Mild Mannered Supermen - A Genesis Podcast

Look Into the Pool: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we dive into “Ripples,” one of the most beautiful and transformative songs from Genesis's 1976 album A Trick of the Tail. We explore how this track captures a band in transition — moving from the intricate progressive rock of the Peter Gabriel era toward a more melodic, accessible sound that would define Genesis in the years ahead. Jake (professional musician and co-host) makes the case that “Ripples” is a turning point, where the band begins to fully embrace emotional storytelling and pop sensibility without losing their musical depth. We also take a look at the early 1976 “A Trick of the Tail” promotional video — a fascinating piece of pre-MTV history — and discuss how Genesis was already experimenting with visual storytelling long before music television took over. From Tony Banks's sweeping keyboards and Steve Hackett's delicate guitar work to Phil Collins's heartfelt vocal delivery, “Ripples” remains one of the most enduring and emotionally resonant songs in the Genesis catalog. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we unpack the beauty, the evolution, and the lasting impact of “Ripples.” #Genesis #Ripples #ATrickOfTheTail #PhilCollins #SteveHackett #TonyBanks #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #70sRock #MusicHistory #GenesisEvolution #PreMTV

‍⚕️Sleep. Won't You Allow Yourself Fall: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we explore the haunting beauty of “Entangled,” one of the most atmospheric and underrated masterpieces from Genesis's 1976 album A Trick of the Tail. We dive into the song's dreamlike soundscape — from Tony Banks's groundbreaking Mellotron choir, to Steve Hackett's shimmering 12-string guitars, to the breathtaking vocal harmonies that give the track its otherworldly pull. We also spotlight the rare and magical Banks-Hackett songwriting partnership, whose collaboration produced one of the most delicate and mysterious songs in the Genesis catalog. Part lullaby, part psychological maze, Entangled blurs the line between comfort and captivity, weaving surreal imagery with some of the band's most elegant musical textures. This episode examines why the song remains a hidden gem of progressive rock — and why many fans consider it one of Genesis's most beautiful recordings. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we unpack the artistry, atmosphere, and quiet brilliance of “Entangled.” #Genesis #Entangled #ATrickOfTheTail #SteveHackett #TonyBanks #PhilCollins #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #Mellotron #MusicHistory #70sRock #GenesisDeepDive

On Your Left and On Your Right:Season Two of Mild Mannered Supermen kicks off with a bang as we dive into “Dance on a Volcano,” the explosive opening track from Genesis's 1976 album A Trick of the Tail. This episode explores a pivotal moment in the band's history — Phil Collins stepping into the role of lead vocalist following Peter Gabriel's departure, and Steve Hackett temporarily missing in action as he pursued his own solo work. With the future of Genesis uncertain, the band responded not with hesitation… but with fire. We break down how “Dance on a Volcano” became a statement of intent — a bold, rhythm-driven track that redefined the band's sound while still carrying the intensity and complexity of their progressive roots. It's not just a song — it's a launch, a reset, and the perfect hype track for stepping into the unknown. Whether you're facing a big life decision, a new chapter, or just need a musical adrenaline shot, this episode explores why “Dance on a Volcano” still hits like a moment of ignition nearly 50 years later. #Genesis #DanceOnAVolcano #ATrickOfTheTail #PhilCollins #SteveHackett #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #70sRock #MusicHistory #NewBeginnings #HypeMusic

️ Season One Finale: In the Season One finale of Mild Mannered Supermen, we go back to where it all began — Genesis's 1969 debut album From Genesis to Revelation. Long before the epics, the theatrics, and the progressive rock masterpieces, Genesis were a young band under the guidance of producer Jonathan King, crafting baroque pop songs with hints of the ambition that would later define them. In this episode, we explore the band's earliest days, the influence of King, and how these formative recordings set the stage for everything that followed. We take a closer listen to standout tracks including “In the Beginning,” “In the Wilderness,” “The Conqueror,” “In Hiding,” and the band's first single “The Silent Sun.” Together, these songs reveal a Genesis still finding its voice — but already reaching for something bigger. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we close out Season One by uncovering the origins of one of progressive rock's most important bands — from humble beginnings to the first spark of greatness. #Genesis #FromGenesisToRevelation #JonathanKing #PeterGabriel #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #AnthonyPhillips #SilentSun #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #MusicHistory #60sRock

