LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY by GENESIS | My Opinion

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Andy is a drummer, producer and educator. He has toured the world with rock legend Robert Plant and played on classic prog albums by Frost and IQ.
As a drum clinician he has played with Terry Bozzio, Kenny Aronoff, Thomas Lang, Marco Minneman and Mike Portnoy.
He also teaches drums privately and at Kidderminster College

[@thekeywitness]

The segue from Fly on the Windshield to Broadway Melody is flat out brilliant-no wonder Hackett still plays it in concert.

[@SuperStrik9]

My favourite Genesis album. The Lamb is jam packed with haunting and beautiful music. Peter Gabriel gives a performance of a lifetime on this album.

[@dennismason3740]

About 44 days ago I was carrying my groceries on the Walk of Fame. I am 70, I weigh 109 pounds and I am alive to tell ya: when beautiful death sits on your shoulder and whispers insane wisdom into your ear...everyday is an adventure when you carry more than you can carry and there is one block left to go and my inner Batman says "lift your knees and breathe!" I do so. I felt a pang of pain and desperation as I neared my street. I began to sing Carpet Crawlers at the top of my lungs..."gottoo get in to get ow-ow, ow out..." - watch out for slippery synapses. I made it home and onlookers were astounded by the song. I am not making this up. Thanks, Pete.

[@johnwheat5199]

"Masterpiece" is an understatement, one of the greatest albums ever made!

[@stevelamonica2297]

Agree 100%. Not only do I believe this is the greatest prog album of all time, it is my favorite album of all time. Five extraordinary stars in the musical sky converging to create magic. Simply astounding.

[@scotteagles4864]

If you ever get the chance to see The Musical Box perform The Lamb, don't miss it. I just caught them at a venue in Mississauga (Canada). It was totally beyond words. I know, I know -- I'm being presented a museum piece, but holy s**t, it struck me to the core.

[@32ndBrother]

Yes I’ve seen them and they absolutely nailed it. I 0:02 also saw Genesis preform this back in ‘74 what an absolute masterpiece.

[@32ndBrother]

Hahaha, Sorry Andy I so understand getting old really sucks My favorite album of all time no question!

[@eximusic]

They are a great cover band, but unlike the pics and footage of Gabriel era Genesis which never get older, The Musical Box members are getting older. Gabriel with a pot belly.

[@majedalamine4404]

Saw them last year in Toronto... and yeah, wow is an understatement. I was front raw and the smoke (from the show not other types of smoke, though that too), was blowing towards me and I was living the album. Respect. I dont know why we would feel bit embarrassed and talk about it being old, while we still enjoy with great pride a Bach concert, not performed by Bach most probably 🙂

[@scotteagles4864]

@@majedalamine4404 Excellent point!

[@kennethmarshall306]

I break with the consensus. I love sides 3 and 4!

[@WarrenCromartie2]

Random fun fact that I only learned a few days ago.... The song Anyway from side three was a much older song from the FGTR days which they returned to and developed for the Lamb. Banks wrote that piano part while still at school.

[@oliviermuller8214]

I remember as a young teenager hearing "In the cage" for the first time and loosing totally my mind, even though I couldn't understand a word of it (I didn't speak English at the time). I listened to the whole double album in one go and I was amazed how it never seemed to stop getting better and better - I'm one of those who loved sides 3 and 4 and still do. Thank you very much for your enlightening take on the very particular sound of this album, of which I know of no equivalent either in other bands or in the career of Genesis. This sense of tension between band members (who nonetheless play wonderfully together), and especially between the musicians and Peter Gabriel, combined with the tension between a music rooted in English rural culture and a fantasmatic fascination for America's urban underbelly... I've always felt this amazing album had a pre-punk, pre-new wave flavor. Your insight made me understand why.

[@neildobson4389]

Thanks for your insight. Two quick comments. Phil Collin's drumming is just sensational on this and I would love to hear your thoughts on what, for me, is his best drumming ever. The album itself is great but there is that jarring sense that Gabriel is writing about a place and a person that he is not connected with. It is cold - whereas Foxtrot/Nursery Cryme and SEBTP have this sense of warmth and wonderment. Still an incredible piece of art though.

