THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY

Why? It's because there has been so many excellent reviews about this album. For detailed review you can read what my colleague collaborator Dex F. has put it in about this album. I also agree with what Ivan has written that the claustrophobic "In the Cage" and the tittle song are highlights of this masterpiece that cost me so much time to understand and love- on first listen many many years ago (my case). This masterpiece has created great memories throughout my study as well as work career.

About a week ago I had a discussion with the senior executive of Indonesian Progressive Society (IPS) on the plan to release a debut album of another new prog band in my country at the end of this month. He said that the release will be celebrated with the live show of the new band. And I asked him on how come conducting a live show an album that has not been released yet? He answered me calmly: "Gatot, don't you remember The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis? It was released when the crowds were expecting the band to play the tunes they had had been familiar with. But the band did not play any single tune from their previous album. That represented the launch of the album". So inspiring answer, don't you think? That suffices for me to have another spin again of this very very legendary and masterpiece album! I also listened to the entire live that he mentioned during my conversation with him: the disc 1 & 2 of Genesis Archive box set volume 1. I love both versions even though I prefer the live one. Awesome!

For me this album was the pinnacle of Genesis career in prog rock where the music, the lyrics, the overall concept of this concept album are really great. The tracks that always create a stimuli for me to repeat are: Fly on a Windshield, In The Cage, Back In NYC, Hairless Heart, Anyway, and The Lamia. It does not mean the others are not excellent tracks. Fly On A Windshield is a great composition song with powerful and heavy voice of Peter Gabriel "There's something solid forming in the air ." oh man . this opening part stabs my heart at every spin of the track. The lyrics continuation that says: "The wind is blowing harder now, Blowing dust into my eyes. The dust settles on my skin, Making a crust I cannot move in.." is also memorable part. And it turns quite until Gabriel sings this beautifully: "And I'm hovering like a fly, waiting for the windshield on the freeway." JRENG! Wow . man .the music that follows is killing me man ..!!! (I used to call it in my locality language as "nggeblak" which roughly means like: I'm stunned and my mind is paralyzed hearing this wonderful musical harmony!).

The music is continued with an exploration of keyboard, howling guitars and dynamic drumming followed with continued singing: "Echoes of the Broadway Everglades, With her mythical madonnas still walking in their shades: Lenny Bruce, declares a truce and plays his other hand. Marshall Mcluhan, casual viewin', head buried in the sand. Sirens on the rooftops wailing, but there's no ship sailing. Groucho, with his movies trailing, stands alone with his punchline failing." "Klu Klux Klan serve hot soul food and the band plays 'In the Mood' .." I like the way Gabriel sings "Klu Klux Klan ." .

Note: I always grab the CD sleeve and sing along with Gabriel while reading the lyrics whenever I listen to Fly On A Windshield. No wonder that I can remember on top of my head some verses of the lyrics - especially the opening part and those that mention Winston ciggarette. Actually I confuse about this track as if we look at the lyrical coverage, the part that starts with "Echoes of the Broadway ..." is actually already part of The Broadway Melody of 1974 - but, the CD version track still include this as Fly on A Windshield. Well, it does not matter, actually - it's a manufacturing issue, I think.

How can I not repeat this killing melody music? It's so wonderful. Other songs - except the Waiting Room - are excellent as well. Hairless Heart and Fly On A Windshield have influenced many neo prog bands music - at least on the nice melody these tracks offer. Super Highly Recommended! Keep on Proggin' ..!

Progressively yours,

GW - Review #319

.. And as the song and dance begins, the children play at home with needles; needles and pins.

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