Genesis — Abacab
Album: Turn It On AgainAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1490
Length: 6:40
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Look up on the wall, there on the floor
Under the pillow, behind the door
There's a crack in the mirror
Somewhere, there's a hole in a window pane
Do you think I'm to blame?
Tell me, do you think I'm to blame?
(When we do it) You're never there
(When you show it) Just stop and stare
(Abacab) Isn't anywhere
(Abacab)
If you're wrappin' up the world
'Cause you've taken someone else's girl
When they turn on the pillow
Even when they answer the telephone
Don't you think they'll find out
Tell me, don't you think they'll find out
(When we do it) You're never there
(When you show it) Just stop and stare
(Abacab) Isn't anywhere
(Abacab) Doesn't really care
Do you want it? You got it, you've got to go
Do you want it? You got it, now you know
It's an illusion. It's a game
Or reflection of someone else's name
When you wake in the morning
Wake and find you're covered in cellophane
Well, there's a hole in there somewhere
Yeah, there's a hole in there somewhere
Baby, there's a hole in there somewhere
Now, there's a hole in there somewhere
(When they do it) You're never there
(When they show it) You stop and stare
(Abacab) Isn't anywhere
(Abacab)
Under the pillow, behind the door
There's a crack in the mirror
Somewhere, there's a hole in a window pane
Do you think I'm to blame?
Tell me, do you think I'm to blame?
(When we do it) You're never there
(When you show it) Just stop and stare
(Abacab) Isn't anywhere
(Abacab)
If you're wrappin' up the world
'Cause you've taken someone else's girl
When they turn on the pillow
Even when they answer the telephone
Don't you think they'll find out
Tell me, don't you think they'll find out
(When we do it) You're never there
(When you show it) Just stop and stare
(Abacab) Isn't anywhere
(Abacab) Doesn't really care
Do you want it? You got it, you've got to go
Do you want it? You got it, now you know
It's an illusion. It's a game
Or reflection of someone else's name
When you wake in the morning
Wake and find you're covered in cellophane
Well, there's a hole in there somewhere
Yeah, there's a hole in there somewhere
Baby, there's a hole in there somewhere
Now, there's a hole in there somewhere
(When they do it) You're never there
(When they show it) You stop and stare
(Abacab) Isn't anywhere
(Abacab)
Comments (106)add comment
Please more Genesis with the first albums
The live version of Abacab on Three Sides Lives is near perfection. A "9". But this version here is just Ok. A "6",
jp33442 wrote:
What could they do? Pete had bailed..
Phil collins should have just stayed as a drummer
What could they do? Pete had bailed..
Please go on tour and please persuade Pete Gabriel to join you, then I can die happy..
rpdevotee wrote:
The title refers to the song structure as it was originally written: "A", "B", and "C" refer to different sections of the song:
A = Verse
B = Chorus
C = Bridge
So the song went verse, chorus, verse, bridge, verse, chorus, but it ended up having a different structure - "ABACAB" was just a way for them to remember how it was formed when they started working on it.
When it came time to title the song and the album, they wanted something a bit abstract, and "Abacab" worked because it had no meaning. The album art was created to look like an abstract painting to go with this theme, which indicated that this would not be typical of Genesis' previous work. "It wasn't going to be goblins and fairies," Mike Rutherford said.
eileenomurphy wrote:
Very true! ...That is what I have read several times before this. ...Thanx for sharing the info!
Ok, i'm not that familiar with the structure of this song, and i'm a drummer, so i'm easily confused, but-
I had heard the title referred to the chords of the song (not the structure)?
And if you tell a drummer (not Phil, i mean in general) that 'B' = Chorus, and 'C' = Bridge, chances are he'll be playing the wrong bit in the wrong place!
I'm not looking for an argument, it just confuses me!
Thoughts?
Phil collins should have just stayed as a drummer
Good Tune!! Everything evolves, nothing stays the same! Thanx RP!
When Genesis realized they didn't know which musical direction to take.
Rockit999 wrote:
It is still class drumming, though. His playing lifts this track - power, control, accenting, the right thing at the right time. It's a masterclass of playing for the song. He is a class act. I don't like his singing so much though. :-(
Badabacab. In comparison with their early worx!
It is still class drumming, though. His playing lifts this track - power, control, accenting, the right thing at the right time. It's a masterclass of playing for the song. He is a class act. I don't like his singing so much though. :-(
Badabacab. In comparison with their early worx!
all cliches. not my 80s
johnfiva wrote:
His wives have done him in.
