Another chance hello, another goodbye.

November 22, 2019 by Simon Heldreich

Invisible Touch was 5 years before, so the casual observer would be forgiven for thinking that Genesis were no more. But in October/November 1991 they unleashed the 70-minute epic We Can’t Dance, their first album geared to the increasingly popular CD format. Featuring a chart busting 6 singles, the album went on to be their 5th UK number 1 and sold 4 million copies in the USA alone, it also led to a highly succesful world tour which took in the sunny climes of Texas, Paris, Berlin and Wolverhampton,

Phil was responsible for a lot of the lyrics on the album, which is why it is very much in the vein of his 1989 album “But Seriously…” covering such topics as domestic violence, televangelism, the plight of the Kurdish people and drink driving, it sets a much more serious tone for the most part (Jesus He Knows Me not included obvs). It was written at the Farm studio and came from jam sessions, as the last 2 albums had been. Sadly (or not depending on if you think Phil ruined Genesis), it was the end for Phil, who departed in 1996 to focus on his solo career.

But forget all that nonsense, what you really need to know is that something is amiss at The Revelation Station pub, something that Simon and Gary need to sort out before business goes down the pan. What’s the prob Bob? How will they solve it? Just how many tracks will Simon and Gary agree on this time? Is Gary really a heartless, emotionless shell of a man?

Find out literally everything* there is worth knowing about Genesis’ 14th Studio album in this bumper sized episode. And if you’ve listened to the episode already why not click on this link for Simon’s Spotify playlist of his version of the album.

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.

*not literally everything

A hundred crazy voices call my name

September 20, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

A very visible touch, pictured here in it’s natural environment — A *very* visible touch, pictured here in it’s natural environment

In an alternative reality, Genesis split up in 1985. Their biggest hit, Mama, defined the memory of them for 22 years until they reformed in 2007 with Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett to tour “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” in a cross-promotion with the big budget Hollywood movie.
If only…
Luckily for us, Genesis didn’t split in 1985, despite the BBC announcing it. No, instead they reformed back at The Farm and recorded what is both their most successful album and their least popular, depending on who you ask. Released in June 1986, it saw the group finally achieving the pop success that they had been craving since their formation all those years ago (18) at Charterhouse. Bolstered by 5 top 5 US singles, it remained in the charts for a staggering 85 weeks and has achieved sales of 6 million so far to date. That, as they say, is a spicy meatball.
The album features some very diverse topics, from protest songs to break up songs to songs about drugs and double-glazing (I guess, I didn’t really pay much attention). It divided fans and critics, with some deriding the electronic instrumentation and pop sensibilities, and others thinking that maybe some people should just chill out and enjoy it for what it is, I mean it’s only music there’s no need to get so uptight. Amiright?

In this episode Simon hopes to get home, but Gary has other plans. He’s got one last errand to run before they can finally head back to the pub. Does Gary like the slow songs? Which song does Simon admit to not liking? Will they ever get back home? Can you spot the error Simon makes in the album overview segment (he corrects himself later, it’s ok)?

Find out everything you’ve ever needed to know about Invisible Touch and be amazed by the surprise special guests, in this episode! Oh, and before I forget - go here for some decent Genesis artwork.

The sounds that echoed all around me

July 05, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Bonus

Grrrreeetings listeners! Please enjoy this special bonus episode…

What we have here is a special episode of the Revelation Station Podcast - for the first (and possibly only) time we’ve recorded a commentary track, and we’ve done it for the concert film of Three Sides Live.
This film was originally released in 1982 in support of the album of the same name and features many of the same tracks.

Disclaimer: This is not a normal episode. You need to listen to it whilst watching the Three Sides Live film or it won’t make any sense.

Let us know if you enjoyed this episode at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com, leave a comment on the website or join us on Facebook .

This is the time you've waited for...

