Customer Reviews

Carpet Crawlers / Follow You / Turn It on

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Unlike some of the other folks who have reviewed this production, I do not have any nostalgia for production values of 1976. Instead I view this production of CARPET CRAWLERS against today's music scene. It is an amazing well produced version of CARPET CRAWLERS by the full team of BANKS RUTHERFORD COLLINS HACKETT & GABRIEL, and an almost sad reminder of how great a band GENESIS was at full strength. If only GENESIS could only have put out an entire album of such material, in the rock landscape as it is now, they would be leagues above everything else that's around right now. It would have been worth the wait for those of us who have been waiting close to 20 years now for a return to form from this band.

Previous reviewer Kevin Gamble correctly evaluated this release. For fans of the "Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" lineup of Genesis, any product of a reunion is worth a listen. And the new "Crawlers" is a rich and musically interesting product, and stands alone well, even though it's a peculiar piece outside of the conceptual flow of "Lamb." For those unfamiliar with Gabriel-led Genesis, don't start here, but rather with "Lamb" or "Selling England by the Pound."

A fine little package with a (sadly) rare reunion of the classic Genesis lineup (Gabriel & Hackett). This updated "Carpet Crawlers" sounds great and hints at much potential if they'd ever record another full album together, but is it better than the original? No, as the more modern production sounds (vocal layering and percussion sound the most updated) lend too glossy a sheen to the song and detract from the original's quiet, organic intensity. (Listen to the '75 live version on the box set for a more remarkable rendition of the song). But the talents of all members are firmly intact and it's a gem for fans of the old group. Combine that with one of the best pop songs ever recorded ("Turn it On Again") and you've got a great package.

This updated version of Carpet Crawlers reminds the listener how great Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel sound together. Their voices compliment each other perfectly. As for the music, it's just okay. There are too many electronic sounds that are less music than sound effects. Still, it's enjoyable and does make you wish they'd all get back together and do one more album. As for the lame Gabriel vs. Collins arguments of some other reviewers, every Genesis album has something great on it and this sad belief that if Gabriel had stayed in Genesis, they would have kept making music like they did in 1971-1974 is just pathetic. And it actually is possible to like all lineups of the group.

It's a terrific single. Changing subjects in reference to PG, what's wrong with doing a superb job (i.e. Gabriel era Genesis), moving on, and doing a superb job (i.e. solo Peter Gabriel). Let Gabriel era Genesis go & enjoy each artist's new endeavors.

I'm not sure why we even write reviews for this "Crawlers" remake. Anybody who is a Peter-era fan undoubtedly went out to buy it (either the single or the greatest hits package). Anybody who is a post-Lam pre-Abacab fan also undoubtedly went out to buy it. Anybody not belonging to these two groups won't even know or care about this remake. So there!...we are just preaching to the converted here. I, myself, enjoy the song very much. Just imagine the energy in the studio when the 5 of them recorded this track.