It is Real. It is Rael: In this final chapter of our Mild Mannered Supermen deep dive into Genesis's legendary 1974 concept album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, we explore the last side of the record and the dramatic conclusion of Rael's journey. Using live recordings from the January 1975 Lamb tour, we revisit the powerful closing sequence of songs — “Ravine,” “The Light Dies Down on Broadway,” “Riding the Scree,” “In the Rapids,” and the triumphant finale “It.” In this episode we unpack the symbolism and emotional arc of the story, tracing Rael's transformation from isolation and confusion to revelation and self-recognition. We also discuss how Genesis brought this material to life on stage during the original Lamb tour, highlighting Peter Gabriel's theatrical storytelling alongside the musical interplay of Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins. Join us as we attempt to interpret the meaning behind one of progressive rock's most ambitious concept albums, examining the themes of identity, ego, sacrifice, and transcendence that bring Rael's surreal journey to its unforgettable conclusion. #Genesis #TheLambLiesDownOnBroadway #PeterGabriel #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #ConceptAlbum #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #SteveHackett #MikeRutherford #70sRock #MusicHistory

Down the Rabbit Hole: In Part 3 of our deep dive into Genesis's 1974 concept masterpiece The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Mild Mannered Supermen explores one of the album's most surreal and unsettling stretches — from “Lilywhite Lilith” through “The Colony of Slippermen.” This chapter of Rael's journey takes a darker, stranger turn as we unpack the symbolism, mythology, and psychological themes behind “The Waiting Room,” “Anyway,” “Here Comes the Supernatural Anaesthetist,” “The Lamia,” “Silent Sorrow in Empty Boats,” and the grotesque epic “The Colony of Slippermen.” We examine how Peter Gabriel's storytelling becomes increasingly abstract and theatrical, how Brian Eno's sonic textures deepen the album's dreamlike atmosphere, and how Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Phil Collins, and Mike Rutherford push the boundaries of progressive rock with some of the most experimental music Genesis ever recorded. From desire and transformation to ego, identity, and sacrifice, this episode covers the emotional and symbolic core of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway — the moment where Rael's journey becomes truly mythic. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we continue unraveling one of the most ambitious and influential concept albums in rock history. #Genesis #TheLambLiesDownOnBroadway #PeterGabriel #BrianEno #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #SteveHackett #MikeRutherford #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ConceptAlbum #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #70sRock #MusicHistory

Mild Mannered Supermen Shout Out! : In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we continue our deep dive into Genesis's 1974 masterpiece The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, focusing on Side Two of the album and the next chapter of Rael's surreal journey. We explore the shifting emotional landscape of tracks like “Back in N.Y.C.,” “Hairless Heart,” “Counting Out Time,” “The Carpet Crawlers,” and “The Chamber of 32 Doors.” From aggression and vulnerability to temptation and spiritual searching, this side of the album reveals the psychological complexity at the heart of Peter Gabriel's most ambitious concept. We also examine how the musical dynamics evolve — Tony Banks's atmospheric keyboards, Steve Hackett's textured guitar work, Phil Collins's expressive drumming, and Mike Rutherford's grounding bass lines — all working together as tensions within the band continued to simmer behind the scenes. Side Two deepens the mystery, expands the symbolism, and pulls Rael further into a world of identity, illusion, and transformation. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we unravel the next phase of one of progressive rock's most daring and influential concept albums. #Genesis #TheLambLiesDownOnBroadway #PeterGabriel #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #SteveHackett #MikeRutherford #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #ConceptAlbums #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #70sRock #MusicHistory

