That song started when Anthony Philips was still in the band. He was responsible for the initial guitar sequence. Then he left the band. Genesis then toured as a four-piece band for a certain time, which led Tony to use his electric piano (clavinet) with a fuzz box (the middle section). As Mike was busy developing the rhythm guitar part, he bought a Moog bass pedal section to play his bass part. Then Phil came along and developed that complicated drum part in the middle. Then Steve came along and elaborated the guitar solo. In the end, Tony composed the majestic ending on his Hammond organ over which Peter sung his closing lyrics. It's funny how that song evolved over that important one year period. When they came into the studio, in September 1971, they had spent the preceding year developing that masterpiece. That song wasn't done overnight with Cubase. It was the result of everybody's input, which makes this song a very band song. Great stuff!!!
Thank you for sharing the information. Been a fan of this band since Trespass and have been on onboard since that time period. Have to admit, I prefer the earlier compositions, but their place in history is embedded with their entire body of work. Thank the powers that be Steve continues to carry the torch for this band.
Apparently, you can list atleast 7 people responsible for composing this track, making it the largest amount of direct contributors that any Genesis song has.
This is true with most bands. Their best work is done when they are young and hungry, eager to prove themselves, playing maybe 300 shows per year, living on the road, without any other distractions like family, where band is tight, playing together every single day. Eventually band members get married, more successful and don't feel the pressure to work that hard. That's not a criticism - that's just how life works.
The section between 8:12 and 10:00 here - mostly instrumental and dominated by those guitars and Phil's subtle drumming and cymbal work - so admirably conveys a dreamlike feeling, a journey into a cjharmed space, or outside of ordinary time.I love how Phil avoids hitting at the points where you'd have expected him to strike and instead striking the timpani off beat, pulling us inside Harry's fantasies
@@acfiv1421 This isn't an explanation for the question how 20-year-old guys are able to write and compose and perform such grown-up stuff. The question is where this kind of genius comes from, not the hard work or dedication.
Masterpiece it is. I think Genesis is the best band of the 20th century, but I am floored they won such a showdown with so many others in your poll. Bravo!
I was here at the beginning of Daily Doug. You helped me extremely to pass through the Covid Pandemic and here in Brazil, specially, with darker times than you could possibly imagine... Now i see 22 thousands of views on a video recently released and this warms my heart. I think the Progressive Rock community have this happines in ourselves because it's not a common type of music outside our cultural niche (And here in Brazil then... You can't even imagine). So glad to see you covering all the bands i love and beign enthusiastic with it. Your content alongside with Rick Beato's are a true bless to UA-cam and to humanity.
Tony Banks' hymnal chords on the Hammond are so epic. When Peter sings "casting doubt on all I have to say" over Tony's move to the vi chord, you feel the despair and weight of the lyric and the story.
I first saw Genesis play this on the Foxtrot tour in late 1972 in Birmingham. The whole show astounded me, not just the great music but all of Peter's costumes and theatricality. I saw Steve and his band play two weeks ago in Manchester, and it was just as astounding. He received a standing ovation at the end of the first half of the show, before the interval. I've never witnessed that before.
We are blessed to have such early live footage of these first wave prog bands. This was back when Genesis were still a little cult band just starting to make headway on the continent. Peter's voice did always have a lot of color; which is why he was drawn to soul music as a kid as much as anything else. But what's also good to see is how involved Phil was with the vocals even on his first album with the band. Note also the early bass pedal unit at Mike's feet, Steve's early use of tapping, and Peter's bass drum (he started as a drummer, which explains why he's always been interested in percussion). Re: the creepiness factor, welcome to the Wonderful World of Peter Gabriel! Have you heard "Intruder" yet?
I knew Tony played guitar from seeing it in album credits, but don’t think I ever saw video of him doing so. He’s always been one of my top 5 keyboardists. And Firth Of Fifth alone makes him an amazing composer/performer!
So glad that Steve is still around to play these classics. I saw him maybe 10 years ago doing his Genesis Revisited sets and he played this and other classics. And saw him just the other week playing excerpts from the Lamb. He’s as good as ever.
@@chrisl7902 well worth the ticket price especially if you like the early material … saw Steve and his band in 2014 and 2019 … very good and brought me to tears at several points during the show 🙂
OMG, I missed The Lamb tour concert on March 1975, as I listen to them that summer for the first time. Even some friends of mine, which are not Genesis fans, confess that it was the best concert they ever attended.
@@EixtremeDrummer there’s a bootleg vinyl of the Los Angeles show, the one I attended as a Senior in High School … it was so memorable that when I saw Hackett play in 2014 I cried it was so moving to hear those songs live again
I saw Genesis in 1973 doing this at New Yorks Philharmonic Hall as to this day being the only band to perform there. The start of the concert was epic with "Watcher of the Skies"
My favorite Genesis' song. This Belgium TV Special was my introduction to Genesis live! I've seen it on a VHS tape back in 1989 or 1990, and still one of my favorite performances by them! Unfortunatelly, I've never had a chance to get it on vinyl (it does exist, but I vener find a bootleg with this), but it still sounds amazing over 50 years later! And this special introduced me to "Twilight Olehouse", that I've never heard before this, and become one of my favorites also!
