separate DVD. The bonus disc is the dvd-audio version as well as extended video interview segments and/or bonus live performance video. The interviews were quite detailed and enjoyable, cutting back and forth between the various members giving their recollections about the album in question. Sometimes the differing opinions of Peter and Tony particularly were quite amusing. I also enjoyed hearing the opinions of the Steve and Ant who are not as often heard from. The extra material is generous and very fun even if the quality is not always perfect. Vintage live performances and television appearances, unreleased tracks, interviews, and a documentary will keep you in Genesis heaven for hours.

Should you spring for this? Comes down to this: If you're a new Genesis fan or you otherwise need to acquire updated versions of these important 5 titles, this is the way to do it and get lots of cool perks. But if you already own remastered, otherwise fine CD copies of these titles, I wouldn't personally spend the money unless you've got lots to burn.

Share this GENESIS review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Finnforest
• Report this review (#258574)
• Buy GENESIS music online with PA partners
• Show all GENESIS MP3/Stream
• Go to GENESIS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Genesis 1970 -75 page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for GENESIS related discussions