Genesis Live - GENESIS****

Watcher Of The Skies/Get Em' Out By Friday/The Return Of The Giant Hogweed/The Musical Box/The Knife

The first live release from the progressive band Genesis, and the only one to feature Peter Gabriel. Originally planned as a double album, many critics consider this to be too short. (US:105 UK:9)

“For many years this was the only available live document of Peter Gabriel's Genesis days. As such it is frustratingly short, released as a single vinyl LP. There's nothing wrong with the track list, but it's sad to think that Supper's Ready and others were left off because the record company was looking for a quick buck at the time.”

“Genesis Live is a great introduction to the band's early years. In terms of running time, it's less generous than their subsequent live albums. But in its ability to capture the power of Genesis live, it's unmatched.”

“This really is a good live album. The sound is pretty good, and none of the songs are bad choices. Still, it is too short. The obvious omission is Supper's Ready, but I guess the band wasn't quite ready for a double album yet. Songs are pretty faithful to the studio versions.”

“This is the definitive Genesis live album and the only one to capture the real spirit and raw energy of a gig without too many overdubs and polishing. The version of The Knife completely blows the studio version out of the water. A must have for any early Genesis fan.”

“One of the finest live albums I’ve heard, with its unique theatrical atmosphere. Peter Gabriel always had a totally mind-blowing way of getting the message and the feeling of a song across, despite Genesis being a band with huge instrumentalists and monumental song structures.”

“Genesis Live is the only live album in their catalogue from the Peter Gabriel era. It's a brilliant but much-too-brief live set, leaving the listener hungry for more. It also provides glimpses into what a grand showman Gabriel was as the group's flamboyant front man.”

“An honest live album which collects some of their best material, it was originally meant to be a double set to contain the 23-minute epic Supper's Ready, but then they changed their mind. Good executions, but a bit too close to the originals.”