October 07, 2019

1983 - October: Genesis “Genesis”

44 minutes

Most bands make their first album the eponymous one, but Genesis waited until their twelfth studio album to name it Genesis. This one continues the trend toward pop that started with "Abacab" and "Three Sides Live," but maintains the prog rock and art rock connections of their roots. By this time Genesis consisted of Mike Rutherford on keyboards, Tony Banks on guitar, and Phil Collins on drums and lead vocals. Collins would become a celebrity shortly after this album was released.

Folks, there's not a bad song on this entire album. We hope you enjoy this salute to Genesis as much as we enjoyed making it.

“Home By the Sea”

This deep cut tells the story of a burglar who unwittingly breaks into a haunted house, and is subjected to the stories "As we relive our lives in what we tell you." The album cut for this song drifts into a largely instrumental and percussion piece called "Second Home By the Sea."

“Illegal Alien”

Phil Collins dons a fake accent for this political but tongue in cheek take on the American immigration situation in 1983. The bridge consists of a sample of street sounds. "Over the border there lies the promised land where everything comes easy. You just hold out your hand."

“Job to Do”

This rocking deep cut has a keyboard sound more reminiscent of Abacab. Collins would pull away from intensely focusing on Genesis to spend more time with family after this album. Genesis is unusually talented at the transitions in their songs.

“Silver Rainbow”

This low key track has a lot of fantasy and prog rock elements. "But if you're sitting there beside her and a bear walks in the room, and you keep on going, 'cause you're unaware..."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

R.E.M. - Radio Free Europe R.E.M. made their debut on the David Letterman show this month.

STAFF PICKS:

“It Must Be Love” by Madness

Brian's staff pick is from the group better known for "Our House." This song received some air play on radio and video, but Madness was much more popular in the UK.

“Promises, Promises” by Naked Eyes

This first wave, synth-driven song screams early 80's. Naked Eyes formed after the breakup of the band "Neon." The other members of "Neon" formed the group "Tears for Fears."

“Monkey On Your Back” by Aldo Nova

Bruce's staff pick is from Canadian singer and producer Aldo Nova, and tells a story of lives destroyed by drugs, "a dragon that bites a hole in his arm at night."

“Mirror Man” by the Human League

Rob continues the synth pop trend of this week. The Human League sang with a British accent, somewhat unusual in the music of the time. The Human League still tours today. The Mirror Man was revealed to be Adam Ant many years after the song's release.

LAUGH TRACK:

“Far From Over” by Frank Stallone

This is the only top 10 song from "Staying Alive," the underwhelming sequel to “Saturday Night Fever.”

Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”

NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.

Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.

Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!

**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

...more

View all episodes

By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings