Genesis- Dodo/Lurker (REACTION//DISCUSSION)

[@CampaignPictures]

I have said for years that the opening jam of Dodo/Lurker is one of Genesis' greatest grooves and I cannot believe that it has never been sampled or remixed! It's so killer!!

[@lparksession]

Not the intro but still kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIjCY62EmNh0jas

[@littlestevey4172]

This is one of their best 80s era song, hands down. Those beginning chords so bombastic ! Tony's keyboards almost sounds like 50 people playing at once.

[@slainteron4027]

My favorite off the album

[@gynandroidhead]

Totally agree. The "clanking" keyboard sound gives it that darker, extinction feel. The answer to the Lurker riddle at the end is a "submarine." the riddle's name is a B-side instrumental which should've followed this song on the album, but does in a special release of three songs called "The Dodo Suite."

[@rbailey1240]

@@gynandroidhead I've heard NUMEROUS answers to the riddle. Banks is on record saying that there is no answer.

[@aMan-or9ij]

@@rbailey1240 Yes, I've heard him in interview answering that way - but I feel he was bs-ing or forgetting.

[@robertcartier5088]

The joy on your face as you listen to yet another "new" Genesis song... It's infectious! Hope it lasts all day, Buddy! ;-]

[@xingmieh4951]

...and so laid Back....

[@JustJP]

Haha I'm always excited to listen to them :D Ty

[@Etem_T]

This song was originally planned to be in a suite suite with two other songs that ended up as b-sides: Naminanu and Submarine. I think the answer to the riddle lies in the second song; a submarine. 'Clothes of brass' = the exterior of a submarine, 'Seldom need to breathe, don't need no wings to fly' = it's able to stay underwater for long periods of time and doesn't need wings to move in the water, 'a heart of stone' could be the core of a ship, possibly nuclear?, 'and a fear of fire and water' = both things that would be catastrophic in a submarine. I heard someone mention this years ago and haven't been able to think of anything better!

[@illegal_space_alien]

Exactly. Hopefully Justin gives it a listen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWW8ZoKHnb6napo

[@wilcox660]

I believe the "suite" order was Naminanu/Dodo/Lurker/Submarine. Great stuff!

[@MattLathrum]

I've always thought the riddle is a piranha. "Clothes of brass" - a school of fish, "hair of brown" - they can sometimes have a rust or brownish look. "Seldom need to breathe, don't need no wings to fly" - describing a fish. "Heart of stone" - a predator. "Fear of fire and water" - well, you can cook fish, so...

[@wilcox660]

@@MattLathrum It's very definitely a submarine & has been confirmed by band members over the years.

[@MattLathrum]

@@wilcox660 It made sense to me at the time! 😁 I didn't know about the submarine thing until many years later.

[@MyNameIsBucket]

I don't think there was ever any point Genesis felt like they needed to "appease" their fans with their music. They matured as people, evolved, found their niche, and always produced quality, no matter to whose liking.

[@TheReaperMan275]

First of all, the answer to the riddle is a submarine. At least this is the popular consensus. A fear of fire and water is every submariner's nightmare. Water flooding the boat or fire on a boat is about the worst things that can happen. Seldom need to breathe can be taken as a submarine can stay beneath the waves for an extremely long time but will occasionally have to rise to bring in fresh air. Now, the song itself: Hands down the best two tracks on the album. And it they were originally part of a much longer suite: "Naminanu / Dodo / Lurker / Submarine". It goes to show, even at this point, Genesis were still not through with progressive rock. I could tell by your face that you were enjoying this, right from the get go! 😄❤ Great reaction!

[@cadanrichards2615]

One of underrated 80s Genesis songs and is one of my favourites. Best song on Abacab.

[@robertwells3867]

Totally

[@markrae1317]

It isn't underrated in the slightest! Who doesn't like this song?

[@nickavenoso7851]

@@markrae1317 Many people hate this album. Personally, I love it.

[@johndyslin798]

@@nickavenoso7851 my rankings of Genesis albums can always change, but this could be in top 5

[@davidanania5618]

The record starts off with the title track, which I call “the right hook”. Side 2 starts out with this, which I like to call “the left hook”. Just fantastically jarring, sonically, compared to everything before. I love this record.

[@jaysmakingprogress]

Back in the days when Genesis thought this was going to be another prog album this track was part of a much longer suite: Naminanu-Dodo-Lurker-Submarine. When they decided to go a poppier route the suite was split up, but Submarine, which originally followed the riddle in Lurker, was thought to be the answer.

[@SpaceCattttt]

I'm glad they scrapped the suite because "Naminu" and "Submarine" are some of the most boring pieces they ever wrote. As always, they kept the good stuff.

