From: MikelBiko@aol.com
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 1996 23:01:36 -0400
To: paperlate@ansto.gov.au
Subject: Strictly Inc. Proves Genesis Alive!
Sender: paperlate-owner@ansto.gov.au
Precedence: bulk
Reply-To: MikelBiko@aol.com
Hello! I have to admit I have not "kept up" with the Paperlate news in quite
a while, so please excuse me if I am merely preaching to the choir here. I
have found what I believe to be incontrovertable proof that Genesis can and
will survive Phil's departure and come out even strong than before. This
proof is the Tony Banks "Strictly Inc." album! When I first got the disc many
months back, I listened to it with mildly disinterested ears. The shock of
the textures of Jack Hues vocals put me off at first, and I didn't replay it
much. But on repeated recent listenings, I have fallen in love with this
music. In my opinion, easily the strongest and best produced "solo Genesis"
release since Mike Rutherford's "Smallcreeps Day". My main contention that
Genesis will survive can be proven by playing the track "An Island in the
Darkness" at maximum volume, but other evidence is spread out throughout the
disc. Finally, Tony has released solo music that displays the unique talents
he has brought to Genesis these past 30 years!
In countless interviews with ex-members, current members, and assorted hangers-on, I have heard again and again that Tony has always been the real creative "center" of the group, and that the music of Genesis has always been more a reflection of Tony than any of the other individual members. And on this disc, it is apparent. Listening through, I can clearly hear sounds, melodies, and production that mirrors the mood and feel of various tracks throughout the bands career. While listening to "An Island..." I can clearly hear the mood of "One For the Vine" in some of the instrumental passages, and cannot think of ANY other Genesis solo track that even comes close to evocing that sort of memory. And the guitar cresendo/solo near the end of the piece evokes the wonderous sound of Hacket at the end of "Supper's Ready" (from the Seconds Out version) in such a fashion that it gives me chills. If only Steve and Tony could patch up their differences... but I digress.
Rather than trash Mr. Pop, I must ask if anyone else sees (very thinly) veiled reference to Phil in the lyrics of "Charity Balls"?: "You go to goodwill functions, charity balls, You walk with royalty and in presidential halls, But in your soul a voice is screaming to be heard, No matter how you try it cannot be deterred, This is the end my friend this is the end...."
Now, I would be surprised to see Tony so quick to trash his long-time brother in arms, but it seems awfully close to the mark, don't you think? I just find it out of character with what I know of Tony for the lyrics to be so clear and unhidden if Phil is truely the target of his vitriol. Tony's strong, forceful personality and plain method of speaking have created problems within the band before, but to trash Mr. Pop in such a fashion seems almost unbelievable. Still, upon listening and reading the lyrics... well, I'll let you decide for yourself.
Anyway, if you need a dose of faith, pick it up and give it a chance. On repeated listenings (at loud volumes) I believe your hopes for this majestic band will be rekindled. I myself look forward to the future, and to the 5th era in the history of Genesis, "the only band that matters".
Yours In Spirit,
Mikel Orsborn
Seattle WA
mikelbiko@aol.com