[@markkusyrjala7919]

Yes that coldness on this album. So true. I cant get over it. How warm is "Wind and wuthering"? Like a warm blanket on an autumn evening by the fireside.

[@Caltops78]

I love reading all these comments from fellow music fans. I had only know the 80s and 90s versions of Genesis and Peter Gabriel’s music. Now I’m just discovering this era of Genesis. What was I thinking not giving this a chance???

[@ilabelle1]

This album is in my top 10 favourite albums in any genre. I love all the Gabriel albums but I always liked the grittier edge that this album has. Also the Hipgnosis artwork and the surrealistic story Peter wrote really hooked me. Love, love and love some more.

[@Bryman1970]

My desert album for the last 30 years. Great stuff.

[@monkeyrater]

A lot of big name musicians I respect rave about early Genesis's use of chord progressions. I hope that aspect is covered in this video.

[@scottross1780]

Movie palace is now undone is a reference to the adult film theaters that littered Times Square in the 1970’s. It brings meaning to “the all-night watchmen have had their fun” and “same old ending”.

[@FundamentalsUK]

Agree Andy , a masterpiece Been my No.1 since I got it in ‘76. Unique , flawed but nothing like it before or since 👍🏻👍🏻

[@curlessmania4708]

Well done. This video encapsulates exactly how I feel about early Genesis. I also love Nursery Cryme!

[@moontan91]

The Lamb is one of the 8 Wonders of the World!

[@stuartraybould6433]

Can't argue with anything you say and I love this album but for me personally, Topographic Oceans is my number one. Watch them twice on this tour and again after Gabriel on Wind And Wuthering tour. Lost interest very quickly when Hackett left. I always say when Gabriel left they lost the brains and when Hackett left, they lost their heart. Great album and although I don't live in the past, 67 to 79 was a great time for music.

[@CorradoCasoni]

It's absolutely my favorite album, of all genres, of all time. Listened to it countless times, each time it surprises me with some new detail. I remember the first time I listened to it, I was already a big Genesis fan... my first impression was "what a shit!" 😃 then I listened to it again trying to forget Selling England and... boom: absolutely mind-blowing! From that moment I loved Nursery Crime or Trick of the tail, but The Lamb is and remains, perhaps not the most "beautiful" album but absolutely an experience that after many years remains unsurpassable for me

[@gregarruda112]

PG was already looking beyond England and to the world.

[@elfensteen5222]

'The Lamb'' and "Tales' are the two greatest progressive albums ever created in history... personaly 'Tales' is my favorite album of all time in every genre !!

[@Nephilim-81]

Terrific opinions and insights. ❤ I find this album to truly be a masterpiece and they’ll never be another one like it. Sounds great on tube amplifiers. 😊

[@bobreed250]

How could you forget Supper’s Ready ?

[@progperljungman8218]

Love this! Great reflections!

[@johannhauffman323]

Wunderbar Video Andy ! Thanks for this. It truly is a masterpiece. I have not listened to it much lately until today. I never thought of it as sometimes meandering as a teenager growing up in the suburbs of Washington D.C. We had plenty of time back then.

[@fandru5538]

Great job as always. So funny when you loose "Supper's Ready". And you are right, this is aging, i am 68, and same things happen to me....

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Great commentary. Amazing album.

[@heresthething41]

My favorite genesis album. It bothers me when people say this is a Peter Gabriel solo project. He had nothing to do with the music on this. He did have full lyrical control. Sounds like he was the singer in a band. And the band laid down some awesome music for him to work with.

