Overall, I think some people struggle with the shorter songs. The simplicity of songs like Lonely Man on the Corner. Genesis would start songs differently sometimes only choosing to have intros with vocals and synthesizers. Yet there is magic in the air. Sometimes simple is better. Lonely Man on the Corner is just as powerful in my opinion as many Genesis live songs from the 70s. It gave me chills the first time I heard it.
Critics have charged that some songs are pop. They also say the complexity of the group is gone. However I beg to differ. For those who attended the live shows in the 80s, they played their songs with passion and the complexity was still there. In fact, songs like ABACAB were extended in live versions and the 5 piece band would enhance the songs from vinyl. The records were a tapestry for new imaginative music. You can't reinvent Supper's Ready over and over again. So many bands like Yes would make that mistake. Instead, Phil, Mike and Tony would challenge themselves to reinvent the music, and enhance it live. This gave us so many new songs and for me, they are just as good as the prog era. T
Live versions of the vinyl counterparts would take a life of their own. The songs were extended versions masterfully played by the group. Each member would perform the song with their own fresh take. For example, Phil and Chester greatly increased the persussions of their vinyl counterparts, Mike and Daryl extended the solos for bass and guitar and added fun snappy riffs. Tony provide the foundation. It all came together. This was the magic of the 3 piece era.
The prog critics fail to enjoy the enhanced versions of the songs from the 80s. To dismiss Home by the Sea, Domino, Behind the Lines, Dodo and Mama just to name a few is to make a huge mistake in my opinion. The changes in the band provide us with such a wonderful discography. And the live versions are treasures for many to discover that is the magic of Genesis.
(1984 version of ABACAB....my favorite)