Side 1: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we begin our deep dive into Genesis's ambitious 1974 concept album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, focusing on Side One and the first six tracks of the record. We explore the creative tension and internal turmoil within the band during the album's recording, including Peter Gabriel's growing artistic independence and the strain it placed on Genesis at a critical moment in their history. The episode also examines Brian Eno's vital contributions, whose experimental sound treatments helped shape the album's fractured, otherworldly atmosphere. Track by track, we unpack the opening chapter of Rael's journey — from the explosive title track through Fly on a Windshield, Broadway Melody of 1974, Cuckoo Cocoon, In the Cage, and The Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging. Together, these songs introduce the album's themes of alienation, identity, and psychological descent, setting the stage for one of progressive rock's most daring narratives. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we trace the origins of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway — an album born from creative ambition, personal conflict, and a willingness to push Genesis beyond everything they had done before. #Genesis #TheLambLiesDownOnBroadway #PeterGabriel #BrianEno #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ConceptAlbums #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #MusicHistory #70sRock

Ceci s'apelle du Cinema Show: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we explore “The Cinema Show,” one of Genesis's most ambitious and musically sophisticated compositions from Selling England by the Pound (1973). We break down the song's two distinct halves — the romantic, mythological storytelling inspired by Romeo and Juliet in the opening section, and the expansive instrumental journey that follows, built around Tony Banks's iconic keyboard sequences. The episode examines how Peter Gabriel's lyrical restraint gives way to pure musical expression, allowing Genesis to stretch out and define the progressive rock sound of the era. We also discuss the song's importance as a showcase for the band's musicianship, particularly Phil Collins's shifting rhythms and Steve Hackett's atmospheric guitar textures, and why “The Cinema Show” became a cornerstone of Genesis's live performances well beyond the Gabriel era. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we unpack the elegance, complexity, and quiet power of one of Genesis's most revered tracks. #Genesis #TheCinemaShow #SellingEnglandByThePound #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #PeterGabriel #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #SteveHackett #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #ClassicRock #70sRock #MusicHistory

Taken From a News Story… …concerning two rival gangs fighting over east-end protection rights. In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we dive into “The Battle of Epping Forest,” one of Genesis's most chaotic, theatrical, and densely packed songs from Selling England by the Pound (1973). Part satire, part social commentary, and part musical endurance test, “The Battle of Epping Forest” captures Peter Gabriel at his most verbose and Genesis at their most ambitious. We unpack the song's real-world inspiration — turf wars between rival London gangs — and explore how its rapid-fire lyrics, shifting time signatures, and overlapping character voices push progressive rock storytelling to its absolute limits. This episode looks at why the band later viewed the song as both an achievement and a cautionary tale, and how it represents the extreme end of Genesis's early theatrical era. We also discuss Tony Banks's intricate keyboard work, Steve Hackett's aggressive guitar textures, Phil Collins's precision drumming, and how the song fits into the broader themes of Selling England by the Pound. Love it or struggle with it, “The Battle of Epping Forest” remains a fascinating snapshot of Genesis at full creative overload — fearless, funny, and bursting at the seams. #Genesis #BattleOfEppingForest #SellingEnglandByThePound #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #PeterGabriel #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #SteveHackett #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #ClassicRock #70sRock #MusicHistory

The River of Constant Change In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we explore “Firth of Fifth,” one of Genesis's most iconic and enduring compositions from the 1973 album Selling England by the Pound. Often cited as a pinnacle of progressive rock, “Firth of Fifth” showcases the band at a creative crossroads — balancing classical influence, emotional restraint, and technical brilliance. We discuss Tony Banks's famous piano introduction, Steve Hackett's soaring guitar solo, and how the song's structure quietly points toward the future of Genesis beyond the Peter Gabriel era. This episode examines how “Firth of Fifth” helped redefine what progressive rock could be: less about excess, more about atmosphere, melody, and long-form storytelling without a traditional narrative. We also consider why the song became a live staple across multiple eras of the band, even as Genesis evolved into a very different group in the years that followed. Whether you're a lifelong fan or encountering the track for the first time, this discussion highlights why “Firth of Fifth” remains a cornerstone of Genesis's legacy — and a bridge between the band's past and what was still to come. #Genesis #FirthOfFifth #SellingEnglandByThePound #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #TonyBanks #SteveHackett #PeterGabriel #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #ClassicRock #70sRock #MusicHistory

