THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY

Oh lord, what has Gabriel gotten himself into? Composing an epic, four-sided concept album YEARS ahead of its time with an out-of-this-world concept, magnificent vocals, brilliant words, and not to mention completely upright musicianship all around from all five members. I really don't understand why Genesis catches so much flak for this album. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is an album that must be read into to understand. Things that may not seem very "musically pleasing" as it were, always exist for a reason in this album. There are many highlights.

The title track is a fantastic way to bring the listener into the plot. "Fly on a Windshield" has a stellar opening sequence as well as an excellent instrumental break into some incredible poetic vocals."Cuckoo Cocoon" heralds a bright Major 7th pattern, and splendid flute work. "In The Cage" is a dark and vicious epic with excellent keyboard work and drumming.

The entire second side is unbelievable to say the least. Even the cute and simplistic "Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging" works very well with songs like the dynamic "Back in N.Y.C.", the shimmering atmosphere of "Carpet Crawlers", and of course the pleasant pseudo-pop tune "Counting Out Time". The first disc closes with the emotionally charged "Chamber of 32 Doors", a fine and powerful ending.

The third side has some great tunes as well. "The Waiting Room" features a journey into the outer limits of abstract noise solidifying into a powerful climax. The obvious highlights are "Anyway" with its catchy piano melody and excellently implemented Hackett solo, and "The Lamia", a rather psychotic classically-oriented piece with astounding vocal hooks (Rael welcome, we are the Lamia...) and the ever-present thoughtful Gabriel lyrics. "Silent Sorry in Empty Boats" closes this side with a dramatic ambience.

The fourth side, however, wins my vote for this album. It begins with "The Colony of Slippermen". With its quirky rhythm patterns (a la Rutherford, Collins) and virtuosic keyboard passages, this song has nailed itself down as a Genesis classic. "The Light Dies Down on Broadway" is dort of a blend of "The Lamia" and the title piece. It is, surprisingly, a stunning piece of work more introspective and solemn than the former. "Riding the Scree" features an insane keyboard lead and various hard-hitting symphonic movements.

Above all my favorite part of this entire album is its closing sequence. "In The Rapids" is a melancholy and desparate song, with perfect words, and an astonishingly dark mood. Sad to the finish (though much too short). The icing on the cake comes with "It". This song captivates and astounds me with its high energy vocal hooks and excellent guitar riffery. This is perhaps my favorite song on the album, mainly because when I first listened to the album it wasn't what I expected for the ending of this prog masterwork. "It" is much better.

This album is an absolute must for anyone claiming to be interested in prog. All the negativity that has been raised about this album seems mostly based on the conception that Brian Eno's production "ruined it". The production value is not the best, but it is truly the music which will speak for itself. As I said before, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway must be read deeply into to fully understand. I do not regret a single cent on what I spent on this album and I would actually buy it again if I lost my copy (God forbid).

5 Stars, Essential to understanding Genesis, and (for that matter) Progressive Music.