MAMA

One of the few Genesis singles my father purchased throughout the eighties. The thing you must know about my dear old dad is that he is very much like the guy from American Psycho. No no, he doesn't chop up hookers for the sheer fun of it. Nah, he just came onto Genesis when "Duke" and Phil's solo album, "Face Value", were making a big splash. (Which is also why we have the "Misunderstanding" 45' too.) However, unlike Patrick Bateman, my pa simply never heard of Genesis beforehand and quite liked a lot of music off "The Lamb ". Don't worry he didn't find it too artsy either.

But let's not get too off topic talking about trivial things such as our parents music tastes. (I'm kidding) "Mama" is a great late period Genesis epic that is pretty unfairly despised on PA. One of the creepiest songs the band ever produced, "Mama" is filled with a great aggressive vocal delivery courtesy of Collins, a unique interplay between the Rutherford and Banks' bass and keyboards, and one of the greatest uses of drum machines ever. The chugging, intensive rhythms helps set the base for the menacing atmosphere that begins to build when Phil starts to sing. And oh lord, Philly Cheese-steak's scary "HA HA"ing once kept me up all night as a pre-schooler after hearing it. Wow and to think I must have been the only kid on the planet who was afraid to go to bed because he was wetting himself over the thoughts of the menacing and all powerful Phil Collins. Great song though. It's definitely one of the few 80's Genesis songs that even Gabriel worshipers should check out sooner or later.

The B side of the single is actually a rarity and is fair game for completionists. The version of "It's Going to Get Better" on Genesis' self titled album is actually a shortened version due to time constraints. Now, I know most fans aren't really clamoring for a longer version of this particular song but in my opinion, the shorter version is weirdly edited. The "Genesis" version has only one verse! At least, this longer one makes some sense in comparison. Anyways, aside from it's rarity status, I kind of like the song. It's nothing substantial and a tad sappy but compensates it's flaws with a warm, relaxing atmosphere

Quite a worthy single to have simply for the rare track. I suppose that's all I can really say about two tracks other then buy it cheap.