Which would be none of his own doing at all, obviously.
His wives have done him in.
Which would be none of his own doing at all, obviously.
Maurice1950 wrote:
His wives have done him in.
Saw Phil last week at genesis concert in Glasgow. A pale shadow of his fformer self in both voice and physically...being wheeleed on staage and performing form a chair...sad!
His wives have done him in.
Maurice1950 wrote:
I saw them last month, yes it was hard to see at first , but then i told myself he had the courage to do it and he enjoys it, so i forgot about it and just enjoyed the show !
Saw Phil last week at genesis concert in Glasgow. A pale shadow of his fformer self in both voice and physically...being wheeleed on staage and performing form a chair...sad!
I saw them last month, yes it was hard to see at first , but then i told myself he had the courage to do it and he enjoys it, so i forgot about it and just enjoyed the show !
Phil has undoubtably also gotten it right sometimes.
Soopertimes wrote:
Isn't it great when a song summons memories? Well, sometimes... I have too many concert memories that verge on weird, unpleasant, bizarre, scary, wonderful, etc. At least your experience was better than your sisters', I suppose.
In 1981 I was forced by my Mom to take my younger sister to a Genesis concert. I was into the Clash so this was a very difficult task for me. My sister got drunk and very ill. I have a very clear memory of standing outside of the women's bathroom waiting for my sister to puke her guts out while this song was playing in the background.
Isn't it great when a song summons memories? Well, sometimes... I have too many concert memories that verge on weird, unpleasant, bizarre, scary, wonderful, etc. At least your experience was better than your sisters', I suppose.
rpdevotee wrote:
Very true! ...That is what I have read several times before this. ...Thanx for sharing the info!
The title refers to the song structure as it was originally written: "A", "B", and "C" refer to different sections of the song:
A = Verse
B = Chorus
C = Bridge
So the song went verse, chorus, verse, bridge, verse, chorus, but it ended up having a different structure - "ABACAB" was just a way for them to remember how it was formed when they started working on it.
When it came time to title the song and the album, they wanted something a bit abstract, and "Abacab" worked because it had no meaning. The album art was created to look like an abstract painting to go with this theme, which indicated that this would not be typical of Genesis' previous work. "It wasn't going to be goblins and fairies," Mike Rutherford said.
Very true! ...That is what I have read several times before this. ...Thanx for sharing the info!
Saw Phil last week at genesis concert in Glasgow. A pale shadow of his fformer self in both voice and physically...being wheeleed on staage and performing form a chair...sad!
Bill, the album name needs to be updated/corrected in whatever database is being used, from 'Turn It On Again' to 'Abacab'!
Heard Abacab ad nauseum in the 80's, and now it's somehow great to hear again!
ACAB 1312
I wonder if Phil was playing the drums in the end with the drum and keyboard synthesizer, with a great groove that is man Phil Collins really is amazing
Isabeau wrote:
Home by the sea (1983) = Phil Collins
Not withstanding, I did enjoy Genesis, the album, but I still really enjoy the PG days.
Once Sting was a pop/jazz rebel, now he's singing old Sinatra tunes.
Moral: All musicians have their innovative moments and should be honored for such.
But, mortgages and private school tuition must be paid.
PG and Genesis are legendary. Firth of Fifth, Carpet Crawlers and Home By the Sea are just skimming the surface. ABACAB was a a playful experiment that managed to become part of the genius of Genesis.
Moral: All musicians have their innovative moments and should be honored for such.
But, mortgages and private school tuition must be paid.
PG and Genesis are legendary. Firth of Fifth, Carpet Crawlers and Home By the Sea are just skimming the surface. ABACAB was a a playful experiment that managed to become part of the genius of Genesis.
Home by the sea (1983) = Phil Collins
Not withstanding, I did enjoy Genesis, the album, but I still really enjoy the PG days.
When Abacab came out I was young and didn't know much about the PG Genesis.
All I knew was that I loved this album and played the hell out of it.
STILL love it, though don't hear it much anymore.
All I knew was that I loved this album and played the hell out of it.
STILL love it, though don't hear it much anymore.
In 1981 I was forced by my Mom to take my younger sister to a Genesis concert. I was into the Clash so this was a very difficult task for me. My sister got drunk and very ill. I have a very clear memory of standing outside of the women's bathroom waiting for my sister to puke her guts out while this song was playing in the background.