[@rk41gator]

How appropriate I am wearing my Union Jack T-shirt. Very accidental. "Quintessential" and "A Slow Burn" nicely describe Genesis. Love Nursery Cryme, but TLLDOB is my favorite album, period. Much as they like to oexamine all sorts of different situations from Greek myth to the English countryside, Genesis is indeed viewing something entirely new for them, American culture. They never pretend to KNOW a subject, but give us a view to ponder. Despite some who characterize the band as pretentious, I feel they NEVER are pretentious (with a few Gabriel exceptions). I feel the entire album is an abstract collection of symbolic scenes that illustrate where mankind is going (or needs to go) and not a simple, insane travelogue. The tension that developed in Genesis (your analysis is spot-on) helped The Lamb become so intense. How many years did I only listen to the first record? Now I love the 3rd side. OH, so I wish there was a proper video of this album. Meander? No, I agree. A little flabby in spots. But even the 'interludes' grow on me over the years. Only wish there was a little more of Steve's imprint.

[@markperry9427]

Well explained. I always feel there is a Messiah reference to the central character, mainly because of the biblical reference (slightly altered) of the title of the album.

[@mikedonoghues4018]

Agree about the tensions, Andy. In the reunion Hackett describes the keyboard parts as becoming “increasingly dense”, stating there didn’t seem to be any room for him to work within the songs any more. You can hear this process beginning on this album. Great vid.

[@ericarmstrong6540]

This is the first Genesis album that shows signs of a harder, more stripped down, sound. It's written entirely by Peter Gabriel. "Fly on a Windshield" and "Back in NYC" reflect this new, harder edged sound. I'm yelling right now "SUPPER"S READY"! lol

[@TheGlssr60]

Peter Gabriel wrote all the music and lyrics on the double album "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway"? I don't think that's so.

[@ericarmstrong6540]

@@TheGlssr60 Gabriel wrote the lyrics. Music was more of a group effort with production input from Brian Eno.

[@TheGlssr60]

@@ericarmstrong6540 Okay just needed clarification because that's not what you indicated in your original post. Thx.

[@eximusic]

If side 3 meanders, it does so with the 2 gems Lilywhite Lilith and Anyway. Anyway is my favorite song off the entire album. Tony Banks has said in interviews he wasn't completely onboard with Gabriel writing all of the lyrics and controlling the concept for this album. In spite of that Bank's creativity and Gabriel's creativity are at their heights on this album and the product is a masterpiece. I think your analysis is spot on.

[@jimmycampbell78]

Agreed

[@foobar476]

I've always loved The Lamia. Come to think of it, the only thing wrong with side 3 is The Waiting Room.

[@eximusic]

@@foobar476 yep, I agree. Back when it came out, the incidental music was really interesting if you were chemically enhanced.

[@mikedonoghues4018]

When I first heard this album, aged 16, it was Anyway that touched my heart. It has a naive quality that mirrored my own at that formative time of girls and nervous first dates. When I hear it now, it takes me back to those magical yet anxious times of emerging into the world of adulthood. It’s beautiful.

[@Hydrocorax]

"Anyway" is a really good song. It was originally written with different lyrics for a BBC project that was thankfully never made, because the LLDOB version is much better, and works in its context so nicely (here's the original: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZzPonl-bpeVmK8) Lilywhite Lilith was always spoiled for me, because the album came out right about the same time as Harry Chapin's saccharine ballad "The Cat's In The Cradle," which was a big hit, and played constantly on radio stations at the time. The melody of the Lilywhite Lilith verse is so close to the Chapin song that it still bothers me a little, almost 50 years later.

[@TheGlssr60]

Unfortunately you couldn't hear me screaming "Supper's Ready! Supper's Ready! Supper's Ready!" LOL My favorite track by Genesis. Watch ten year old girl Camila Pocovi sing "Supper's Ready" in its entirety. You'll be in for a treat.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Andy I’ve been listening to IQ and it’s a fantastic band. I love it. Thank you.

