Check if you can disconnect the effect and I'll go after the cause...

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Here in my car I can only receive, I can listen to you…

Here in my car I can only receive, I can listen to you…

In the second of our weekly look at the solo Genesis catalogue we turn our attentions to Peter Gabriel’s first solo album entitled…er…Peter Gabriel. Or Car if you prefer. Or even Peter Gabriel 1. Listen you need to decide for yourself because it’s only going to get more confusing when he releases more albums.

Anyway, released in 1977 this is the first of 4 self titled albums by the former Genesis frontman. It followed a period of activity which involved, amongst other things, a collaboration with comedian Charlie Drake. This is an album of varied sounds and styles recorded with a band of musicians who had never met Peter before. Some of them would go on to work with him for many years to come. It also features collaborations with Robert Fripp of King Crimson and uber-producer Bob Ezrin. And there are surprises! I mean, how many other prog rock stars would do a barbershop quartet on an album. Apart from Robert Fripp, yes. Name one more!

Back in the room, Simon and Gary discuss the album and it’s many twists and turns. What does Gary think Moribund The Burgermeister is about? What interpretation of Solsbury Hill does Simon reject completely? Is it possible that Gary could be wrong about one particular track on the album and how boring it is? Where will this album come on the “Solo Leaderboard”? And for the first time anywhere we present archive recordings of actual events that happened at the time. Don’t delay, listen now and find out.

NEXT EPISODE: A Curious Feeling by Tony Banks.

So thank you for reading this far. We appreciate your commitment. If you want to return that appreciation, you can support us by clicking on this link and contributing the price of a coffee to the running of the podcast. All donations will go towards the running cost of the website and recording equipment. NOT towards booze, no matter what Gary might tell you.

If you’d like to share your thoughts about this album (or the next in the sequence) or your opinions of the episode, you can email us at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com, leave a comment below or join our Facebook group. We would love to hear from you.

Behind the Lines

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Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing.

Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing.

And so it ends…not with a bang. But a podcast…

Okay so I lied, we’ve got one more episode to spoil you with. 2 years ago we started this podcast with a listen to From Genesis To Revelations. 24 months and 31 episodes later we come to an end.

In this very special episode, find out what it’s meant to us to produce this show. We answer listener questions and discuss the future & past. Which songs are our least and most favourite? Why did Gary agree to get involved when he didn’t really know Genesis or listen to podcasts? Which band would Simon like to cover next? What’s Gary’s dog called? What’s Simon's favourite colour?

Find out the answers to these and many more questions today. And if you’re some sort of masochist, you could watch an unedited version of the conversation on the You Tubes right here.

To everyone who has listened to the show to this point, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will be back soon with more fun and music.

So…if you’ve read this far you probably enjoy listening. If you do please consider supporting us by clicking on this link and contributing the price of a coffee to the running of the podcast. All donations will go towards the running cost of the website and recording equipment. Big thanks to the people who have already donated, we love you. Not in a weird way…

If you’d like to share your memories of Genesis or your opinions of the episode, you can email us at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com, leave a comment below or join our Facebook group. We would love to hear from you.

The History Makers

Would you buy a used demo off these men?

Would you buy a used demo off these men?

In 1998, barely a year after the band released their last studio album, the classic 5 man line up reunited to compile 4CDs of largely unreleased tracks. Covering the years 1967-1975 (although the tracks are placed in roughly reverse order) this gem contains the only official live recording of the whole of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (bar "IT" due to a lazy tape op), and demos of the band from before they were even tied to a record deal.

Returning to the pub a broken man, literally, Gary does his best to find some joy within these tracks. Will he agree that Supper's Ready is a masterpiece? Will Simon be able to convince him it's worth the purchase? Will either of them get beaten up by the barman? Find out the answer to all these questions and more in this special episode.

Got anything you want to share with us? Stories about upcoming albums? How you got into Genesis in the first place? Even feedback about the episodes, anything is welcome. Send it to revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com.

Look out for the next episode coming soon, in which we turn our attention back to the regular releases with A Trick Of The Tail.

Extra! Extra! Unknown band scores documentary!

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Remember the time Genesis did that music for that documentary? Nope, me neither.

Remember the time Genesis did that music for that documentary? Nope, me neither.

In 1970 the BBC commissioned a documentary on the artist Michael Jackson, no not that one, and asked everyone's favourite, teenage, unknown, prog band to come up with the music. It sounds like a match made in heaven. Lost until 2007, where they were part of that years 1970-1975 box set, these 4 tracks are an interesting look at a developing sound.

What will Gary say, say, say to having his brand new day interrupted by Simon to talk about the history of this music and me? Will he tell him to beat it or scream "leave me alone?" Does he think the tracks are bad or does he like the way they make him feel? Will Simon be able to live with himself everytime he looks at the man in the mirror? He probably won't stop 'til he gets enough. Errrm...some sort of pun involving Earth Song. You get the picture.

This is the second of two minisodes, look out for a full length episode coming soon. In the meantime you can send us feedback to revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com

Alive-a-live-o!

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One of Magog's hordes, swarming around.

One of Magog's hordes, swarming around.

We've been so far from here, but now we're back again. And babe it's gonna work out fine. Probably.

After a hiatus, to recover from the traumatic events of episode 6a & 6b, Gary and Simon turn their attention to the classic Genesis Live album in the first of two special "minisodes".

Released on 20th July 1973, Genesis Live was the bands first UK top 10 album. Originally conceived as a double album, the eventual release was a stripped down compilation released at a budget price.

Gary and Simon cast their eye...their ear? Over the LP and give their opinions in their own unique way. Where could Gary be going? Which track does Simon hate? Which zone is for unloading only? Find out in this mini-episode.

