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Roy Wood - Best Of

Genesis 'Invisible Touch' (1986)



Been working my way through the Genesis catalogue and, because it has been a long, long time since I seriously listened to them, I seem to have gained a bit of objective distance from which to make a fresh evaluation.

'Invisible Touch' was always a problematic album for me - as a hardcore Prog fan back then, I had a lot of trouble getting over the synthesized drums and production coupled with the shift to a mid-Atlantic mainstream chart sound. After the experimental 'Abacab' and patchy 'Genesis', this album is a logical and solid step. The powerful complexity hearkens back to the classic years and Phil Collins vocals are possibly the best of any of his Genesis albums. The band are actually on fire with Rutherford laying down some mean guitar in his own style, Tony Banks has updated his keyboards and gives a masterclass in 80's synths.

'This is the time
This is the place,
So we look to the future'.

It's only Rock & Roll - but I like it.

Marillion - Script for a jesters tear

Hmmm. Marillion....

The Clash - Singles

That joke isn't funny anymore, third relapse of the pneumonia almost had me in hospital.

Pretty well incapacitated for now and playing easy and familiar music for company. An Xmas purchase falls into this category.

Djabe & Steve Hackett 'The Journey Continues' (2021)



Despite being an enormous admirer of Steve Hackett since the 70's, I have not heard any of the albums he has made with Hungarian Jazz-Rock ensemble Djabe. This live 2CD+DVD set passed by at a low price so I got a copy.

This is perfect music for my mood; elegant and sophisticated electric Jazz played by a bunch of excellent musicians who know their stuff. And then guest-player, Prog-Grandmaster Hackett blasts in occasionally with his instantly recognisable guitar, taking the band into rockier territory.

Over 2 hours of sweeping, soothing and uplifting music here including a couple of Genesis classics for good measure. I am reminded of 'Rain Dances' period Camel when both Richard Sinclair and Mel Collins were members. A superior Prog-Jazz sound.

Anyway, this is fantastic. Give it a listen.




Now to find the energy to unpack a pair of Class D amps .....

Split enz - true colours
Spyro gyra - spyro gyra

Robert Forester - The candle and the flame

Fruit Tones - Pink Wafer Factory

Rachel Sermanni - Dreamer Awake

Das Koolie (Super Furry Animals without Gruff Rhys) - DK.01.

Scorpions - Unbreakable

Fleetwood Mac 'Rumours Live' (2023)



Stunning full-concert registration of a Californian Arena performance by FM as part of the 'Rumours' tour. After years of struggle and dues-earning the band had finally broken through with a globally massive album and are caught here at the peak of their powers.

High-energy, passionate deliveries of pretty well all of both 'Rumours' and the previous 'Fleetwood Mac'. The version of 'Rhiannon' here is mind-blowing and the best I've ever heard.

Massive.