By D. Davis (Austin, TX)
As a big fan of the Peter Gabriel era, I had always hoped another series of reissues would come about after the early / mid 90's Definitive Edition CDs (which I wasn't a big fan of, although others were). Luckily, all these years later, Genesis started to release their back catalog, remixed with bonuses.
And now it's time for the Peter Gabriel era.
Not only was this newest set announced in a CD/DVD box (as were the other two eras, 1976-1982 and 1983-1998), but this particular set was also released as an LP vinyl set. And if you loved those old Charisma LPs, and the warm analogue sound the provided, you'll flip for these.
EMI delayed this set twice over the past few months, but it was worth the wait. This LP set contains all five Gabriel-era non-live albums, each housed in an album cover with the original art work. Each also has a gatefold, except for "Selling England" which has a regular jacket, but includes a lyric insert sheet. The LPs themselves are pressed onto thick 200 gram vinyl, and all can be stored in the "big green box" which comes with the set. The box itself doesn't open, but rather, it is cut on the side (a hollow strip, if you will), allowing you to slip the LPs into it as you would books on a bookshelf. The overall packaging is very nice, and will make a grand display item in your collection
As for the sound....well.....prepare to enjoy nice thick slabs of analogue heaven. I have a mid-level turntable (a good one, not a great one), and the music sounds incredible. You won't need a state-of-the-art sound system to enjoy the warmth of these recordings. New sounds which were previously buried in the mixes are now alive and vibrant, sounding as amazing as any CD recording (really). Nick Davis and company did a fantastic job on these. Here are some of my personal highlights listening to these LPs:
TRESPASS --
Sounds like a brand new album. The previous mixes were so muddy it sounded like they recorded it in a well. "Stagnation" is absolutely gorgeous, and "The Knife" will knock your speakers over if you're not careful.
NURSERY CRYME --
My favorite album of the Gabriel-era gets an awesome makeover. "Seven Stones" has fresher sounds from Tony's mellotron that I've never heard before, and "The Fountain of Salmacis" almost sounds brand new, especially the ending when Hackett's guitar is soaring.
FOXTROT --
"Can-Utility and the Coastliners", a vastly underrated Genesis song, is full of punch and life in these mixes, with the orchestral sounding feel of the mid-portion is crystal clear.
SELLING ENGLAND --
"Dancing w/the Moonlit Knight" has that powerful chorus choir, just before the "There's a fat old lady...." line. I've never heard it more powerful than on these new LP mixes. It will knock your socks off. And "Epping Forest" almost sounds like a rock song now; so many new sounds, so many hidden pieces now coming to light. And you'll shed a tear listening to "Firth of Fifth." Very powerful.
THE LAMB --
The entire 2 LP set now sounds thicker and more aggressive. Songs like "Fly on a Windshield" and "Lilywhite Lilith" will rattle your windows. The clarity of this album is amazing now. I wish I could say more for this album. The entire thing is now fantastic.
While I was hoping we'd get an extra LP, maybe with some of the extra tracks that were on the CD set, I am thrilled that EMI and Genesis decided to approve an LP release for those of us who still love to spin vinyl. This set is a limited edition pressing, only 1000 were made (although none are individually numbered).
Well done Genesis and Nick Davis! Amazing work on this set. Now when will we get reissued LPs for those other two box sets???? ;-)
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