The year 1971 AD was quite a year for classic album releases, and thus we find ourselves celebrating another 40th anniversary – on this occasion the release of the Genesis album “Nursery Cryme”. Although Genesis in the early days were known as an album band, they will be best remembered for their singles chart hits – but more of that later.

If you recall, it was the cover of the “Nursery Cryme” album which depicted the bizarre image of decapitated heads on a crocquet lawn!! Somehow this album cover perfectly captured the quintessential Englishness of the public school educated band and the increasingly bizarre and odd behaviour of the lead singer, Peter Gabriel. In truth, I’ve never really identified with the early Peter Gabriel styled Genesis, finding their music unnecessarily complicated, pompous, pretentious and self indulgent!! In other words very much in the traditions of the worst excesses of the Prog Rock genre, epitomised by Yes and Emerson Lake and Palmer, the latter sounding like a firm of solicitors in a quaint market town!!

That’s the bad news……..the good news is that the three successive post Peter Gabriel Genesis albums, “Trick of the Tail”, “Wind and Wuthering” and “And Then There Were Three” were sublime albums. The reason being is that Phil Collins’ down to earth, working class approach and influence had a sobering effect on Genesis, in the wake of Peter Gabriel’s departure. Gone were the lunatic idiosyncrasies and excesses of the former lead singer, to be replaced by the hypnotic poignancy and pathos of Phil Collins’ vocals, whilst still retaining the traditional CS Lewis Narnia-esque themes and Lewis Carroll-esque Alice in Wonderland themes. As much as I love Peter Gabriel’s voice, Phil Collins’ dulcet tones brought a richer texture to the music of Genesis.

After the first three albums under Phil Collins’ auspices, Genesis started to became much more commercial, recording some some great singles, although quite a few floundered in the lower reaches of the Top 75. As a Genesis fan I have no qualms in unashamedly presenting you with my Top 10 Best Genesis Singles –

Top 10 Best Genesis Singles 

1)  Many Too Many

2)  I know what I like ( In my wardrobe )

3)  Your Own Special Way

4)  A Trick of the Tail / Ripples

5)  Follow you follow me

6)  Mama

7)  Misunderstanding

8 )  Land of Confusion

9 )  That’s All

10)  I Can’t Dance

What are your favourite Genesis songs, singles or album tracks? Let us know in the Reply Box below.

You can immortalise Genesis in your own home, by ordering your favourite vinyl record or CD, single or album, framed and mounted as a picture disc. ORDER NOW by clicking on…….. http://www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Alternatively this would make a unique present or original gift for a special celebration  ie a Wedding ( ie Wedding Song ), a 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th Birthday, a Silver or Ruby Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!! THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!

For all other Genesis memorabilia, merchandise and news……. www.genesis-music.com/