The medleys nadir was when they started including the likes of ‘Need somebody to Love’ and other covers which destroyed the whole point of them and rather negated the power and dynamics of the whole affair. Phil’s vocals didn’t really help either as he overplayed the whole showmanship thing!
The medleys were the saving grace for older fans during later concerts. I remember fans listening with gritted teeth to the Abacab tracks in 1981 for example. Whodunnit was woeful from my perspective.
I always figured, and have said on here, that I feel that is the case. They wanted to represent the older stuff, but if you play Musical Box, Supper's Ready and Epping Forest ... there's half your show right there ... with four really good albums and a new one to feature as well (if we think in terms of the abacab tour) The medley makes sense, even if not fully satisfying. I sometimes feel like Seconds Out was the bands way of putting the previous eras to bed, somewhat. Almost like "ok, yes we can play these songs still, but we're moving on to something else. I hope you'll join us"
That's just a "in retrospect" thing. When they planned, recorded and started to mix the album, they didn't know Steve was going to leave. It was never meant to be a turning point. It happened to be, after the fact. Of course prog was a dead man walking but I suspect the guys were less aware of that than Pete was back in '74.
Is The Wall even prog, btw? (I like it, nevertheless, a lot. Fun fact, I considered The Lamb to be "Genesis' The Wall". Maybe it was the other way round ) Anyway, apples and oranges, it's not a fair comparison.
Many have already stated what I came here to say. Carpet Crawlers is a wonderful track (my 2nd favorite from the album) but the lyrics are pretty indecipherable. I think there's dual meaning here. Many of the creatures described by Gabriel are captured, enclosed, like Rael was in the cocoon, (or the cage) and yet they are heading towards something different - a metamorphosis of some sort - that exists beyond the door. Once they break free from their prisons and complete their transformation, they'll achieve oneness with everything. Very Zen, I guess, and yet what is to come next is a bit of a shock.
The Chamber Of 32 Doors We start with some mellotron and some beautiful guitar from Hackett. This song has a sense of drama mixed with beauty that is really well pulled off. In context of the narrative we are at the top of the stairs from the carpet crawlers. Musically we have a great breadth of musical styles and style here. There is that beautiful intro and then a sort of quick time section in the first vocal section. Then the song slows again and there is an extremely remorseful sounding section where the rich man stands before him and the poor man at his back. I'm not sure why but the "I need someone to believe in, someone to trust" section has always reached out of the hifi and grabbed me. The sparse musical backing with just the keyboards and the bass functioning like a tentative heartbeat in this perplexing situation. Gabriel's raspy vocal is affecting. We then break into a section that has so much lyrical reality that one could almost forget we are in the middle of an unusual sci-fi drama that is terribly difficult to fully grasp its concept. Musically it does a complete change into a slow, yet bouncy feel, that may not be out of place done by Crosby Stills and Nash. "I'd rather trust a country man, than a town man. You can judge by his eyes, take a look if you can". This is a brilliant and real lyric amongst the cryptic series of lyrics that have filled this wonderful album. We again slow down to a melancholy that is overwhelming in emotional intensity. Rael feels every door he takes brings him back to this place, and he needs to find his own way. Again though it is the emotional delivery of this song and these particular sections of this song that really hit the mark for me. A lot has been said about Genesis' technical delivery of songs and structures and the flights of fantasy lyrics ... sure there are emotive sections and songs in the catalog prior to this, but for me, this song is one of the most emotional songs the band ever did, certainly up to this point. Maybe it is something to do with me rather than the song, but this song hurts, in a deep way. That feeling of being lost while all this stuff goes on around like nobody knows or notices ... Idk maybe I'm reading it wrong, or feeling something that's not there, but this, to me is a really special song. Then we move into a sort of double time section where Rael is surrounded by a Priest, a magician and some academics (placing them in contrast with each other in the phrasing interestingly enough) they are calling out his name, seemingly trying to give him direction. Then we move again into a slower more melancholy section and Rael has his Father to the left and Mother to the right, and like everyone else they are trying to give him directions, but nobody's directions seem to be right .... and with that we come to that poignant "I need someone to believe in, someone to trust" .. Even in light of parental advice it is hard to believe or trust the information being given, because it isn't their journey, and whether they care or not isn't the point, because nobody can make the right decision for you. We move again in the little CSN style section with a trust in a man who isn't shouting about what he has found. Then we move into an emotional climax, as Rael is stood in the chamber with all these doors, praying that someone can give him direction to the door that won't bring him back to the same place he currently is. Finally he asks to be taken away. This song is so good, in so many ways. It has never failed to give me chills. It may well be in my top five Genesis songs ever. In spite of being amidst this indecipherable fantasy that is tinged with reality, it is as real as the spike of a morning coffee or the bite of a winter breeze. Fantastic song. Disc one, or side two ends on such an emotional and musical climax, that whatever disc two holds, this album will hold onto a high rating and importance that can't be questioned.