[@shyshift]

I like both. Own the 45’s.

[@analogpro7]

I believe someone on KZbin strung these songs together in the suite. Too lazy to look for it right now =]

[@daneng3641]

@@SpaceCattttt They couldn't be worse than Who Dunnit.

[@SpaceCattttt]

@@daneng3641 I like that song. Because I have a sense of humor.

[@bradhernandez5823]

There's no reason to feel you need to delay your Genesis reviews (next song excluded). Don't let haters bully you. As in many things in life the complainers will always make the most noise. But, they are not necessarily the consensus. Besides if they despise Genesis so much they can skip that reaction. I mean unless your opinion is all they have to live for.

[@BryanWicks]

“…next song excluded.” And there it is. 😆 To be fair, I can certainly understand where the sentiment comes from.

[@brucebrown73]

So weird, I could never get Genesis. However, I’m feeling it more. They have much more dynamics than I gave them a chance to show. It’s all your fault JP! :-)

[@gdkey8025]

SPOILER The answer to the riddle is ''submarine''-which was a b side during this era, and was ment to be part of this suite,along with another track 'Namanimu''

[@rosenfield10]

The feeling I get from this song is that mankind makes themselves extinct. Beautiful blend of horror and comedy. One of their best.

[@conziderz1091]

This song proves genesis never left their prog tendencies behind

[@souldreamer9056]

No, it proves that Genesis included one or two extended-length pop songs per album hoping to get their old-time fans to THINK they never left their prog tendencies. There is absolutely nothing progressive or ground breaking in this song. It’s a great pop/rock track, and I really like it, but it’s not progressive.

[@bigjapi1]

@@souldreamer9056 absolutely correct

[@SpaceCattttt]

@@souldreamer9056 It IS progressive. You're just a sour lurker.

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

@@SpaceCattttt or a dodo 🦤 😆

[@mrtyreus0]

This album to me, is the final dying gasp of solid progressive music from Genesis.

[@cedricmilford5254]

Phil was SO influential in my drumming. 👍🏻👍🏻 This is possibly (together with Abacab live) my favorite of the trio. Big music coming out of only 3 individuals. Amazing.

[@geraldnewton9675]

Hi Justin. Great review. The way this song is structured, the strange and mysterious lyrics, the surrealism of it reminds me a bit of Hogweed and those earlier eccentric tracks. That eccentricity still exists in the band although they are becoming more pop and excessive to a wider audience. The next track Who Diunnit? is probably the weirdest and most perverse song they ever did. To me its an obvious wind up and not to be taken seriously but its going to be interesting to see your response. In an interview Tony says he loved the perverseness of it and it drove everyone crazy and they decided to add it to the album. Although they are morphing into a pop rock band they are still pushing the boundaries and as each album comes you have no idea what you will get. I like that. CHEERS Gerald Newton

[@halcyon289]

The songs off this album in a live setting were far better than the album versions . Apart from No Reply which was played live without the horn section. This particular song was the first time anyone saw the Vari-lights in action. There was an audible gasp from the audience when the lights moved and changed colour !!!

[@robertwells3867]

I was absolutely shocked at the first gig on the tour.....coming off over 20 shows on the previous tour which lighting wise was very much parred down......

[@halcyon289]

@@robertwells3867 I know exactly what you mean :)

[@minty_Joe]

Vari*Lite ftw! They were quite beautiful during In The Cage Medley and Whodunnit.

[@SpaceCattttt]

Who Dunnit (which I like) went on for too long live, though.

[@deanmacreavy2135]

@@SpaceCattttt Mike Rutherford on drums with Chester in the live shows for Who Dunnit certainly made it more interesting 😁

[@drcarp7377]

This is typical modern Genesis. Their albums contained mixture of genres. Sometimes prog, sometimes pop, sometimes a bit of jazz, and sometimes a bit of r&b. They keep you guessing. And they keep changing. And that’s why they managed such longevity.

[@Antman-cy8ch]

Love the whole album. Always have always will!

[@manualboyca]

The live version from Three Sides Live is great!

[@krisdoggett483]

Superb!

[@MattLathrum]

I cannot hear the song without Phil's live inflections to his singing.

[@gynandroidhead]

This one's better, but I like the Lurker keyboards on 3SL

[@thomassutton1279]

3SL best version, no contest !!!

[@davidt7482]

"Where does he go / what does he do?" In Dodo, he has a dream of love as big as the ocean. In Me and Sarah Jane, he invents a name. In Keep It Dark, he has seen a world full of people, their hearts full of joy. In all three songs, there is a "dreaminess" and a dash of utopianism. Incredible production on this track as you can clearly hear all the major instruments.

