SECONDS OUT

Welcome my friends to the blog that may never end.

I'm going to share my thoughts and knowledge and feelings relating to the records I play and hopefully inspire you to collaborate and share your own.

I'm going to begin with my "all-time favourite album of all time", Seconds Out by Genesis

This album was released in autumn 1977 at the end of a tour to promote their previous studio album, "Wind & Wuthering". First point to note is that despite it being that tour, there is only 1 song from W&W on the album - that being Afterglow. Now it is a great song and one used for years after as a set-closer, however as it stands on its own here, it sounds a bit lonely. Could have done with an "Unquiet Slumber" preceding it to give it a little more majesty! That is my only weak point with the album. Other than this, it is simply outstanding.

Side 3 is given over to "Supper's Ready". They'd been playing it for around 5 years by then and so had it to a tee. Despite it being a Peter Gabriel-era song, it sits perfectly. While acknowledging that Phil Collins didn't understand the lyrics like he did, Gabriel openly admitted that it was sung better by Collins. Can there have been higher praise?

Recorded mostly in Paris, however the track "Cinema Show" was recorded in Glasgow, at the famous, old Apollo. (There's been a few recorded there over the years). This opens side 4 and goes pretty close to dethroning Supper as my favourite track. Lyrically beautiful.

It was also, unfortunately the last time Steve Hackett would record with Genesis. A superb parting effort and one which affected Genesis more than Gabriel leaving. Tony Banks, Collins and Mike Rutherford would continue and become something altogether different. Is that a bad thing? Rutherford is quoted as saying their next album (ATTW3) was lacking, because Hackett had gone.

But, let me clear about Seconds. There's just not a bad track here.

Confession time:

This actually belonged to my eldest sister and I HATED IT! I could not possibly like the same music as she did, could I? I was 12 or 13. What did she know? Anyway, she moved to a place of her own and left it behind, so it became mine (possession is 9/10ths of the law) and I listened to it more and more. I now refer to it as my old friend, always there when I need it. I would not be without it. I actually bought it on CD, too, but its just not the same as vinyl.

The crackle of the stylus on contact, the anticipation of the first chord, perhaps a wee click during the song. Its what makes playing vinyl the joy that it is. Oh, and the memory of where you were when you first heard it and what it invoked in you.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest said:

"The music that touches you in your youth is magnified as you get older. Each record is a time machine - all you need is to hear a second or two and you go back to that place and time when you first heard it. Its a brilliant feeling when music touches you so profoundly and stays with you through time"

This is what Seconds Out is to me. A time machine, a reminder, a feeling. A joy!

Track listing:

Squonk

The Carpet Crawlers

Robbery, Assault & Battery

Afterglow

Firth of Fifth

I Know What I Like

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway / The Musical Box

Supper's Ready

The Cinema Show

Dance On A Volcano / Los Endos

Members:

Tony Banks - Keyboards (Backing Vocals);

Phil Collins - Lead Vocals / Drums;

Steve Hackett - Lead Guitar;

Mike Rutherford - Bass, 12-String Guitar (Backing Vocals)

Chester Thompson - Drums (Bill Bruford played drums on Cinema Show)