Genesis gets together for the first time in fifteen years

Genesis, the band that has brought to fame such musicians as Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins has several times changed its line up, and for many fans its creative work is often divided into two main periods – before and after Peter Gabriel's leaving. Indeed, when drummer Phil Collins became Genesis front man the style of the band changed notably, but it is a big question which was better or worse, for in all time of its existence the band has given the world a significant number of hits including Throwing It All Away and I Can't Dance. The last full studio album of Genesis was released ten years ago, and since then the musicians never worked together putting out only compilations of the best material. The more important this makes this year's concert tour titled Turn It On Again: The Hits, and its audio version released this autumn, Live Over Europe 2007. Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks gathered together for the first time in fifteen years and conquered the viewers in many cities performing their best songs, both old and fresher proving that time has got no power over real musicians even if not all the initial members of Genesis have managed to take part in this magnificent tour.

Spectacular and impressive Live Over Europe 2007

Daryl Stuermer and Chester Thompson joined Genesis on guitar and drums respectively, and the tour has proved to be as spectacular and impressive, as the audience has expected it to be. The collection consists of 21 amazing songs, all of which can undeniably be called a hit, some referring to the very beginning of Genesis creative work and some being the works of its later years. The collection opens with Duke S Intro which reminds immediately why the audience likes Genesis so much: there are faultless guitars and excellent drum work all over here. Immortal hits Turn It On Again and Land Of Confusion sound anew due to the live sound and Phil Collins' a bit changed singing, while the contagious performance of the whole band definitely makes composition In The Cage/The Cinema Show one of the highlights. Naturally Genesis has not left aside such masterpieces as Afterglow, Firth Of Fifth, I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) and Mama – all these songs remind us of the past and at the same time sound up to the point as ever today. Yet probably the record's most impressive moment is on track Conversations With 2 Stools (Drum Duet) where Phil Collins and Chester Thompson make the most killing drum playing competition you have ever heard before. The end of the record also pleases with two great hits Invisible Touch and I Can't Dance, which is again a must on a tour like that, and closer Carpet Crawlers is a less known song, but it is just perfect to leave the strongest impression of the legendary band's historic performance.

One of the most important events in the music world lately

Genesis' creative work has touched several generations, whereas today there are people who just discover for the first time this one of the most influential collectives of the world stage, and Live Over Europe 2007 is the best way to do it. The collection is made in a interesting way presenting not just a recording of a certain concert but giving the idea of the whole tour containing the pieces of performances on different scenes with various sounding. This definitely adds the feeling of reality and the presence effect. Besides one can find no correction on Live Over Europe 2007 which is also a big plus in this respect. Phil Collins' voice has apparently aged, hence on most songs guitars and keyboards are arranged in a lower register than before. Flawless in its frankness Genesis, even with the incomplete line-up has managed to overcome the internal conflicts and present the world with a concert and a record whose meaning is only to be appreciated fully after some time. Yet even now it is clear that Live Over Europe 2007 is one of the most important events in the music world lately.

Alexandra Zachernovskaya
12.12.2007