Simply put, it showcases Genesis in their strongest type of performance: live. Recorded in Paris during the late 1970s, this CD captures Genesis in their prime (and when Steve Hackett still played lead guitar for the group). The songs may strike people as lengthy, and in a couple cases (namely "Supper's Ready"), the tracks can be lengthy. However, once you listen to the music, you'll wish the tracks lasted longer, as you'll be enraptured by hypnotic bass patterns, quirky lyrics and guitar solos that will stick in your mind like mounting adhesive. If you've heard of Genesis through their commercial success in the 1980s, you'll be pleasantly surprised by what is perhaps their richest, most meaningful music, and you can find it all here.

I love this music for brainstorming, and the songs on this album have greatly influenced how I approach writing lyrics. "Squonk" is a great narrative song without the typical structure of lyrics and lasts six and a half minutes. Such a captivating song inspired me to push the boundaries of lyric writing, including going for longer lyrics and avoiding mundane refrains.

"Squonk" is my favorite song, but I also like how they ordered the tracks over the two CDs. They started it with a great opening song, and "Supper's Ready" makes an excellent closer.

That there weren't more songs on the CD!

Sing. And write lyrics.

Blissful, relaxed and yet energized at the same time. I felt ready to dive into the creative process.

Genesis was originally formed in Englad during the late 1960s and produced numerous albums until the mid-1990s. The group underwent many member changes and shufflings yet still was able to produce wonderful music. After listening to this album, though, I think the combination of Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins and Steve Hackett was the best balance of musical spontaneity and reaching out to the audience.

There's so little good rock music out there anymore, and this sliver of progressive rock should be recognized for the classic it is.

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Created Jan 21, 2006 at 12:41am • Submit your own review...