The Tabletop descends upon Manhattan as they follow Rael on his epic journey as told in the 1974 concept album, “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” This episode covers sides one and two of the Genesis masterpiece, which would prove to be Peter Gabriel’s last with the band.
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Enjoyed the podcast tremendously! Can’t wait for part 2.
You guys discussed the relationship between Eno and Genesis.
For in depth information on the working relationship between Phil and Eno, I highly recommend the book “Brian Eno’s Another Green World” (part of the 33 1/3 series) by Geeta Dayal. She talks about the making of Another Green World and some other Eno albums that Phil played on.
Excellent Side #1 & #2 review – amusing, incisive and well judged.
FYI I remember that ‘Lamb’ concert delayed in 1974 / 75 as Steve had apparently cut his wrist?!
(Concert had quite mixed reception in Edinburgh.)
Also, PG made a great play at the time re ‘vocal experiments’.
Love the English public school boy / wide eyed US symbolism ‘grab’!
Keep up the good work!
Barry
PS Steve Hackett playing SEBTP on Monday 25th in Edinburgh- same venue at Lamb all those years ago.
Great podcast! I’ve been waiting so long for this one in particular.
BTW, the main riff in Back in NYC is Mike Rutherford playing a 6-string bass.
Another excellent Tabletop Genesis podcast! Kudos to Stacy, who noted the significant and important Hackett influence on TLLDOB. Often dismayed by Steve’s complaint that his presence is barely felt, I noted there are equal guitar to keyboard solos (11) and more guitar foundational songs (12 v 11) than keyboard. While Tony’s contributions crush it (e.g., the Lamia, title track, Chamber, Anyway). I’ve always this was a heavy Gabriel/Hackett collection. I would have loved to hear why Simon feels Hairless Heart feels creepy (me, too). Another kudo to Stacy – she nailed why Carpet Crawlers is such a Genesis favorite – its a singer’s song. Not too many other Genesis tunes let the singer or the audience so intuitively join in. And bith Phil and Peter really deliver it. Can’t wait for part 2. Please tell Ellie that her sweet spirit is missed.
This is one of your best reviews. I have a new understanding and appreciation of this classic Genesis album. I am looking forward to part 2.
Lamb Lies Down on Broadway memory: I have posted earlier about how I first discovered Genesis… actually through the first two live albums (Live and Seconds Out). This eventually led to catching up on all the albums. I don’t recall when I first heard the album… but I know I saw the album long before I ever even heard of Genesis.
It must have been the fall of 1975, my first year at my high school. There was a student-run shop at the school where you could buy candy, gum, a pencil, school shirts… and LP records? I have a vivid memory of an album on display above the cashier. “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” with that distinctive Genesis font. I was fascinated by it… but no way did I have the cash to try out an unknown double album. Obviously others felt the same way… as it sat on display for the full school year.
That’s a damn shame!
Hairless heart: Deuteronomy 30:6.
Christian: https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/30-6.htm.
Jewish: https://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380103/jewish/The-Holy-Heart-of-Times-to-Come.htm
Counting Out Time: Remember it was written in 1974, in the aftermath of the sexual revolution. It’s a satire. Paint by numbers — sex by numbers — for the uninitiated.
How long will we have to wait for Part 2?
Not long – it’s coming out December 20! 🙂
I know I’m a few years late on this, but this is my all time favorite and viscerally remember the first time listening… on 8 track… that I got for a quarter when our local record store was liquidating the format, and being perplexed and blown away at the same time. The second LP of this is absolutely sublime, unique, enthralling, immersive. It is Genesis and could not be anyone else. Thanks for putting so much effort into these two episodes.
I was at the Six of the Best concert at Milton Keynes in 82 and remember Peter being wheeled out in a coffin and jumping out to sing Back in NYC! It was awesome! My sister and I started off at the back of the crowd and during the day worked our way up to the front of the stage and got to see the whole concert from the front. It was awesome and a moment in my life that I will treasure forever, even though Hackett only got to play at the end and it rained constantly.
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
That album would be the one I’d take to a desert island if I had to choose one record. It has everything for me: the concept of a New York street punk’s journey to self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment through a mythical underworld.
Lyrics that you can spend a lifetime unpacking filled with allusions to myth, philosophy and poetry, dense with wit, wisdom, humour, word-play and breathtaking beauty.
Then there’s the incredible songs full of beauty and power and odd timings that musically carry the poignant and sometimes harrowing storyline.
And the musicianship which is extraordinary with Peter’s incredible voice and theatrical showmanship that carries and expresses the protagonist’s transformational journey.
It’s four episodes but it’s an entire journey. The ‘difficult’ third side simply reflects the challenges and struggles of a transformational journey- or a Hero’s Journey as Joseph Campbell would put it.
Rael goes through a dark night of the soul and is made to face himself and ultimately overcome himself in order to find his Self!