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Genesis — The Carpet Crawlers
Album: The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Avg rating:
8.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3364








Released: 1974
Length: 5:06
Plays (last 30 days): 2
There is lamb's wool under my naked feet
The wool is soft and warm
Gives off some kind of heat
A salamander scurries into flame to be destroyed
Imaginary creatures are trapped in birth on celluloid
The fleas cling to the golden fleece
Hoping they'll find peace
Each thought and gesture are caught in celluloid
There's no hiding in memory
There's no room to avoid

The crawlers cover the floor
In the red ocher corridor
For my second sight of people
They've more life blood than before
They're moving in time to a heavy wooden door
Where the needle's eye is winking
Closing on the poor
The carpet crawlers heed their callers
We've gotta get in to get out
We've gotta get in to get out
We've gotta get in to get out

There's only one direction
In the faces that I see
It's upward to the ceiling
Where the chamber's said to be
Like the forest fight for sunlight
That takes root in every tree.
They are pulled up by the magnet
Believing they're free
The carpet crawlers heed their callers
We've gotta get in to get out
We've gotta get in to get out
We've gotta get in to get out

Mild-mannered supermen
Are held in kryptonite,
And the wise and foolish virgins
Giggle with their bodies glowing bright
Through the door a harvest feast
Is lit by candlelight
It's the bottom of a staircase
That spirals out of sight
The carpet crawlers heed their callers
We've gotta get in to get out
We've gotta get in to get out
We've gotta get in to get out

The porcelain mannequin
With shattered skin fears attack
And the eager pack lift up their pitchers
They carry all they lack
The liquid has congealed
Which has seeped out through the crack
And the tickler takes his stickleback
The carpet crawlers heed their callers
We've gotta get in to get out
We've gotta get in to get out
We've gotta get in to get out

We've got to get in to get out
We've got to get in to get out
We've got to get in to get out
We've got to get in to get out
We've got to get in to get out
We've got to get in to get out
We've got to get in to get out
We've got to get in to get out

The carpet crawlers heed their callers
Comments (511)add comment
Perfect track for morning coffee. Thanks again RP!
 dflee wrote:

I was fortunate to see them perform the entire album in 74 or 75.
No opening act. Stage was dark when the keyboard started and was nonstop till the finish. We were in awe.


I saw them then, too, in Boston. A mesmerizing show!
 dwhayslett wrote:

I think Phil was their drummer by the time this was recorded.  So while I realize you probably mean his singing, you are listening to him.


I think I can hear Collins on backing vocals
 Sbed wrote:


Peter is doing a tour in 2023, maybe his last, so fans be aware..


...and it is AMAZING. Make it happen if you can. I was blown away.
Olympiahalle, Munich, 1974 .... I was there.
 dwhayslett wrote:

I think Phil was their drummer by the time this was recorded.  So while I realize you probably mean his singing, you are listening to him.



Gabriel is singing lead on TLLDOB.
 lily34 wrote:


me too. i was 17. now i'm 54. it's still evoking pictures for me!


Peter is doing a tour in 2023, maybe his last, so fans be aware..
 Silvervanman wrote:

When I was 17 & bought this album it made me trip without drugs. Every song made moving pictures in my head. Still awesome. I'm going to have to listen to the whole thing in a darkened room again to see if it still does it now I'm 62



me too. i was 17. now i'm 54. it's still evoking pictures for me!
 maboleth wrote:

Whoever listens to this and enjoys it, legit is at least +55 year old.




Are you 12 years old? Piss off!
lifechanging .
Love this Music!
"I can't dance" is good.
I' m either an english native speaker. And there were words that until now make sense.  A poetic sense
Still one of my favorite all-time songs. Saw Steve Hackett perform it recently on his Seconds Out tour with Nad Sylvan doing the vocals. 
 kenbelanger wrote:

Genesis should have broken up after Peter Gabriel left the band.

All albums sucked when Phill started singing.