You have to appreciate what their genius did for popular music. Sure it’s pop, but SO WELL DONE.
Every time I hear Phill I picture this in my mind:
THIS is a prime example of why I lost interest in Genesis after Gabriel left. This piece really drags as a composition. Maybe in concert the effect is quite different, but the extended instrumental sections lack what made the earlier Genesis so compelling. Obviously this is only one opinion...
i like this raw energy and the production especially the fresh crisp sound on this track - a rare stande out of the post gabriel aera
btw, the wikipedia photo of the band is them playing "The Carpet Crawlers"
Isabeau wrote:
Sting sang Sinatra at a Lincoln Center tribute (and a single song on the Leaving Las Vegas soundtrack in '95), so that criticism is a little unfair as is your idea that he would need to do so to pay his mortgage. He can probably cover his financial commitments.
Also... Sinatra is awesome.
Once Sting was a pop/jazz rebel, now he's singing old Sinatra tunes.
Moral: All musicians have their innovative moments and should be honored for such.
But, mortgages and private school tuition must be paid.
PG and Genesis are legendary. Firth of Fifth, Carpet Crawlers and Home By the Sea are just skimming the surface. ABACAB was a a playful experiment that managed to become part of the genius of Genesis.
Moral: All musicians have their innovative moments and should be honored for such.
But, mortgages and private school tuition must be paid.
PG and Genesis are legendary. Firth of Fifth, Carpet Crawlers and Home By the Sea are just skimming the surface. ABACAB was a a playful experiment that managed to become part of the genius of Genesis.
Sting sang Sinatra at a Lincoln Center tribute (and a single song on the Leaving Las Vegas soundtrack in '95), so that criticism is a little unfair as is your idea that he would need to do so to pay his mortgage. He can probably cover his financial commitments.
Also... Sinatra is awesome.
lily34 wrote:
agreed! this cd and 3 sides live were constants for me for a long, long time.
OMG... 3 Sides Live! Love that album but haven't thought about it in a while. I'm pulling that one out tonight.
Int The Cage we go... Turn It On again!
agreed! this cd and 3 sides live were constants for me for a long, long time.
OMG... 3 Sides Live! Love that album but haven't thought about it in a while. I'm pulling that one out tonight.
Int The Cage we go... Turn It On again!
Vakse wrote:
If you must.
Prog-Pop?
If you must.
LowPhreak wrote:
And I would say you're dead wrong about, "...they descended into a pop-y miasma of bland, obvious and boring music after he left..." because as I said below, A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, ...And Then There Were Three..., and Duke were not pop-y, bland, boring. They were decent prog albums, whether the myopic Gabriel sycophants like to admit it or not.
You or no one else gets to revise history here to their own liking - because those four albums sans-PG cannot be ignored in the prog catalogue. I think some people make the mistake of forgetting that Genesis didn't go pop until well after Peter and Steve left the band, which may have happened anyway had one or both stayed in Genesis, given Peter's similar prodigious solo pop output in the 70s, 80s, and beyond.
In other words, the trend was leading away from prog and more towards pop. Peter saw that writing on the wall as much as Genesis did, and he exploited it as much as Genesis did. He just didn't need to be in Genesis to do it.
Excellent take down of an unoriginal, h8ful, hot take on post-PG Genesis. Thanks!
And I would say you're dead wrong about, "...they descended into a pop-y miasma of bland, obvious and boring music after he left..." because as I said below, A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, ...And Then There Were Three..., and Duke were not pop-y, bland, boring. They were decent prog albums, whether the myopic Gabriel sycophants like to admit it or not.
You or no one else gets to revise history here to their own liking - because those four albums sans-PG cannot be ignored in the prog catalogue. I think some people make the mistake of forgetting that Genesis didn't go pop until well after Peter and Steve left the band, which may have happened anyway had one or both stayed in Genesis, given Peter's similar prodigious solo pop output in the 70s, 80s, and beyond.
In other words, the trend was leading away from prog and more towards pop. Peter saw that writing on the wall as much as Genesis did, and he exploited it as much as Genesis did. He just didn't need to be in Genesis to do it.
Excellent take down of an unoriginal, h8ful, hot take on post-PG Genesis. Thanks!
Back in 1982 I would have paid real money for the joy of hitting the PSD button in response to this song.
