GENESIS LIVE

Even without the stunning visuals, Genesis' first live album succeeds because it coaxes a rock element out of their sound that is sometimes lacking in the studio work. The two true classics here, "Watcher of the Skies" and "Musical Box", manage to faithfully duplicate the studio versions even as they convey greater urgency than possible in that rarefied environment. "The Knife" is not of the same quality but confirms that Hackett could adapt to Anthony Philips' style. While "Return of the Giant Hogweed" is twee and dispensable in any environment, "Get Em Out by Friday" makes up for it with its interplay between Hackett and Banks, varied vocal passages, and flutes.

It's admittedly difficult to properly represent a group's live presentation with a LP length production, even at this early stage in the band's career, but Genesis "Live" provides an admirable synopsis of early Genesis both in terms of their performance ability and the general quality of their best cuts. Perhaps not essential, but not just for fans either.