Album of the Days

Archive, 1967-1975, by Genesis (1998): For years, a live recording of was the holy grail of Genesis fans. Bootlegs circulated (the only bootleg I own, I think), but they were poor quality and hard to find. So when Archive was announced, fans rejoiced at half of its 4 discs being given over to the band's 1974 performance of The Lamb . . . in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, it's not quite "live," as some 1990s touch up was done, particularly by Peter Gabriel on his vocals. His voice really is quite different now than it was in 1975, so they're fairly easy to pick out. Still, you get the whole experience, complete with Pete's weird stories and some extra instrumental bits that were worked in to facilitate costume changes. Of the other discs, the most interesting is another live disc, taken primarily from the Selling England by the Pound Tour that includes a Gabriel-led version of the epic "Supper's Ready," complete with Pete's introduction. Disc 4, made up of early demos, is interesting only in an archeological sense.