Excuse me while I treat myself to the pleasure of doing so now.
Excuse me while I treat myself to the pleasure of doing so now.
I know it's sacrilege to enjoy the poppier side of Genesis, but I like this song. I also loved, Mama, too.
Isabeau wrote:
But that is the way of most musicians that don't die by drug deaths or airplanes.
I was teethed on great jazz, r&b and rock. This song derivative is still a good rock. As iz Shock da Monkey and Big Time from Peter Gabriel. They managed to make their mortgage while inspiring me to dance.
Nowhere near the sin of 'Maggie May' moving into "d'ya think I'm Sexy."
Once Sting was a pop/jazz rebel, now he's singing old Sinatra tunes.
Moral: All musicians have their innovative moments and should be honored for such.
But, mortgages and private school tuition must be paid.
PG and Genesis are legendary. Firth of Fifth, Carpet Crawlers and Home By the Sea are just skimming the surface. ABACAB was a a playful experiment that managed to become part of the genius of Genesis.
Moral: All musicians have their innovative moments and should be honored for such.
But, mortgages and private school tuition must be paid.
PG and Genesis are legendary. Firth of Fifth, Carpet Crawlers and Home By the Sea are just skimming the surface. ABACAB was a a playful experiment that managed to become part of the genius of Genesis.
But that is the way of most musicians that don't die by drug deaths or airplanes.
I was teethed on great jazz, r&b and rock. This song derivative is still a good rock. As iz Shock da Monkey and Big Time from Peter Gabriel. They managed to make their mortgage while inspiring me to dance.
Nowhere near the sin of 'Maggie May' moving into "d'ya think I'm Sexy."
Lot of discussion of the death of Genesis here. I gotta say, I still like these songs even if they aren't the original Genesis vibe. I think what we hear in Abacab and their 1983 eponymous album is a lot of Mike Rutheford's influence. There is a lot of the same feel as Mike + The Mechanics, so maybe not the death of Genesis but the emergence of Mike?
Omg, omg, omg.... lo-o-ong version. le pant. le pant.
Once Sting was a pop/jazz rebel, now he's singing old Sinatra tunes.
Moral: All musicians have their innovative moments and should be honored for such.
But, mortgages and private school tuition must be paid.
PG and Genesis are legendary. Firth of Fifth, Carpet Crawlers and Home By the Sea are just skimming the surface. ABACAB was a a playful experiment that managed to become part of the genius of Genesis.
Moral: All musicians have their innovative moments and should be honored for such.
But, mortgages and private school tuition must be paid.
PG and Genesis are legendary. Firth of Fifth, Carpet Crawlers and Home By the Sea are just skimming the surface. ABACAB was a a playful experiment that managed to become part of the genius of Genesis.
Webfoot wrote:
Sums it up for me (or Averages it out?) 6 rated here too and Long Live RP!!
It's either a 4 or an 8, but I'm not sure. 
Well, 6 it is.
Well, 6 it is.Sums it up for me (or Averages it out?) 6 rated here too and Long Live RP!!
Never, ever let the drummer out. Whether he's a nice guy like Grohl or a ... Collins. Superglue his ass to that stool.
Musically more intersting than I remembered though.
Musically more intersting than I remembered though.
Although I'm not a fan of Phil's solo stuff I think his was the best Genesis.
I agree:
Good Bye Genesis PSD
fortheloveofpete wrote:
Good Bye Genesis PSD
fortheloveofpete wrote:
This song is the final death knell for a once great band
LowPhreak wrote:
And I would say you're dead wrong about, "...they descended into a pop-y miasma of bland, obvious and boring music after he left..." because as I said below, A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, ...And Then There Were Three..., and Duke were not pop-y, bland, boring. They were decent prog albums, whether the myopic Gabriel sycophants like to admit it or not.
You or no one else gets to revise history here to their own liking - because those four albums sans-PG cannot be ignored in the prog catalogue. I think some people make the mistake of forgetting that Genesis didn't go pop until well after Peter and Steve left the band, which may have happened anyway had one or both stayed in Genesis, given Peter's similar prodigious solo pop output in the 70s, 80s, and beyond.
In other words, the trend was leading away from prog and more towards pop. Peter saw that writing on the wall as much as Genesis did, and he exploited it as much as Genesis did. He just didn't need to be in Genesis to do it.