Naw, they were still great, but absolutely agreed they lost some depth. Phil was an amazing drummer (he had to quit drumming for medical reasons) but he should never, ever be allowed to write lyrics.
Trip-atrip-atrip-atrip-aaaahhhh....
 dwhayslett wrote:

I think Phil was their drummer by the time this was recorded.  So while I realize you probably mean his singing, you are listening to him.


Phil was pretty much always the drummer for Genesis. He just didn't start singing lead until Gabriel left. He is absolutely singing on this song, just not the main vocals. 
 kenbelanger wrote:

Genesis should have broken up after Peter Gabriel left the band.

All albums sucked when Phill started singing.




Wrong!!
one of my favorites from genesis..
Genius. Gabriel embodying Rael. I have no words so I will just leave it there.
Took me years to decide to really listen to Selling England by the Pound. Fall in love. At more than 30. Was decades ago...

Now, is this the level up ? Not entirely caught yet, but I know myself : might be the next big thing...?
I just wish we had heeded Peter's warning about Giant Hogweeds. That's one nasty-ass plant. It can actually kill you!
 dwhayslett wrote:

I think Phil was their drummer by the time this was recorded.  So while I realize you probably mean his singing, you are listening to him.


Phil Collins sang backing vocals on the original as well as drumming.
Genesis should have broken up after Peter Gabriel left the band.

All albums sucked when Phill started singing.
GODLIKE!!! ICONIC!!!
Almost everyone commenting has ‘history’ with Genesis myself included. It would be informative to hear what 20/30-somethings thing of this song. I think if I was hearing it for the first time it would still stop me and grab my attention. Such a lovely melody so delicately handled. Solid 9 for me. I still play their albums today.
 Kdagerman wrote:

I'd forgotten about this song completely! It was enjoyed during my stoner years which coincided with college and a period of time working in the college radio station — talk about a flood of great memories! Just hearing this song right now I can completely re-live the experience; the way the sunlight filtered through the blinds in that tiny room, the smell of the cardboard album covers quietly mildewing in the gloom, the flashing light of the "on air" sign... Thanks guys, great little head trip for me this morning!


Great description of that scene!
Genesis is on a farewell tour in the 2nd half of 2021. Collins, who has health problems, is seated for most of the show. His 20 yr old son is filling in on drums and is quite good. There are full shows on youtube. Carpet Crawlers is on the set list:Genesis live 2021
One of the immortal staples of prog rock, a true symbol of the 70s.
Godlike since 1974 (I'm 65 now)...
Definitivamente tuve que dejar de trabajar para escuchar/ Defintivly I have to s stop working to listen.
When I was 17 & bought this album it made me trip without drugs. Every song made moving pictures in my head. Still awesome. I'm going to have to listen to the whole thing in a darkened room again to see if it still does it now I'm 62
I was fortunate to see them perform the entire album in 74 or 75.
No opening act. Stage was dark when the keyboard started and was nonstop till the finish. We were in awe.
One of my few 10, as this song started my love for music. I was 13.
 maboleth wrote:
Whoever listens to this and enjoys it, legit is at least +55 year old.
 

nope. 38. but enjoyed it since I was at least 16 if I remember correctly.
Whoever listens to this and enjoys it, legit is at least +55 year old.
All things Genesis
 dwhayslett wrote:

I think Phil was their drummer by the time this was recorded.  So while I realize you probably mean his singing, you are listening to him.
 

And Phil is all over those backing vocals.
"The Carpet Crawlers" has gotta be one of the worst song titles/lyrics ever. While "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" is kinda awesome. Mixed metaphors are fun, too. 

 phlattop wrote:
 madyesfan wrote:


Not so. Peter Gabriel on main vocals. Collins may have been backing. The first album he led on vocals was Trick of the Tail. I understood that he was reluctant. Bluntly i wish he had not stepped forward as he and the band never reached the heights tbat they did with Peter Gabriel at the front

Reluctant? From what I've read, they auditioned hundreds of singers to replace Gabriel but no one really clicked. Hence Phil, whose voice they already knew.