Time for Lunch: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we take a deep dive into “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe),” one of Genesis's most beloved and accessible songs from the 1973 album Selling England by the Pound. We explore how this quirky, character-driven track introduced many listeners to Genesis, blending progressive rock complexity with humor, pastoral English imagery, and Peter Gabriel's theatrical storytelling. From the story of Fred the lawnmower man to the song's surprisingly sharp social satire, we unpack what makes “I Know What I Like” such a defining moment in the band's career. The episode also looks at the song's musical construction, its success as Genesis's first UK hit single, and how it helped bridge the gap between the band's more experimental roots and a wider audience. Whether you're a longtime Genesis fan or discovering their early work for the first time, this episode offers insight into one of progressive rock's most charming and enduring songs. #Genesis #IKnowWhatILike #SellingEnglandByThePound #PeterGabriel #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #70sRock #MusicHistory #ConceptAlbums

Paperlate! In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we explore “Dancing with the Moonlit Knight,” the stunning opening track from Genesis's 1973 album Selling England by the Pound. We unpack the song's shifting movements, pastoral imagery, and biting social commentary, revealing how Peter Gabriel's lyrics reflect a Britain caught between fading tradition and modern commercialism. From the acoustic English folk opening to the thunderous Mellotron-driven finale, this track sets the tone for one of the most beloved albums in progressive rock history. Join us as we discuss the musical contributions of Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins, and explain why “Dancing with the Moonlit Knight” remains one of Genesis's most ambitious and politically charged compositions. If you love progressive rock, classic Genesis, or thoughtful music storytelling, this episode is the perfect place to begin. #Genesis #DancingWithTheMoonlitKnight #SellingEnglandByThePound #PeterGabriel #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #MusicHistory #70sRock #ConceptAlbums

Hey Babe: In this epic episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we take a deep dive into Genesis's 23-minute masterpiece, “Supper's Ready,” the defining progressive rock epic from the 1972 album Foxtrot. We break down each section of the suite—from “Lover's Leap” and “The Guaranteed Eternal Sanctuary Man” all the way to the explosive “Apocalypse in 9/8” and the triumphant finale “As Sure as Eggs Is Eggs.” Discover the symbolism, the mythology, the spiritual imagery, and the surreal humor embedded in Peter Gabriel's most ambitious narrative. We trace the musical evolution of each member—Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins—and explain how “Supper's Ready” became the ultimate statement of early Genesis. If you love prog rock, concept storytelling, or simply want to understand why “Supper's Ready” is considered one of the greatest songs ever recorded, this episode is your guide. #Genesis #SuppersReady #Foxtrot #PeterGabriel #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #SteveHackett #MikeRutherford #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #MusicPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #GenesisAnalysis #MusicHistory #EpicSongs #1970sRock

TWO FOR ONE Episode! In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we explore two often-overlooked gems from Genesis's 1972 masterpiece Foxtrot: “Time Table” and “Can-Utility and the Coastliners.” We break down the musical textures, lyrical themes, and historical inspirations behind these tracks — from the bittersweet reflection on fading chivalry in Time Table, to the sweeping retelling of King Canute's legend in Can-Utility and the Coastliners. Expect deep-dive analysis, rare context, and our signature storytelling approach as we reveal how these songs showcase early Genesis at their most poetic and ambitious. Whether you're a longtime fan or exploring the Gabriel-era catalog for the first time, this episode celebrates the beauty and brilliance hidden between Foxtrot's bigger epics. #Genesis #Foxtrot #TimeTable #CanUtilityAndTheCoastliners #PeterGabriel #PhilCollins #SteveHackett #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #MusicHistory #70sRock

️ PROG FANS UNITE! In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we dive deep into “Get 'Em Out by Friday,” Genesis's razor-sharp blend of science fiction, social critique, and theatrical storytelling. This track from Foxtrot (1972) showcases Peter Gabriel at his most dramatic — switching characters, accents, and perspectives as the band paints a dystopian future shaped by corporate control and forced relocation. We break down the song's narrative, explore the real-world housing issues that inspired it, and highlight how Tony Banks's keyboards, Phil Collins's shifting rhythms, Steve Hackett's textures, and Mike Rutherford's bass lines turn the story into a full-blown prog rock miniature. Join us as we uncover the satire, the spectacle, and the surprising relevance of “Get 'Em Out by Friday.” #Genesis #GetEmOutByFriday #Foxtrot #PeterGabriel #PhilCollins #SteveHackett #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #MusicHistory #70sRock

