Live Over Europe [Live]

Genesis | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 20, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Label: Atlantic
• ASIN: B000XPU5NY
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (67 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,265 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Genesis is the Grammy award-winning group that has sold approximately 150 million albums worldwide and is among the top 30 selling recording artists of all time. Live Over Europe is the new two-disc set capturing Genesis on their outstanding 2007 European tour. For the first time in fifteen years Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks reunited to form the renowned line-up from Genesis' most successful era. Live Over Europe brings 21 classic and fan-favorite songs to life for long time fans and a whole new generation discovering the legendary band for the first time.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still got it!, November 20, 2007

By 

Joseph C. Helton - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Live Over Europe (Audio CD)

For those of us who missed the opportunity to see Genesis in 2007, we thankfully have this excellent live recording of the European tour. The song mix is excellent, with a real good representation of both classic Genesis and the pop stuff. The music is noticably keyed lower, to accomodate Phil's aging voice box, but is excellent on all counts. The sound quality of the recording is also impecable, and the whole package is nothing less than we'd expect from a top flight band like Genesis. My hope is that the boys will see that the demand is still there for their brand of music, and hopefully we'll see a studio album from them in the future. 5 stars!

59 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Beware the key changes, November 23, 2007

By 

Giacomo Holdini (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live Over Europe (Audio CD)

First off, before I get labeled a hater for daring to write a critical review of this set, let me make it clear that I have been a big Genesis fan for a number of decades now. I was very interested when I heard that the band got back together, if a little dubious at the prospect they were just touring their old stuff, with no new tunes. Still, live Genesis is about as good as it gets, so my hopes were high.

However, when playing this set, I was a bit disheartened when, after a rousing rendition of Duke's Intro, the band then launched into a version of Turn it on Again that sounded like it was coming from a record that was playing too slowly. The pitch was decidedly lower than what I was used to, and consequently the song was much less spirited than past recorded performances. I forwarded to No Son of Mine - same thing. Wondering if I was remembering correctly, I broke out my old Genesis CDs and compared: sure enough - out of the twenty-one songs on this set, no fewer than twelve have been transposed to a lower key. I can only presume this is because Phil Collins can no longer hit the high notes the way he used to, and the songs were lowered to save strain on his voice. I can certainly sympathize; these guys aren't spring chickens any more, and time does take a toll, especially given the way Collins used to sing. Still, there is a sense of loss in it. More importantly, the key in which music is written has everything to do with the mood of the piece. Changing the key changes the impact of the music. In many instances, these songs simply do not hit with the kind of intensity or vigor that they should. Moreover, their arrangements are about as predictable as a plot in a James Bond movie; they play these songs the same way (not counting the key changes) they've always played them in concert. Considering how many live Genesis albums are already out there, it begs the question, why do we need another set, especially one where they have to alter their performances to account for technical shortcomings in the band members? On the whole, I got the sad feeling I was listening to a once-great act that is now just going through the motions.

On the plus side, the band is as tight as it has always been, and this is without question the best recorded live Genesis set I have heard. It also presents the greatest range of material we've yet had on a Genesis live album, although material from Abacab is notably lacking. For people who don't mind the key changes, or just love the band no matter what, these qualities will be sufficient to make the purchase worthwhile. However, when I think of their great live records of the past, or the excellence of their studio albums, I have to concede, reluctantly, that this set just does not meet the same standard.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars *** GENESIS -- THE ULTIMATE LIVE BAND ***, November 20, 2007

By 

D. Davis (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Live Over Europe (Audio CD)

These guys just keep on going! I had the privilege to see them in San Jose during the TIOA tour and they displayed just as much power and majesty as ever before. This newest live album, which is culled from various European gigs, shows just how incredible the guys are, and although they're getting on in years (aren't we all?) their sound is still energetic and timeless.

Notable highlights are Gabriel-era classics such as "In the Cage" and "I Know What I Like", and mainstream hits like "Land of Confusion" and "I Can't Dance." There are even snippets of "Duke's Travels / Duke's Ends" scattered throughout a couple of the medley songs, which was a personal treat for me since "Duke" is one of my favorite albums. The mix is spot on (good rich bass and keys) and Phil's vocals sound as crisp and clear as ever. Tony's keys are still swirling and thundering, and we all know how Mike and Daryl can crank out the guitar magic. Pay close attention to Chester's drumming during "In The Cage", he's hitting those toms like a mad man!

The tour itself was quite magical, as Genesis sold out many dates in Europe and packed houses in the states as well. I'm not sure if we'll see a "Live Over America" album or not, but for those who witnessed the tour this new live album will bring back tons of memories. 2007 has been a great year for Genesis fans: a new tour, this new live album, Encore CD releases, the first of three boxsets released, new books, etc. Hopefully Phil and company will realize the demand for their music is as high as ever, and perhaps another album and / or tour will occur in the future.....:-)