[@Caltops78]

I was born in 1978. When I was old enough to hear and sorta understand music…it was 80’s Genesis and Peter Gabriel era pop music always playing on the radio. Fast forward to 2021 when I start collecting vinyl I start appreciating all this music I passed up for years. I go to my local record shop and tell the owner I want to get into “echo and the Bunnymen” records. Where do I start? He brings me over to the E section of the shop and talks my head off what Echo album I should start with. Then…he go over to the G’s and picks up “Genesis..The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” Telling me it’s one of the best albums ever. He’s telling me about how theatrical it is and Peter Gabriel would dress up on stage as different characters I grew up with Genesis and loved “Invisible Touch” and Peter Gabriel’s “So.” The shop owner talks me into buying “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” Wow…have I been missing out on a great record alllll these years. I always knew early Genesis was different but never gave them a chance. It’s never to later to give music a chance and I’m grateful for the record shop owner to show me there was more to these guys than their 80’s and 90’s works. I’m still trying to understand the story so thanks for the insight on this record that keeps growing on me

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

It can be like an Easter Egg hunt...

[@davidwylde8426]

Looking forward to this one, as I respect Andy’s perspectives, and this is an album that has stayed with me since my late teens when I first heard it. There’ll be plenty to respond to I expect 😊

[@D_anyul]

It's funny even in the Midlands accent you reading the fly on the windshield lyrics I still hear the big hit afterwards 😂 a real iconic moment

[@IvorPresents]

The Album is brilliant. What I find interesting is how Peter Gabriel transforms himself from an upper class Englishman to a Puerterican delinquent. He is released from Juvie hall. He takes a subway home and takes some acid. The subway transforms and the journey begins. I was raised in New York and felt that Gabriel had adapted the City as his backdrop. Twenty second street resonates because I know that subway stop. A geographic advantage. Slipper men is the one I would passi on the album had I a need to cut. Grand Parade introduces Brother John. I love ; Anyway. Lamia. shades of Fountain of Salmonkis. Crawler's and, It are outstanding. Some sound design by Eno. I think. Referencing Joe Jackson. and B J Thomas. In a Wonderland type of way., or an underworld ordeal. Rael succeeds his trip. emerging with energy and Major chords. It's only Rock and Roll...and I like it.

[@idiotdrummer60]

I love Hackett era Genesis so was interested in your thoughts on 'Lamb'. I sort of go along with your English aesthetic theory on why UK prog is (probably) better than other flavours, but that is the issue I have with this album. I don't see how it fits with the EA, as you outlined by yourself. This may account for why I find it too dense and dark.

[@michaelfavreau7617]

I`ve always struggled about my fav Genesis album. My 1st love was The Lamb. I was 14 or so and it was just a phenom of an album. But then Selling England took me away to pastures and music beyond my home in Northern Ontario. Then I just loved Watcher of the Skies and Suppers Ready. Foxtrot is probably my fav nowadays but the less I listen to an old favorite the more I love it later. So in context to this video. I agree with your Lamb pick of the Best Double Prog Album. Yes`s Tales is much harder to absorb and very dense. Great 2 episodes Andy ( or rather 3 great episodes )

[@palacerevolution2000]

Love the clip. And I too have this as my favorite Genesis album. It does stand alone. Very, very dense; sonically, harmonically, lyrically. I never see it as meandering. I hate when people try to condense great double albums. Because you need the breathers in between the big moments; the palate cleansers. Side 3...I mean, I would want to use the great quote from the 'Amadeus' film: "Well, which notes exactly would you want me to remove?" I do however have to concede Tony Banks' point, that some songs just will not stand on their own, outside of the tale and context of the epic. I can't see someone putting on "in The Rapids" alone. You make such a great point that they pull it together again on Side 4. From "Slippermen" to "it". I always felt that "It", the rousing finale, was a tiny bit under produced. The Live recordings of "the Lamb" are often even better. "The Waiting Room" takes on a whole new identity. PS I like that you don't edit out when you forgot the title of 'Supers Ready'.