[@sydhamelin1265]

This is one of the few songs I like from after Peter left, of which there are maybe 10-15. My first drum teacher really, really focused on HOW I was hitting the drum, and he pointed out that how you attack the drum is an underrated part of creating a feel. So he went over certain techniques that really get the drums to ring out. In this song, you hear Phil's command over getting the exact tone, through attack, that he wants from the kit. You can almost hear the air parting, as the drum stick cuts through, right before the sharp CRACK of the snare. It's a sound not a lot of drummers were able to get, and Phil is easily one of the best at it. This track shows a real confidence in moving towards their new sound. I like Squonk as well, but I think this song identifies itself stronger. Like the ideas started in Squonk fully realized and epitomized in this track. I was excited for you to review this, considering it's one of the few I like during this era, and it's fantastic to hear someone else to see the greatness of this song! As always, your channel is great, thanks!

[@richierich398]

You have a smart drum teacher.😂. As a drummer that is one of the things that I really loved about Phil Collins drumming is his attack. Just think about how his drum fill on in the air tonight is arguably the most famous drum fill of all time.

[@sydhamelin1265]

@@richierich398 Exactly. I saw a clip of him sound checking, and just the way he did a roll around the drum kit stood out. He's also extremely artistic in how he plays. One of the best at knowing when to keep it simple, and when to just let loose, and sounds amazing at both. I think my 100% favorite is his drumming on Lamb Lies Down, I've never heard anything like it. Cheers man!

[@BryanWicks]

"Best of both worlds." Couldn't agree more, Justin. Dodo/Lurker are easily the strongest tracks off of the album. 1981 me loved the hell out of it, and 2021 me continues to enjoy it. I consider myself to be a Genesis fanatic, but as I age, my priorities have shifted. Buying tickets to the Buffalo show this coming November was NOT the automatic decision that it would have been decades before. But because of the influence that the band was to the soundtrack of my life, I decided to treat myself one more time to check them out one last time while it was still possible. That said, if they can put on a show worthy of attendance, I can do my part and show up. ;-) Strangely enough, for all of the years that I have listened to the album, I never really paid that much scrutiny to the lyrics. Who knew that Lurker ended with a riddle? I was too busy basking in the afterglow (saw what I did there) of Dodo to pay that much attention. Coming Up: arguably one of the most divisive tracks in the Genesis discography. Here's a pro-tip - invest heavily in popcorn stocks. Thanks for the reaction and upload, Justin.

[@daviddinu1089]

Back in the mid 80's, I saw them play a Summer concert at the old CNE Stadium in Toronto during the National Exhibition Festival. They opened the show with Dodo/Lurker. It was great.

[@TheGungunnerson]

Mike Rutherford's "Acting Very Strange" album is well worth a listen to and there is some more similarity to The Police there .... given the fact that "Stewart Copeland" is the drummer on that album .

[@deanmacreavy2135]

Yep, Phil's 'less is more' drum style in these later albums still sounds awesome with his unique style 👌

[@evankeal]

In my opinion it's a ton more since the drums actually started to get recorded well. Even Phil grew up knowing trying to play fast jazzy fills is kind of pointless and what you do in Genesis when the sound of the drums is terrible as they were until 1981, but the really busy jazzy drumming seems to be impressive to some. This is one of the few songs I like Chester's reworking of the drums though.

[@sseltrek1a2b]

saw them in 1982- they opened with this song...stage was dark, and then on the downbeat the stage was lit up all in "blue"...really strong opening for the nite...

[@geraldnewton9675]

This transition of Genesis from a strictly intellectual progressive rock band into a pop rock band has obviously been very hard to digest and accept by a great deal of Genesis fans. I lived through it and experienced this transition. As I have got older I have realized nostalgia is great but times change, people change and these remaining members had grown up. They wanted to try new things and they knew they had to change to survive. If they had continued in strictly progressive rock they would not of achieved the fame and yes the fortune they gained. I am not saying they sold out. They were being true to themselves and doing what they wanted to do. They were still very unique for the 80's and there were no other bands quite like them. Everyone is entitled to there own opinions and tastes but over the years I have noticed particularly with Genesis there is a lot of what I would call progressive music snobbery and a reluctance and denial of change and all art forms have to change to progress and stay creative, relevant. Gerald Newton

[@justintime42000]

I agree they had to change but for me most of the 80s-90s Genesis after Duke hasn’t held up over time anywhere near as well as the Gabriel/Hackett albums. I really liked this album in 1981. Now, not so much. It’s not bad. It’s just not great, to my ears. To each their own though. I know a lot of people love the 80s-90s Genesis the most. More power to them.