If you enjoyed this episode let us know at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com and listen out for the second minisode next week.

Good morning Rael, so sorry you had to wait...

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Back to The Lamb...

Back to The Lamb...

*Caution! Podcast contains excessive use of the word "dick". I mean, it's a bit too much to be honest. You should definitely avoid it if that offends you.*

Rat infested and excrement covered, and that's just Gary and Simon, the recording of the Lamb was labourious but resulted in a masterpiece. This second half notably features the only lyrics on the album not written by Peter Gabriel. Funnily enough they are the only ones that make sense. Released on 18th November 1974, the album reached number 10 in the UK, number 14 in the band's second home of Italy and, surprisingly, number 15 in Canada.

In this engorged episode, Simon and Gary finish up their discussion of the Lamb. They chat about what might have happened if Peter had stayed in the group, and almost, almost, come to blows (again) about the classic nature of the whole thing. Does the story reach a satisfying conclusion? Is it a fitting end to Peter Gabriel's time with the band? Will the boys find a way out of the weird place they are in and back to the pub in time for last orders? Find out in this episode.

You can contact us at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com.

Early morning Manhattan...

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Hey! I'm seeing double here!

Hey! I'm seeing double here!

In a rat-infested, excrement covered house in Wales, Genesis reconvene, for the last time, following the Selling England Tour. Despite Peter leaving the group during recording (only to return), and through a lot of emotional twists and turns the band come together to deliver a bona-fide classic of the prog rock genre with The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. Finally released in November 1974 it marked the end of the Peter Gabriel era, and went on to become one of the most popular prog rock concept albums. It made it to number 10 in the UK album charts but failed to produce a hit single.
In this episode Simon and Gary find themselves trapped in a weird landscape so they take the opportunity to discuss the tumultuous recording of the album and manage to get to the Chamber of 32 Doors, although Simon somehow manages to end up wet again. What do they think of this first half? Why don't the hundreds of people in the chamber just work together to escape? Why is brother John such a dick? All this, and more is discussed.
Part 2 coming soon! In the meantime you can contact us at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com

It lies with me, cries the Queen of maybe...

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An Englishman, hard at work, pictured this morning.

An Englishman, hard at work, pictured this morning.

Released on 13th October 1973, just days after Simon’s first birthday, Selling England By The Pound is the 5th Album by Genesis. It becomes their best seller to date, reaching number 3 in the UK charts on the back of hit single “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)”. Betty Swanwick delivers a decent cover, Steve delivers several guitar riffs and Peter just can’t seem to locate his country.

In this episode Gary decides he can multi-task and drags Simon around the local supermarket to discuss the album in an appropriate setting. In a quest for table jellies they encounter west-end hoodlums, the spirit of Britain and love in the 1970’s. What do they think of the album? Will Tess finally co-operate? Find out in this episode.

You can contact us at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com

There's an angel standing in the sun...

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A fox on the rocks, pictured yesterday.

A fox on the rocks, pictured yesterday.

The classic line-up of Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins and Steve Hackett release their most successful UK album up to this point. Paul Whitehead delivers his best cover, and then is never used again, Peter dresses as a lady fox and Tony & Mike contemplate being alone on an empty planet.

In this episode Simon and Gary discuss the very first album Simon went out and bought with his own money. It's 1972 and Genesis release their best album to date, Foxtrot. But! There's trouble a-brewing as Simon and Gary disagree over one of the all time Genesis classics. Which track is it? Who likes it and who doesn't? Find out by listening to this.

We're all going to the zoo tomorrow.

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A Victorian croquet player.

A Victorian croquet player.

A drummer and a guitarist complete the classic line up. There is literally no stopping them...in Italy at least where they play to adoring crowds. Not so much back home in Britain.

In this episode Gary does his best to avoid talking about Genesis with Simon. He doesn't succeed. The boys discuss the popularity of the band's third LP Nursery Cryme on the continent. Find out why Simon ends up wet and what exactly they think of the addition of Steve Hackett and Phil Collins to the line up.

I want a drink!

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The subtle knife (not pictured).

The subtle knife (not pictured).

Many bands have that difficult second album syndrome, although in reality this was a new first album. The band decide to bite the bullet and actually tour. Charisma records sign them and they team up with artist Paul Whitehead for the first time. One of those things is worse than the rest. Can you guess which one?

In this episode! We find out that, although the snow might stop him, nothing gets between Simon and a discussion about Genesis! The boys listen to Trespass, the difficult second album, and Gary discovers that Belgium doesn't just have good taste in beer.
If you want to send feedback email us at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com

Everyone's gone to the moon...

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Album cover to one of the re-releases of Genesis' debut.

Album cover to one of the re-releases of Genesis' debut.

4 school friends (and someone they knew who could play drums) form a songwriting collective and get the attention of a famous pop producer. This is the first step on the road to the huge band they would become.

50 Years ago Genesis released their first single. Now in 2018, two guys sit down in a pub and discuss the song and the debut album that followed. Gary's never heard it before, Simon's dismissed it as a curio. Will Gary enjoy it? Will Simon change his opinion? What will they be drinking this week? Find out in this bumper first episode of The Revelation Station podcast.

In the beginning...

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...There was the word. And the word was Genesis...

Genesis released their first single 50 years ago! 50 years! So to celebrate Simon made his friend Gary listen to all the Genesis albums in order and then review them in the local pub, commonly known as The Revelation Station. What will Gary think? Will they stay friends? Is the beer here any good? The answer to these questions will probably be revealed.

In this introductory first episode we meet the boys, who enjoy a quiet pint in the snug and discuss how they first heard the band.