[@keithf_]

Quite an insightful take on TLLDOB. I loved it when it came out, but quickly realised that it didn't quite grab me as much as earlier albums. Still a great Genesis album mind, but I do prefer to listen to the other 5 Genesis albums from the classic 1971-1976 era. Standout tracks for me :- Fly On A Windshield, Hairless Heart, Carpet Crawlers, The (wonderful) Lamia, Colony Of Slippermen

[@davidwylde8426]

Great vid, and I’m not sure I could disagree with a single thing you said. As an addition to your thoughts regarding bands having moments when they’re in complete harmony and possibly doing their best work, I’d say that perhaps because of the uniqueness of every bands make up, this particular band seemed to thrive artistically on the tension, despite key members remembering it as not their best ‘precisely because’ of the experience, as opposed to the art that emerged from that experience. My one criticism would be the production. There was a KZbinr who rage quit the platform who was isolating their entire catalogue, and the isolated tracks of the bass and drums on ‘The Colony Of Slippermen’ was insane. To make matters worse, the entire rhythmic concept in relation to all other perspectives would have been so much more apparent and fully revealed, but as stands is just buried in the mix rendering the track less than it could have been. Rutherford was obviously happy to trust the producer’s judgement in whatever compromises he felt had to be made to maximise the finished product/experience. I’d have to fundamentally disagree.

[@ChristienGagnier]

I always loved the first record, especially the second side. It's like Quadraphrenia where I love side three.

[@gregarruda112]

The genius of PG can't be held to an island.

[@rk41gator]

“The Lamb” is the “Ulysses” of concept albums.....NYTimes. The Lamb was my introduction to Genesis. I loved the music but ignored the lyrics until Covid. Then I dove into it and found Peter put many levels of meaning into his crazy story. I think the album must be looked at as a series of symbolic events that add up to Rael learning to be a man (a feeling human being, if you will) instead of a childish, selfish thug. The album’s scenes are entertaining on their own, but the story adds up to a deliverance. My summary: As the album progresses Rael sees his heart covered in hair (as Harry Potter notes, this is someone who hides his emotions). Rael then reaches in, brings out his heart, shaves it off, and feels all his emotions. Yet he still cannot find love. Enter the Lamia. In Greek myth, the lamia are ugly, scary, female (or hermaphroditic) demons who eat children and seduce men. In Gabriel’s story, the Lamia are beautiful creatures. Rael is seduced, but he is not eaten. He survives; but the Lamia die. In the process, the Lamia seem to devour the child within Rael, opening his heart to the ecstasy of unselfish love. He finds that love is more than just sex, more than lust. With this knowledge, Rael can face the colony of Slipper Men. Though he loses his manhood, he does not lose his capacity to love. When his brother John cries for help in the rapids, Rael decides to risk his own life for his worthless brother. He commits to possibly the ultimate sacrifice. When he risks his life to save John, Rael saves himself. He understands what the porcupine said: "he had none to blame but himself". He finally accepts his faults (represented by John) and accepts the responsibility for his choices, becoming a whole person. He finally loves and understands himself. Nirvana.

[@dennismason3740]

Notes From a Geezer: Lamb Lies Down (and others), in the seventies, was often called "art rock". The definitions seem to change over time.I didn't call it that. I called it music. One side too may.

[@Hydrocorax]

I don't recall you reading lyrics before, except to demonstrate how silly some of Geezer Butler's lyrics were, which says something about Peter Gabriel that's not often stated: he's a very good lyricist. The hallmark of prog is ambition, and most of these bands tried to come up with lyrics that were as strong as their music. It has to be admitted, though, that most of them weren't up to that task, which I think is a big part of the reason the genre was often tagged with the "pretentious" modifier. (If you consider Jethro Tull and Steely Dan prog, their lyrics also rose above the rest.) I think the lyrics and story behind TLLDOB are a big part of why it deserves to be considered the best prog concept album.

[@kevinogracia1615]

Great synopsis. "Lamb" is a Joycean ride. It's thick and takes a lot of patience to decipher. I bought it in '76 and have never put it down {like a good book.) Musically, it's Banks... and Rutherford. The little they let Hackett play is great, and Eno's "Enossification" I suspect enhances parts. Back to Joyce... Gabriel spins an epic. Peace on earth.