[@geraldnewton9675]

@@justintime42000 Hi Cathy. Thanks for your comments. I know what you mean but their later albums sold far more cumulating with Invisible Touch which is their best selling album and had a number 1 hit in the USA. In fact the entire album is almost a hit fest. So commercially they were very popular but in creativity and musical terms of course they cannot be compared to their earlier albums which were phenomenal. They had a tendency of leaving certain tracks off their later albums which in my opinion were better than some of their album tracks. For instance if they had included the Dodo Suite and dropped Who Dunnit? and Like it or not maybe included You might recall for me that would make Abacab a far better album. In fact they had so much material for the Abacab album it could of been a double album. It seems it was all about keeping things rather straightforward and emphasizing hooks. They started to sound repetitive because they would not break things up, adding instrumental parts and going off in all kinds of directions which they once did which made their old songs fascinating and mind-blowing. But for a wider audience that is not palatable. Its too complicated for most who prefer an instant catchy hook, a straightforward song structure. I myself prefer to be challenged and be taken on a journey and they did not do enough of that unfortunately in their later albums. THANKS Gerald Newton

[@justintime42000]

@@geraldnewton9675 Thanks for your reply. I agree with most of what you said, but one of the biggest differences between the earlier Genesis and later Genesis (and the record sales) was getting lots of radio play which gave them mass exposure, as well as video play. Bands like Yes were able to get on AM radio with a shortened version of Roundabout, so it’s not entirely that some of the more melodic and shorter, accessible prog songs of early Genesis weren’t palatable to the masses but rather that for whatever reason (most likely money), the earlier music didn’t get played in the US except on late night or college radio in just a few East coast radio markets. A song like “Carpet Crawlers” comes to mind as an instantly likable song that doesn’t ask much of the listener, as well as TLLDOB, Ripples, Afterglow, ATOTT, and more. Jethro Tull and ELP got a lot of FM radio play in the 1970s without ever being overly commercial. So it’s not that the tastes of the masses that changed so much as the trends changed to become less complicated and more fun. But Genesis missing out on getting radio play in the 70s (until Follow You, Follow Me) is why most of the masses didn’t get a chance to hear them in their prime prog years. Perhaps if they’d been on a big label it would have made all the difference.

[@geraldnewton9675]

@@justintime42000 Hi Cathy. Thanks for your comments. You may be correct but I can only talk from my own experiences when I got to an age I took a serious interest in rock and popular music in the mid to late seventies. Remembering my friends and those around me who were heavily into very straight forward and fashionable groups, chart music at that time. It was not until I went to art college and discovered fellow Genesis, Yes, progressive rock group fanatic's such as myself. For these bands the main emphasis at the time was on the albums and most of my fellow progressive rock friends were not interested in singles. You mentioned Carpet Crawlers and Ripples as examples. Very beautiful songs but still complexed and bizarre lyrically. A lot for the masses to digest. Its not just about having a lovely catchy tune but the lyrical content. I remember playing Your own Special Way in my music class at school and all my friends thought it was weird and they did not like it. Some of those friends later became big Genesis fans when songs such as Abacab, Mama were released. They could sort of relate to the lyrics and the overall sound. As time as gone on people on the whole have become less and less willing to give complexed structured songs a listen. It has to be instant. And today we have these first listen reaction channels and its incredible how so many younger people listen to Genesis 80's songs such as Abacab for instance and think its an amazing complexed track. CHEERS Gerald Newton

[@justintime42000]

@@geraldnewton9675 Jethro Tull were complex and bizarre, as were Yes and ELP, and they had many songs on the radio. The longer epics didn’t get on commercial radio, but were played on some college radio stations. What these bands all had going for them was a major record label that put money into promoting them. The 1960s and 1970s radio/concert audiences were generally more sophisticated than later audiences. There were plenty of middle of the road rock songs/artists and bands in the early 1970s along with these prog bands, but they all had a home on FM radio. All it took in the 70s was radio and/or TV exposure to reach an audience and Genesis didn’t get much mass exposure until they went to Atlantic Records. Had they had such a contract with a big label much earlier things could very likely have been different. Peter Gabriel was on Atlantic and his solo singles went right to commercial radio. Pink Floyd started doing well when they got on commercial radio. Before 1973 and Dark Side, they were pretty obscure. I’d have to look up who their label(s) was/were, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they made a change before Dark Side came out. I’m a big fan of Renaissance and they had the same issues with a small label and no promotion except their Carnegie Hall album but they also didn’t have many short enough songs for the radio. It’s sad that radio has deteriorated into such a corporate owned mess. It truly used to be great.