You're dead on. Gabriel went pop alright and it probably would've happened if he had not left Genesis. In an alternate universe, "Sledgehammer" is the first single off of a mid 80s Genesis album.
And I would say you're dead wrong about, "...they descended into a pop-y miasma of bland, obvious and boring music after he left..." because as I said below, A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, ...And Then There Were Three..., and Duke were not pop-y, bland, boring. They were decent prog albums, whether the myopic Gabriel sycophants like to admit it or not.
You or no one else gets to revise history here to their own liking - because those four albums sans-PG cannot be ignored in the prog catalogue. I think some people make the mistake of forgetting that Genesis didn't go pop until well after Peter and Steve left the band, which may have happened anyway had one or both stayed in Genesis, given Peter's similar prodigious solo pop output in the 70s, 80s, and beyond.
In other words, the trend was leading away from prog and more towards pop. Peter saw that writing on the wall as much as Genesis did, and he exploited it as much as Genesis did. He just didn't need to be in Genesis to do it.
You're dead on. Gabriel went pop alright and it probably would've happened if he had not left Genesis. In an alternate universe, "Sledgehammer" is the first single off of a mid 80s Genesis album.
This song is the final death knell for a once great band
Ahhhh Genesis :-) So many great composers in one band. I wish, there would be a new album...
jmsmy wrote:
When I heard this in 1981 I thought it sounded like it was from the mid-1970s, especially the keyboards. The only '80s sound I hear is that "gated-reverb" type drum sound.
When this song came in 1981 - I thought it sounded like it was from 20-30 years into the Future.
It still sounds like it's from the Future.
Best when played VERY Loud on a Really Good Stereo.
It still sounds like it's from the Future.
Best when played VERY Loud on a Really Good Stereo.
When I heard this in 1981 I thought it sounded like it was from the mid-1970s, especially the keyboards. The only '80s sound I hear is that "gated-reverb" type drum sound.
The title refers to the song structure as it was originally written: "A", "B", and "C" refer to different sections of the song:
A = Verse
B = Chorus
C = Bridge
So the song went verse, chorus, verse, bridge, verse, chorus, but it ended up having a different structure - "ABACAB" was just a way for them to remember how it was formed when they started working on it.
When it came time to title the song and the album, they wanted something a bit abstract, and "Abacab" worked because it had no meaning. The album art was created to look like an abstract painting to go with this theme, which indicated that this would not be typical of Genesis' previous work. "It wasn't going to be goblins and fairies," Mike Rutherford said.
A = Verse
B = Chorus
C = Bridge
So the song went verse, chorus, verse, bridge, verse, chorus, but it ended up having a different structure - "ABACAB" was just a way for them to remember how it was formed when they started working on it.
When it came time to title the song and the album, they wanted something a bit abstract, and "Abacab" worked because it had no meaning. The album art was created to look like an abstract painting to go with this theme, which indicated that this would not be typical of Genesis' previous work. "It wasn't going to be goblins and fairies," Mike Rutherford said.
This song always sounded so mechanical to me. As though you fed into a computer elements that make a good power pop song and it spit out this. At least until the instrumental section at the end which, I admit kind of sucks me in. Good software, I guess.
Yep 
Wow, I can't think of the last time I heard this. Today it hits like a breath of fresh air.
when this was released, I marveled at how well the drums and keys were recorded/played. Still enjoy it. Turnin up the instrumental outro ! jbuhl wrote:
Yep. Love it.
I like the keyboard
Yep. Love it.
not my 80s. Sounds better now
pure and perfect 1
Webfoot wrote:
Definitely a 4 on its best day. Alzheimer's-inducing. One of the songs from the past that define FM Prison.
It's either a 4 or an 8, but I'm not sure. Well, 6 it is.
Well, 6 it is.Definitely a 4 on its best day. Alzheimer's-inducing. One of the songs from the past that define FM Prison.
It's either a 4 or an 8, but I'm not sure. Well, 6 it is.
Well, 6 it is.I dig it.
I am not in the Genesis-became-crap-after-Gabriel-left camp, but this is not an example of a good song from their post-Gabriel period.
jmsmy wrote:
I have to hand it to you, if I now would date this song merely by how it sounds, I might say it is from 1984, indeed 3 years in the future. Now however, 1984 is well in the past I'm afraid.
jmsmy wrote:
When this song came in 1981 - I thought it sounded like it was from 20-30 years into the Future.
It still sounds like it's from the Future.
