Has anyone noticed the number of British bands on this channel? I have been going down memory lane and reliving my teens. So many albums, so many memorable gigs. Steve Hacket live at Bradford's Queens Hall 1983 (I think ). Genesis, Yes and PF, ELP, Cream, Jethro Tull, Supertramp were the sounds of my youth.
This is one of the best rock albums of this era and it still sounds fresh today. When Steve did the Wolflight to Acolyte tour, this song was unbelievable, especially when Nick Beggs started on the bass pedals. There isn't a weak track on the album and it is definitely the best album Genesis never made .
Agreed about Nick Beggs. Saw this at the Palladium during the recent tour doing Wind and Wuthering, and he was quite a sight sitting cross-legged at the front pounding the bass pedals with his fists. It's not often you get a standing ovation at the end of a first half of a show, but this brought the house down.
Stifled, indeed. Steve originally brought this song to the band during the Foxtrot sessions, but it was rejected. He tried again on Selling England. Rejected. It was done at least once in practice by the band though, which would’ve been very interesting to hear.
The instrumental section is a jewel of Hackett composition-powerful, ominous. A beautiful sequence of chords and harmony, and the build-up of intensity is breathtaking. And the lovely section with Sally Oldfield on vocals (her solo album “Water Bearer” is one of my favorite albums, well worth checking out).
Such a beautiful song. Steve gets his King Crimson obsession out in the open with those big Mellotron moments, Sally Oldfield's soulfully delicate vocals soar, John Hackett's flute plays themes from previous songs (this is very much a concept album and you MUST hear it all!) and a distant autoharp sweeps. Chillingly memorable harmonies, Hackett's unique timbres and voicings. One of the strongest tracks on the album. For a few years, Hackett went where Genesis chose not to, keeping the burning torch of the old progressive Genesis alive. Sadly, he too succumbed to the pressures of 80's dumbing down of music and released a clutch of duds. But he returned to his roots and is one of the strongest musicians writing and performing today. One of my favourite albums ever.
I bought this album, having never heard it, having no idea who Steve Hackett was or that he had been part of Genesis or what they sounded like. I just loved the Album cover and the title. What an inspired decision that was. I loved it straight off and then went on discover Genesis. Of all musicians that have left sucessful bands, Steve has, in my opinion, the greatest body of solo work.
The whole album is pure magic. Heard this age 13, it blow me out of the room. There’s nothing quite like it, it’s about as different as you can get. The music is a dream with everything, and on this track the mellotron strings.
Indseed. I've seen him twice 2017 and 2019 and it is indeed one of the highlights of his concerts. My son, for whom it was the first concert in his life and not having listened to Hackett before was hooked with the Solo stuff. The Genesis stuff he couldn't care less, but Shadow of the Hierophant was his thing.
@@steeleye2112 I famously queued alone in a sleeping bag over night in 1979 outside the Guild Hall for Mike Oldfield tickets (Sally’s sister) and when the office opened I was still on my own!
I bought this album when it first came out and have loved it since then. I did get to see Steve Hackett & company perform it live a few years ago and it was amazing! I have tickets for 2022 as well so hope to hear this again. Ace of Wands is another great one on this same album.
What an album and what a song this is. Loved this instantly. reminds me sometimes of "Blood on the rooftops" too. If you're missing something in "Alone Again" from Genesis, well, here you have it! I'm a big fan of Steve Hackett's early and later work. Just like you I have tickets waiting to see him (In Antwerp though) in 2022 as well. Saw a show of him a few years ago with Roine Stolt from the Flower Kings on bass. Amazing stuff! Great vocals by Sally. I was equally overwhelmed by Steve Hackett with Randy Crawford on Hoping Love Will Last. Another must listen song!