[@gammaanteria]

Agree, Phil's drumming is solid (especially love it during the reprise of the opening section). Tony's lyrics for "Dodo" remind me at certain times of The Beatles' "Come Together"

[@rogerhennie8939]

They usually had one 'prog' Song on each album and they are quite good. This, 'Home by the sea/Second home by the sea' and 'Driving the last spike' being my favourites.

[@chiviking1896]

One of the disappointing parts of the next self-titled record is home by the sea, second home. Weakest prog song attempt last few records. Dodo/Lurker miles and miles better. Domino better. Fading Lights also better.

[@jonnykhatru]

One of my favourite songs ever! The studio version is so powerful, but the live Phil's vocals really go to another level. Love it!

[@deanhibler3117]

Opening song on the Mama tour in Pittsburgh. December 7th, 1983. I was 10 row back. One of the, if not the best shows I have ever seen.

[@davidanderson6372]

One of my favorite drum tracks Phil ever laid down. Ghost notes on the bass drum are so unique to Phil. Great 'feel' song from probably the best 'feel' drummer ever.

[@Dannob]

You need to check out the live versions of Dodo ..3 sides live & any other bootlegs from this era!...they opened the show with it too!!! I love it for an opener!!! .it's HUGE!!

[@HippoYnYGlaw]

funkier at times too!

[@jeremyriddell]

And there it is..hands down my favorite track on the album...and you hit the nail on the head, it's a throwback to fans of prog Genesis to allow them to move forward. Absolutely spectacular!!

[@larrylanberg3552]

It was this song that led one rock critic to call Genesis, 'music that only your middle school math teacher would like'. I remember back in the Eighties the intro music was used for Battle of the Brains TV show on PBS.

[@rk41gator]

Love that you are open for change and the evolution of Genesis. I would put this up with anything Peter did.

[@conziderz1091]

The answer to the riddle to me is a submarine. Dodo/Lurker was originally part of a suite. Starting with a track called Naminanu then on to Dodo/Lurker then Submarine. The riddle alludes to the last track in the suit. Hair of brown= seaweed, clothes of brass = nuclear submarines are made of brass, fear of fire and water = nuclear melt down or sinking, heart of stone = the nuclear reactor, no wings to fly = a submarine “flies” under water.

[@RubesGoodBrainCoffee]

Back in the 1980s, when I was a teenager, I thought Phil was singing 'Darth Vader, agitator, keeps asking questions; says he wants to know why.' Obviously, the cassettes we had back then didn't have lyric sheets, and we were fortunate whenever they would have liner notes at all! That's why I didn't even know that Steve Hackett was a member of the band until a few years later! Also, I remember from around 1994 and onward there was a Genesis mailing list called 'Paperlate.' At one point, there was a thread going around in which everyone was trying to guess the answer to Tony Banks' riddle. I remember that 'a rifle' was a popular answer. Then others would respond to disprove the answers which were given.

[@aMan-or9ij]

You weren't the only one to hear "Darth Vader". Before a concert in '82 a girl in front of me said, "I hope they play 'Paperplate'" to me. She said it so innocently and adorably I could only nod.

[@tapsX3]

In the middle of Genesis pop music era they put out a progressive track like this. Brings back memories of playing drums to this when I was in high school. You’re right, this would fit well with Duke.

[@roddmcleodable]

First of all, please don't apologize for playing more Genesis... especially this, one of the very best. Great analysis -- you're so right about the partnership between Mike and Tony as they create the harmonic environment that Phil sings in. And also how they were exploring reggae rhythms in a rock context, like the Police had done. This song is also a killer live. Chester is just an absolute beast behind the kit.

[@gpreactions3194]

This song makes for a perfect opener to a Genesis concert. Love your reaction x

[@floorticket]

Phil's fills on Lurker .... so solid and straightforward.

[@jeffschielka7845]

Hey Justin! Hope you're having a good Sunday. More Genesis, cool, turn it up!

[@JustJP]

Thanks! You too!

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@JustJP 😎

[@gelsol]

Sooper-dope Genesis track. Awesome synth action.

[@johnstark254]

Once again you nail it! Your assessment is so sentient. Love the please the progs while stepping into a new direction comments!

[@JustJP]

Ty John :)

[@Mixatonic]

ABACAB was my first Genesis album, and while it’s not in my top tier of favorites, I do still enjoy it, largely on the strength of this song.

