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Genesis - Live Over Europe 2007back in 2007 |
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Review by Andy Argyrakis The last time Genesis toured Europe, its lead singer was the virtually unknown Ray Wilson taking over for Phil Collins (as he resumed a somewhat floundering solo career). Though the outing was embraced by core fans overseas, American audiences were far less receptive and the tour never even made it to Stateside soil due to poor ticket sales. But the band truly bounced back in 2007 thanks to the regrouping of Collins with nucleus Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks, marking the trio's first time on tour together in fifteen years. Not only did the outing fair significantly better than the previous attempt, but it landed in the top ten grossing tours throughout North America for that year, while simultaneously sewing together chestnuts from the band's hit making heyday and art rock glory years (with Peter Gabriel at the helm).Unlike its mid-eighties and early nineties tours (which focused on new at the time, pop oriented projects), this double disc collection follows a more adventurous direction, intermingling several older selections with more obvious radio material. For long time listeners, there are several vintage prog rock masterpieces, such as "Los Endos," "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)," plus an extensive medley of "In the Cage/Cinema Show/Duke's Travels." And for those who prefer the more accessible route, rockers like "Turn It On Again" and "Mama," along with the all too often overlooked ballad "Ripples," still shine with vitality, even in spite of age. Unfortunately, there are a pair of cringe-worthy moments, starting with the adult contemporary commonplace of "Hold On My Heart," which comes across even more sleepy than it did a decade and a half ago. Though "I Can't Dance" was written under playful contexts, the joke ran its course at least ten years ago and was a glaring example of how Collins sometimes steers the ship in an embarrassing direction. But just before purists can plot a plan to stone the singer, he makes up for the misstep by tipping his hat towards the Gabriel-era with the finale "Carpet Crawlers," presumably leaving the door open for the former front man to return anytime he'd like. |