Genesis ~ 1970 – 1975 Box Set

At last a final release date has been given for the 3rd box set of Genesis’s studio recordings, available in CD and 5.1 mixes on SACD. It’s going to be 10th November (UK). Though the last to be released it was these 5.1 mixes which were done first, many, many years ago. But the huge delay was started when Peter Gabriel wanted the surround mixes to be more radical than presented. Of course its these recordings which will excite prog fans the most, though the remastering on the previous box sets have met with a mixed reception to say the least. I have only heard the 1976 to 1982 box and I must admit to not being totally thrilled with the sound. I am not sure why. Nick Davis knows what he is doing and Tony Cousins has done some great remastering in the past. So I am not sure why these discs don’t knock my socks off as they should.

It will be interesting to hear what these older recordings sound like, especially “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” which suffered so much hiss, which was even audible on vinyl. Interesting to note that the album is being presented in a digi-book style packaging, whereas the others are standard jewel cases. That may be due to trying to package 2CD’s/SACD and a DVD in one package.

I have to laugh at who has written liner notes for each release. David Baddiel, Jeremy Clarkson and Tony Robinson amongst others. These names won’t mean much outside the UK, but the prog credentials of dear old Clarky has been well known for ages and David Baddiel was compere at the recent tour press launch. Didn’t know Tony Robinson, who has written notes for “The Lamb” was into prog.

I hope they have done these classic recordings proud. Won’t be long now!