Genesis - Trick of the Tail

The album Trick of the Tail marks a pivotal point in Genesis history. This was the first album after Peter Gabriel left and the last really meaningful album. Phil Collins took over as lead creative force of the band and it seems like he was still trying to keep the band a progressive rock band rather than the pop band that it soon morphed into. Not that 80s Genesis is bad or anything, but its just not the same.

Anyway, the album Trick of the Tail is still a great album. Quite possibly my favorite because of the blend of prog rock and a slight slight touch of pop. At least more so than Gabriel had, these songs are by no means like "Hold on Your Heart" or "Follow you Follow Me." The title track of the album is a mystical song about a strange creature who is put on display in a freak show. The catchy piano melody follows along with the reluctant Collins singing the tale. The unexpected doo-wop back up vocals make this song all the more better. Plus the video is just ridiculous.

Bored of the life on the city of gold He'd left and let nobody know. Gone were the towers he had known from a child, Alone with the dream of a life He travelled the wide open road, the blinkered arcade, In search of another to share in his life. Nowhere. Everyone looked so strange to him. They've got no horns and they've got no tail They don't even know of our existence. Am I wrong to believe in a city of gold That lies in the deep distance, he cried And wept as they led him away to a cage Beast that can talk, read the sign. The creatures they pushed and they prodded his frame And questioned his story again. But soon they grew bored of their prey Beast that can talk? More like a freak or publicity stunt. Oh No, They've got no horns and they've got no tail They don't even know of our existence. Am I wrong to believe in a city of gold That lies in the deep distance, he cried And broke down the door of the cage and marched on out. He grabbed a creature by the scruff of his neck, puinting out: There, beyond the bounds of you weak imagination Lie the noble towers of my city, bright and gold. Let me take you there and show you a living story Let me show you others such as me Why did I ever leave? They've got no horns and they've got no tail They don't even know of our existence Am I wrong to believe in a city of gold That lies in the deep distance, he cried And wept. And so we set out with the best and his horns And his crazy description of home. After many days journey we came to a peak Where the beast gazed abroad and cried out. We followed his gaze and we thought maybe we saw A spire of gold - no, a trick of the eye that's all, But the beast was gone and a voice was heard: They've got no horns and they've got no tail They don't even know of our existence Am I wrong to believe in a city of gold That lies in the deep distance, he cried Hello friend, welcome home.