Ok, wow, what a left turn.  Next up in listening, Genesis.

Now, I loved them when I was a kid.  They were like the Light Classical version of Rush or something, and I totally dug that.  Having said that, it’s hard not to notice the massive differences in their music, depending upon the lineup and one what was playing on the radio.

Nursery Cryme – Yeah, ok, sure, why not?  I mean, it’s certainly an ok record.  No complaints.  Doesn’t knock me out, but yeah man.  I like the tone of “Musical Box” and the choral backgrounds of “Seven Stones” is pretty great.  But the MVP of this record is Tony Banks and his Mellotron, which is fantastic.

Selling England By the Pound – Now, this is a record.  This has always been my favorite Peter Gabriel-era Genesis record.  It’s totally great.  Everything lined up: interesting arranging, nice seques from one section to another, great instrumental performances, captivating story telling.  Really, really great.

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway – Ok, so this is supposed to be the jam.  I mean, look it up and you’ll find a wealth of imaginative interpretations of the narrative and its significance.  For me, it’s a nice little ditty.  I LOVE Gabriel’s voice during this time, and I really admire the way the band composed around Gabriel’s very challenging lyrics.  Tony Banks is a superstar with that.  But I’m not dying to hear this record, certainly not the way that the die-hard Genesis fans are.  Yes, it’s great.  Whatever my negative comments, “The Lamia” is a classic worthy of reinterpretation (note to self).

A Trick of the Tail – I’m sure this will be an unpopular statement, but with the exception of “Robbery, Assault and Battery,” this is probably my favorite Genesis record.  Obviously, the PG-era group has more edge and theatrics, but maybe that’s not such a great thing…?  “Squonk,” in particular, is amazing.

Wind and Wuthering – Not my favorite, although there’s no great reason for that.  “Follow Me” is really lovely and the leitmotif at the beginning of “The Eleventh Earl of Mar” is really great.  But…meh.

Duke – I guess this is a pivotal record for Genesis.  Seems like they turn an important corner here, being still somewhat Prog, but also super Pop.  I like this record, but don’t love it.  I think that could partly be the fault of memories I have of listening to this record with the strangest group of Prog fans I ever knew: high school associates of mine who were totally rednecks and actually horrible people.  But they loved Genesis, and this record was their jam.

Three Sides Live – I would really have liked to see this band.   I mean, CHESTER THOMPSON!  He rules.  Man, he’s incredible.  I like this record, but it’s so similar to the studio records that it almost doesn’t matter.  The only thing that bums me out is “Ow, yeah!” and other exhortations from Mr. Collins.  The studio stuff is fun, though.  “Paperlate” is a fave.

So, that’s it.  Yes, I have more Genesis CD’s, but that about does it for the LPs.

Enjoy, R.