 The fact that "hundreds of singers" were auditioned is the very proof of their reluctance to go with Phil. Not sure what you are thinking.

 madyesfan wrote:


I understood that he was reluctant. Bluntly i wish [Phil Collins] had not stepped forward as he and the band never reached the heights tbat they did with Peter Gabriel at the front

 
I wish people would abandon that facile analysis.  Indeed the Gabriel-era Genesis did hit their stride with Selling England and Lamb Lies Down (which IMO was a masterpiece). But the next four albums after Gabriel left (Trick of the Tail, Wind and Wuthering, Then There Were Three, and the very different Duke), were all excellent, and a continuation of the evolution they'd been on since Foxtrot. 

I didn't much appreciate the more commercial direction they took after Duke, but that was as much a product of the times they were playing in ... than it was the departure of Peter Gabriel (in fact, Gabriel, on his own, was following a similar evolution) ... and certainly more than Phil Collins as frontman!  
 madyesfan wrote:


Peter Gabriel on main vocals. Collins may have been backing. The first album he led on vocals was Trick of the Tail. 
 
Not entirely true.  Phil sang lead vocals on individual songs long before Peter left -- "More Fool Me" on Selling England by the Pound; and on parts of "Colony of Slippermen" and "Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging" on Lamb Lies Down.  
This is a cool piece in the context of the (great) album its from or if you are a fan etc. But its out of place in the general playlist here.  For me a few other from
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway are better choices here. Like:
In The Cage
Counting Out Time
or maybe
The Chamber of 32 Doors ?


How about more from Lamb lies down, the albums full of great songs
Not a big genesis fan but had to give this a 9
 madyesfan wrote:


Not so. Peter Gabriel on main vocals. Collins may have been backing. The first album he led on vocals was Trick of the Tail. I understood that he was reluctant. Bluntly i wish he had not stepped forward as he and the band never reached the heights tbat they did with Peter Gabriel at the front

Reluctant? From what I've read, they auditioned hundreds of singers to replace Gabriel but no one really clicked. Hence Phil, whose voice they already knew.

 msolea wrote:
So after listening to this station a bit, I just decided to send a 2019 donation. And then this song started playing; a favourite of mine that I have never heard on radio (maybe ever).  The planets are aligned today.. :)
 

I left nearly this exact comment many moons ago
Man that is so true man... I have alwasy had to get in to get out
Auch, wenn dieses Album das Ende der "legendären" Genesis in ihrer Prog-Ära markierte, es wird ewig unvergessen bleiben! Alle Songs darauf sind eine Bewertung mit 10 wert, zumal sie ja ineinander übergehen und eine Geschichte erzählen.

Also "Lamb lies down..." is a track that causes gooesebumbs again und again with memories of my early youth....
 gwolfie1959 wrote:
I must say that I would normally like to hear the "Seconds Out" version instead...
but I am enjoying this right now !
 
well a good song is a good song is a good...

and this song is an anthem - stellar in any version

but seconds out - best prog rock live album ever - picture book/foto album of my adolscent days and is still standing the test of time (even though i am shure i evolved since tose days   )
I must say that I would normally like to hear the "Seconds Out" version instead...
but I am enjoying this right now !
Such a great album, but why is this the only song that gets played regularly?!?
Most are missing the real genius of Genesis. Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford  made Gabrial, Hacket and Collins shine
So after listening to this station a bit, I just decided to send a donation. And then this song started playing; a favourite of mine that I have never heard on radio (maybe ever).  The planets are aligned today.. :)
 madyesfan wrote:


Not so. Peter Gabriel on main vocals. Collins may have been backing. The first album he led on vocals was Trick of the Tail. I understood that he was reluctant. Bluntly i wish he had not stepped forward as he and the band never reached the heights tbat they did with Peter Gabriel at the front

 
"Not so" what?  You don't think you're hearing Phil's drumming here?  I thought I was pretty clear in acknowledging that the OP was talking about the lead singing, while also pointing out that Phil still made a pretty significant contribution to this song.
 madyesfan wrote:


Not so. Peter Gabriel on main vocals. Collins may have been backing. The first album he led on vocals was Trick of the Tail. I understood that he was reluctant. Bluntly i wish he had not stepped forward as he and the band never reached the heights tbat they did with Peter Gabriel at the front

 

Seriously, can  you not hear Collins 's vocal on this one ~~~ He is the main chorus voice !
I maintain that both versions of the Band were somewhat different but both stupendous!
 
