Music Video of the Week: Genesis

Sorry, a little late on the MVotW. Couldn't think of anything I wanted to post and besides that my wrists were hurting so I put it off. I'm pretty sure I've already posted a Gabriel-era Genesis track as a MVotW, but positive I've never picked one from the Collins years. I'm just starting to get over a snobbish attitude for post-Gabriel/Hackett Genesis so I figured this one would be a worthwhile selection. To all the haters out there...come on...close your eyes and imagine Peter Gabriel singing this song all decked out in some outlandish costume. Not a far stretch of the imagination, as I see it. But nobody likes Phil Collins. I read an article about that very same subject in Rolling Stone a couple of months ago. Came away from it with a whole new respect for the man and a stronger disdain than I already have for music snobs (from whose ranks I have thankfully extricated myself). People used to praise REM for not sticking to the same formula, trying out a new sound/style with each successive record. But Genesis? I guess your typical prog-rocker is not so generous or adventurous. Fact of the matter is that Collins' led Genesis have recorded some really good, substantial music since the mid-70s. Phil is a vocalist who may not be as versatile as Gabriel, but no one could ever accuse ol' Pete of being a "fine singer", either. Truth be told Collins can ape Gabriel note for note when/if he wants to. I'm sure I'm not the only one who initially didn't know that it was Phil, not Pete, who sang the lead vocals on "For Absent Friends" (from the seminal "Nursery Cryme" album). But no matter, whether Phil can sing or not...most bands would succumb to the pressure of losing two key members in the span of a scant few years...one of whom is a charismatic lead vocalist who is the sort of figure that almost overshadows band mates no matter how talented they are. One can argue that once they hit their stride (ie. began to churn out the hits) they abandoned the whole "change" idea. But what the hell, eh? And then there were three...eh? 2/5s or their writing input is long gone. You're basically left with the rhythm section. Not too many bands could pull that off so successfully. And anyone who discounts their last 4 or 5 records because they may not be "prog" enough for them have obviously never listened to them. No, the prog isn't easily found, but there is some in the mix. Very good prog, at that. At least by my definition of prog.

Anyhoo, enough warbling about things no one can change, whether they'd want to or not. Here's a Collins-era Genesis song that it took me a long time to get into. But Phil's weird-ass laugh and lecherous growl won me over. Enjoy.

"Mama"

Genesis

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