Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Reissue of the Sept. 81 album comes with DVD , August 4, 2007
Abacab is the 5th post-Peter Gabriel album, originally issued in Fall, 1981. It continued the rapidly evolving sound of Genesis from prog rockers to more commercial and mainstream-sounding. Personally, I had a difficult time to accept or like that change as it took place 25 years ago. I never did buy either "Duke" or "Abacab" when they came out. But the temptation of a bunch of DVD bonus materials was such that I did buy the "Genesis 1976-1982" 6 CD/6 DVD set, and now I finally have the "Abacab" album proper.
As to the CD, "Abacab" (9 tracks, 47 min.) is somewhat of a revelation to me. I still don't like "No Reply At All" or "Mman on a Corner" as a Genesis song (how can you differentiate it from Phis Collins' "Face Value" album? you can't, as Phil wrote these at the same time and it just sounds the same), but I found a lot of other things here I like a lot. The title track, of course, but also a brooding "Keep It Dark", the epic 7+ min. "Dodo/Lurker", and "Like It Or Not". Abacab will never be my favorite Genesis album, but I enjoyed it better than I ever expected.
As to the DVD, it first brings the album in a terrific 5.1 surround system, and it sounds fantastic if you have the proper home music set-up (which I do). As to the visuals, it comes with the videos for Abacab, No Reply At All, Keep It Dark, and Man on the Corner, nice but nothing earth-shattering. The "Reissue Interviews 2007" brings about 20 min. of the guys bringing their perspectives on the album, quite entertaining. Regretfully, there is no concert footage, unlike most of the other albums reissued, and that makes this reissue of "Abacab" less essential.
If you are considering buying any of the reissued CD/DVD albums, you really should look at buying the "1976-1982" box instead as it offer far more "bang for the buck" (only $69 here on Amazon), and on top it comes with a bonus CD/DVD of assorted B-sides, EPs and other hard to find tracks from that era.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not just "Another Record", August 10, 2007
By the time ABACAB was released in the early 80's it had been clear by that point Genesis had no intentions on looking back to it's progressive rock roots. For fans of the Collins-era Genesis this is a satisfactory album from this stage of the band's music.
Everything is louder with ABACAB, most notably the heavier drum sound that is present on even the ballad numbers. Tony Banks also contributes to this new aggressive sound by using more electric sounding keyboards that border on abrasive in some sections. Phil Collins really steps up as a vocalist with this album, matching the emotional presence he had on the haunting "In the Air Tonight" from his debut solo outing (just before ABACAB was finished).
ABACAB bursts out of the gate with the pounding, energetic title track. This song is basically a short number made long by tacking on a lengthy instrumental section to it's second half, which doesn't add much but is interesting for at least one full listen. The band kicks right back into pop mode with the punchy "No Reply At All" featuring some nicely applied horn sections. "Me and Sarah Jane" and "Keep It Dark" finishes a strong first half. With it's slick reggae momentum and obtuse lyrics, the multi-sectional "Dodo/Lurker" is one of this album's best and perplexing tracks, the closest the band comes to referencing their artier past. After "Dodo" the remainder of ABACAB concludes with a weaker set of tracks, with the exception of "Man on the Corner", but not enough to sink the album entirely.
The bonus DVD includes the promotional videos from this album, which were usually little more than footage of the band miming their songs in a recording studio setting or on stage. For someone who was young with access to MTV, this album and it's promotional videos became my entry point in the career of this band. There is also pages from an ABACAB tour booklet, and a mix of the album in 5.1 sound.
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Favorite tracks: "No Reply At All", "Dodo/Lurker", "Man On the Corner"
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
'Abacab' is easily one of the best albums from 1981, August 10, 2008
While many people are really into Genesis' 1983-1992 poppier material, I prefer this type of Genesis. The 1969-1982 Genesis gave us the best progressive rock of the decade. 1981's 'Abacab,' in my opinion, is the last truly great Genesis album before they became "Phil Collins' band."
Okay, I'll admit it. I am not a big Phil Collins listener (solo career, that is). Sure, he is a heck of a drummer and has an incredible voice, but I wasn't crazy about Genesis as the '80s progressed. I think the next three Genesis albums ('Genesis,' 1983; 'Invisible Touch,' 1986; 'We Can't Dance,' 1991) were Collins solo albums with Rutherford and Banks just playing along.
But back to 'Abacab.' The 2007 remaster has been long needed. The 1994 remaster contained the edited version of 'Abacab'; this one, fortunately, doesn't. The remaster is incredible!
While the songs aren't as good as their previous effort, 1980's 'Duke,' they are still incredible! 'Abacab,' 'Another Record,' 'Dodo/Lurker,' 'Man On The Corner,' 'Like It Or Not' and 'No Reply At All' are all crown jewels in Genesis' catalog.
Overall, if you haven't bought 'Abacab' or you have but you want a copy with the full length 7 minute version of the title track, than you are in luck! Forget the '94 remaster. Throw that copy away. This is the one to own.
Highly recommended for any Genesis fan. This is an essential release, and it belongs in any record collector's collection!
ENJOY!!!
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