At last ;) Thank you Just ! Here's some pseudo Genesis tune as we got Hackett + Collins on drums and Rutherford on bass. What would have occured if Banks joined the boat ? The voice of Mike Oldfield's sister Sally is just magic This particular song was the third and definitive shock after Eleventh Earl of Mar and Squonk/Los Endos that nailed a 14 yo boy (circa 1977) forever in the Genesis universe. This was the first album I bought in my life and thus has a very special place to me
Same generation. Our pockets almost empty and every purchase an exhilerating event, the new LP spinning endlessly for months, every word learnt by heart, eyes hypnotized by the cover.
@@mariosandri4010 Completly lol. I remember paying 32 french Francs at that time which was a lot for me but seems pretty ridiculous nowadays. I spent so much time looking to this marvelous sleeve. I'm so glad younger guys can appreciate these pearls
I bought this album about a year after release being hooked on Genesis. Played it so much I had to buy another. The last track is my favorite on the this Brilliant album and it's even better when Hackett plays it in it's entirely live. It's so powerful especially the bass pedals that the entire theater vibrates and chandeliers shake. You can feel the music right down to your soul. Very extraordinary and moving. Nothing like it.
I love Sally Oldfield's voice. I first listend to Hackett in the mid eighties having been a Genesis fan since 1978, but since then he has been my hero keeping the memory of Genesis alive in his "Genesis revisited concerts".
The wait to see Steve live is well worth it. He's the one keeping classic Genesis alive. Not just with Genesis songs, but his own solo music. When he left, so did the classic sound. But he did keep it going with Please Don't Touch. You have to do that one from beginning to end. There is no other album like it!
@@davidbarker77 To a small extent, it is, 3/5 of the original Genesis, and 3/4 of the newer one. But I'm sure that Banks would have added some nice fills to it.
@@bobholtzmann thanks, Bob. Never realized that Mike was on base. Sally’s incredible but it might have been fun to hear Peter take a crack at the vocals.
The ending crescendo was so deceptively simple on the surface, but so entertaining you know there has to be more going on. Slight shades of Tubular Bells and parts of Atom Heart Mother maybe...
When I first bought this album I was amazed by it and then I bought it on cassette and keep it in mint condition. But when it first came out and had it for a couple of weeks . A certain movie came out and I played this record and saw STAR wars and everything was revealed to me.
It's a stunning work. I'm glad you mentioned that it's the last song on the album because it has an even more powerful effect when you listen to the whole album through. Sally Oldfield is amazing. Her voice and what you called a "divine" expression makes my face get flushed and brings tears to my eyes it has such a natural but angelic beauty to it. And the whole work is indeed symphonic and to me extraordinarily subtle in its building variations. The lyrics seem quite literal in a mystical way to me. All this is actually happening although we are not given its full meaning, but it strikes me as a wish to remain forever in an almost youthful state of love between a bride and groom and realizing mortality will eventually overcome. Since Steve won't be playing until NEXT April you have time listen to his first 4 albums, the best ones imo, in there entirety. On this album the 2nd, 3rd and 4th track are all one piece. Hope to here your impressions on the whole album SOON.
Glad you got around to this! I was lucky to find this import album when it was brand new in a record store, during the year after The Lamb Lies Down album. It was a time of uncertainty for Genesis, because Peter Gabriel left, and everyone was uncertain the group would ever release any new albums. But Hackett's album, and this song helped fill in the void of time before "Dance On A Volcano" heralded a new Genesis era.
Happy Easter Justin..hope you've had a great time butty ...This is a fantastic song.. the acoustic guitar by Steve is gorgeous...and Sally s voice fits perfectly with the ambience and atmosphere created by Steve..the music is so good,and dream like imho. Its a song ive always loved butty..It. takes you to a place of total happiness Justin. Just magic..that instrumental section...hmmm sublime Justin. Steve is a genius,ive said it before..,I'll say it again Justin.. Nobody play s the guitar like Mr.Hackett.. so unique and individual...great review my friend..great song....great video..IT'S ALL GREAT . oh and what an album this is too butty..hint hint 🎵🎸☺☺
Hi Justin, you have just listened to my favourite Steve Hackett songs from one of my favourite Steve Hackett albums, a fantastic song full of beauty and power, saw this performed live a few years back when Steven Wilson joined Hackett and his band on stage for this song, a friend of mine who is a singer in a metal band my nephew came with me to this gig both had heard very little of Hackett's solo stuff but they were both stunned into silence after hearing this song, live the whole build up at the end of this song is so immense with Nick Beggs bashing away on the Bass Pedals you could feel the air displacement from the speakers thumping your chest, some great live videos on YP you should check out.
This is by far one of the most amazing tracks that Steve has produced and without doubt an excellent album. Have seen Steve and his band on nearly all his tours and when this is played it sends shivers down my spine how the band truly come together as one. In their own right they are all incredible musicians, Amanda Lehmann's vocals are pitch perfect. The bass pedals live go straight through you. Brilliant
I had the great experience of seeing this played live. As you can tell by the studio version it just builds and builds till you think the roof is literally going to blow off. On top of that the drummer gets to take liberties with that part and goes nuts. Gives me chills every time I hear it. If you ever get the chance to see Steve Hackett live...goooooo!
Sally Oldfield's voice is just ethereal! It's too bad Steve didn't do more work with her. It would have been great to have an entire album where she was doing all the lead vocals with Steve Hackett and his band. But Phil Collins also does a great job singing lead on "Star of Sirius." And yes, that is Steve finger tapping just before the transition. He also did it with Genesis as far back as _Nursery Chryme_ and years before Eddie Van Halen did it on "Eruption."
Hackett just played 2 dates in my little town near Toronto. You are in for a treat. Looking forward to some feedback from the show you will attend in a subsequent video.
For many Genesis fans, Voyage of the acolyte is the missing Genesis album and is actually a showcase where the band could’ve taken their sound after Gabriel left. Both Phil and Mike appear on the album😄
@@danielthenorwegianguy Wow you just convinced me to listen to the whole album asap!! I loved so much the feeling of earing a lost Genesis song i got during this video.. priceless
The other missing Genesis album is The Geese And The Ghost by Anthony Phillips (1977) it also features Phil and Mike and is very reminiscent of the Trespass era.
I have done it again. This time I think I know how I managed to lose my post. I write the post up but forget to hit the comment button before reading and writing on other folks comments. Brilliant piece of music. Those commenters who have been touting this song were right. I need to go back and re-listen to it all but this is a keeper and should be in my library. The final portions kept reminding me of the best of Procul Harum's work. Wow. Great song and review. This week we learned our local music festival, where I volunteer every year, will be canceled for a second year in a row (it had been running every year since 1970). On a positive note, there will be a smaller 3 day festival in August to help keep the spirit alive. It will only have one mainstage (instead of two evening mainstages) and there will not be any workshop stages (normally there are 8 workshops dotted around the festival site in Bird's Hill Provincial Park). Another plus, I will get my first jab on the 15th. The entire family should be vaccinated by the August festival date so I should be free to volunteer. Get your jabs and stay safe.
HI Justin, I'm Mike, the so-called nagging responser from 'Hergest Ridge' :-) . Outstanding !!!! Discovered this diamond a year ago, all my building neighbours know this by hard (The live version) !!! Thanks a bunch !!! Cheers, Mike
@@craigfazekas3923 It was only a couple years later that Eddie et al were spotted at one of LA's other hot spots, the Starwood, and signed more or less on the spot by Warner Bros. A&R/staff producer, Ted Templeman, and Warner prez, Mo Ostin.
Finally JP!!!!! Didn't think you were ever going to listen to this bliss. This song which I guess is a tribute to Mike Oldfield is the reason Tony Banks is a tosser. The Hermit is a great song too, Steve's first vocal performance and his best singing until the 90's, he sounded whiny in the 80's.
Saw Steve Hackett with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani on one of the G3 tours in Cleveland back in the 90's some time. It's been so long my memory escapes me of the exact date. But was a summer concert outside in the Flats. I can see it now. It was awesome.👍
Read all these notes. They pretty much sum it all up. After this record, you will also love "Please Don't Touch". That one has Steve Walsh (Kansas) and Richie Havens.
No surprises that Jonny Greenwood and Thommy Yorke were probably listening to this as kids then. U know what Justin? Only now do i have the patience to appreciate this particular song, having warmed to it initially on a metal guitarist’s video appraisal of it in 2019! That after growing up with it thruout 1978 and onwards, but always thinkin It Doesn’t Go Anywhere. In the same way that i have now, at long last, mutated into a Fully Fledged Gardener, this week also sees me appreciating this operatic desperately uncool unhip as a teen- sing-song, along with An vast Array of Truth & Justice Videos which Challenge Us To Be People of Integrity as opposed to Robots of Conformity. Sorry my phone just went off. I may well have to keep it that way. I’m off to plant some seeds.....in the garage. Today’s cassette Tape Game contender?: “thank you goodnight” -it bites live. God Bless U Justin. Mutemath- Marching to the End makes me cry. But that’s just me. Diolch.
JP, love the reaction to this Steve is one of my favorite guitarists so thank you for this. Also, I want to alert you to another favorite guitarist, he's lesser-known but just a tremendous player. I'm not sure you've heard of him, his name is Frank Zappa and to get a good sample of his guitar work you should react to "The Ocean Is the Ultimate Solution" I really think you'd like it. LOL (you know I had to get that in). Anyway hope you have a great day and keep up the great work!
Really glad to see you doing some more Hackett. I have seen him live 4 times now, every time he blows my mind. If you think the studio version is great, just wait until you hear it live, its 1000 % better. I was lucky to see him in 2018 when he did his tour with the heart of England orchestra. He did this just before the interval, I will never forget how the song just builds and builds, the bass pedals had the floor shaking. My whole body was vibrating, just amazing. I probably listen to Steve Hackett more than I do Genesis these days. He has recorded so many awesome tracks. His last Rock album "At the edge of light" is just amazing. Standout track is probably "Those Golden Wings" definitely a must listen to on the next Long Song First Listen Saturday:)
Hopefully he does this when you see him next year! First set solo works and other collaborations, second set Genesis! You will enjoy the show no doubt Justin...Steve was tapping and hammering and was a one of the first to use this technique in rock music.
Yep, awesome stuff. Steve was the guy who invented tapping in the early 70s and was using on it Genesis stuff before all the other more high profile ‘guitar heroes that made it more high profile.
I think you touch on an important point why I for one love this and earlier Genesis and other music from that period. Although Steve Hackett is the main person he gives the music space by coming in but also knowing when to back away to other sounds to give a rich variety of moods and sounds as if being on an adventure.
Funny you mentioned Renaissance, never having heard this, for more than a passing moment I thought we were listening to Annie Haslam. Beautiful, powerful, symphonic, song and your analysis was excellent.
You've read Pillars of Earth? Why am I not too surprised. Lots of respect for your Medieval Mind -- We think we have it tough today? Keep reaching, old friend. Genesis was never the same after Steve's departure. Also - Geese and the Ghost from Anthony Phillips is an acoustic joy. The many hours of Private Parts and Pieces makes lovely background music, too. More Hackett!
Hi Justin , just tremendous solo album from Hackett ,I still have my original copy on vinyl when it first came out & one of my favorite ex- Genesis solo Albums along with Smallcreeps day both I hope you get to more... eventually .
We have tickets to the postponed 2020 show. We've seen this current band play twice before and they were two of the best shows I have ever seen. You will love it when you see it. In the mean time, you should buy the live Bluray from Steve Hackett's official site "Genesis Revisited Band & Orchestra: Live At The Royal Festival Hall". Also you need to explore the Anthony Phillips album The Geese And The Ghost.
I remember the day I bought this vinyl album in the late 70s and sat listening to it with big old-fashioned headphones. I always loved this song. I would love to see you react to the excellent song suite on side two of Hackett's "Please Don't Touch!" I would also highly recommend the songs "Hands Calming the Water" and "Mathematical Air Display" by Pekka Pohjola with Mike and Sally Oldfield.
Really nice track. Not sure I've actually ever heard it, earlier. I don't believe I've ever really listened to any of Steve Hackett's solo stuff. Cheers!
SHADOW is an epic song. Part Richard Wagner, part King Crimson. And yes Justin... that middle part was Steve's famous tapping method... which he did a decade before Eddie Van Halen did it. You can see Hackett doing it on video on TH-cam.
I love that you mentioned the powerful opening that gets repeated a few times as a kind of chorus, because that's exactly how I see it as well. It was also a trip getting to see your reactions to them. The initial blast of strength kind of took you aback, and then you got settled into the lovely verse. Then it came again and took you by surprise again. At the end of the next verse, though, you were grinning because you started to anticipate it. And then after the third verse you expected it again, but here came Phil with that giant, heavy drum fill to bring it home and I could see the "Wow" in your mind. Good stuff! I also think you don't get nearly enough credit for your video editing. I noticed that gradual zoom while you were talking about the increasing menace of the final section as it transitioned from the xylophone into guitar. Really effective choice to subtly underscore your point.
Hi JP. Dave from an unlocking London. Another Day, Another Ray Of Hope. This is a majestic piece that I have seen him play live, but for some reason I only have his VU compilation on CD (plus his first Genesis Revisited album) and its not included. The big mystery is why Steve struggled to get his songs included on Genesis albums (as I believe that is one reason why he left). Love the way he really brings out the best from his guest vocalists like Sally Oldfield here, Steve Walsh (on Narnia), Richie Havens (on Icarus Ascending), and Randy Crawford (on Hoping Love Will Last, possibly my favourite Hackett track). P.S. Love Kim Poor's artwork.
I agree with many comments, this album is a Genesis´ 70's discography extension. The section at the end makes me feel a similarity to the epic part of "Awaken" that came 2 years later.
The live version with orchestra he did a couple of years ago brought me to tears. It was so powerful, so intense... This is the real deal, prog epic at its best.
Has always been one of my favourite Hackett tracks, so beautiful. Yes that is Steve tapping. There is a wonderful version of this on YT. If you go on Steve’s YT channel Hackettsongs, he talks briefly about this track and a lot of others.
Gorgeousness and gorgeosity distilled to perfection. I can't help but wonder what his bandmates from Genesis thought when they were recording the album. There were clearly signs that Steve was coming into his own as a composer and that his ambitions couldn't be contained in that band any longer. When you did "Ace Of Wands" I was hoping you'd do the whole album. Now that you've heard the bookends perhaps you could dip into the rest. It's totally worth it.
I have a weird relationship with this song. I always forget how much it blows me away when I'm listening to it. It always feels like "oh here we go again, this one is long and repetitive", then as I'm hearing it I'm like "oh dang... OH DANG". I always think Star of Sirius or Ace of Wands is my favorite on the album, constantly forgetting how epic this is. It's true that it is truly huge live.
An early masterpiece. The end section used to bore me when I was young, but I find amazing subtlety in it now every time I hear it. This is the album I imagine Genesis might have made if Hackett became the driving force of the band instead of Banks. Hackett abandoned this type of sound as well in the 80s when he was chasing the pop dream. He eventually re-embraced it (you can hear him taking steps back to prog in songs like There are Many Sides to the Night and the entire Dark Town album, but he really started to hit his proggy stride again with the albums To Watch the Storms and Wild Orchids).
I believe this was co-written with Rutherford, Mike Oldfield's wife Sally with the vocals, Hackett with the great mellotron, harmonium and bells on the last section.
A flower? ;) Anthony Phillips has some nice tunes out as well. Different style than Hackett, but has about as many (or more?) albums out. Really like "Beauty and the Beast" and "1984" just to name a couple, though "1984" is a whole album. Maybe someday, some love for Ant? :)
@@bradhernandez5823 Craig Blundell does a great job as Gary O’Toole’s replacement. I miss Gary though. He’s a great guy and a decent singer as well as being a first rate drummer.
Totally agree! Even though as previous guys said, for me at least, all Genesis' members first albums had so much Genesis meat. Love VOTA, Smallcreep's Day, ACF, I, The Geese and the Ghost and even Face Value.
Tapping? Yes. You are correct, one of the first. Great song and great album. So jealous you will get to see him in concert. For a next-generation tapping / jazz experience, check out Stanley Jordon ( e.g.: "All the Children" from 'Magic Touch'), or, even better: "Aerial Boundaries" by Michael Hedges..
Has anyone noticed the number of British bands on this channel? I have been going down memory lane and reliving my teens. So many albums, so many memorable gigs. Steve Hacket live at Bradford's Queens Hall 1983 (I think ). Genesis, Yes and PF, ELP, Cream, Jethro Tull, Supertramp were the sounds of my youth.
This is one of the best rock albums of this era and it still sounds fresh today. When Steve did the Wolflight to Acolyte tour, this song was unbelievable, especially when Nick Beggs started on the bass pedals.
There isn't a weak track on the album and it is definitely the best album Genesis never made .
Agreed about Nick Beggs. Saw this at the Palladium during the recent tour doing Wind and Wuthering, and he was quite a sight sitting cross-legged at the front pounding the bass pedals with his fists.
It's not often you get a standing ovation at the end of a first half of a show, but this brought the house down.
@@babbott57 I saw that tour at Birmingham where they filmed the DVD. Awesome.
An amazing album that Steve brought out when he felt stifled by the other members of Genesis. The real spirit of Genesis lives on through Steve.
So true.
Stifled, indeed. Steve originally brought this song to the band during the Foxtrot sessions, but it was rejected. He tried again on Selling England. Rejected. It was done at least once in practice by the band though, which would’ve been very interesting to hear.
The instrumental section is a jewel of Hackett composition-powerful, ominous. A beautiful sequence of chords and harmony, and the build-up of intensity is breathtaking. And the lovely section with Sally Oldfield on vocals (her solo album “Water Bearer” is one of my favorite albums, well worth checking out).
Such a beautiful song. Steve gets his King Crimson obsession out in the open with those big Mellotron moments, Sally Oldfield's soulfully delicate vocals soar, John Hackett's flute plays themes from previous songs (this is very much a concept album and you MUST hear it all!) and a distant autoharp sweeps. Chillingly memorable harmonies, Hackett's unique timbres and voicings. One of the strongest tracks on the album. For a few years, Hackett went where Genesis chose not to, keeping the burning torch of the old progressive Genesis alive. Sadly, he too succumbed to the pressures of 80's dumbing down of music and released a clutch of duds. But he returned to his roots and is one of the strongest musicians writing and performing today. One of my favourite albums ever.
Are there any equally as good as Voyage of the Acolyte?
Spectral Mornings is similar, with some amazing pieces and stunning guitar. Check out Every Day and the title track.
@@donaldanderson6604 Thanks. I will do that. I like that I can find out about music on these forums.
@@steevenfrost _Spectral Morning_ and _Defector._
@@TheReaperMan275 Thanks.That's great cheers for taking time out to tell me.
I bought this album, having never heard it, having no idea who Steve Hackett was or that he had been part of Genesis or what they sounded like. I just loved the Album cover and the title. What an inspired decision that was. I loved it straight off and then went on discover Genesis. Of all musicians that have left sucessful bands, Steve has, in my opinion, the greatest body of solo work.
The whole album is pure magic. Heard this age 13, it blow me out of the room. There’s nothing quite like it, it’s about as different as you can get. The music is a dream with everything, and on this track the mellotron strings.
This song live reaches another level... my favourite live experience
And how good is Amanda Lehmann on vocals - Nails it perfectly. The final instrumental done live has the chairs shaking.
Indseed. I've seen him twice 2017 and 2019 and it is indeed one of the highlights of his concerts. My son, for whom it was the first concert in his life and not having listened to Hackett before was hooked with the Solo stuff. The Genesis stuff he couldn't care less, but Shadow of the Hierophant was his thing.
The Defector tour was incredibly loud and this blew Preston Guild Hall off the map! Nearly.
@@Ifyoudonttakeitucantfakeit Wow, I do believe I was there, as I was attending Preston Poly at the time. Saw some great gigs at the Guild Hall
@@steeleye2112 I famously queued alone in a sleeping bag over night in 1979 outside the Guild Hall for Mike Oldfield tickets (Sally’s sister) and when the office opened I was still on my own!
I bought this album when it first came out and have loved it since then. I did get to see Steve Hackett & company perform it live a few years ago and it was amazing! I have tickets for 2022 as well so hope to hear this again. Ace of Wands is another great one on this same album.
Hope to see them soon!
What an album and what a song this is. Loved this instantly. reminds me sometimes of "Blood on the rooftops" too. If you're missing something in "Alone Again" from Genesis, well, here you have it! I'm a big fan of Steve Hackett's early and later work. Just like you I have tickets waiting to see him (In Antwerp though) in 2022 as well. Saw a show of him a few years ago with Roine Stolt from the Flower Kings on bass. Amazing stuff! Great vocals by Sally. I was equally overwhelmed by Steve Hackett with Randy Crawford on Hoping Love Will Last. Another must listen song!
At last ;) Thank you Just ! Here's some pseudo Genesis tune as we got Hackett + Collins on drums and Rutherford on bass. What would have occured if Banks joined the boat ? The voice of Mike Oldfield's sister Sally is just magic This particular song was the third and definitive shock after Eleventh Earl of Mar and Squonk/Los Endos that nailed a 14 yo boy (circa 1977) forever in the Genesis universe. This was the first album I bought in my life and thus has a very special place to me
Same generation. Our pockets almost empty and every purchase an exhilerating event, the new LP spinning endlessly for months, every word learnt by heart, eyes hypnotized by the cover.
@@mariosandri4010 Completly lol. I remember paying 32 french Francs at that time which was a lot for me but seems pretty ridiculous nowadays. I spent so much time looking to this marvelous sleeve. I'm so glad younger guys can appreciate these pearls
I bought this album about a year after release being hooked on Genesis. Played it so much I had to buy another. The last track is my favorite on the this Brilliant album and it's even better when Hackett plays it in it's entirely live. It's so powerful especially the bass pedals that the entire theater vibrates and chandeliers shake. You can feel the music right down to your soul. Very extraordinary and moving. Nothing like it.
Probably the best album Genesis never made. Sally's singing is magic! A wonderful song and yes, it's Hackett tapping at some point.
this is unbelievable to see and hear this live, especially the second half of the song, a slow crescendo that keeps building in power.
Steve and Tony Banks both have a knack for writing HAUNTING little melodies and chord structures that are sublime.
I love Sally Oldfield's voice. I first listend to Hackett in the mid eighties having been a Genesis fan since 1978, but since then he has been my hero keeping the memory of Genesis alive in his "Genesis revisited concerts".
BTW when he does this live the whole place just stops breathing, it is sensational.
Yep, seen it well over 10 times - always preferred Gary O'Toole on drums who was amazing.
"steeleye 2112" might be the best user name ever.
@@mikelenox7999 Thank you very much :)
I’ve only seen it once and it was a shortened version. It was still good.
The wait to see Steve live is well worth it. He's the one keeping classic Genesis alive. Not just with Genesis songs, but his own solo music. When he left, so did the classic sound. But he did keep it going with Please Don't Touch. You have to do that one from beginning to end. There is no other album like it!