Chamber is my favorite Lamb track by a country mile. Mark has some excellent insight to the song, and I'll just add that I believe it is the continuation of the story of someone who has been longing for acceptance and searching for his place in the world (which happens in Carpet Crawlers - a track that promises full understanding once you reach the door) but once you do reach that door, it only leads to more and more problems, more choices, more uncertainty. When you're a child, you think it will be so easy when you grow up, but once you do grow up, you find that life is full of problems that you have to take care of yourself. Early adulthood is very tough - you want to be an adult, but find you still need guidance and help like a child. Musically it's beautiful and the way the music changes from section to section is amazing. Gabriel's vocals make a huge impact and the emotion he displays is a foreshadow of some of the best qualities of his future solo work. Easily the best track on the album!
Only in 1982 did they fully play it. Apocalypse in 9/8 was played as part of the In The Cage medley, during the 1986 shows. By 1987, Afterglow took its spot.
I'm glad i'm not on my own with my thoughts, as much as I love this whole album, this track is just so good, honest and special it is hard to beat if we feel the need to rate things
"The Chamber..." is such a great, underrated song! As with other tracks in the album, I think the lyrics are wonderful and moving, even if you are not aware of the whole Rael story. Gabriel's vocals are amazing and they blend beautifully with Collins in the chorus.
Easy reference guide Genesis - A History - Genesis - The Album by Album Thread From Genesis To Revelation 1969 - Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Liner notes Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 1 When The Sour Turns To Sweet Genesis - The Album by Album Thread without strings Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 2 In The Beginning Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 3 The Fireside Song Genesis - The Album by Album Thread without strings Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 4 The Serpent Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 5 Am I Very Wrong Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 6 In The Wilderness Genesis - The Album by Album Thread rough mix Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 7 The Conqueror Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 8 In Hiding Genesis - The Album by Album Thread without strings Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 9 One Day Genesis - The Album by Album Thread without strings Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 10 The Window Genesis - The Album by Album Thread alternate Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 11 In Limbo Genesis - The Album by Album Thread alternate Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 12 Silent Sun Genesis - The Album by Album Thread without strings Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 13 A Place to call my own Genesis - The Album by Album Thread new mix Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Other Early Tracks Patricia (In Hiding demo) Genesis - The Album by Album Thread A Winter's Tale (single) Genesis - The Album by Album Thread A Winters Tale (alternate -with studio banter) Genesis - The Album by Album Thread That's Me Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Image Blown Out Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Build Me A Mountain Genesis - The Album by Album Thread On The Trail Of The One Eyed Hound Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Let Us Now Make Love Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Jackson Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Trespass 1970- Genesis - The Album by Album Thread inside gatefold Genesis - The Album by Album Thread sleeve Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 1 Looking For Someone Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live at BBC Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 2 White Mountain Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live in'76 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 3 Visions Of Angels Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 4 Stagnation Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Stagnation (BBC sessions) Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 5 Dusk Genesis - The Album by Album Thread demo Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 6 The Knife Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Road To Nursery Cryme - Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Live in 1971 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Nursery Cryme 1971 - Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 1 Musical Box Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live at the bbc Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread F# or Manipulation Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live 74 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 2 For Absent Friends Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 3 Return Of The Giant Hogweed Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 4 Seven Stones Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 5 Harold The Barrel Genesis - The Album by Album Thread piano and guitar Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 6 Harlequin Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 7 Fountain Of Salmacis Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live '78 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Belgian Pop Shop live 1972 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Twilight Alehouse live '72 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Peel Sessions Fountain of Salmacis Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Harlequin Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Return Of The Giant Hogweed Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Harold The Barrel Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Happy The Man Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live in Rome Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Foxtrot 1972 - Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 1 Watcher Of The Skies Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live Genesis - The Album by Album Thread single Genesis - The Album by Album Thread b-side Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 2 Time Table Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 3 Get Em Out By Friday Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 4 Can Utility and the Coastliners Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 5 Horizons Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 6 Supper's Ready Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Supper's Ready (live) Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live in 72 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis Live 1973 - Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 1 Watcher of the Skies Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 2 Get Em Out By Friday Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 3 Return Of the Giant Hogweed Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 4 Musical Box Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 5 The Knife Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Back In NYC Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Supper's Ready Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live in 73 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live in 73 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Live at the Rainbow 1973 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Selling England By The Pound 1973 - Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 1 Dancing With the Moonlit Knight Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Demo Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live 73 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Live 78 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread isolated guitar and vocals Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 2 I Know What I Like In Your Wardrobe Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 3 Firth Of Fifth Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread isolated vocal and guitar Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live canada Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 4 More Fool Me Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 5 Battle Of Epping Forest Genesis - The Album by Album Thread instr. Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live 74 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 6 After The Ordeal Genesis - The Album by Album Thread fast version Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 6-7 Cinema Show/Aisle Of Plenty Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Full Album Genesis - The Album by Album Thread studio improv. 73 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread I Know What I Like In your Wardrobe (single) Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Twilight Alehouse (b-side) Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Live Montreal 74 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Early rehearsal edit of Lamb Genesis - The Album by Album Thread The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway 1974 - Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 1 The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 2 & 3 Fly on a Windshield/Broadway Melody 74 Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 4 Cuckoo Cocoon Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 5 In the Cage Genesis - The Album by Album Thread mama tour Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 6 The Grand Parade Of Lifeless Packaging Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 7 Back In NYC Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 8 & 9 Hairless Heart/Counting Out time Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 10 The Carpet Crawlers Genesis - The Album by Album Thread track 11 The Chamber of 32 Doors Genesis - The Album by Album Thread The Waiting Room (live trip) Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Live in 74 Providence Genesis - The Album by Album Thread live in 74 Empire Pool Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Whodunnit 3sides Genesis - The Album by Album Thread
Easy misc. reference guide A brief introduction to genesis Genesis - The Album by Album Thread after the debut Genesis - The Album by Album Thread the road to nursery cryme Genesis - The Album by Album Thread the threat of the giant hogweed WATCH: Did Genesis bizarrely predict Britain's Giant Hogweed nightmare 44 years ago? thanks @Giant Hogweed Who wrote what (more than likely) Genesis - The Album by Album Thread thanks @fRa The Foxtrot over story Genesis - The Album by Album Thread thanks @The_Windmill How the mellotron works Genesis - The Album by Album Thread thanks @Thievius Get em out by friday the comic book Genesis - The Album by Album Thread King Canute and the tide Genesis - The Album by Album Thread thanks @The_Windmill Tony banks talks supper's ready Genesis - The Album by Album Thread thanks @Mirror Image Live - Gabriel's album cover story Genesis - The Album by Album Thread thanks @rednoise newspaper interview just prior to selling england Genesis - The Album by Album Thread selling england info Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Moonlight Knight review Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Tony on FOF Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Annotated Lamb bloovis.com - The Annotated Lamb Lies Down on Broadway thanks @Funky Meadows Cool links Genesis museum - The Genesis Museum thanks @peterpyser Genesis archive - The Genesis Archive thanks @peterpyser Genesis radio shows - The Complete Guide To Live Genesis Radio Shows thanks @misteranderson Genesis the movement - Genesis - The Movement thanks @abzach Genesis discography - ~A Genesis Discography thanks @abzach Table Top Genesis - Tabletop Genesis thanks @bob_32_116 Album thread from 2007 (that I didn't find) - The River of Constant Change: The Genesis Album-by-Album Thread Some interesting stuff Genesis - The Album by Album Thread thanks @Giant Hogweed Banks Synths Genesis - The Album by Album Thread thanks @Parachute Woman Genesis A History Genesis - The Album by Album Thread thanks @The Zodiac Peter Gabriel Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Steve Hackett Genesis - The Album by Album Thread John Mayhew Genesis - The Album by Album Thread thanks @Funky Meadows Phil Collins Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Tony Banks Genesis - The Album by Album Thread Mike Rutherford Genesis - The Album by Album Thread
The vibe of this song didn't agree with me as much when I was young, but I've grown to appreciate it more over the years, so perhaps additional maturity was required for this one to click. The plaintive, soulful quality almost seems to recall "Looking For Someone" from Trespass, while Hackett's guitar work does a great job of conveying Rael's inner turmoil.
From "Gli Anni Prog": - The song is put together from separated snippets, mostly from Pete. Tony and Steve "orchestrated it" to get a peculiar sound (Banks). - Tony also believes the album's second disc could have been stronger "if only we added 2 more songs". This is what we call life, I guess. Which makes this song the most universal of the albums. It's not a single by any means, it doesn't have the right structure even for 70s' standards, but the lyrics can be taken as they are and made a metaphor of life's struggles. Musically, it's a reprise of the dramatic intro, which again is a clever narrative and rhetorical move. I was always delighted by the very end, where the instrumentation rarefies, the harmony unexpectedly turns to minor (Picardy third, I guess?) and that little chord seals everything with such simplicity yet such rhetorical effect. And perfectly matching the lyrics' narrative. It's a great way to end the first disc, and a much better ending, dramatically and musically speaking, than unfortunately It is. It's also worth noting that this is maybe the most "prog" song of the side, in terms of structure: not many unexpected deviations, but the divergence in styles between sections, as Mark already pointed out, is greater and more obviously evident. The song is also quite dramatic, almost theatrical. It's a wise choice to put it as a closer, lyrics content aside, because it would have disrupted the flow in any other place: its odd nature gains a major purpose here, whereas elsewhere it could have sounded out of place.
Remaining in concept possibly makes the song harder to understand. Like for the crawlers... who are those people? Are they real? Rich, poor, priest, magician... they all seem like archetypal figures. The presence of the parents might hint more heavily at all those entities being Rael's hallucinations, or that they take form out of his subconscius, maybe still an aftereffect of his cocooning. Unless one wants to take the afterlife/purgatory route, which I'd avoid.