Beautiful evocative lyrics. Gabriel at his best
 dwhayslett wrote:

I think Phil was their drummer by the time this was recorded.  So while I realize you probably mean his singing, you are listening to him.
 

Not so. Peter Gabriel on main vocals. Collins may have been backing. The first album he led on vocals was Trick of the Tail. I understood that he was reluctant. Bluntly i wish he had not stepped forward as he and the band never reached the heights tbat they did with Peter Gabriel at the front

Memories oh memories...  - so simple, yet so everlasting... even eternaly good 
My older sister, a photographer who was dating a Cleveland dj back when Genesis first came to the states and got to hang with the band when they came to town, gave me the Lamb for Christmas when I was 15. I remember playing it that first time with headphones near the Christmas tree... my little teenage mind expanded into another realm. I've literally not been the same since. Hell I even named my first son Rael! 

Going back for a good listen some time ago, I have to admit some of the tracks on the two discs are, as some have mentioned, may not have stood the test of time too well, but damn, what a thing to behold when it came out. And most still hold power over me to this day, this track included.
I was dating a girl in college who had FoxTrot. I had never heard of Genesis prior to that.

I ended up liking Genesis a lot more than the girl as time went on. We broke up a few months later. But I am always thankful that she introduced me to Genesis.

I think Genesis started a gradual decline after 'And then there were three'.  Duke was ok. But then the slide picked up speed.
 LowPhreak wrote:

That's right, ziggy, and as I updated my previous post to show, Peter as solo did several pop tunes after leaving Genesis, and had some of the most played videos on MTV in the 80s. He was as huge a pop star as anything "commercial" that Phil as solo or Genesis did then, even knocking Invisible Touch off the No. 1 spot on the U.S. charts with So.

That's why I say to the kewl kids who still think:

1. Genesis did nothing prog after Gabriel left, and/or...
2. Peter wasn't just as "commercial drivel" or "not prog" as anything Phil solo or Genesis did later

...you need to stop smoking the giant hogweed and get yourselves a serious dose of reality. {#Nyah} 
CLASS DISMISSED!!  It's one o'clock and time for lunch...dum de dum de dum dum...  {#Bounce}

 
LowPhreak - You're just a lawn mower. I can tell by the way you walk...
This song transports me to a wonderful place!
 ncarus wrote:
When I was 18 (1979) and just getting into Genesis, I too had an emotional experience listening to this song - and the intensity of my passion for their earlier material (pre And then there were three) has persisted with me ever since. There's not too much new music that could endure to the same extent.
 
If you haven't already, check out 50 Years Ago. It's uneven, but very sweet to hear Peter singing at 18 years old in the nascent band. 


To me
 Genesis
The Carpet Crawlers
i
s 8 - Most Excellent   but I am increasing to 9

Hearing this after so, so many years. Have something of a love-hate relationship with Genesis - love this track. Saw them live once at the hight of their fame, and this track {#Boohoo}brought that wonderful experience flooding back.
When I was 18 (1979) and just getting into Genesis, I too had an emotional experience listening to this song - and the intensity of my passion for their earlier material (pre And then there were three) has persisted with me ever since. There's not too much new music that could endure to the same extent.
 dmiklitz wrote:
One of my favorite Genesis songs. Never gets old. I also really enjoy all of Seconds Out. Phil and Chester Thompson tear it up on the drums.
 
I second that.  
-John
Love this song. So much better than, say.....Listening Wind! 
This song gives me goosebumps.  So many memories come flooding back......... how heavenly {#Whistle}
 hschlossberg wrote:
I long ago gave this song a 10.  I just wish RP would occasionally play something else from this album other than this song and the title track. It was such a great album, almost across the board.
 
I quite agree.
One of my favorite Genesis songs. Never gets old. I also really enjoy all of Seconds Out. Phil and Chester Thompson tear it up on the drums.
I long ago gave this song a 10.  I just wish RP would occasionally play something else from this album other than this song and the title track. It was such a great album, almost across the board.
I've gotta get in (to Genesis) to get out (of  my funk).
Definitely worth listening to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmEGGIqWbbs   (short fade)

...the reunion version with Peter and Phil on lead vocals...
Which one's the "Carpet Crawler"?

Well... isn't it pretty obvious? Let me see... which one is the odd one out... could it be the one with a reverse Mohican and bat wings - doh!
I'm certain that I heard this yesterday.  Not that I'm complaining.
Yes, I saw them several times, the first in Detroit in 1974. Remains to this day probably the best show I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot. The audience was completely in the palm of their hands. Just, amazing.
 ziggytrix wrote:
The carpet cleaners
Arrive with steamers
Scrub real good get stains ouuuuuuut!

 
👏👏👏👏😹
Which one's the "Carpet Crawler"?

Image result for genesis band magazine covers
 RichW wrote:
Saw them live on this tour in 1974. Being 19 I didn't appreciate it as much as I do now.

 
Me too, Ahoy Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Great and one of the best gigs I have ever seen!!
 
 westslope wrote:
Gotta get reacquainted and get this CD.  

 
I bought it and still listen to it but the album is very uneven.  Lots of unremarkable material on it.  Selling England by the Pound is a far better album IMO.
The carpet cleaners
Arrive with steamers
Scrub real good get stains ouuuuuuut!
Saw them live on this tour in 1974. Being 19 I didn't appreciate it as much as I do now.
 CyrusPaul wrote:
the 'Phil' version live from "Trick..." tour is actually quite nice.
https://youtu.be/rpEyuenDAo4

 
Yes it is. That was the first tour without Peter and Phil's first as frontman. Phil did a real good job on all the songs from the Peter era. Seconds Out is one of the best Live albums ever IMO!
A beautiful gem in the Genesis catalog!{#Clap}
Excellent segue from Elbow to Genesis.  You rock Bill!
This song ......evoking too many memories.......it´s just godlike.
 VV wrote:
While not as commercially successful... the Gabriel led version of this band was far more interesting to me than the Collins version. I remain a fan of both versions but have a preference for the former.

 
I agree. Peter's version of Genesis was not as accessible, this song is a good example. Pretty weird shtuff. I don't know the genesis of Peter's departure (see what I did there?), but their styles definitely diverged.
 (Banned) wrote:

Phil played drums and sang background vocals on the song.  Peter was lead vocals and played flute.  

But I really wish people would quit giving Phil a hard time.  He was an excellent musician!  I've had the opportunity to meet him several times and he has always been very gracious, and friendly, which is unusual for someone of his status; even though so many people say that they hate him, for some reason.  I think they're just jealous!  ;-)

 
Totally agree. People who write off Phil likely don't have the knowledge or capacity to appreciate his contributions.
But, you know...
haters
Yeah, back to the times when we used to listen to whole albums, not just songs. Sigh ... {#Good-vibes}
 CyrusPaul wrote:
the 'Phil' version live from "Trick..." tour is actually quite nice.
https://youtu.be/rpEyuenDAo4

 
Yep, definitely decent. {#Cheers}
the 'Phil' version live from "Trick..." tour is actually quite nice.
https://youtu.be/rpEyuenDAo4
 VV wrote:
While not as commercially successful... the Gabriel led version of this band was far more interesting to me than the Collins version. I remain a fan of both versions but have a preference for the former.

 
Phil tried to follow in Peter's footsteps but, although very likable albums ("Trick..." and "Wind....") Genesis became mega-stars once Phil took control of their direction.  I lost interest in them almost immediately but good for them all !!
 siegler-anja402 wrote:
Can't believe this is Genesis... no Phil Colins.... soooo awsome!!!!

 
Phil was their long-time drummer.  He took over on vocals after Peter left, and after trying out scores of would-be replacements.  Phil asked to give it a go, and the rest of the band (Hackett, Banks, Rutherford) decided on Phil. He's an excellent musician - have you ever tried counting some of their stuff?  The band can change time signatures on a dime.  Sure, I'm not a huge fan of the later Genesis stuff after Hackett left, but give Phil his due.
 siegler-anja402 wrote:
Can't believe this is Genesis... no Phil Colins.... soooo awsome!!!!

 
Phil played drums and sang background vocals on the song.  Peter was lead vocals and played flute.  

But I really wish people would quit giving Phil a hard time.  He was an excellent musician!  I've had the opportunity to meet him several times and he has always been very gracious, and friendly, which is unusual for someone of his status; even though so many people say that they hate him, for some reason.  I think they're just jealous!  ;-)
While not as commercially successful... the Gabriel led version of this band was far more interesting to me than the Collins version. I remain a fan of both versions but have a preference for the former.
Gabriels voice is singularly spectacular in this song.  From almost whispering strength in the second verse to his trademark raspy near screams....he is a special, unique talent.  Loved him solo....but he was amazing on LLDOB.
 Steely_D wrote:
They remade it (not remixed - really remade it) in 99 with all members playing - including Peter and Steve, and it's equally brilliant.
Be warned: it's different. But I so totally love what Hackett decided to do. 
 
I agree.
 justin4kick wrote:
I wonder how many RP-listeners are singing along right now, knowing each single word like I do.

 
Brings me back to a wonderful time of my life...and yes, I'm singing along.  Lets have more Bill
Peter Gabriel did the bulk of the singing on this, but you can clearly hear Phil singing in there too, as well as drumming.
 justin4kick wrote:
I wonder how many RP-listeners are singing along right now, knowing each single word like I do.

 
Me i am not a native english speaking (german raised swiss) but this is probably THE song which, after countless listenings in my younger days (mostly the phil collins sung version on the stellar live classic seconds out album) i can sing word by word😉. 
A truly genius musical treat as the whole album.

genesis in the gabriel aera was in my opinion far the better prog band as the (in relation) far too much played yes or moody blues.
give is more bill (selling england by the pound and foxtrot,)

 
 siegler-anja402 wrote:
Can't believe this is Genesis... no Phil Colins.... soooo awsome!!!!

 
I think Phil was their drummer by the time this was recorded.  So while I realize you probably mean his singing, you are listening to him.
 siegler-anja402 wrote:
Can't believe this is Genesis... no Phil Colins.... soooo awsome!!!!

 
Collins is on this album.
 siegler-anja402 wrote:
Can't believe this is Genesis... no Phil Colins.... soooo awsome!!!!

 
Been under a rock for the last 40 years?

BTW, his name is spelled "Collins".
I wonder how many RP-listeners are singing along right now, knowing each single word like I do.
Can't believe this is Genesis... no Phil Colins.... soooo awsome!!!!

Des nuits entières à écouter ça dans ma jeunesse.. superbe chanson et super album
 Carlo9151 wrote:

My opinion is that the departure of Steve Hackett set the turning point in Genesis music.

 
That could be at least a somewhat better argument than the Gabriel-worshipper's is. Of course we all love Peter but after 40 years that meme needs a vacation.

The Carpet Crawlers
is well done by Peter though and a great song. I gave it a '10'.
 1wolfy wrote:
Totally agree.

 


 {#Wink}AeroSwiss wrote:
One of my all-time favorite songs in any genre, a true masterpiece of creativity, musicianship, and style! 

 


I'd forgotten about this song completely! It was enjoyed during my stoner years which coincided with college and a period of time working in the college radio station — talk about a flood of great memories! Just hearing this song right now I can completely re-live the experience; the way the sunlight filtered through the blinds in that tiny room, the smell of the cardboard album covers quietly mildewing in the gloom, the flashing light of the "on air" sign... Thanks guys, great little head trip for me this morning!
shivers up the spine with this one  - so good.... but he has aged.... saw him wriggling around on his back on the stage like Kafka's beetle on a tour a few years back - nicht guit... had to raise to 10 - you may as well say what you mean in this once only life
Timeless
 LowPhreak wrote:

That's right, ziggy, and as I updated my previous post to show, Peter as solo did several pop tunes after leaving Genesis, and had some of the most played videos on MTV in the 80s. He was as huge a pop star as anything "commercial" that Phil as solo or Genesis did then, even knocking Invisible Touch off the No. 1 spot on the U.S. charts with So.

