The Hackett-ization of the best of Genesis
James H. Dusewicz | King Of Prussia, PA USA | 12/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're looking for rote reinterpretations of classic Genesis songs don't buy this. You will be severely disappointed. On the other hand if you are seeking a new "twist" on old Genesis songs(and for the most part "classic") then go no further. Look further down. You can get this CD cheaper at the time of this writing.
I'm giving it ***** stars for the singular reason that this has an all star cast of '70's musicians, the reinterpretations are not ROTE, and finally because it is a perfect marriage with The Tokyo Tapes(i.e. the live versions+); Although both may be outdated with The Genesis File.
Nevertheless. Gosh I love this CD and wish I bought it in the 1990s. Sincerely; There are too many highlights to list. And if you don't like revisions; Well? Go away. I'm a Zappa/Dead fan and so am used to the restructuring of songs.
Highlights:
"Watcher Of The Skies." Devestating
"Firth Of Fifth." Killer even without the Tony Banks intro piano solo.
"Fountain Of Salmacis." The sole reason I bought this CD. Devestating.
There are nice ambient touches such as on "The Valley Of Kings." "Waiting Room Only" does contain the heart of "Waiting Room" off of TLLDOB. A refreshing reinterpretation of "I Know What I Like."
This CD doesn't take long to unravel its inherent charms.
"
For die-hard Genesis fans... (that's all of us, right?) - a
K. D. Schon | In Transit | 09/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a gorgeously recorded and beautifully produced gem of an album - yes, Steve Hackett has "re-interpreted" these songs as he revisits them, and that is the whole point. If you want to hear the originals, dig 'em out and listen to them. This is something completely different, refreshing, and at times, breathtaking. Worth buying for "Watcher Of The Skies", "Dance On A Volcano", and "Firth of Fifth" alone... dramatic, terrifying, and sublime. "Deja Vu" is an unexpected gem, originally written by Peter Gabriel for Genesis, but never finished. Buy this - unless you were actually looking for something else and found "weird music" instead (how DOES one do such a thing? - LOL."
Fantastic
Alan J. Pasquinelli | San Jose, CA usa | 09/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ah, this is the great prog rock album. You have the brilliant musical mind of Steve Hackett, you have an all star line up of great prog musicians and back that all up with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Oh, and did I mention, they will be performing reworked Genesis music? So, if you're a Genesis fan or a fan of thoughtful progressive rock. This would be welcome in any good prog rock collection."