In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we gaze upward with “Watcher of the Skies,” the monumental opening track from Genesis's Foxtrot (1972). With its eerie Mellotron fanfare and apocalyptic vision, the song captures Genesis at their most cosmic — blending science fiction, existential wonder, and masterful musicianship. We explore how Peter Gabriel's lyrics imagine a lone being returning to a desolate Earth, how Tony Banks's haunting chords defined the sound of 70s progressive rock, and how Phil Collins and Steve Hackett helped transform an otherworldly idea into a thunderous live classic. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we decode the mystery, the mood, and the might of Watcher of the Skies — a song that turned Genesis from storytellers into visionaries. #Genesis #WatcherOfTheSkies #Foxtrot #PeterGabriel #PhilCollins #SteveHackett #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ClassicRock #MildManneredSupermen #GenesisPodcast #MusicHistory #70sRock #Mellotron

In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we turn our attention to one of Genesis's most overlooked treasures — “Seven Stones” from Nursery Cryme (1971). Between the sprawling epics and wild theatrics of the album lies this haunting, reflective piece that reveals a deeper side of early Genesis. We explore the song's themes of fate, wisdom, and loss — a fable-like meditation on how small moments can change the course of life. With Tony Banks's majestic Mellotron, Peter Gabriel's storytelling restraint, and the band's dynamic interplay, Seven Stones stands as a quiet but profound moment in Genesis's early evolution. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we uncover how this song captures the soul of what made early Genesis so timeless — poetic, unpredictable, and utterly human. #Genesis #PeterGabriel #TonyBanks #PhilCollins #MikeRutherford #SteveHackett #NurseryCryme #SevenStones #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ClassicRock #MildManneredSupermen #GenesisPodcast #MusicHistory #70sRock

In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we unleash “The Return of the Giant Hogweed” — Genesis's wild, witty, and apocalyptic prog-rock epic from Nursery Cryme (1971). Inspired by a real-life invasive plant from Russia, this overgrown masterpiece blends absurd humor, ecological warning, and musical virtuosity into one of the band's most ambitious early works. We explore how Peter Gabriel's surreal storytelling and Tony Banks's furious keyboards helped Genesis evolve from pastoral beginnings into full-blown theatrical rock. From Steve Hackett's blistering guitar work to Phil Collins's precise drumming, The Return of the Giant Hogweed is both a cautionary tale and a showcase of a band discovering its power. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we trace the roots of Genesis's strangest creation — a song that's equal parts satire, sci-fi, and symphonic brilliance. #Genesis #PeterGabriel #SteveHackett #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #NurseryCryme #ReturnOfTheGiantHogweed #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ClassicRock #MildManneredSupermen #GenesisPodcast #MusicHistory #70sRock

️In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we descend into the myth and mystery of “The Fountain of Salmacis” — the epic closing track from Genesis's Nursery Cryme (1971). Drawing from Ovid's Metamorphoses, the song tells the haunting tale of Hermaphroditus and the nymph Salmacis, blending ancient mythology with the band's emerging progressive brilliance. We explore how The Fountain of Salmacis marks the first time the “classic” Genesis lineup — Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins — truly found their voice. From Gabriel's theatrical delivery to Banks's towering Mellotron and organ textures, this song is the moment Genesis became Genesis. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we dive into the story, the sound, and the strange beauty that still flows from this early Genesis masterpiece. #Genesis #PeterGabriel #SteveHackett #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #NurseryCryme #FountainOfSalmacis #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ClassicRock #MildManneredSupermen #GenesisPodcast #MusicHistory

Well stay in 1970 for one more from Trespass, Stagnation. Ever wonder how Tony Banks got that sound or what the lyrics mean? You're in the right place!

Let's go a little further back. This time to 1970s Trespass to focus on the heart pounding closing track, The Knife.

Welcome to our first episode. Me (a Genesis fan) and my brother (a professional musician) seek to share our love and enthusiasm for early Genesis classics. Today we focus on The Musical Box from 1971 Nursery Cryme.