[@mikedonoghues4018]

Agreed. If Hackett’s only contribution was at the drum break in “Fly on a Windshield” it would still eclipse most guitarists’ better work. The little space he has in the music, he uses really well.

[@kevinogracia1615]

@@mikedonoghues4018 Agree.

[@1eflat]

Yo, what about Jethro Tull? and Barrie Barlow? ( The Greatest English Drummer)

[@woodyoffmark7944]

I have noticed all of the American music song titles embedded into the lyrics here. "On Broadway" and "Raindrops keep falling on my head" to name a couple.

[@mikedonoghues4018]

“It’s only knock and know-all, but I like it!”

[@woodyoffmark7944]

@@mikedonoghues4018 or "my little runaway"

[@mikedonoghues4018]

@@woodyoffmark7944 I’d never spotted that one! Cheers!

[@AntonyRG1]

Andy, do you know of the guitarist called Franklin McIntire? I want him and Nic Collins to team up. Both of them to form the basis of a new Genesis. Write a brand new Genesis album with Tony, Mike, Phil, and Steve. And then all six going on tour with this new line-up with Phil singing about four songs.

[@dennismason3740]

The English take on America via Gabriel is very realistic if not a bit cynical.

[@isgray]

Andy. Gotta agree with you. Best album ever. The album I'd rescue from the ebbing waters on my desert island.(OK, maybe Kate Bushs’ Aerial would make my decision harder…) I didn't click with this album for about 10 years. I enjoyed my first Genesis album, And Then There Were Three, but this album just didn't make sense. However, thanks to some enthusiastic Genesis fan friends, I found the error of my ways. There are songs just as good - or better even - Firth Of Fifth, Supper's Ready (oh man, so much good stuff), but with Peters’ horror story of Rael trying to escape this grisly underworld is…well it hasn't just blown my mind, but launched it into orbit and its still there - three decades later! Even now, I just realised that it's Raels’ spray painted word ‘OVERLOAD’ (Raels state of mind) on the bridge that the trucker reads. The truck that hits him in a cloud of dust - because of its broken suspension? - he's been narrowly missed by Suzannes’ taxi because he's been wandering around on acid? Is Suzanne the same girl in the song Counting Out Time, which describes his eagerly awaited first but unsuccessful sexual experience? The album is peppered with sexual references culminating with him chasing after his severed penis, which the blackbird carries, that was cut off by the Slippermen - the slimy, deformed creatures. In my mind it says that Rael is suffering the effects of syphilis, and with this psychosis and delirium that makes him want to get back to his normal self i.e. John. Anyway - could write an essay on this album. Hopefully, with the amount of traction that this, and other Gabriel/ Hackett Genesis albums are getting now from a younger audience (at least according to my KZbin algorithm), maybe we could get that full blown movie. Wachowski sisters (Matrix series and David Mitchells’ Cloud Atlas), Take a look. Please. PS Is Rael even real?

[@josecornado38]

These rankings are always subjective. But I still enjoy playing the four sides. There are other records from that period I have not played or have the intention of playing again. That is enough for me

[@kingofbonngo]

Nothing wrong, but only one way to be happy. We have family and 9to5 jobs and 20 regional gigs and a permanent comitment is fine as well😊

[@shirleymental4189]

Having had many discussions with people over the years regarding 'lamb' and it's length, my take has always been 'well watcha gonna leave out'? There are only two tracks that I've never cared for: 'Grand parade' and 'Counting out time'. (take it away, Mr guitar! Oh god, please do). But a hit of the skip button takes care of that, so no biggie. Apart from that, the Album is perfect.