[@GrandmasterLK_]

Dodo is awesome! You should check out the Dodo Suite on the Genesis Central channel, because it’s simply awesome. Reeeally looking forward to what you’ll think of Who Dunnit?, which is up next on the album :)

[@cedricmilford5254]

LOVE this song! Three Sides Live has this song going right into a kick ass version of Abacab. Phil and Chester on drums - smokin!

[@rationalwatcher7739]

This is one that won me over on Genesis back in the day. Abacab was my 1st Genesis album, and it actually took me little while to give this track a fair listen. Over time and some altered perception listening, it's genius really bloomed for me.

[@markfeggeler3479]

This song is one of the last vestiges - I suspect, at least - of Banks bringing in something to the studio more developed and the other two really buying into it. It is pure prog, but funkified for the 80s. Also, the layering and texturing is deep. You even get tubular bells toward the end like a well-orchestrated composition.

[@michaelhalas4287]

They opened with this song in "83 on the Mama tour--I was 6th row right in front of Mike!! Also I met Mike in 2018 on a Mike + the Mechanics tour!!

[@derekmeade6350]

Good song, you’re right, a nice mix between their prog and pop personas. This and Sara Jane for me!

[@sylvainmclean1307]

Hi JP thanks for askin,yes its a wonderful sunday sunny day. It. Begins very good ti listenin with you my favorite song on that album. The most prog rock song on that album, have a wonderful day Justin.

[@fd1930]

Great analysis of a great song JP You're definately my favourite "analysis " reactor. also, you always seem happy and smiling. Which is nice

[@JustJP]

Ty FD😁😁😁

[@gammaanteria]

Fantastic track! The one I still play the most from the album.

[@JamesHowe]

Very nice pair of songs. I really like the intensity of the various parts, drums/bass/keys. The spoken intro to 'Lurker' always makes me think of Frank Zappa.

[@yes_head]

Can you imagine how awesomely old-school Genesis this would have sounded with Peter singing? As mentioned below this was originally going to be part of a suite. If you look around on YT you can find folks who have re-created what it might have sounded like.

[@La_sagne]

this is such a good song... its taking you on a ride of emotions.. starting with the EPIC ELP like Intro into the nice smooth harmonies that give phil space to tell you the story of the poor little dodo into more epicness into a surprisingly seldomly seen side of phils singing the really low notes into continuing the story with a new antagonist who has a very peculiar way of speaking... ive listened to this about a hundred times and i havent come close to being bored by this.. i have almost broke my vinyl though by overplaying it

[@palantir135]

I do love Genesis. The love started more than fourty years ago. Completely over the top, this Dodo song, but it sounds so good.

[@scottbaker5998]

I had just been enjoying their commercial hits off Duke and Abacab in high school when I got this album. I heard Dodo/Lurker, and discovered my first real prog Genesis. My friend turned me on to Supper's Ready and I never looked back! The same friend soon turned me on to King Crimson and the Discipline album.

[@thijs941]

Yeah!!! Looking forward to this reaction for over a year now! Glad you like it :)

[@jornspirit]

...its staggering to watch how quickly and openly you listened to the changes the band made to their sound... I heard most of their albums (since Nursery Crime) just after their launch, and it took me a bit longer, although I never 'hated' anything they did - for that I was too much of a fan (Genesis were my number 1 through the whole 70s decade!)... I realized that its okay to swing my toes (or more) and have a broad smile in my face, when listening to them... they discovered physicality and fun, not least due to Phil, the great transformer... he brought already a lot of Jazz to the drumming sound of the band (loved his input on Brand X!).. I hold Abacab quite high within their later albums, even higher than Duke (to me still rather a Phil Collins & Friends album)... and I so much felt they deserve to finally have some more revenue... they just about made ends meet through the 70s... its become a very enjoyable album, once I'd thrown out my expectations, set by the past! xx PS. Justin - you're so much 'down-my-alley' with your reviews, and you always add something, that I haven't yet seen, or phrased like the way you do... its highly entertaining and educating to listen to your reflections, always!

[@krisdoggett483]

Best track on the album along with Me and Sarah Jane. Even in the 80s Genesis albums contained a song or two that let people know they hadn't forgotten their prog roots. I think Submarine is the answer to the riddle.

[@MrBlond777]

Great 👍 reaction! My favorite song on Abacab and dare I say from all of the post Duke 1980’s Genesis. Dodo/Lurker was awesome 🤩 live too.

[@CthulhuWaitsDreaming]

I am aware of the submarine solution but I think the answer to the Lurker riddle might actually be The EWF Phenix Horns. I suspect that the Lurker keyboard solo which has a brass horn sounding tone was originally intended to be a brass solo. That horn section was involved in several of their tracks at that time.

[@steenengel2882]

Many years ago I was in a band that did covers in the form of gigs where everything we played a certain night was material by a group that we (

[@todvball]

Ohhh yes!! I highly anticipated you getting to this song. We would "test out our stereo speakers" with this one...(as well as whodunnit) .

[@craigchalloner153]

When Genesis songs weave in and out of different sections they're at their best. When they turn to verse/chorus pop songs (while good at times) I'm less invested. This song along with Me and Sarah Jane best represent the Genesis I love

[@davidanania5618]

Me and Sarah Jane is an incredible song. Almost not one section repeats-the song just evolves. The psychedelic bridge into the “Outro” is gorgeous.

[@keithrichman6918]

Justin please review Feeding the Fire and Evidence of Autumn from this Genesis era. You will be very happy!

[@BryanWicks]

A Saturday medley of B-Side reactions would be stellar. Just saying. 😎😉

[@wendellwiggins3776]

I love ACABAB. I saw them Live perform songs from this too. It's stripped down but not too much and is still Prog at this point. And this song is GREAT, GROOVY, FUN/FUNKY and DYNAMIC with a wonderful story!!!! GREAT SONG!!! MY LAST FAVORITE ALBUM BY THEM. The LURKER is really COOOOOOOOL

[@bukeksiansu2112]

Most Genesis fans love Abacab, Turn It on Again or Behind the Lines but this is my most favorite song in Abacab album

[@EC-dz3fb]

Blown away and so pleased you'd do this song. 1:37 and it was all over. ♡

[@Adam-th5cy]

Phil Collins said ABACAB was a break from their past. This whole album needs to be played loud! Lurker is about a submarine. As you can tell I'm a HUGE Genesis fan. Thanks for this video!!

[@chrisbeach6642]

At last you have arrived at one of Genesis's most underrated songs. I agree with your comment that this was put on the album to keep the proggers happy. It's only recently that I appreciate this song now nearly into my 60s. I liked all the poppy stuff the best especially the title track and "Keep it dark". I'm glad you enjoyed the tracks. Looking forward to you listening to more Duran Duran.

[@dana_brooke_27]

Definitely best song on the album. Then nothing absolutely exceptionally great from them until "Fading Lights" the last song on their last album written by Tony Banks. To me it sounds like his swan song to Genesis. A phenomenal song. A great song to end it all with. This song was great live. It's on the "Three sides Live" album.

[@remokrstan5]

In case you miss Home by the sea

[@dana_brooke_27]

@@remokrstan5 No i didn't miss Home by the Sea. That song is too repetitive. That's just my opinion. I like some of their song's in between but none I'd call classic Genesis.

[@bigjapi1]

@@AWaBfantasy Home&2nd home are far away, the best Genesis song after ATTW3

[@bedfordshiremodeller4491]

@@remokrstan5 2nd home by the sea is fucking insane as it,s all instrumental with acombination of drumming/syth with som of the best synthasizer solo that i hav ever heard in my life

[@bedfordshiremodeller4491]

@@bigjapi1 Their,s another great1on their called Roll and roller. It takes agood minit before it actaully kicks but when it does it beautiful it really is

[@mauromontobbio8522]

The beginning reminds me of Foxtrot...."Watcher" in particular.... probably because of those powerful chords. A real proggy start.

[@tindrum]

Love the "Stank" face toward the end

[@DougWebb1]

I love the live version on ‘Three Sides Live’ also which allows the song to fill all the space the studio version only hints at.

[@stephenderbyshire7849]

I agree.

[@therealtwiggyleaf]

Thanks for the review! 😎

[@sorenland]

This album shows that the band has the Power of a Hard Rock/Death Metal Band, even more powerful, especially Dodo. Although I always thought that if one song should be left in the universe to summerize Genesis, like if some sort of illegal Aliens would come across that song, it would be "Me And Sarah Jane". This T. BANKS song contains everything Genesis is about since they've started until 1991.

[@johnnicholson8345]

Once again, great ears/observation. Yes, I see the opening fat synth chords very reminiscent of And Then there were three. Could easily fit on that album. We are currently covering this one and it's one of my fav's in out set. Especially with the Taurus pedals doubling the bass.

[@SpaceCattttt]

This song is proof, if ever it was needed, that Genesis never lost touch with their prog roots. What I like about this particular song is that it manages the rare feat of being both deeply ominous and very silly and fun at the same time. And very proggy, of course. It's perhaps also the one song pre-1986 that more than any other sounds like a precursor to the stuff they'd later record for the Invisible Touch album, and I'd go so far as to say that it would fit in rather well on that album, too.

