Calling All Stations (W/Dvd) [Original recording remastered]

Genesis | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 20, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Rhino
• ASIN: B000WTZ784
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #87,292 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

1997's Calling All Stations, their first post-Collins effort, teamed Banks and Rutherford with vocalist Ray Wilson on an album that recalled Genesis' progressive roots. Features the hit single Congo. The DVD extras include a trio of videos, the album's electronic press kit, as well as live performances recorded in Germany and Poland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Letting this one get away..., February 18, 2008

By 

Pans Labyrinth - See all my reviews

This review is from: Calling All Stations (W/Dvd) (Audio CD)

I liked this album when it was originally released. It was dark and moody but sounded fresh and Ray Wilson has a great voice to fit the band. I was pumped to see all the remasters for Genesis but upon a closer look the band really disses this re-release. There were so many extra songs recorded that were used as b-sides to the singles released (i.e Congo, Shipwrecked, etc.) why not include them on this release as a 2nd cd? Also the live footage is great but c'mon! only 3 songs!!, the band had a complete show filmed in Poland waiting to be released if the album was a huge success, but as you can guess it wasn't. Oh well, I really felt the band purposely overlooked this album when it came time to remaster...they could have included all the Wilson era songs plus the concert into a nice comprehensive package that the diehard Genesis fans have wanted of this album.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and enjoyable listening, February 3, 2008

By 

seamonkey (Southfield, MI, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Calling All Stations (W/Dvd) (Audio CD)

Why inspiring? because this is a band that never quits. First they lost what many believed to be the core of Genesis and that was Peter Gabriel, they replace him with Phil Collins and although the music changed they continue to make great music. 2 albums later Steve Hackett leaves and then later Phil retires from the band but Tony and Mike decide they enjoy making writing together so they audition Ray Wilson and give him the job.
Of course Ray can't replace Phil anymore than Phil could Peter so one has to step "outside" of the Genesis box and listen to it as a total different entity. If one can do this it's easy to enjoy the cd for what it is, an excellent pop/prog album.

I had the privelege to see Genesis perform with Peter for the Selling England by the Pound tour so I have been with them from early in their career. I find it sad people can't accept change, I have always enjoyed Genesis whether they're playing Fading Lights or The Royal Hogweed.

I've enjoyed CAS since I first purchased it and now to have it in 5.1 surround sound is even more enjoyable to listen to.
The DVD interview gives us an insight into their thought process following Phil's departure and the recording of CAS with Ray. They both commented they knew he was the guy from the moment he started audtioning No Son of Mine.
I think Ray has a great voice and it fits in well with Genesis songs, in fact there are times he hits tones which are very reminiscent of Peter(the Dividing Line) however there are very few times he sounds like Phil.

There are 3 songs on the DVD which are live, 1 is the song Calling All Stations and then there are two from Polish TV which are from a longer concert they did.
It's a wonderful treat to see them perform live with Ray as their singer and Nik Zidyahu on drums. Nik's drumming is awesome and adds freshness to the music so does the guitarist who performs with them, at times he and Mike play against one another which is fun and great to listen to.
I think the Polish concert video is worth the price of the cd itself, why they didn't give us the rest of the songs is beyond me, it's a fantastic concert and shows Genesis playing with in my opinion new and fresh energy.

If you've always loved Genesis but passed on this because Phil isn't on it, try to get past it and think of this as a new group with a similarity to Genesis. Just enjoy the music and forget about who's on it.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Of Genesis Best Recordings, November 29, 2007

By 

Russ Bellinger (Northville, Michigan USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Calling All Stations (W/Dvd) (Audio CD)

I just ordered this CD/DVD from Amazon and I'm really looking forward to hearing it in 5.1 and seeing the video content, because to me, this is one of Genesis best recordings. Sadly American audiences could not see it. I suppose it was because they were so mentally conditioned to Phil Collins vocal. I always felt that after the 1983 album "Genesis" which included "Mama" , "Home By The Sea" etc. was the last great Genesis album before the "Invisible Touch" album pushed them into mainstream extremes. After that time the band basically became the "Phil Collins and his band Genesis" show. I saw Genesis on tour the first time back in 1976 when they had recruited Bill Bruford as their first second drummer and they still had the incredible Mr. Steve Hackett on guitar. That was an incredible show and probably the best show I've ever seen with maybe the exception of the "Wind And Wuthering" tour. There has never been a show that matched the excitement and amazement of those shows. And I've seen many, many, shows over my years. I always preferred the more progressive, somewhat darker side of Genesis and when Ray Wilson came into the band his voice was a perfect match for a return to that side of Genesis - sounding very similar to Peter Gabriel and equally capablel of passionately singing Phil Collins spots as well. It was a perfect choice and the band was excited about the change, but sadly they soon realized that people refused to give it a chance without old Phil. On the bright side, since that time I have become a very big fan of Ray Wilson's solo work and his work with Stiltskin, RWPL, etc. He is an intelligent songwriter and incredible vocalist and I have enjoyed his work very, very much. But to me this one unique Genesis CD will always be one of my favorites, right up there with Selling England, The Lamb, Trick Of The Tail, and Wind And Wuthering. I am constantly amazed at how people fail to recognize such great art. Even though Genesis reunited this year for another greatest hits tour (and the ticket prices were extreme) I've grown bored with more continuous rehashing the hits (even though it is good to hear Chester Thompson bashing away again). Try "Calling All Stations" and experience the true Genesis genuis at work.