March 01, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

***One of the people in my life, pictured last week.***

1979 was not a great year for Phil Collins. However, the breakdown of his marriage lead to a huge burst of creativity and ultimately brought us his classic first solo album “Face Value”. Similarly, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford recorded and released their first solo efforts.
This podcast is not, however, about those albums. Instead we have a listen to the tenth studio album, and the second recorded by the most famous and successful line up. Duke was released on 24th March 1980 and was their very first number 1 album in the UK!
The album saw a return to longer songs following …And Then There Were Three…’s dalliance with shorter tracks. It also contains what could be considered the first proper Genesis “Pop” song, which went on to become the 7th biggest single of 1980 in Canada!

In this bumper 20th edition of The Revelation Station, the boys get embroiled in a mystery on their way to an important date and decide to while away the time by turning an ear to Gary’s first experience of Genesis’ music. Does it hold up after so long? Is it a royal success or a big pile of dookie? Can Simon accurately predict which songs Gary will hate? Just whodunnit? The answers to all these questions will be revealed…

Featuring guest stars:
Tea Lady: Kay MrsGary
Hercule Poirot: Richmond Leishi
And a cast of thousands!

Do you love us or hate us? Got something to share (about Genesis, not just random things)? You can let us know by emailing revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment below. If you really want to, you could join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/TheRevelationStation

Join us soon for another, possibly shorter, episode!

Stand up to the blow that fate has struck upon you...

February 08, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

Released on 31st March 1978, Genesis’ ninth studio album featured a streamlined sound and line up. Steve Hackett had departed the group in mid 1977, dissatisfied with the band dynamic, leaving the core trio of Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford that would exist for a good 15 years and go on to huge international success.

It all starts here folks. Hated by some, loved by others the album featured their biggest hit to date in Follow You, Follow Me, a sign of things to come. Also notable for the inclusion of shorter songs, in an attempt to cram in more ideas. This is only one of three albums they ever released that has no long songs.

Returning back from winter break with an appropriately themed album, Gary and Simon find themselves caught between a rock and a dart place as they try to bring more business to the pub. Despite this they find time to discuss the merits of …And Then There Were Three… and spend an inordinate amount of time singing in this episode.

What do they think of the album? Is it a bullseye or a double one? Which of the two single releases do they prefer? Which one of the pair clearly misses Steve but refuses to admit it? And what cover version should you definitely definitely avoid at all costs? The answers to all this and more can be found right here in a bumper length episode of The Revelation Station podcast.

Like us? Hate us? Got some interesting stories or facts you want to share? Concerned about constant incorrect release dates on Wikipedia (but not bothered enough to get them changed)? Let us know via email at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment below. If you really like us you could visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/TheRevelationStation.

Plus! Join us back here soon for the next episode DUKE!

Incidentally, A Happy Christmas to all of you at home...

December 25, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Minisode

Greetings listeners! It’s been a great year for The Revelation Station, so I wanted to provide a little minisode by way of thanks. I hope you enjoy the treats herein (but if not at least it’s only 20 minutes long).

As mentioned in the show notes here are links to all of the tracks played:

Kill Bill In The Air Tonight by Bobbi Martini

Abacab/Faint by Ben Double M

Mama Will Rock You by Ben Liebrand

Please enjoy, and let me know what you thought by emailing revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com or joining the Facebook group Revelation Station podcast.

We’ll be back after the New Year with new episodes, for now we’re off on our Hols!

No business like show business.

December 14, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

For their second (geddit?) release of 1977, Genesis unleashed their second (geddit) live album, Seconds Out. Recorded at the Palais de Sport in Paris mostly between 11th and 14th June 1977 (with The Cinema Show recorded at the same venue on 23rd June 1976), this double live set is widely regarded as one of “the best live albums ever™”, by Genesis fans at least, and was released to critical acclaim.

The album would be released in October 1977, by which time Steve Hackett had already departed the group for solo pastures, and in fact the remaining trio would have recorded their next release, more of that next time. Another chapter of the book of Genesis closed and a new era would begin in 1978.

Right here, right now, Gary and Simon discuss the album in a most appropriate setting. Do they agree with the fan consensus about the album’s greatness? Does Gary learn to love Suppers Ready? What do they think of Phil covering Peter? All this and more can be found in this episode.