[@KalOrtPor]

Based on what you said about preferring uplifting, more whimsical prog, I was curious to hear your thoughts since this is certainly not that (it has some of those moments though like Counting Out Time....Wait, is that, somebody's uh, uncooperative privates - as a guitar solo? "Ah yes, of course that's how it would sound!" Oh........WAIT WHAT? DID I JUST HEAR THAT BIRD FLEW AWAY WITH-"Shhhhh, just listen to the darn music I said!") but you did rank it highly as a double. One reason I love this album so much is the downtrodden, gloomy atmosphere throughout the whole thing, quite a departure from the norm. I think Fly On A Windshield sets that tone best and is my favorite track, it just draws you right in to this dystopian nightmare world that works on multiple levels. I can imagine darkwave bands in the 80s sitting around listening to this and taking some inspiration.

[@Incornsyucopia]

Small point but Marshall McLuhan wasn't American, at least if one defines "American" as meaning from the USA. He was born in Edmonton, Canada and was a professor at the University of Toronto. However, in the context of the song in which his name is invoked, he does fit quite well.

[@WarrenCromartie2]

It's often the case that epic double concept albums suffer from a fair amount of filler, or a at least a sense that the band is running out of steam by the third or fourth side. In the case of The Lamb, I do think Genesis sustain the atmosphere and the quality songs right up until side 4, where I do feel things tart to flag slightly. Overall though, it's an excellent album; unique in the Genesis discography and genuinely progressive. Although the story is a little 'out there' the individual lyrics are some of the best that Gabriel ever wrote, and the music is some of the best they made with that classic line up. Banks and Hackett really shone brightly on this album.

[@TheProgCorner]

The second best album ever!!!

[@mishansk2]

And the best is… Larks’ Tongues? 😊

[@nectarinedreams7208]

A fairy dies every time someone says they don't pay attention to the story of The Lamb.

[@michaelhudson2912]

first disc: 4.5/5, second disc: 3.5/5

[@MrDogonjon]

I dimly recall Hacket quoted saying Gabirel "smeared red paint" all over their beautiful soundscapes. I thought it was becoming much to popular diluting my idolization... except for the lyrics which were always kept in continuity often slimy perverted details. Very Gennississy?

[@kevincorrigan7893]

The tension stylistically and thematically within Genesis was always there - between Peter Gabriel's dark, sinister, menacing, surreal (and twisted yet whimsical) vision, which came to great fruition in his classic solo albums Gabriel 3 and 4. And on the other end was Tony Banks, whose sensibility was much more twee - "pretty," symphonic, beautiful chord progressions and melodies. Banks has said repeatedly that he's not a huge fan of the Lamb, and I suspect because of the predominance of Gabriel's weirdness throughout the album. I totally disagree with Tony Banks however and think it's Genesis' greatest work.

[@BobS-0727]

I loved the Lamb since it 1st came out. It is one of the best theme styled pieces of work ever produced. I still listen to it now and again. As a New Yorker, I can completely understand Rael, especially the song Back in NYC. Personally I cannot understand why this masterpiece has flown under the radar for so long. Here is the illustrated version for your viewing pleasre. 'kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKTdhaWHmbFmZ5Y

[@Spock105]

Personally I would put Tales upfront . Tales side 3 might be a bit less melodic , but The Lamb can easy loose a few tracks such as the waiting room , silent sorrow in empty boats , ravine. In the rapids is poorly sung & IT is the worst of all....they tried a closing as Dark side of the floyd but didn't make it.

[@Spock105]

In fact , I could state here that IT is for my part the worst song that Genesis ever made . Not so much in the lyrics , but the music . I always skip the last song. Moreover , compared I find ' Who Dunnit ' in that respect a masterpiece in crazyness and a glimps of Monty Phyton . Prob. Phil who came with such an idea.

[@dennismason3740]

He's not wrong.

[@arthurpug]

Why a lamb? A passion play perhaps

[@kevindayton9757]

"Tales..." seemed a bit erratic to me musically... chaotic actually. Seems "The Lamb..." is much more accessible melodically... AND the defining difference is lyrically a MUCH better product. * Take out Gabriel and these albums ARE comparable. But...

[@HarryPrenger]

next time dont let the outside light reflect in your glasses.

