GENESIS
Abacab [Remastered & Expanded]
Rhino Records 2007
www.genesis-msuic.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
Just in time for their reunion tour, Genesis remasters their back catalog; to include 1981’s Abacab. The re-release features the original tracks, plus a DVD of videos and interviews. And for you technology buffs out there, the DVD contains the entire album in 5.1 audio as well.

Genre
Progressive / rock / pop

The Good
“Abacab” is heavy on the synthesizers and synth-tones guitars. Phil Collins is forceful in his delivery if the cryptic lyrics. “No Reply at All” was one of the lead singles from the album. The track has a lot of progressive elements in the way of keyboards and programmed drum beats. Collins has a more melodic tone, helping this song obtain a radio-friendly sound. “Dodo/Lurker” is a typical 70s progressive sage. Not only is it too songs combined, but it goes on for much more then the typical three minute composition. It’s rich in keyboards and ever changing emotion. “Man on the Corner” is another single you’re sure to recognize. It’s more of a focus on Collin’s storytelling than anything else.

The Bad
I can go either way with bonus DVDs on releases like this. I mean, how many times are you really going to watch it?

The Verdict
Genesis made their mark in the mainstream in the mid to late eighties with numerous pop-rock rockers and ballads. Abacab is from an earlier time in the band’s history, time-wise and musically. Genesis focuses more on the progressive sound they started with when Peter Gabriel was at the helm. Drummer Phil Collins stepped in a kept their original formula in tact on Abacab. This album my not be what you think about when you think of Genesis, but it is still quite the progressive effort.

Did You Know?
While the song was still in the writing stages, “Abacab” simply stood for the structure of the song. A is the verse, B is the chorus, C is the bridge.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne