Limited digitally remastered two CD Tour Edition of this classic Genesis compilation released to coincide with their 2007 European tour. This double disc features all 18 tracks included on the standard U.S. single disc edition then adds an additional 16 tracks including 'Illegal Alien', 'Paperlate', 'Keep It Dark', 'No Reply At All' and many more. The tracks are in a completely different order than the single disc pressing as well. This double CD will be available for a limited period (until end of 2007) whilst the band are on tour (including U.S). 34 tracks. Virgin.
The sound of Phil Collins's distinctive voice set against a pulsing synthesizer and pounding electro/acoustic percussion became one of the most characteristic and ubiquitous sounds of 1980s (and early '90s) rock. And if Collins's solo work during that period seemed occasionally indistinguishable from that of his band, it was only evidence of the remarkable transformation that Genesis had undergone from its late '60s art-school roots. Indeed, the idea of an eventual Greatest Hits package would have been laughable then. But as the original quintet turned quartet (with the departure of vocalist Peter Gabriel) and then trio (when guitarist Steve Hackett left), the spotlight focused with increasing intensity on Collins and his pop and R&B sense. Though it overlooks a few contenders ("No Reply at All" and "Taking It All Too Hard") in service of balance (and the inclusion of late-model Genesis frontman Ray Wilson), this is a good sampler of one of rock's most consistent (if predictable) hit-makers. Gabriel and Hackett also return for one new track, reuniting the original quintet for a richly textured update of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway 's "The Carpet Crawlers." --Jerry McCulley