That's why I say to the kewl kids who still think:

1. Genesis did nothing prog after Gabriel left, and/or...
2. Peter wasn't just as "commercial drivel" or "not prog" as anything Phil solo or Genesis did later

...you need to stop smoking the giant hogweed and get yourselves a serious dose of reality. {#Nyah} 
CLASS DISMISSED!!  It's one o'clock and time for lunch...dum de dum de dum dum...  {#Bounce}


 
My opinion is that the departure of Steve Hackett set the turning point in Genesis music.
As drug addled and/or pretentious as they come. I do like it though. 
 
 ziggytrix wrote:

For me, Invisible Touch was my intro to the band (what can I say, Land of Confusion was the best video since Thriller to my 9-year-old eyes). Also my first piece of vinyl (which my dad eventually must have added to his collection when I went off to college, because I sure can't find it now)!  About that same time Gabriel was singing some pretty poppy tunes on So, but I'd have never connected the two. It wasn't until much later that I learned that he used to be the frontman for Genesis and it was just a shocker, going thru their old catalog. Anything I've heard off the albums you just mentioned was miles away from what Genesis became in the mid 80s.

I got that same feeling as a youngster going thru Pink Floyd's back catalog when all I knew was The Wall.

 
That's right, ziggy, and as I updated my previous post to show, Peter as solo did several pop tunes after leaving Genesis, and had some of the most played videos on MTV in the 80s. He was as huge a pop star as anything "commercial" that Phil as solo or Genesis did then, even knocking Invisible Touch off the No. 1 spot on the U.S. charts with So.

That's why I say to the kewl kids who still think:

1. Genesis did nothing prog after Gabriel left, and/or...
2. Peter wasn't just as "commercial drivel" or "not prog" as anything Phil solo or Genesis did later

...you need to stop smoking the giant hogweed and get yourselves a serious dose of reality. {#Nyah} 
CLASS DISMISSED!!  It's one o'clock and time for lunch...dum de dum de dum dum...  {#Bounce}

 LowPhreak wrote:

So...A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, Seconds Out, and Duke were commercial drivel, while Lamb Lies Down, Selling England..., Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Trespass were not?

I own or have owned all of them for many years, since the 1970s. I think you could interchange Phil and Peter on vocals between any of those albums, and they'd ALL have been very good to excellent. Not a bad one in the bunch (except Trespass maybe).

Abacab I still enjoyed a lot, though it had some pop tracks and less pure prog than the others. But how, if you loved the Genesis sound and gestalt, could you not like the tracks Keep It Dark, Dodo/Lurker, and Another Record?

And - we all know Peter never made a "commercial drivel" pop album after he left the band, right?  {#Wink}

 
For me, Invisible Touch was my intro to the band (what can I say, Land of Confusion was the best video since Thriller to my 9-year-old eyes). Also my first piece of vinyl (which my dad eventually must have added to his collection when I went off to college, because I sure can't find it now)!  About that same time Gabriel was singing some pretty poppy tunes on So, but I'd have never connected the two. It wasn't until much later that I learned that he used to be the frontman for Genesis and it was just a shocker, going thru their old catalog. Anything I've heard off the albums you just mentioned was miles away from what Genesis became in the mid 80s.

I got that same feeling as a youngster going thru Pink Floyd's back catalog when all I knew was The Wall.
Amazing how much Marillion copied this band, especially Fish.
 dkwalika wrote:
Sometimes RP hits a spot where I recall the college days of great roommates, great times, and great music. This is it. Fall 1975. Enlightenment was great.

Thanks. 

 
I'm with you there, just a couple yrs behind you