22nd November 1974. Half a century since the release of Peter Gabriel’s Genesis swansong, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway once more.
So fifty years on – well….fifty one by the time of release. We’re treated to a celebration of what’s possibly Genesis’ most controversial and divisive albums. Nice timing given there’s an obvious period of notice.
come on boffins…
Not beating around the bush, here’s another missed opportunity. The phrase that seems to occur with increasing regularity with the Genesis archive. Genesis seem suffer in being treated quite poorly when it comes to caring for their archive. After the decent job of collating their early years on Archive #1, there was the rush job of throwing a mish-mash of material on Archive #2. Add the not very satisfying recent release of the BBC Sessions proving more a random selection rather than a comprehensive review of what’s in the vaults. The first major release of one of their albums is a similar story.
THE CONTENT
So for our bucks we get a new version of the album. Repolished in the usual ways that tend to make for interesting forensic analysis. For anyone with the tech, the almost obligatory for the time, Dolby Atmos version comes on the Bluray. Hard to comment when the review copy is a digital stream so we’ll reserve judgement.
There’s another live show to complement the set. Once again the 24th January 1975 show from the Shrine Auditorium in LA gets wheeled out. Fair enough it does have the Watcher/Musical Box encores which didn’t make the Archive 1 release and it gets a remaster. However, seeing how the version that appeared on Archive #1 had considerable touching up (Gabriel’s vocals, Hackett’s guitar etc), the microscope might have to be dusted off to extract what details have been revealed.
Who might be able to tell the difference between the marginal differences in the numerous versions already available in different formats? They say the original is always the best. Then there’s the definitive edition remaster, the 2007 re-remaster to compare. No doubt some hi-ish tech comparisons will be available on Youtube for those with more discerning ears.
meagre pickings
The package also contains a 60-page coffee table style book with extensive liner notes including exclusive full band interview about the making of the album. Covering the writing sessions to live performances. it’s believed to be the only time this has happened since its original release. We can’t comment as this wasn’t available for review purposes.
The unreleased material includes restored audio download of selected Headley Grange demos, unseen photos and ephemera and three never-before-released demos from the legendary Headley Grange sessions. They’re included as part of a digital download card – The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway/Fly On A Windshield (Take 1) [6:23]. The Chamber Of 32 Doors/The Lamia (Takes 1-2) [6:30]. In The Cage [Strange Vocals] (Take 1) [1:04].
Without wanting to sound churlish, many may stick with The Demo Mix Down On Broadway. An unofficial option which has sufficed for many years, yet falls into the ‘not really for repeated listening’ category…
Sorry to sound what Neil from The Young Ones would call a negative vibe merchant. Having already pre-ordered the set (just a fan you know) I’ve paid my money and will likely love the artefact. Yet there’s the nagging feeling of impending and ultimate disappointment. So…
what’s the alternative?
What else is available? Surely in that big wardrobe/cupboard at The Farm there are countless rehearsals, outtakes, alternative live shows that extend beyond the obvious go-to sources? Maybe even a couple of live shows from various points of the tour? Check out Hawkwind’s super deluxe Space Ritual set which had another three complete live shows from the tour. As far as studio time is concerned, even a simple search reveals a testing six hours of Headley Grange Lamb Tapes on Youtube.
And to reinforce what we said in our BBC Sessions review. Next to the care and consideration, the depth and variety that’s come with the likes of the Pink Floyd and King Crimson archive sets, the Genesis archive has offered meagre pickings for the fans. Maybe a sad trend that’s set to continue? Let’s also not forget the Marillion remasters which have also set standard in terms of packaging and content AND value for money.
Even a quick trip into the loft reveals the tip of the iceberg. A glut of Lamb stuff that’s been on the CD player for years and plenty to go at and still hardly definitive. There’s even a bootleg DVD (not pictured!) that gathers footage form various sources and synced to a soundtrack. Bearing in mind the show was sadly never filmed, it makes the unofficial product a definitive ‘must have’. Collating the best of the bootlegs/unofficial product might have earned more brownie points from the serious fans.
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