Covid 19 and the Domino Principle

Genesis songs have a complexity to their writing that allows for stories to be timeless. They have a shelf life that will last for generations of music aficionados. When a group of talented songwriters comes together, they may not realize at the time they are creating post-modernistic impressions that can be revisited through the course of human history. This is certainly true for Genesis.
Currently, as I write this article the world is going through a pandemic crisis. We look for answers to the complexity of why the world is shutting down. My own children are wondering what is happening. We look for clues to explain the current state of affairs.
This morning, one song in the Genesis archive came to mind. The song is Domino from the Invisible Touch album. Originally, the song was about the war in Beirut in 1982. While a reflection of events back then, the lyrics can be applied universally to life-changing events.
Part I of the song is a personal reflection of how one's actions can impact others. It is a quiet and eerie introduction that sets a great tone for what is about to happen. Part-II is a typical melodramatic orchestration of lyrics and sound that places us in the confusion of the Domino effect. It is a wild ride that reflects the confusion set off by singular events.
Phil Collins would open up the song live with an explanation of the Domino-Principle. When he says, "Everyone's actions over here, impact everyone else's actions over there.", it captures the Covid 19 talking points in every country. The actions of individuals, thus leading us through a crisis can increase or decrease fatalities worldwide. Their actions and lack thereof can lead to a domino effect.
Invisible Touch was an album that had songs that also reflected the actions of our leaders throughout the world. It was written during a time when the world grew tired of the Cold War. The rapid change came in as a short period of time as a reflection of the domino principle in action. While written during a time of post-apocalyptic songwriting that reflected the cold war, it is truly applicable to any human condition. It will be interesting to see how the domino principle plays out after the impact we experience from Covid 19.

Prog Snobs Can You Do Us A Favor: STFU

It is finally here, a Genesis reunion. 13 years and a lot of hopes and dreams for fans from all eras that the band would get back together. We are excited to share the magic with our kids and grandkids.  But wait, what's that you hear? Ah yes, the prog snobs are at it again. Fans from the first era of Genesis love to share their hatred of Phil, Mike and Tony with any opportunity they can to suck the life out of our enjoyment. A 40-year tradition that is still going strong.

For over 40 years, they have repeated the same mantra. It's like a divorce in which both spouses just can't let go of the past. They just whine and whine and whine about a 5 year period of Genesis history.

Think about it, 1970 - 1975. Five years out of a 50-year history of the band. They want to hold the rest of us hostage that love all eras of Genesis. We can't enjoy anything after 1975. It's against the prog constitution in their minds. (Is there such a thing?) Why can't they just go in their basement, wear out their records from 70-75 and just well, let's say shut the front door to be polite?

The bottom line is more fans love the entire catalog. Most of us love every era, the solo albums, and any references to Genesis. Yet, when something like a reunion happens, they come out of the shadows to rain on our enjoyment.

I have to say the Hackett fans are also getting on my nerves. That's another group of snobs. For them, Genesis ended in 77. Add two years to the misery we have to experience from this group. Nothing good came after 77. I am a fan of Steve, but I have to say he loves to join in the game. Why? In my opinion, cha-ching is his biggest motivation, not what he claims the music. He rants for his own well being. Here's why I think this is true:

Let's say the boys called it quits in 75 or 77. Who would be the fan base if they just called it quits? Men from the 70s that loved to smoke pot, do some shrooms, and pretend they were Rael during their hallucinatory state in their basement (sarcasm folks but somewhat true regarding the demographics). Like many groups in this era, Genesis would have faded and had a much smaller fan base as it surely would have shrunk after the 1970s. They would have joined Kansas, REO Speedwagon ELO, and STYX and played your local casino or state fairgrounds year after year.

The fact that Phil Mike and Tony stayed together brought them new audiences. They filled arenas of 30 -50 thousand fans all around the world as new fans discovered their music. They always introduced the new fans to early Genesis. They kept the music alive for 40 more years. Here is my point about Steve. Think about it, he has over 20 albums he put out since he left the band. What has he played over the past 10 years? Hmmm... Genesis? What does that speak to regarding his own catalog of music? The reason he has to play Genesis is the promoters and audiences will not support his solo work. Maybe Steve should think about how Phil Mike and Tony play a bit of roll in his last 10 years of earning a living, instead of knocking the band and whining any chance he gets. We get it, Steve, they did not call you. Who wants to call the ex that constantly complains about their previous marriage?

Finally, let's talk about the prog snob keyboard warrior. The guy that loves to post this kind of criticism that I recently read online:  "Here is the setlist from the new tour: I Can't Walk, Cripples, Slippers Ready, etc." I bet this guy is just a joy to be around. A real-life of the party. He probably makes in fun of your mole, hairline, and any other imperfection. If I had to guess, most people like him just love to spend hours on the keys (the keyboard that is...) and post all day about their gripes. Talentless angry men from the 70's wanting us to suffer from our enjoyment that the boys are getting back together again. This cruel and ridiculous behavior has been a long tradition for over 40 years.

So, for the rest of us. We are going to enjoy the reunion. We will get excited about inside information building up over the coming months. Every step of the way the prog snobs will try their best to kill the joy of Genesis playing again. To them I say, please go back to your basement and wear out those 70-75 era LPs and STFU.

Author's Note - We are on Facebook are yes, you have to be positive about Genesis to join. 
One more thing - the article is supposed to be a bit tongue and cheek. You have to be a long term fan that endured all the Prog arguments, cracks on Phil, and general distaste towards the big 3 for the past 40 years. This article is dedicated to you.