Turn It Up Again (Duke - Genesis)

Member Name: sam1942

Product:	Duke - Genesis
Date:	31/01/06 (1484 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A fantastic fusion of Genesis and developing Collins

Disadvantages: Only really remembered for one track.

During the eighties, and after listening to most of Phil Collins' solo work, I realised that it would probably be a good time to check out some slightly earlier Genesis creations.

Although being a rather religious follower of Phil Collins, I was dubious at the thought of forking out on a Genesis album that after a play or two I would end up binning.

'Duke', I had decided would be the best bet purchase. Released in 1980 with Collins fronting on vocals rather than sitting, hammering away at the back on his beloved drums to Peter Gabriel's weird and diverse voice. I had felt at the time of buying 'Duke' that it would sound more Collins than Genesis. There are a vast majority of die hard Genesis fans who would be spitting feathers whilst reading my review. These analytical listeners would argue that the worst day in musical history was the day when Gabriel stepped out of the multicoloured cloak and bizarre make up and gone it alone.

I guess the only argue I could come back with is, sorry, I was obviously born too late to appreciate the true storyteller and dream creator of Gabriel within Genesis. But, as Genesis is the first book of the Bible and the very pinnacle of the creation of life on this planet by God himself, then creation has to evolve, change, turn around, move on, and perhaps, the listeners conclusion is thus, the evolution of the band's time had come.Apprehensive, as any new listener to Genesis may be, finger touches play, and one awaits for something different...

What we are awakened to is actually pure Genesis, and I feel an album that Gabriel fans would have respected as the complementary change of front man. I feel that in particular, 'Behind The Lines', the opening track is almost an expression of respect to the departed Gabriel. With Collins still on drums and machine, the track fills the listeners ears with usual 'supergroup' style with keyboards and drums. It almost embraces the once frontman, Peter. Over five minutes long, it tells a story, a yarn if you like in true Genesis style.

Old fans would be relieved and settle comfortably back in their armchairs.'Duchess' , is track two. An even longer track of six minutes, twenty five seconds, it is yet another Genesis throwback to the early days, but yet, the listener feels alittle of Collins coming through, rather timidly in its opening, almost experimental and yet, not quite sure of itself. The opening is calm, and tranquil and easy on the ear. The listener is exposed now to not just Collins sitting at the back, vocally quiet, but bringing his unique style and talent to the fore. With this track, it will please Collins' fans and welcome the previous generation of Genesis disciples.This album, I feel it’s the perfect introduction to both generations. It allows the new to take in a deep breath of original Genesis without plunging even deeper to the obscure Gabriel, and also a smooth ride, drifting gently into the new Genesis and the era of Collins.

Track three, 'Guide Vocal' strangely written by Tony Banks as opposed to the previous tracks which were a collaboration of all three sounds so much true Collins. A short piece fits beautifully in amongst the full and powerful fusion of keyboards, guitars and drums of the rest of the album. At only just over a minute long, it is a small token of an interlude.

A peaceful glimmer before we are called back for track four and the continuation of the genius of Genesis proving that there was certainly life after Gabriel.'Man Of Our Times', written by Rutherford gives us the line of 'tonight, tonight’, which all Collins' fans will note. One wonders actually that this may have been the beginning of Collin's solo career as well as the beginning of the end for Genesis.

The very essence of Collins as a solo artist is merely a basic, modern form of Genesis.Its not until we hear 'Misunderstanding' as track five, written by Collins, that we hear clearly a solo career in its primitive form. This is Collins and the style of this early track continued to echo through his solo career. It’s simple, and easy to digest. There are no hidden experimental instruments used in the very distant background for the listener to strain their ears to hear. Its not full of extensive usage of keyboards or whispering chants. Its a pop record, (dare I say that) and an insight to future recordings of both Collins and Genesis.

Track six 'Heathaze', (which one may have to read again to pronounce correctly) is sorrowful and thought provoking. Again we are hearing Tony Banks writing alone. He creates a certain mood that is quiet a delightful respite. By this point in the album, the listener perhaps should be silently applauding the editing of this collection. It’s not intrusive or too angry, it allows the listener to feel a whole series of emotions throughout the album.

The seventh, and perhaps the track we had all been waiting for, 'Turn It On Again', I defy any one of Genesis fans who don't know the words. Its powerful in its drums and its the track where we experience the vocal range of Collins and how has learnt to expand his lyrics and really 'take over' the song and leave the instruments behind. The objects seem almost coincidental. We hear a doubling of Collins voice where he becomes backing as well as lead. Its a strong, defiant track and certainly the most memorable of all early Genesis/Collins tracks. A brilliant track, so far into the album it is worth waiting for. A written collaboration of all three, this album really has, by this point, completely evolved.

Track eight, is the melodic ballad of 'Alone Tonight.' By Mike Rutherford it is not short of the odd burst of drums and cymbals. Again, it allows Collins' voice to roam free and roll along from note to note. The listener is exposed to another talent of Collins, to sing heartbreaking ballads!Simple and childlike 'Cul-De-Sac' seems to dance playfully along the keyboards at first before breaking back in what is no all so familiar to previous generation Genesis fans. Gabriel can be pictured in frightening costume striding across the stage. It might be said, that this is the only track that might have been a more powerful performance by Gabriel.

The pen of Collins gives us 'Please Don't Ask' as track nine. At one second over four minutes, it is written in basic terms. There are no double meanings here. No mystical lyrics that should be read backwards, upside down or better analysed at three in the morning. It’s about a love and lost situation. Collins is rather good that putting down on paper what the rest of us have experienced once or twice in our lives, and probably would have written the same lines... It would be at home on a good B side. Not the most lovable ballads, and the listener feels that after this track, no more slow songs.They must have known....

We are lead to the final tracks of 'Dukes Travels' and then 'Dukes End'. Two pieces of music that take the listener on a complete tour of what Genesis, right from the humble beginnings has really been all about. We experience the talents of Collins with sticks in hands. We hear Banks rambling flittingly up and down the keyboards with such speed and grace. The two compliment each other perfectly in 'Dukes Travels'. The last track brings the listener full circle within the album and we may hesitate for a moment to check that we haven't skipped over a track and started the whole album again.

An album that one can pick up in a record so cheaply, its criminal. I don't think I have ever not been into a music store and not seen this on the shelves. I think the most I paid was a fiver. To order, one can feel confident when approaching the school leaver behind the counter, don't worry, he will know exactly the album you want, after all he's got it, but in the shape of his father's copy. A Genesis that is indeed handed down from generation to generation. A timeless piece from three great musicians of this country.

A fiver I hear you say? Its priceless.


First written on Ciao 26th December 2005
©sam1942

Summary: A listenable album by the band although many fans would have still preferred to hear Gabriel.