Genesis ‎– Seconds Out

Genesis – Seconds Out

A landmark of progressive rock, Seconds Out captures Genesis in spectacular live form during one of the most important periods in the band's history. Originally released in October 1977 on Charisma Records, this acclaimed double live album brings together performances from the band's 1976 and 1977 tours, showcasing their remarkable musicianship, ambitious compositions and ability to translate complex studio recordings into powerful concert performances.

By this stage, Genesis had undergone a significant transformation. Following Peter Gabriel's departure in 1975, Phil Collins had taken over as lead vocalist, while Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and Steve Hackett continued to develop the band's distinctive progressive rock sound. Rather than abandoning the elaborate arrangements and conceptual songwriting of their earlier work, Genesis evolved into an increasingly powerful live proposition, combining intricate keyboard passages, expressive guitar work and dynamic rhythmic interplay.

Recorded primarily at the Palais des Sports in Paris during June 1977, with "The Cinema Show" taken from a 1976 performance, the album was produced by Genesis and David Hentschel. The recording captures a formidable touring line-up featuring Collins, Banks, Rutherford and Hackett, supported by American drummer Chester Thompson. Former King Crimson drummer Bill Bruford also appears on "The Cinema Show", having performed with Genesis during their 1976 tour.

The opening sequence immediately demonstrates the band's range. "Squonk" delivers a powerful introduction, driven by its distinctive rhythm and dramatic keyboard and guitar arrangements, before "The Carpet Crawl" provides a more atmospheric and melodic passage. "Robbery, Assault & Battery" brings theatrical storytelling and intricate musicianship, while "Afterglow" builds towards one of Genesis's most memorable melodic finales.

Side two is particularly rewarding for fans of the band's classic progressive period. The expansive instrumental passages of "Firth Of Fifth" showcase Tony Banks's celebrated keyboard writing and Steve Hackett's expressive guitar playing. "I Know What I Like" offers a more accessible, rhythmically engaging performance, incorporating musical references to earlier Genesis material, before "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" and the closing section of "The Musical Box" revisit two important pieces from the Peter Gabriel era.

One of the album's defining features is the complete performance of "Supper's Ready", occupying the entirety of side three. This ambitious multi-section composition, originally featured on 1972's Foxtrot, is one of progressive rock's great extended works, moving through contrasting musical landscapes, intricate instrumental passages and dramatic changes in atmosphere. Its inclusion makes Seconds Out particularly significant for listeners who appreciate the band's earlier, more experimental approach.

The final side features "The Cinema Show", a performance distinguished by the drumming partnership of Phil Collins and Bill Bruford, followed by "Dance On A Volcano" and "Los Endos", which provide an energetic conclusion drawn from the band's mid-1970s repertoire.

Beyond its individual performances, Seconds Out is an important document of Genesis's evolution. It bridges the elaborate, theatrical progressive rock of the Gabriel years with the increasingly melodic direction that would lead to their enormous commercial success during the following decade. Steve Hackett's guitar work is particularly prominent throughout, making this a valuable recording of the classic four-piece line-up with Collins on vocals.

An essential double live album for fans of Genesis, classic progressive rock, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett and the wider 1970s British prog scene. With an outstanding selection of material from A Trick Of The Tail, Wind & Wuthering, Foxtrot, Selling England By The Pound and The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, Seconds Out remains one of the great live recordings of the progressive rock era.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. Squonk – 6:36
A2. The Carpet Crawl – 5:26
A3. Robbery Assault & Battery – 6:04
A4. Afterglow – 5:25

Side B
B1. Firth Of Fifth – 8:55
B2. I Know What I Like – 8:45
B3. The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway – 5:00
B4. The Musical Box (Closing Section) – 3:08

Side C
C. Supper's Ready – 24:32

Side D
D1. Cinema Show – 11:00
D2. Dance On A Volcano – 8:26
D3. Los Endos – 3:10