GENESIS FILES

2CD Genesis Files = Genesis Revisited + tracks from other Hackett albums, as stated in the track list. There is nothing older than two pieces from '83 acoustic guitar album Bay of Kings (except 'Horizons' from it appeared originally in Foxtrot, and 'Steppes' from Tokyo Tapes live album in Defector '80). Each song is served with liner notes and thus clearing the 'Genesis' concept also in tracks that at first seem to have nothing to do with it. To be honest, some don't. Two instrumental tracks from '99 Darktown? As well or better could have been some (new versions perhaps) from earliest solo albums that are closer in style to Genesis. But this kind of limited compiling principle suits well. The sense of compilation is almost absent if you haven't heard all the source albums. It's principally just an extended version of "Watcher of the Skies - Genesis Revisited" (96) and it works as that. ...Sorry such lecturing: call it The Premiere Review Syndrome.

Genesis revisitations were made with a large amount of guests. John Wetton in 'Firth of Fifth' and 'Watcher of the Skies', wow! Colin Bluntstone's tender 'For Absent Friends' accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic is dangerously close to oversweetness. 'Your Own Special Way' as a Rutherford tune has Paul Carrack from Mike+Mechanics, and I must say the nature of the song fits better to that polished style than to Wind & Wuthering. 'Fountain of Salmacis' sung by Steve is a good example how he manages to add new excitement even to such dramatic classics. It's almost TOO full. 'Waiting Room Only' is an atonal curiosity based on the Lamb track. The Tokyo concert with a superb all-stars lineup seems really great.

Here and there this music feels a bit overproduced & highly strung, and makes me miss the more peaceful side of Hackett's music. But worth getting if you missed Genesis Revisited.