CALLING ALL STATIONS

"Calling All Stations" is a hark back to the darker material of the Genesis we all knew and loved. While the best line-up was the 5 (Gabriel-Hackett-Banks-Collins-Rutherford), "3" remains my favorite. "Stations" is easily one of the best since then.

Before I continue, I rated this only 3 stars because it is not a Prog Rock production. This is a Prog Rock band who evolved, to a degree, to the present. No problem experimenting, but personally, I would have liked to see them go back to the 70s style. Steve Hackett remains the only true Genesis guy.

Second stipulation is that most of the reviewers are Pink Floyd fans (gimme a break, talk about boring and uninspired!).

Ray Wilson lends a monochromatic, dark tone to the recording. His raspy, somewhat throaty voice is more commercial than Gabriel, but harsher than Collins, both of whom lend a throatier tone. Wilson is a great departure, and a pleasant selection by Banks and Rutherford.

The drumming is a bit dry, although, technically, it is very good. I miss Phil's drumming the most.

The title track is, without question, the best on the set. The rest of side one is rather commercial. 'Alien Afternoon' gets going after a slow first half, the intro, however, is somewhat reminiscent of 'Watcher of the Skies.'

Side 2 starts off with 'Dividing Line,' which produces excellent jamming by the band, but still falls far short of the old Hackett-Banks-Collins-Rutherford fusion. 'Uncertain Weather' sounds like it could have easily taken a spot on "3." This is easily the most reminiscent of days gone by, Genesis of the 70s. The Squeeze-inspired 'Small Talk' displays Wilson's remarkable ability to morph between his own voice and that of Paul Carrack. Don't believe me? Listen well, and imagine Carrack at the mic. 'There Must Be Some Other Way' sounds like a sermon for Collins, who just can't seem to keep a wife. This is a good song, however, a very true anthem to modern day relationship problems. This is a far cry from storybook compositions of Genesis' past. Finally, 'One Man's Fool' reminds me of something from the "Abacab" and "Genesis" (1981 and 1983) era, especially the opening. The song starts off a bit awkwardly, but once it gets going, it really is a banger of a song. I was not a fan of this song at first, but it grew on me so much that I feel it is one of the finest of the set, and it is a decent set.

All in all, and overall, this album really is a great departure, new lead singer, and a new, fresher, darker sound, compared to the 1980-91 productions. To this day, however, everything pre-"Duke" is the best from the boys. But "Stations" is a very pleasant surprise, and one of my favorites.

"Stations" did well in Europe, but not in the US. It is tough to compete with the trashy junk us Americans are so into buying nowadays. Really, give me a break you guys. Genesis remain masters. I really miss Banks' piano playing.