Review by Electrical Radio November 23, 2012
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Recorded at Trident studios back in 1970, the original LP sounds pleasant but a bit murky. I'd always heard that this was just the way Trident sounded at the time, according to interviews with the band, and I'd say that several of their early '70's recordings suffer from this "the band is in the next room" syndrome. ("In retrospect, we should have used a much more live and snappy studio" according to producer John Anthony, interviewed in the late '70's.)
After picking up the terrific stereo CD remaster/remix of 1971's "Nursery Cryme," recorded at the same studio, I began to wonder if history could be/was being rewritten. The arrival last week of this copy of "Trespass" (I found a single copy, so I didn't have to shell out for the box set) in thrilling 5.1 channel sound confirms all suspicion! Perhaps Trident had a dodgy 2 track recorder, because the original 8-track (?) master produced an SACD that sounds fantastic. And I hope you noticed that I didn't add "for its age."
Although this music is pretty, attractive, and appealing it helps to remember how different Genesis were from most other bands of the era and how young they all were-- below the drinking age here in California-- to fully appreciate it. The pluck of acoustic guitar strings fills the room on many songs and Peter Gabriel's voice is wonderfully ragged and full; or is that a contradiction? I was particularly struck by the power of John Mayhew's drumming, considering that he was voted out of the band soon after.
Listening to "Trespass" is an immersive experience, perfect for our 21st century fascination with the supernatural and fantasy since the band spin tales of super-intelligent wolves battling for their crown and the story of the last man on a post-apocalyptic Earth. It all ends with their early wall-crumbler, "The Knife." Fascinating reissue interviews with the band are included on a DVD (PAL format video) and the booklet includes the lyrics missing from my old Charisma LP.
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