FOXTROT

I feel that genesis is the defining prog rock band in history. each piece or rather musicion is ridiculously talented. in the "genesis" of progressive rock symphonic prog rock was the original defiinition. this has no effect on the value of prog rock in any of it's vast relativity today. essentially my point is that when "prog" was coined it meant this band. Progressive rock has an undenieabale focus on instrumental virtuosity which creates the "symphonic" aspect of bands like genesis. Genesis as it was in the early seventies would still be revered if their songs were instrumental but i think that many of the members (if not all, excluding collins only because how he changed the band) (I want to be clear that i will not bash collins. his drumming entrances me it is a mature intelligent exercise that is wholey his. His background vocals became a signature of the band. It became his band after gabriel and he was able to do what few people can do when taking over a band. so repect to phil but thats not what were talking about right now is it?) The distinct difference genesis has is the scholarly lyrical (if i may say) genius of peter gabriel's lyrics. also his vocal stage presence allowed him to put on the show that ultimately provided the cinematic expereince that many prog bands attempt to achieve but sometimes fall short. Foxtrot specifically is a gorgeous album. Music tells a story but if it is paired with words executed effectively it reaches a new and untouched level. all the songs on this album could be discussed but essentially this album is "suppers ready". well that is not true but i believe that "suppers ready" is the best song on this album and easily the best song in the career of genesis. more or less i'm pokin at the fact that this epic song is what you will hear about in this review. Suppers ready is essentially a chronological journey through time in which the music and lyrics appraies the battle between good and evil. in a secondary and equally important sense the tune describes the relationship between man and women within this epic good/bad battle and the importance of a male/ female existence to be able to reach any point of furfillment. This is the most interesting part of this piece. Specifically Gabriel suggests that the realization of an existence of a joined male and female is the only entity that can truly investigate their happiness and search and possibly find a certain happiness. The reason that genesis is so important and specifically in this song is that instrumentals paint a picture and this image maybe enough for some hardcore instrumental prog fans but supper's ready would be far less impacting without the narration that gabriel provides. lyrical viruotsity is sometimes put to the side in prog rock creations and this is because usually (a guitarist) sings and plays as well. Because of the intense detailed scoring of guitar parts, this hinders some prog rock vocalists. Gabriels lyrical presence allows him to explore a vocal experience that is unmathced by any prog band!!. With gabriels inventive exposition, genesis was able to perform a true cenematic experience that no band has been able to create except for the incredible canadian cover band "The Musical Box". If you are a fan of genesis as i am, Supper's ready should be listened to untill every sound is known inside and out. I will wake up in the middle of the night with gabriels lyrics rolling in my head as i sleep. If any one who reads this lives in, especially New York City but anywhere please contact me about genesis, prog rock or any music.