It still sounds like it's from the Future.
I have to hand it to you, if I now would date this song merely by how it sounds, I might say it is from 1984, indeed 3 years in the future. Now however, 1984 is well in the past I'm afraid.
Prog-Pop?
Horrible! Make it stop!
ncollingridge wrote:
For me, it's not about the fact that PG left Genesis, but more the fact that they descended into a pop-y miasma of bland, obvious and boring music after he left. There is nothing special about this song - it is just simple straightforward 80s pop, and not even a particularly inspired version of that. There were one or two pleasant enough tracks on their post-PG albums, but for me it's mainly "move on, nothing to see here".
And I would say you're dead wrong about, "...they descended into a pop-y miasma of bland, obvious and boring music after he left..." because as I said below, A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, ...And Then There Were Three..., and Duke were not pop-y, bland, boring. They were decent prog albums, whether the myopic Gabriel sycophants like to admit it or not.
You or no one else gets to revise history here to their own liking - because those four albums sans-PG cannot be ignored in the prog catalogue. I think some people make the mistake of forgetting that Genesis didn't go pop until well after Peter and Steve left the band, which may have happened anyway had one or both stayed in Genesis, given Peter's similar prodigious solo pop output in the 70s, 80s, and beyond.
In other words, the trend was leading away from prog and more towards pop. Peter saw that writing on the wall as much as Genesis did, and he exploited it as much as Genesis did. He just didn't need to be in Genesis to do it.
For me, it's not about the fact that PG left Genesis, but more the fact that they descended into a pop-y miasma of bland, obvious and boring music after he left. There is nothing special about this song - it is just simple straightforward 80s pop, and not even a particularly inspired version of that. There were one or two pleasant enough tracks on their post-PG albums, but for me it's mainly "move on, nothing to see here".
And I would say you're dead wrong about, "...they descended into a pop-y miasma of bland, obvious and boring music after he left..." because as I said below, A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, ...And Then There Were Three..., and Duke were not pop-y, bland, boring. They were decent prog albums, whether the myopic Gabriel sycophants like to admit it or not.
You or no one else gets to revise history here to their own liking - because those four albums sans-PG cannot be ignored in the prog catalogue. I think some people make the mistake of forgetting that Genesis didn't go pop until well after Peter and Steve left the band, which may have happened anyway had one or both stayed in Genesis, given Peter's similar prodigious solo pop output in the 70s, 80s, and beyond.
In other words, the trend was leading away from prog and more towards pop. Peter saw that writing on the wall as much as Genesis did, and he exploited it as much as Genesis did. He just didn't need to be in Genesis to do it.
LowPhreak wrote:
Yet Peter Gabriel went on to make many of the most commercial pop hits after he left Genesis, especially in the 80s, as much or more than Phil or Genesis. Or did some of you forget about that? Much of Peter's stuff was derided by proggers at the time as 'yuppie music'.
Not to mention conversely, Genesis still made several very decent prog albums after Peter left - such as A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, ...And Then There Were Three..., and Duke. I don't recall Peter making any prog albums like that after he left; at best some of his stuff could be called 'progressive pop', the same sub-genre I'd say Abacab is.
We've gone all over this in other discussions here on Genesis tunes. Some of you need to get over the 40-year old "PG left Genesis...waaa!" meme. It never made any sense and doesn't stand up to scrutiny.
For me, it's not about the fact that PG left Genesis, but more the fact that they descended into a pop-y miasma of bland, obvious and boring music after he left. There is nothing special about this song - it is just simple straightforward 80s pop, and not even a particularly inspired version of that. There were one or two pleasant enough tracks on their post-PG albums, but for me it's mainly "move on, nothing to see here".
Yet Peter Gabriel went on to make many of the most commercial pop hits after he left Genesis, especially in the 80s, as much or more than Phil or Genesis. Or did some of you forget about that? Much of Peter's stuff was derided by proggers at the time as 'yuppie music'.
Not to mention conversely, Genesis still made several very decent prog albums after Peter left - such as A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, ...And Then There Were Three..., and Duke. I don't recall Peter making any prog albums like that after he left; at best some of his stuff could be called 'progressive pop', the same sub-genre I'd say Abacab is.
We've gone all over this in other discussions here on Genesis tunes. Some of you need to get over the 40-year old "PG left Genesis...waaa!" meme. It never made any sense and doesn't stand up to scrutiny.