Are you enjoying the podcast? Do you love that scamp Gary? Annoyed by Simon constantly getting things wrong? Write to us and tell us at our email address revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com. All feedback is welcome, if you’re really tragic…I mean…interested, you could join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/TheRevelationStation/

The grime on the Tyne is mine, all mine, all mine.

October 05, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

***Out on a wiley, windy moor. Somewhere in Yorkshire.***

In 1976 Phil Collins is the singer in Genesis and they release their brand new album, A Trick of the…hang on, wait a minute! They released another album in 1976? Does Peter Gabriel know about this?

So….released as an early Christmas present, their second album of 1976 arrived on December 17th. Their 8th overall, it firmly cemented Phil Collins as the lead singer and featured classics that would become staples of the live set for many years to come.

However, all was not happy in the Genesis camp, and Steve Hackett was counting out time before he left, frustrated that his songwriting efforts were being side-lined *cough* AllInAMouse’sNight *cough*, he made the decision to leave the band in mid-1977.

In this episode! Gary and Simon find themselves in a salty situation, but use the time to discuss the second chapter in the “Phil Ruins Genesis” story (Spoiler: Phil doesn’t ruin Genesis, don’t be ridiculous). Do they enjoy the album? Which song makes it into Simon’s “Top 500” tracks list? How exactly does one eat a juicy raw rat? All these answers and more can be found in this episode!

Like what we’re doing? Hate what we’re doing? You can tell us by emailing revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com. All comments and suggestions are welcomed. Heck, if you really, like us you could join the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/TheRevelationStation/

Midweek Hackett Madness!

October 03, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Minisode

On October 1st 2018, Steve Hackett began his Genesis Revisited with Band and Orchestra tour in Nottingham.

Here are the thoughts of two fools who went to see that show. Recorded live, respectively, on a Tram; in a branch of Starbucks and in Simon's car. The sound quality is variable in places and topics of discussion include: Coffee, Trams, Vodka and what Steve might get up to on his visit to Nottingham.

NOTE: May contain some swears!

You lucky things! A new episode to follow on Friday! Woo-hoo!

Unexpected item in the bagging area

September 07, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Minisode

*Don't you just hate it when that happens?*

Greetings! Due to real life the next episode has been delayed, so in the meantime please enjoy this minisode. It features a conversation cut from the A Trick Of The Tail episode and some outtakes. The music used is called "Prodigy", I found it on the internet in about 2005 so I have no idea who it's by. If it's by you, or you know who it is by, drop me an email and I'll give a credit.

Got anything you want to share with us? Stories or opinions on upcoming albums, or how you got into the band in the first place? Love us? Hate us? All feedback is welcome, just send it to revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

Look out for the next episode coming soon!

Enter the drummer.

August 24, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

In 1975 Peter Gabriel quit Genesis just as they were about to hit the big time! Or, pay off some debts at least. He retired to his vegetable patch and, eventually, on to a successful solo career. But his involvement in the Genesis story was over for the most part. Which leaves the group without a singer...

Enter Phil, reluctantly at first, but with increasing confidence he takes on the mantle of front man and wins over literally everybody ever (note: maybe not everybody). After sifting through hundreds of demo tapes, the band finally settle on Phil and get down to recording their breakthrough album, A Trick Of The Tail. Released on 13th February 1976 to critical and commercial success, the album and subsequent tour raised the band's profile in the USA which ultimately led to the sell out tours of later years.

Back in the present day, Simon is taking Gary to get his casts removed and they decide to fill the hours waiting with a discussion about this seminal album. Do the boys take to Phil as lead vocalist? Is everything the band do from now on rubbish? What is the connection to Russ Abbot? Which classic does Gary hate this time? All this, and maybe more, is answered in this episode, featuring a surprise appearance from a popular comedian.

Got anything to 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 or leave a comment below.

Look out for the next episode in 4 weeks time, where we indulge in a little Wind & Wuthering.

The History Makers

August 03, 2018 by Simon Heldreich

*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!

July 20, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Minisode

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!

July 13, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Minisode

**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...

June 01, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

*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...

May 18, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

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...

April 27, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

***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...

April 12, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

*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.

April 05, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

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!

April 05, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

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