Audiophile Digital

Genesis
Nursery Cryme
Analogue Productions CAPA 026SA

Released in late 1971, Genesis' third album must be regarded as a watershed moment in the prog-rock giants' history, as it was the first with Phil Collins on drums and Steve Hackett on guitar. I'll leave it to the hardcore contingent to decide which lineup was the best/most definitive, but with Banks, Rutherford and Gabriel present here, this surely rates as 'classic'. It certainly showed a change in intent, not least thanks to Collins' exquisite percussion, as it was more accessible and commercial than the two earlier albums. Although the lengthy opener, 'The Musical Box', is arguably the album's best-known cut, it was the shortest track, 'For Absent Friends' with Collins' vocals, which led the way. KK

Sound Quality: 90%

Gabe Stillman
What Happens Next?
Gulf Coast Records GCRX9071

With too few original bluesmen still with us – roll on, Buddy Guy and Bobby Rush – it is up to the Third Wave revivalists to keep the genre not just alive but fresh. But each new evangelist needs validation to be considered more than a would-be Peter Green. In Stillman's case, his sublime guitar work should be enough, but doubters please note that this is produced by the great Anson Funderburgh, from the 1970s Second Wave with his band, The Rockets. Stillman exploits myriad blues sub-genres and themes, delivering seven hot originals and two covers, his folksy version of 'Gentle On My Mind' suggesting a breakout into the mainstream. Also on vinyl. KK

Sound Quality: 90%

Paul McCartney
Man On The Run
MPL/Capitol 602488 235297

Having not yet seen the acclaimed documentary about The Wings years, of which this is the soundtrack, I'm reviewing it as but another Macca purchase. With The Boys Of Dungeon Lane following weeks later, Paul is becoming as unrestrained as Neil Young in releasing too much product for fans to absorb. The bad news is that only three of its 12 tracks are previously unreleased: 'Live And Let Die (Rockshow)', 'Gotta Sing Gotta Dance' and 'Arrow Through Me (Rough Mix)'. As there are plenty of Wings 'best ofs' out there, you must decide if you need them badly enough to buy either this CD edition with its 12-page booklet, or the even more lavish LP. KK

Sound Quality: 85%

The Stooges
The Stooges
Mobile Fidelity UDSACD 2304

Reviewed on 2x45rpm LPs in July, this cornerstone of punk came out in 1969, with vinyl the only way you were gonna hear it. Within seven years, it would inspire every single wannabe band from The Damned and The Sex Pistols downward, even if they didn't know it. Where it differs from what it spawned is in rather ace musicianship, which the LP and this SACD let you savour. Between them, the LP is more authentic and nastier where it needs to be, but the SACD has a sonic flavour all its own, which is either more revealing or a tad too clean, depending on your bias. Either way, you'll never hear a better 'No Fun' and 'I Wanna Be Your Dog'. KK

Sound Quality: 90%