For me, it's not about the fact that PG left Genesis, but more the fact that they descended into a pop-y miasma of bland, obvious and boring music after he left. There is nothing special about this song - it is just simple straightforward 80s pop, and not even a particularly inspired version of that. There were one or two pleasant enough tracks on their post-PG albums, but for me it's mainly "move on, nothing to see here".
When this song came in 1981 - I thought it sounded like it was from 20-30 years into the Future.
It still sounds like it's from the Future.
Best when played VERY Loud on a Really Good Stereo.
It still sounds like it's from the Future.
Best when played VERY Loud on a Really Good Stereo.
Johnny-smooth wrote:
Yet Peter Gabriel went on to make many of the most commercial pop hits after he left Genesis, especially in the 80s, as much or more than Phil or Genesis. Or did some of you forget about that? Much of Peter's stuff was derided by proggers at the time as 'yuppie music'.
Not to mention conversely, Genesis still made several very decent prog albums after Peter left - such as A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, ...And Then There Were Three..., and Duke. I don't recall Peter making any prog albums like that after he left; at best some of his stuff could be called 'progressive pop', the same sub-genre I'd say Abacab is.
We've gone all over this in other discussions here on Genesis tunes. Some of you need to get over the 40-year old "PG left Genesis...waaa!" meme. It never made any sense and doesn't stand up to scrutiny.
geez, this is bad
when Genesis lost Gabriel, they really were no longer Genesis
when Genesis lost Gabriel, they really were no longer Genesis
Yet Peter Gabriel went on to make many of the most commercial pop hits after he left Genesis, especially in the 80s, as much or more than Phil or Genesis. Or did some of you forget about that? Much of Peter's stuff was derided by proggers at the time as 'yuppie music'.
Not to mention conversely, Genesis still made several very decent prog albums after Peter left - such as A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, ...And Then There Were Three..., and Duke. I don't recall Peter making any prog albums like that after he left; at best some of his stuff could be called 'progressive pop', the same sub-genre I'd say Abacab is.
We've gone all over this in other discussions here on Genesis tunes. Some of you need to get over the 40-year old "PG left Genesis...waaa!" meme. It never made any sense and doesn't stand up to scrutiny.
Dug it then. Dig it now. 
This song still sounds like it's from the Future
For me this song marks the splat on the pavement after a long fall that started when Phil did away with any semblance of art.
I like the keyboard
Johnny-smooth wrote:
Amen to that!
geez, this is bad
when Genesis lost Gabriel, they really were no longer Genesis
when Genesis lost Gabriel, they really were no longer Genesis
Amen to that!
Like it or not (I do), but yes, a travesty that this is the radio edit version, totally cutting the keyboard solo. I personally think they did a good job reinventing themselves for the 80s/new wave/pop music scene, and I stuck with them to the bitter end. Favorites from the different eras: Selling England by the Pound, Trick of the Tail, the "Shapes" album.
Album version: 7
Radio Edit version just heard: 3
Album version: 7
Radio Edit version just heard: 3
Used to play the hell out of this cassette (whoa!) when I was in 8th grade/freshmen year of H.S. Personally, I think this is a great album.
Ears_of_Stone wrote:
A "3" from me, for nostalgia as well. I found this dull and soulless (titling a song from its structure?) when it was released, and the years have not improved it for me. There was a lot of worse stuff out at this time, though.
An "8" from me on simple nostalgia alone.
A "3" from me, for nostalgia as well. I found this dull and soulless (titling a song from its structure?) when it was released, and the years have not improved it for me. There was a lot of worse stuff out at this time, though.
ChileAle wrote:
Have to agree. Everything Genesis post-Gabriel has the sound of "trying to be a great band sans the heart and mind". Never quite make it. Too strained.
Boo, I though RP was Phill Collins-Free... too pop for me and to bear the noble Genesis name. Sorry I'm just a Peter Gabriel die-hard
Have to agree. Everything Genesis post-Gabriel has the sound of "trying to be a great band sans the heart and mind". Never quite make it. Too strained.
in the land before pcs, before cds, there was fm radio...and they played the hell out of this song, so much so that i can live the rest of my days and not have to hear it again. one of those neverending songs we referred to as "bathroom breaks"...
Keltia wrote:
agreed! this cd and 3 sides live were constants for me for a long, long time.