[@Julian-to7ro]

Abacab is such an amazing album with an unique sound. It sounds so special and so good. So modern and still prog but also with amazing vocals and changes. Love it

[@steveobrien9937]

Yes love the dark vibe of this one....great groove,,,great power...

[@Tristanrgreene11]

Hidden gem brother I flipped the first time I heard this one too! That funky reggae thing is so dope!

[@dyrkeschaefer]

For some reason, I've never quite gotten into these tracks from Genesis. I absolutely love tracks like Squonk as well as stuff like Misunderstanding and Turn It On Again. I do like Abacab Man On The Corner from this album.

[@justintime42000]

I thought the way Phil spoke the rhythm of the words before the synth solo and the solo itself was very reminiscent of “I Know What I Like.” Listen to these passages again with this idea in mind and see what you think! It really jumped out at me, and I don’t think I felt it before now. I can’t remember if I thought this before, so it make no difference. I can’t say I really like the whole song beginning to end but parts of it are very good. I haven’t listened to it in ages. I remembered the duck walk synth part though, right before it came on. I’m glad you liked it. When this album came out in 1981 I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s cool. Maybe a little too bombastic, like it’s trying too hard to hit you over the head. Some of the chords sound great. In 40 years I can’t ask you how it held up for you over time. I only know it’s not as good for me now compared to 1981.

[@battmale]

The live version of this song on their album Three Sides Live is worth a listen, like most Genesis tracks, the live versions are a cut above. At the end of the track, it goes into Abacab which is an effective choice.

[@pilesovinyl]

The swelling of Tony's big chords was like you said a throwback to their classic prog sound. Hearing these passages live was incredible, especially in smaller arenas where the bass pedals and keyboards would "buzz" the seats. It made the entire building feel as if it was going to rise up off the earth. (Big Genesis fan-didn't like the album compared to most of the others, but as you said this track reminded me of what I loved about the band.) Keep on keeping on JP.

[@dculp9284]

Always found it interesting that while on this album they stripped their sound down to a more accessible and pop place (even incorporating the occasional reggae-like feel on this as well as "Me And Sarah Jane"), they were somehow able to maintain ties to their prog origins.

[@1mbpdf33]

This is one of my all time favourite Genesis tracks. Originally the album contained no lyric sheet. It was only in the CD release that lyrics were included... I always thought the second line said "Dark "O" with "VER" on it's side" i.e. extinct. For me, Abacab up to this point is a fine album but it's after this track where the rot sets in.

[@johndyslin798]

one of my favorite genesis songs. Very underrated in my opinion

[@pasqualemuzzupappa8596]

It makes me imagine an old sailed ship cracking waves deep in the ocean

[@colallison6152]

Cool. I like that!.

[@mikeklesic7535]

I’m an old school fan but I really dig this song! Your breakdown of this song is spot on! Well done young man

[@JustJP]

Thanks Mike!

[@philipchambers4165]

Been a Genesis fan since I was introduced to 'Supper's Ready' when it was released. First time today I've discovered that 'Dodo/Lurker' was initially going to be part of a 'suite' which would have been 'Naminanu/Dodo/Lurker/Submarine' with a run time of over 15 mins. As they were moving away from the long epic song format they decided to leave the first and fourth parts off the album and use them as 'B' sides to the album singles. A mistake in my view as both tracks are excellent musical adventures. If you get a chance Justin take a listen to the full suite on the Genesis Central KZbin channel. BTW I also discovered that despite Tony claiming there was no real answer to the 'Lurker' riddle it's widely believed that 'Submarine' is the answer!

[@neilhinks5734]

Justin, just come back from seeing Genesis... Bloody awesome butty.. Highlights Duchess.. Firth of gifth instrumental, and the superb Carpet Crawlers.. 😊 ❤️🎶🎶. If uou have chance to dee them... Go, just go Justin.. What a show my friend

[@JustJP]

Wonderful Neil!! Glad that you had a good time :D

[@analogpro7]

This song saved the album. By far the best track. Good stuff

[@richardwhite2921]

I used to think that when he sings Dog Baiter he was saying Darth Vader. Which makes sense sort of with the “asking questions says he wants to know why.” Yeah I’m a dork. Great track!

[@peetee303]

Answer to the riddle has to be Submarine which is the song that follows this in the original intended suite, it's the only answer that really fits or the only answer fans of this song manage to shoe horn in place but I will go along with it, great fun powerhouse of a song best on the album. Just "Waiting For The Big One" now and soon I hope before we get to the amazing "Down The Dolce Vita".