Genesis - Duke

Individual albums from the "Blue Box" Genesis: 1976 - 1982

Wind & Wuthering, A Trick Of The Tail, And Then There Were Three, Duke and Abacab

Half-speed mastering, 2008 mixes by Nick Davis

Exact reproductions of original artwork to retain authenticity

Pressed on 180-gram heavyweight audiophile vinyl

From Genesis: 1976-1982 (known as the "The Blue Box" by fans), comes individually released LPs. These lavishly packaged set comes complete with high-end reproductions of the inner and outer sleeves, exactly as they were originally released, and each is pressed onto 180-gram vinyl.

A supergroup that's enjoyed four decades of sustained success and sales of more than 130 million albums, Genesis has also won immense critical acclaim and sent both its front men, Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins, on to superstar solo careers. Formed in the U.K. in 1966 by Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Anthony Phillips, and Peter Gabriel on lead vocals, the group first rose to fame on the strength of their dramatic progressive rock. Their most successful era, the late '70s through early '80s, came when Collins took over lead vocals - plus drumming and songwriting.

On Duke Genesis started, somewhat unwillingly, to shed their progressive-rock mantle. Partly this was a response to the radically changing musical scene, partly a result of Phil Collins's new-found influence within the band as a songwriter, and partly it was a logical direction if they were to capitalize upon the success of "Follow You Follow Me" from 1978's And Then There Were Three.

Recorded at Abba's Polar Studios in Stockholm, Duke showcased a more commercial sound, brisker arrangements, and more down-to-earth (some would say merely more prosaic) lyrics. Though Tony Banks was still responsible for the majority of the songwriting, turning in the classic "Duchess" and "Heathaze," the album also contains Collins's first two solo compositions, including "Misunderstanding," a template for the songs of his forthcoming solo career.

In contrast to the relatively muddy-sounding And Then There Were Three, Duke is clear and sharp, with Collins's increasingly arena-friendly drum sound showcased in the mix.

Side 1

1. Behind The Lines

2. Duchess

3. Guide Vocal

4. Man Of Our Times

5. Misunderstanding

6. Heathaze

Side 2

7. Turn It On Again

8. Alone Tonight

9. Cul-De-Sac

10. Please Don’t Ask

11. Duke’s Travels

12. Duke’s End

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