Thanks RP! Although the live version on "Three Sides Live" is really much better and longer.
agreed! this cd and 3 sides live were constants for me for a long, long time.
Thanks RP! Although the live version on "Three Sides Live" is really much better and longer.
Sadly, all downhill after Duke 
Better when Gabriel was still part of the band. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway was their finest album. Did I hear Phil Collins is now retired? Boy, do I feel old.
Better when Gabriel was still part of the band. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway was their finest album. Did I hear Phil Collins is now retired? Boy, do I feel old. LuvWilloughby wrote:
Same thoughts exactly. My high school room mate loved Genesis, sort of had me brainwashed for a bit. Now I was just saying to myself: "What was he thinking?"
I have to admit that back in the day, I listened to it.
This clearly hasn't aged well at all and if I never have to hear abacab and sussudio ever again then that would be just fine.
This clearly hasn't aged well at all and if I never have to hear abacab and sussudio ever again then that would be just fine.
Same thoughts exactly. My high school room mate loved Genesis, sort of had me brainwashed for a bit. Now I was just saying to myself: "What was he thinking?"
Wait, was this the shortened version? Please don't cut out the long keyboard piece, that is the best part!
geez, this is bad
when Genesis lost Gabriel, they really were no longer Genesis
when Genesis lost Gabriel, they really were no longer Genesis
Boo, I though RP was Phill Collins-Free... too pop for me and to bear the noble Genesis name. Sorry I'm just a Peter Gabriel die-hard
An "8" from me on simple nostalgia alone.
I have to admit that back in the day, I listened to it.
This clearly hasn't aged well at all and if I never have to hear abacab and sussudio ever again then that would be just fine.
This clearly hasn't aged well at all and if I never have to hear abacab and sussudio ever again then that would be just fine.
I love this! Play more Genesis, from the teenage years, through midlife, to adulthood.
Great choice Bill. :-) Blast from the past... See, the 80's weren't a total waste of time after all. :-)
mineralBOB wrote:
i'm with you. i love older genesis just as much, but this whole cd means something to me.
i wonder if Sean-E-Sean is listening!
Great to hear this on RP.
Very interesting phase of Genesis from the dark middle ages of modern music ;-)
Very interesting phase of Genesis from the dark middle ages of modern music ;-)
i'm with you. i love older genesis just as much, but this whole cd means something to me.
i wonder if Sean-E-Sean is listening!
Wow, a bit of a gap in the length of time between broadcasts of this song! Lots of miles driving to this album...
ianguy wrote:
I agree 100%, pure rubbisch!
Yuk! Phil is a fine drummer, but...I mean, come on!
I agree 100%, pure rubbisch!
Best thing they ever did...
Great to hear this on RP.
Very interesting phase of Genesis from the dark middle ages of modern music ;-)
Very interesting phase of Genesis from the dark middle ages of modern music ;-)
aelfheld wrote:
Am I the third caller?!?
Did I get the tickets?!?
Huh?!?
Did I?!?
Did I get the tickets?!?
Huh?!?
Did I?!?
giraffefan wrote:
Took 9 years to reply but this is still true. Yes its pop but hey sit and have fun.
Very good song, 3 Sides Live version is even betterEdited By giraffefan at 9:27 am on 4/29/2003
Took 9 years to reply but this is still true. Yes its pop but hey sit and have fun.
Yup... There's a hole in there somewhere..
willrobinson wrote:
no need to leave a comment. this guy nailed it.
Genesis Starship
no need to leave a comment. this guy nailed it.
Am I the third caller?!?
Did I get the tickets?!?
Huh?!?
Did I?!?
Did I get the tickets?!?
Huh?!?
Did I?!?
Genesis Starship
"Turn it on again" indeed.
Yuk! Phil is a fine drummer, but...I mean, come on!
Very good song, 3 Sides Live version is even better
Good song, and I hope it gets played on RP soon.
Once Sting was a pop/jazz rebel, now he's singing old Sinatra tunes.
Moral: All musicians have their innovative moments and should be honored for such.
But, mortgages and private school tuition must be paid.
PG and Genesis are legendary. Firth of Fifth, Carpet Crawlers and Home By the Sea are just skimming the surface. ABACAB was a a playful experiment that managed to become part of the genius of Genesis.
I know most of these comments are old (like this one 5 years ago) but two things: The album was named ABACAB, and Home By the Sea was on the eponymous album "Genesis" in 1983 so was also post PG.