ARCHIVE 1967-1975

From late nineties through 2010, a number of genesis compilations were released, however, the one release that fans have been waiting for is a live version of the complete Lamb album and live versions of Gabriel-era Selling England by the Pound.

Their prayers were answered in 1998 with the box set "GENESIS Archive - Volume 1: 1967-1975".

This set includes a complete version of the Lamb, including Gabriel's narration. Although some of the vocals and Steve's guitar playing has been touched up, this does not distract from the quality of the recordings. The only thing missing is the slide show for the performance, although this is now available as part of the more recent "GENESIS - Genesis 1970 -75" set. How long before someone matches the Live CD with the slide show? Unfortunately the encores from the live Lamb are also missing. 5 star stuff!

The third disc consists mainly of live recordings including tracks from Selling England (Dancing With The Moonlit , Firth Of Fifth, More Fool Me, I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)). More Fool Me has vocals by Phil and is no better that the studio version. Rounding out the live tracks are Suppers Ready (26:31) and Stagnation together with studio versions of Twilight Alehouse, Happy The Man and the single version of Watcher Of The Skies. 5 stars. The last disc is pre-Trespass material and shows the evolution of the band from a school band to prog masters. For fans only.

The set is packaged with a well produced 80 page colour booklet which provides some historical perspective.

ProgArchive rating: Absolutely essential for Genesis fans (5 stars). For others, Disks 1 to 3 would make an excellent addition to any prog rock collection (4.5 stars).

4.5 stars