Damn... Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins singing together live are such a joy to behold, and a lot of the character in their voices was already their in 1972, and it just didn't come through in the studio until they went solo. Peter's growl and Phil's angelic descants are just phenomenal.
There is a decent “cover” band called “The Musical Box” that does a great job doing Genesis (I think even endorsed byPG but you didn’t hear that from me) … they did the “Lamb” as well as other early Genesis …
@@johnheyyuri231 my first concert EVER was Genesis February 1977 … I sadly missed out on the PG years… it was an incredible show… they certainly had their moments after PG but “Follow You/Follow Me” IMHO marked their demise…
@@richardbradley1532 Yeah too many ignorant directors failed to capture his exquisit guitar work because he didn’t stand up and play for the camera. Often they would show Mike strumming along, or Gabriel doing nothing (understandable, as he was the focal point), or Tony playing some chords, while missing Hackett’s brilliant tapping or underrated coloring for the song.
When Steve did Genesis Revisted someone asked him if he was going to use the original gear. He reply was something along the lines of "are you mad?" 😂 Just incredible they could pull this off at all, let alone with with what they had to play through. It still looks and sounds amazing.
Today who would use an RMI 368 like Tony used? I threw mine away. I had no idea people would pay me for "vintage gear." As for Mellotron, no one would use that today! Arp Pro Soloist? Can be done with a keyboard that incorporates the rest.
Peter Gabriel was about 22 years old here (though he looks like he could be just 18 or 19). And even though I think Peter is one of the greatest singers and recording artists of the rock era, with many amazing songs and performances, I don't know that he has ever topped this particular performance from 1972. He was absolutely on fire here.
I think his vocal performance of this song from the first Genesis Live album is one of the greatest vocal deliveries in rock. This version is also terrific. But Gabriel's real peak for powerful vocal moments has still got to be Supper's Ready' esp from Apocalypse til the end, this raised the bar for rock singing both for sheer power with the tonal spread of three people and a devastating emotional delivery that made it clear that this singer really means every word he utters..
@@markjohnson4217 For me, the emotional delivery of Peter Gabriel - Heroes (Live in Verona 2010) is his pinnacle performance, and I think all of Genesis musical works are superb. Thanks, Doug.
Thank you for this reaction. This is truly a wonderful song - of the kind that nobody makes anymore. The dynamic range is incredible, from soft to loud and all over again (some kinship to "When the Music's over" in this respect). Composition wise a bit unpolished at times but that is actually something that enhances the golden 1970's prog vibe.
This reminds me of seeing them live, 3 times in 71 and 72 at Farnborough technical college. Always ended with “The Knife” but Musical Box was always my favourite. Sitting on the floor, chilling out after a doobie, 17 and loving the music. Thanks for the memory Doug.
This band originated mostly from Charterhouse School. They were allowed to use the piano in the dining room outside the eating hours to do their songs (to see where the came from, listen to their first album, From Genesis To Revelation. Yes. Genesis is a schoolband :) At the time of this TV performance they were still driving around England for gigs, sometimes entertaining people who actually had come to dance to some live music. They didn't, just sat down to listen. That must have been a fascinating time to follow their rise, starting with Foxtrot when they hit Italy with it and their fame exploded!
Hey Doug, you been watching Rick Beato :D He had a great Tube a couple of days ago about the difference between creativity before the age of 30 and afterwards.
Really? Have you heard Cinema Show? Be prepared to fall out of your couch, then. This is a youtube link. Apparently yt won't let me paste it in here. vE-TbFommzk
Thanks to Doug, I've watched this recording a few times now. Not least, the wonderful Fan Favourites episode. And I agree with many others - its about the best of this fantastic song. Mostly, because it showcases all the actual band members who wrote the song, but playing it in its original context and who actually played and sang what on the album. And how YOUNG they all were - all such brilliant musicians. Loved seeing Steve's true contribution - not the mixed-down versions of the future. And proof that Steve was using tapping in 1971 - OK, he did not invent the technique (I think that goes well back to Jazz) but he can surely claim to be the one who introduced it into mainstream rock, I think (hold my tea, Eddie...?) And of And Phil's early backing vocals - back in the day, few of us realised just how much Phil added to the vocals, right from the start. I didn't. And Tony playing lovely 12-string â la Supper's Ready. And Mike's guitar and bass pedals - easy to forget just how important Mike's guitar always was, complementing Steve. But, perhaps especially, seeing Pete at his very best. No gimmicks, just passion and colour and power. LOVED it! Hope you and Meg are having a great vacation, buddy!!
@@pongosnodgrass7014 Indeed he was! And some jazz guitarists well before him. Hackett was probably the first to introduce the technique into prog/heavy rock.
Thanks for your personal review in the last words, Doug. Besides the great music we can enjoy on this channel, you are kind of like the best buddy, sitting beside on the couch, with whom I used to chat about the songs. Which I miss since school days. Keep on grooving!
Reminders of what an absolute beast of a drummer Phil Collins was. Compare this to the more straight ahead pop stuff they did after Peter Gabriel left. It made them commercially much more successful but were they ever this creative and adventurous post Peter?
Having watched your brilliant conversation with the beautiful Annie Haslam again the other day I’ve just listened to her version of Going Home from the album she mentioned, Wow I’d love you to give that a listen to see what you think of it. She has the voice of an angel. Great channel Doug.
wow peters voice . so impactful. but yes a very different band considered rock but art. I love the British bands being so creative, not afraid to be different. in new Zealand the closest we had with this type of art rock progressive new wave was Split Enz whos music was super different but they had enough conventional stuff to keep you guessing. they moved onto Crowded House after that for more commercial stuff Neil Finn is world renowned for writing songs.
Genesis played in my home town back in the day probably 1972 promoting the nursery crime album, absolutely fantastic show in a small venue, l was down at the front and could almost touch Peter Gabriels platform shoes, I was about 16 at the time, changed my life, I've never forgotten that night, 🔊👍
Thank you for making my day with this comment👌. I was a teenager when I heard this song for the first time and was immediately emotionally captured by Genesis and Peter Gabriel. luckily I was able to see them live in the 80's. Afterwards you talk about David Gilmour and Nightwisch, their new albums are great, and yes "Floor Jansen's voice" conquers everyone.😘
Good quality recording and vid, thanks. Still think the most impactful view is the 'Midnight Special' with Gabriel's theatrics, makeup and prosthetics.
This old stuff against the We Can't Dance stuff is an interesting comparison. I love the stuff from Trespass to Duke, although by then, their sound changed. I do have all the other later albums but still prefer this era.... Gabriel was a hard act to follow but Collins, in those first few albums after Gabriel's departure did very well, I think it was Hackett's departure that made the total change in direction they took.....and he's the only one still keeping this stuff alive....
They came and played at my school the month before Nursery Cryme came out. I have seen them numerous times since and also go to see Steve Hackett and The Musical Box and an amazing Italian cover band called the Watch.
I've always thought that this song was loosely based on the 1961 gothic psychological horror film _"The Innocents",_ directed by Jack Clayton, starring Deborah Kerr, Michael Redgrave, and Megs Jenkins, and based on the 1898 novella _"The Turn of the Screw"_ by Henry James. There's a musical box in it, and the two children in the governess' charge are possessed by the ghosts of Quint and Miss Jessel so they can physically continue their relationship. You should really watch it if you can. There are echoes of the idea in Kate Bush's _"The Infant Kiss."_ {:o:O:}
A dark Victorian murder tale put to music. Who does that?! Genesis. Amazing. They were so avant-garde at that time. Still, these London guys were not naive, but maybe a little cynical. What an era! Energy, yes. Impact, yes. Giving us mind-blowing excellence. We are so lucky to have had this time and all these performers. So many great bands and music!
LOVE THIS… but I would say that an even more stunning (though shortened) was their live performance on “THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL”… (you can find it online) Gabriel dons makeup and costume and acts out the ending in a magnificent way. Even changes his vocals to reflect the Old Henry… It’s mesmerizing and worth your time. Cheers!
For the Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot and Selling England albums, Peter Gabriel asked Paul Whitehead to paint a picture for the cover and he wrote songs around the images. Whitehead included the same image of the croquet game on the rear of Foxtrot (hence the reference during Supper’s Ready)
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think an analysis of a Gabriel Era Genesis song would ever happen on a YT channel. An analysis of a live performance of The Musical Box is icing on the cake ! Well done! Thank You for giving this band some much deserved recognition.
@@eddieloid Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, he's also done Wind & Wuthering and the Duke Suite which are post-Gabriel. Pretty much all of them are over on his Patreon.
Great clip. Never seen that before. Very interesting concept. Some of my favourite TV performances include Curtis Mayfield on the Beat Club Workshop in 1972, Kendrick Lamar I on SNL and The Jam on The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1978.
A then current girlfriend & I discovered the , shall we say, 'physical' rhythm of this track one afternoon while listening to 'Seconds Out', even on the lounge floor perhaps. Whenever I've heard this track since, that memory always comes back, even before I heard your explanation of the background to the lyrics. ( Totally true story )
Saw this line up live several times around this time, both before and after Peter Gabriel left. It was common for bands of this era to perform in local sports centres and civic halls with a few hundreds of people in the audience.....I was in the last few years of secondary school (high school in the US...).
Your brain actually continues to grow until your mid twenties. Once the neuro pathways are set, a certain age comes into play 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks'. Obviously learning and creativity don't stop, but there is an impact.
Genesis is a worthy winner in anything. Even if there are no losers, such as that list. I think Doug is spot on the whole way through. Including the early 20s age range usually being the peak for many artists. I've been thinking about that lately myself. Doug, if you are out there reading this, I recommend a full album react for Nightwish Yesterwynde. I think it's an anomaly and one of the best albums in a while. Perhaps an anomaly as it's from a mid 40s composer producing perhaps the most bold and genius album of his career. Also one of my favorite albums of all time on the drums btw. It's enormous.
agree doug yes young they are less contrived and less cynical more like a child, free and expressive. thats life, one artist for me has improved over the years is eric clapton. hes the same because he was doing blues and more stock standard things. Pulse concert was amazing and pink floyd were in their 50's
It's so clear looking at this performance that Peter wasn't very comfortable being on stage and being the center of attention during his Genesis years. He really developed his stage persona and precence we know only after launching his solo career.
Doug - you should look up the Genesis appearance on The Midnight Special, time frame 1973-1974. They do WATCHER OF THE SKIES and THE MUSICAL BOX. Gabriel was well into his masks and costumes by then. You will find it very entertaining. It's on UA-cam.
My go to live version is the one they did on Midnight Special along with Watcher of the Sky's. Peter had adopted the mask by then and was more theatrical. Absolutely bonkers versions of both songs.
Always interesting to see how Peter assumed the personas of the characters from the song (the old man mask though he skips that for this performance) as well as Steve Hackett’s two-hand tapping technique (at the forefront of that technique). Thanks for reacting to the is one Doug.
That song started when Anthony Philips was still in the band. He was responsible for the initial guitar sequence. Then he left the band. Genesis then toured as a four-piece band for a certain time, which led Tony to use his electric piano (clavinet) with a fuzz box (the middle section). As Mike was busy developing the rhythm guitar part, he bought a Moog bass pedal section to play his bass part. Then Phil came along and developed that complicated drum part in the middle. Then Steve came along and elaborated the guitar solo. In the end, Tony composed the majestic ending on his Hammond organ over which Peter sung his closing lyrics. It's funny how that song evolved over that important one year period. When they came into the studio, in September 1971, they had spent the preceding year developing that masterpiece. That song wasn't done overnight with Cubase. It was the result of everybody's input, which makes this song a very band song. Great stuff!!!
Thank you for sharing the information. Been a fan of this band since Trespass and have been on onboard since that time period. Have to admit, I prefer the earlier compositions, but their place in history is embedded with their entire body of work. Thank the powers that be Steve continues to carry the torch for this band.
😊@@user-wy1ev4yq5d
You forgot to mention Mick Barnard, a temporary Genesis' guitarist who's contributed a lot at this song.
Apparently, you can list atleast 7 people responsible for composing this track, making it the largest amount of direct contributors that any Genesis song has.
Steve Hackett….a most accomplished and underrated talent and responsible for SO much of the early Genesis sound.
And Steve included tapping in his solos! Brilliant!
And it's still great to listen to his concerts.
how they managed to compose such masterpieces at only 20 years old, only the God of music knows❤
This is true with most bands. Their best work is done when they are young and hungry, eager to prove themselves, playing maybe 300 shows per year, living on the road, without any other distractions like family, where band is tight, playing together every single day. Eventually band members get married, more successful and don't feel the pressure to work that hard. That's not a criticism - that's just how life works.
Produced during the golden age of Acid.
The section between 8:12 and 10:00 here - mostly instrumental and dominated by those guitars and Phil's subtle drumming and cymbal work - so admirably conveys a dreamlike feeling, a journey into a cjharmed space, or outside of ordinary time.I love how Phil avoids hitting at the points where you'd have expected him to strike and instead striking the timpani off beat, pulling us inside Harry's fantasies
@@acfiv1421 This isn't an explanation for the question how 20-year-old guys are able to write and compose and perform such grown-up stuff. The question is where this kind of genius comes from, not the hard work or dedication.
Rick Beato has explained this.
"Phil looks like Phil, only with hair". What a fabulous line!
Funny, this is the way I always picture them when I listen.
Masterpiece it is. I think Genesis is the best band of the 20th century, but I am floored they won such a showdown with so many others in your poll. Bravo!
I was here at the beginning of Daily Doug. You helped me extremely to pass through the Covid Pandemic and here in Brazil, specially, with darker times than you could possibly imagine... Now i see 22 thousands of views on a video recently released and this warms my heart.
I think the Progressive Rock community have this happines in ourselves because it's not a common type of music outside our cultural niche (And here in Brazil then... You can't even imagine).
So glad to see you covering all the bands i love and beign enthusiastic with it. Your content alongside with Rick Beato's are a true bless to UA-cam and to humanity.
It's a brilliant suite and the precursor to Supper's Ready.
This song gets so HEAVY!
Collins with double kick drum at that years is something else
Tony Banks' hymnal chords on the Hammond are so epic. When Peter sings "casting doubt on all I have to say" over Tony's move to the vi chord, you feel the despair and weight of the lyric and the story.
I first saw Genesis play this on the Foxtrot tour in late 1972 in Birmingham. The whole show astounded me, not just the great music but all of Peter's costumes and theatricality. I saw Steve and his band play two weeks ago in Manchester, and it was just as astounding. He received a standing ovation at the end of the first half of the show, before the interval. I've never witnessed that before.
We are blessed to have such early live footage of these first wave prog bands. This was back when Genesis were still a little cult band just starting to make headway on the continent. Peter's voice did always have a lot of color; which is why he was drawn to soul music as a kid as much as anything else. But what's also good to see is how involved Phil was with the vocals even on his first album with the band. Note also the early bass pedal unit at Mike's feet, Steve's early use of tapping, and Peter's bass drum (he started as a drummer, which explains why he's always been interested in percussion). Re: the creepiness factor, welcome to the Wonderful World of Peter Gabriel! Have you heard "Intruder" yet?
Have you read Peter's short story that is printed on the back of the Genesis Live album? It's pretty wild.
@@cybore213 Intruder - yes! A great vocal performance.
@@cybore213 great album … my first from this band
I knew Tony played guitar from seeing it in album credits, but don’t think I ever saw video of him doing so. He’s always been one of my top 5 keyboardists. And Firth Of Fifth alone makes him an amazing composer/performer!
I know this song so well, still I"m amazed...
So glad that Steve is still around to play these classics. I saw him maybe 10 years ago doing his Genesis Revisited sets and he played this and other classics. And saw him just the other week playing excerpts from the Lamb. He’s as good as ever.
@@chrisl7902 well worth the ticket price especially if you like the early material … saw Steve and his band in 2014 and 2019 … very good and brought me to tears at several points during the show 🙂
From bedroom guitarist straight to Genesis guitarist… the genius of Steve Hackett
@@mattleppard1964 👍🏼
One of the few songs that still produces goosebumps on me, no matter the thousands of times you listen to it.
@@EixtremeDrummer me too … I saw them perform this live in 1975 and it was shocking and breathtaking
OMG, I missed The Lamb tour concert on March 1975, as I listen to them that summer for the first time. Even some friends of mine, which are not Genesis fans, confess that it was the best concert they ever attended.
@@EixtremeDrummer there’s a bootleg vinyl of the Los Angeles show, the one I attended as a Senior in High School … it was so memorable that when I saw Hackett play in 2014 I cried it was so moving to hear those songs live again
@@aeropilot4419I've been in London Royal Albert Hall last Oct 23th, Hackett played Lamb highlights. It's been an amazing concert (again).
I saw Genesis in 1973 doing this at New Yorks Philharmonic Hall as to this day being the only band to perform there. The start of the concert was epic with "Watcher of the Skies"
You and Rick Beato both talking about artists being at their peak creativity in their 20s recently!
My favorite Genesis' song. This Belgium TV Special was my introduction to Genesis live! I've seen it on a VHS tape back in 1989 or 1990, and still one of my favorite performances by them! Unfortunatelly, I've never had a chance to get it on vinyl (it does exist, but I vener find a bootleg with this), but it still sounds amazing over 50 years later! And this special introduced me to "Twilight Olehouse", that I've never heard before this, and become one of my favorites also!
My all-time favorite prog song. I especially enjoy the Italian opera overture ending.
Masterpiece!! Greatest live band EVER!! 🤣🤣 Well, one of the greatest . 💙💙🎵🎶🎶🎶
Genesis, ELP, Zappa, Jean Luc Ponty, Floyd, so many great live bands in the 70's.
Damn... Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins singing together live are such a joy to behold, and a lot of the character in their voices was already their in 1972, and it just didn't come through in the studio until they went solo. Peter's growl and Phil's angelic descants are just phenomenal.
There is a decent “cover” band called “The Musical Box” that does a great job doing Genesis (I think even endorsed byPG but you didn’t hear that from me) … they did the “Lamb” as well as other early Genesis …
"Lamb" was the first music by Genesis I ever heard...such visuality.
Phil Collins joined TMB on stage in 2005 to play drums on Musical Box. Phil played Martin Levac's drum kit.
@@johnheyyuri231 my first concert EVER was Genesis February 1977 … I sadly missed out on the PG years… it was an incredible show… they certainly had their moments after PG but “Follow You/Follow Me” IMHO marked their demise…
Seeing them in again in 2025 - they are so good!
I've seen the Musical Box a few times, twice in 97 and again last year. Great tribute to one of the greatest bands.
Steve is brilliant as always, out of this world!
Steve is normally the one you can't see.
@@richardbradley1532 Yeah too many ignorant directors failed to capture his exquisit guitar work because he didn’t stand up and play for the camera. Often they would show Mike strumming along, or Gabriel doing nothing (understandable, as he was the focal point), or Tony playing some chords, while missing Hackett’s brilliant tapping or underrated coloring for the song.
Saw them at the end of their career, 1975, The Lamb Still a amazing performance and loved all Gabriel era songs. Magical Band!
Me too!
Shrine Auditorium LA January, 1975.
That one concert experience forever changed the way I would approach music from that point on...
When Genesis were Genesis!
‘The end of their career’. That would be a fundamentalist position ha ha.
@@alanfine9825 same same, Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, 1975 … there’s a bootleg of that show on vinyl
@@hamiltonburger4574 I was at that show … Phil was comical if memory serves and the place was packed
When Steve did Genesis Revisted someone asked him if he was going to use the original gear. He reply was something along the lines of "are you mad?" 😂
Just incredible they could pull this off at all, let alone with with what they had to play through. It still looks and sounds amazing.
Today who would use an RMI 368 like Tony used? I threw mine away. I had no idea people would pay me for "vintage gear." As for Mellotron, no one would use that today! Arp Pro Soloist? Can be done with a keyboard that incorporates the rest.
Peter made me cry, yet again! I'm a wreck. The end of this song always has the same effect on me, but this recording is so powerful.
Peter Gabriel was about 22 years old here (though he looks like he could be just 18 or 19). And even though I think Peter is one of the greatest singers and recording artists of the rock era, with many amazing songs and performances, I don't know that he has ever topped this particular performance from 1972. He was absolutely on fire here.
I think his vocal performance of this song from the first Genesis Live album is one of the greatest vocal deliveries in rock. This version is also terrific. But Gabriel's real peak for powerful vocal moments has still got to be Supper's Ready' esp from Apocalypse til the end, this raised the bar for rock singing both for sheer power with the tonal spread of three people and a devastating emotional delivery that made it clear that this singer really means every word he utters..
@@markjohnson4217 For me, the emotional delivery of Peter Gabriel - Heroes (Live in Verona 2010) is his pinnacle performance, and I think all of Genesis musical works are superb. Thanks, Doug.
"Phil looks like Phil, just with hair" F'n love you Doug :)
Thank you for this reaction. This is truly a wonderful song - of the kind that nobody makes anymore. The dynamic range is incredible, from soft to loud and all over again (some kinship to "When the Music's over" in this respect). Composition wise a bit unpolished at times but that is actually something that enhances the golden 1970's prog vibe.
That voice! I saw Peter Gabriel in concert in 1986 on the 'So' tour - one of my best gigs ever.
This reminds me of seeing them live, 3 times in 71 and 72 at Farnborough technical college. Always ended with “The Knife” but Musical Box was always my favourite. Sitting on the floor, chilling out after a doobie, 17 and loving the music. Thanks for the memory Doug.
This band originated mostly from Charterhouse School. They were allowed to use the piano in the dining room outside the eating hours to do their songs (to see where the came from, listen to their first album, From Genesis To Revelation. Yes. Genesis is a schoolband :)
At the time of this TV performance they were still driving around England for gigs, sometimes entertaining people who actually had come to dance to some live music. They didn't, just sat down to listen. That must have been a fascinating time to follow their rise, starting with Foxtrot when they hit Italy with it and their fame exploded!
early genesis was the best Genesis
Good songs but not the best version...
@@IntoTheWhite04 with the technology of 1972 and the quality of the television show of that time... come on
@@PierreRanger-QC you can't disregard that. It's a reason for it
Each era has benefits and drawbacks. The circle of life and all that ❤🎉😊❤🎉
By far! ❤
Such a raw performance. Steve and Phil in the zone. Definitely my favorite live performance of this song
What an amazing treat. Thanks Doug 😊
saw them live at the rainbow in 73 - amazing
Hey Doug, you been watching Rick Beato :D He had a great Tube a couple of days ago about the difference between creativity before the age of 30 and afterwards.
You should do Plague of Lighthouse Keepers by Van der Graaf Generator on Belgian TV also aired in early 70's. 😊
YES, YES, YES! ❤
No, no, no... Doug should do Peter Hammill 1974 Swiss TV performance.
I don't get it if one isn't astounded with that!
Absolutely!
@@Eduardo-Ferreira1982Agreed
It's great to revisit some early Genesis, especially seeing that footage.
I never heard this song before and I must say Doug, it was a hell of ride
Oh, lucky you! Nothing like the first time. If you think that was a hell of ride, go listen to Supper’s Ready!
@bolandjd well that one and Carpet Crawlers are the two Songs I know of the old Genesis, but thanks for the recommendation
Really? Have you heard Cinema Show? Be prepared to fall out of your couch, then. This is a youtube link. Apparently yt won't let me paste it in here. vE-TbFommzk
Thanks to Doug, I've watched this recording a few times now. Not least, the wonderful Fan Favourites episode. And I agree with many others - its about the best of this fantastic song. Mostly, because it showcases all the actual band members who wrote the song, but playing it in its original context and who actually played and sang what on the album. And how YOUNG they all were - all such brilliant musicians.
Loved seeing Steve's true contribution - not the mixed-down versions of the future. And proof that Steve was using tapping in 1971 - OK, he did not invent the technique (I think that goes well back to Jazz) but he can surely claim to be the one who introduced it into mainstream rock, I think (hold my tea, Eddie...?) And of And Phil's early backing vocals - back in the day, few of us realised just how much Phil added to the vocals, right from the start. I didn't. And Tony playing lovely 12-string â la Supper's Ready. And Mike's guitar and bass pedals - easy to forget just how important Mike's guitar always was, complementing Steve. But, perhaps especially, seeing Pete at his very best. No gimmicks, just passion and colour and power.
LOVED it! Hope you and Meg are having a great vacation, buddy!!
Emmett Chapman (theStick) was tapping his guitar in the late 60s, although in the jazz/rock genre
@@pongosnodgrass7014 Indeed he was! And some jazz guitarists well before him. Hackett was probably the first to introduce the technique into prog/heavy rock.
Thank You! Great closing remarks...glad i stayed in tune to the end. I appreciate you
God remember when music had dynamics, both tempo and amplitude? It's like whispering raindrops on my ears.
VERY EXCITING! I needed this this week! 😅
I'd like to make a suggestion Doug - Brand X - And So To F from Product in 79 - great tune, fantastic drumming from Phil, you'd love it.
Thanks for your personal review in the last words, Doug. Besides the great music we can enjoy on this channel, you are kind of like the best buddy, sitting beside on the couch, with whom I used to chat about the songs. Which I miss since school days. Keep on grooving!
GENESIS forever and ever thanks for sharing💕
Nice one Doug, not seen before - thanks
They were young , so talented creative musiciens, ahead of their times, a tour de force, they complete each other so much.
Reminders of what an absolute beast of a drummer Phil Collins was. Compare this to the more straight ahead pop stuff they did after Peter Gabriel left. It made them commercially much more successful but were they ever this creative and adventurous post Peter?
Wind and Wuthering is one of the best albums from Genesis. No Peter.
I saw them play this live several times. I still listen to this album regularly. Such great music.
The first 2/3 music was written by Mike and Anthony Phillipes.
You should see the performances a little later with Peter in full costumes. Peak Genesis.
@@johndrx165 yes, the “old man” mask is always quite shocking
Having watched your brilliant conversation with the beautiful Annie Haslam again the other day I’ve just listened to her version of Going Home from the album she mentioned, Wow I’d love you to give that a listen to see what you think of it. She has the voice of an angel. Great channel Doug.
wow peters voice . so impactful. but yes a very different band considered rock but art. I love the British bands being so creative, not afraid to be different. in new Zealand the closest we had with this type of art rock progressive new wave was Split Enz whos music was super different but they had enough conventional stuff to keep you guessing. they moved onto Crowded House after that for more commercial stuff Neil Finn is world renowned for writing songs.
Genesis played in my home town back in the day probably 1972 promoting the nursery crime album, absolutely fantastic show in a small venue, l was down at the front and could almost touch Peter Gabriels platform shoes, I was about 16 at the time, changed my life, I've never forgotten that night, 🔊👍
Great video. This live version was good, their studio version was perfection.
That's some great archive footage! Keep up the good work Doug as you've even introduced me to new music.
Thank you for making my day with this comment👌.
I was a teenager when I heard this song for the first time and was immediately emotionally captured by Genesis and Peter Gabriel. luckily I was able to see them live in the 80's. Afterwards you talk about David Gilmour and Nightwisch, their new albums are great, and yes "Floor Jansen's voice" conquers everyone.😘
Good quality recording and vid, thanks. Still think the most impactful view is the 'Midnight Special' with Gabriel's theatrics, makeup and prosthetics.
This old stuff against the We Can't Dance stuff is an interesting comparison.
I love the stuff from Trespass to Duke, although by then, their sound changed. I do have all the other later albums but still prefer this era....
Gabriel was a hard act to follow but Collins, in those first few albums after Gabriel's departure did very well, I think it was Hackett's departure that made the total change in direction they took.....and he's the only one still keeping this stuff alive....
My fave Genesis. Never saw them live BUT got to see the tribute band 'Musical Box' in UK. Unbelievable! So Genesis!
They came and played at my school the month before Nursery Cryme came out. I have seen them numerous times since and also go to see Steve Hackett and The Musical Box and an amazing Italian cover band called the Watch.
I've always thought that this song was loosely based on the 1961 gothic psychological horror film _"The Innocents",_ directed by Jack Clayton, starring Deborah Kerr, Michael Redgrave, and Megs Jenkins, and based on the 1898 novella _"The Turn of the Screw"_ by Henry James.
There's a musical box in it, and the two children in the governess' charge are possessed by the ghosts of Quint and Miss Jessel so they can physically continue their relationship.
You should really watch it if you can.
There are echoes of the idea in Kate Bush's _"The Infant Kiss."_
{:o:O:}
A dark Victorian murder tale put to music. Who does that?! Genesis. Amazing. They were so avant-garde at that time. Still, these London guys were not naive, but maybe a little cynical.
What an era! Energy, yes. Impact, yes. Giving us mind-blowing excellence. We are so lucky to have had this time and all these performers. So many great bands and music!
LOVE THIS… but I would say that an even more stunning (though shortened) was their live performance on “THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL”… (you can find it online) Gabriel dons makeup and costume and acts out the ending in a magnificent way. Even changes his vocals to reflect the Old Henry… It’s mesmerizing and worth your time. Cheers!
Steve Hackett's band played the very best version of this with Nad Sylvan, any of the live recordings are fantastic!
For the Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot and Selling England albums, Peter Gabriel asked Paul Whitehead to paint a picture for the cover and he wrote songs around the images. Whitehead included the same image of the croquet game on the rear of Foxtrot (hence the reference during Supper’s Ready)
Wow, never heard that before, I always meant to listen to early Genisis. Just awesome.
Great ideas and words at the end Doug! 🙌
enjoyable video far beyond the sheer fandom that Genesis of that time has gathered. thank you for sharing.
I do believe the best music was done by musicians when they are in early 20s…creativity at its peak !
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think an analysis of a Gabriel Era Genesis song would ever happen on a YT channel. An analysis of a live performance of The Musical Box is icing on the cake ! Well done! Thank You for giving this band some much deserved recognition.
He's already listened to 4 full Gabriel-era albums
@ As far as I know, this channel is one of the few that have. The Musical Box was a very pleasant surprise to me.
@@matthew-1710which four?
@@eddieloid Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, he's also done Wind & Wuthering and the Duke Suite which are post-Gabriel. Pretty much all of them are over on his Patreon.
@@matthew-1710 ok, thanks. I’m only a UA-cam subscriber so I’ll have to wait patiently for SEbtP
Great clip. Never seen that before. Very interesting concept. Some of my favourite TV performances include Curtis Mayfield on the Beat Club Workshop in 1972, Kendrick Lamar I on SNL and The Jam on The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1978.
A then current girlfriend & I discovered the , shall we say, 'physical' rhythm of this track one afternoon while listening to 'Seconds Out', even on the lounge floor perhaps. Whenever I've heard this track since, that memory always comes back, even before I heard your explanation of the background to the lyrics. ( Totally true story )
Doug doing Genesis on a friday? What a great way to end the week 😎
What a beautiful speech at the end, than you Doug!
Saw this line up live several times around this time, both before and after Peter Gabriel left. It was common for bands of this era to perform in local sports centres and civic halls with a few hundreds of people in the audience.....I was in the last few years of secondary school (high school in the US...).
Your brain actually continues to grow until your mid twenties. Once the neuro pathways are set, a certain age comes into play 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks'. Obviously learning and creativity don't stop, but there is an impact.
You're referring to fluid vs crystallized intelligence.
Ted Bundy is killing it on the organ!!!
Just truly great. Just listened to them yesterday. And periodically to reset.
When I first heard The Musical Box as a teen in the early 70s I was utterly fascinated and confused
Genesis is a worthy winner in anything. Even if there are no losers, such as that list. I think Doug is spot on the whole way through. Including the early 20s age range usually being the peak for many artists. I've been thinking about that lately myself. Doug, if you are out there reading this, I recommend a full album react for Nightwish Yesterwynde. I think it's an anomaly and one of the best albums in a while. Perhaps an anomaly as it's from a mid 40s composer producing perhaps the most bold and genius album of his career. Also one of my favorite albums of all time on the drums btw. It's enormous.
You should listen to Peters last album I/O, it is wonderful. He writes alot about mortality now he is older, some amazing songs on it.
agree doug yes young they are less contrived and less cynical more like a child, free and expressive. thats life, one artist for me has improved over the years is eric clapton. hes the same because he was doing blues and more stock standard things. Pulse concert was amazing and pink floyd were in their 50's
Ohh, you've GOT to play the one from Seconds Out with Phil singing. It's a religious experience.
Great Album. Blocked.....sucks. So glad you are doing this. Yes, music is magic.
Amazing 👏
Reportedly, Brian May from Queen was influenced by the guitar melody at the end, and you can really tell.
Best band ever
Superb
Phil Collins was a beast on the kit!!
It's so clear looking at this performance that Peter wasn't very comfortable being on stage and being the center of attention during his Genesis years. He really developed his stage persona and precence we know only after launching his solo career.
You think? I thought he always wanted to be the center of attention.
Another great video from the Doug.....only comment is i would had you in the small box on lower corner and Genesis on large screen.
Of course, it's in F#. It originated from a tune by Ant Phillips named F#.
Doug - you should look up the Genesis appearance on The Midnight Special, time frame 1973-1974. They do WATCHER OF THE SKIES and THE MUSICAL BOX. Gabriel was well into his masks and costumes by then. You will find it very entertaining. It's on UA-cam.
My go to live version is the one they did on Midnight Special along with Watcher of the Sky's.
Peter had adopted the mask by then and was more theatrical. Absolutely bonkers versions of both songs.
I assume you mean Midnight Special, SNL didn't exist when Gabriel was in the band.
@@matthew-1710 Yes, I got that wrong. Have changed it. Thanks.
Always interesting to see how Peter assumed the personas of the characters from the song (the old man mask though he skips that for this performance) as well as Steve Hackett’s two-hand tapping technique (at the forefront of that technique). Thanks for reacting to the is one Doug.
They sound extraordinary considering how young they are. Steve and Peter had only just turned 22 a month prior, with everyone else being 21.