[@byronlemay2166]

While I agree that it's a fantastic album and a "journey" to listen to...for me I put Nursery Cryme and A Trick of the Tail slightly ahead of it for sheer brilliance. But if I could only own one Genesis album, it would probably be The Lamb when it boils down to it. All the Gabriel era albums are the very best of prog rock IMO. I feel sorry for people who are either unaware or uninterested.

[@armandom28]

Gentle Giant are the ultimate prog band…..Genesis sound like a pop band next to the mighty GG.

[@ericmckayrq]

great vid... I recommend this fan made doc on the making of LLDOB. Peter was highly influenced by an avant garde film (don't remember the name) he saw while in tour in the US kzbin.info/www/bejne/haSQd2Z6nM-Mn9U

[@majedalamine4404]

This comment should have been on the main ranking video, but thinking about this specific album, I don't get why Quadrophenia is not a better Prog double album than this. There is no elements in this that makes it prog but are not elements featured on Quadrophenia. Unless you do consider Quadrophenia prog but ranks below the 10 you mentioned. Which in this case I subjectively disagree 😊

[@majedalamine4404]

And talking about the English esthetique, Quadrophenia gets an extra point on the progmeter

[@patbarr1351]

For me, *Lamb Lies Down* has few if any problems, unlike *Selling England,* which gets a bit too English & obscure in "Battle of Epping Forest." And "Cinema Show" drags in places. (I recall an L.A. Times interview with Robert Moog who called "Cinema Show" boring!) But the live version pretty much fixes the problems (same with the live "ABACAB"). The remarkable thing about "Lamb" is that it was written by 4 musicians working together, then they worked with Pete, who wrote independently. Finally, they connected it all up &, to me, it works remarkably. I was already an SF fan when I heard it, reading HG Wells, Phillip K Dick & John Brunner, so Rael's adventures fit right in! What does it all mean? I'd say it's about the importance of empathy.

[@ambientideas1]

A double album that ‘meanders a little’ and has ‘too much material’ can still be a great work, but it can’t rank as the best double LP for me. Topographic Tales may have a tad too much material, but it’s more focused and taut as a concept album. Lamb Lies Down has always lost me at points through the album, and I’ve long believed that Lamb could have been a flawless masterpiece as a single album. But as is, a bit too sprawling and scattered for me.

[@HippoYnYGlaw]

Meanderings about alleged meanderings? Let's focus a bit more and admit to each other Yes 1. Grand Parade 2. Counting 3. Carpet Crawl 4. Chamber 5. The Lamia could all have been improved. Good lacking some ooh, more soulful ooomph that they displayed later on, sometimes in the live versions of these songs themselves. . Otherwise, it's a classic!

[@davidwylde8426]

I’d have to disagree about The Lamia. It’s essentially a perfect track for me. I can remember it having the strangest effect on me in places within the track on first hearing it, whereby it sounded logically like nothing I’d really heard before, but emotionally familiar in a kind of beguiling sense. Like it was unearthing something in the non rational part of myself. I think music response must be truly, completely subjective in the final analysis it would appear.

[@djehuti3]

Lamia is the best song on the album!

[@HippoYnYGlaw]

@@djehuti3 the" live" version on Archive 1 certainly boosts it's rating

[@HippoYnYGlaw]

@@davidwylde8426 I was a twelve when I heard it first, so it may be due re-evaluation!

[@davidwylde8426]

@@HippoYnYGlaw that assessment wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with Hackett’s guitar solo by any chance?

[@martinspencer1618]

I loathe the sound of the RMI. And not much Hackett on here.

[@yes_head]

I think you make a great argument for why The Lamb is first on your list and Tales is second, Andy. IMO, when talking about such monumentally great and important pieces of music in the prog rock genre it's really pretty subjective at this point. Oh, and... No, Andy. You're full of sh*t! 😅

[@stevesmith3990]

Not a fan of this, my least liked 70's Genesis album.

[@gokhanaya]

I'm surprised how poorly assessed this album.. are you sure you really got into the album?!