I consider Mr Hackett, one of the most underrated guitarists in rock.
Maestro, your departure was the real death of genesis; I love Maestro Stephen Richard Hackett
First three albums by Hackett are superb. Do not die before listening to them.
I 95% agree other than Defector has The Steppes and Slogans on it which are both worthy of any of the first three.
At first I thought that was Annie Haslam on vocals. This music is beautiful. Just 6 minutes in and I already love it.
Me too
This is so hypnotic live the constant build up is awesome.
I love how slowly it fades out.
This was supposed to have been a Genesis song. Written during the Selling England sessions with Mike. He still does it live.
Would have been great to hear this done by Genesis.
@@davidbarker77 To a small extent, it is, 3/5 of the original Genesis, and 3/4 of the newer one. But I'm sure that Banks would have added some nice fills to it.
@@bobholtzmann thanks, Bob. Never realized that Mike was on base. Sally’s incredible but it might have been fun to hear Peter take a crack at the vocals.
Also "known as the lost Genesis album"
Live at Hammersmith is killer
The ending crescendo was so deceptively simple on the surface, but so entertaining you know there has to be more going on. Slight shades of Tubular Bells and parts of Atom Heart Mother maybe...
6:08 the start of tapping his fret strings
That texture from the tapping section is mesmerizing. Really cool.
Certainly one of the best ending sequences in rock history.
Cheers Justin. That reaction was so cool. You totally got it. Thankyou.
When I first bought this album I was amazed by it and then I bought it on cassette and keep it in mint condition. But when it first came out and had it for a couple of weeks . A certain movie came out and I played this record and saw STAR wars and everything was revealed to me.
It's a stunning work. I'm glad you mentioned that it's the last song on the album because it has an even more powerful effect when you listen to the whole album through. Sally Oldfield is amazing. Her voice and what you called a "divine" expression makes my face get flushed and brings tears to my eyes it has such a natural but angelic beauty to it. And the whole work is indeed symphonic and to me extraordinarily subtle in its building variations. The lyrics seem quite literal in a mystical way to me. All this is actually happening although we are not given its full meaning, but it strikes me as a wish to remain forever in an almost youthful state of love between a bride and groom and realizing mortality will eventually overcome. Since Steve won't be playing until NEXT April you have time listen to his first 4 albums, the best ones imo, in there entirety. On this album the 2nd, 3rd and 4th track are all one piece. Hope to here your impressions on the whole album SOON.
Glad you got around to this! I was lucky to find this import album when it was brand new in a record store, during the year after The Lamb Lies Down album. It was a time of uncertainty for Genesis, because Peter Gabriel left, and everyone was uncertain the group would ever release any new albums. But Hackett's album, and this song helped fill in the void of time before "Dance On A Volcano" heralded a new Genesis era.
Happy Easter Justin..hope you've had a great time butty ...This is a fantastic song.. the acoustic guitar by Steve is gorgeous...and Sally s voice fits perfectly with the ambience and atmosphere created by Steve..the music is so good,and dream like imho. Its a song ive always loved butty..It. takes you to a place of total happiness Justin.
Just magic..that instrumental section...hmmm sublime Justin. Steve is a genius,ive said it before..,I'll say it again Justin..
Nobody play s the guitar like Mr.Hackett.. so unique and individual...great review my friend..great song....great video..IT'S ALL GREAT . oh and what an album this is too butty..hint hint 🎵🎸☺☺
this is MUSIC !!! , is Hackett .. no more words
Awesome song. Fortunate to have seen it live several times.
It's got to be one of the best live songs ever. The atmosphere it creates in the hall is almost mystical.
Another great track Justin, Sally Oldfield has a really unique voice, you should check out her solo stuff, start with her 1st album Water Bearer.
Hi Justin, you have just listened to my favourite Steve Hackett songs from one of my favourite Steve Hackett albums, a fantastic song full of beauty and power, saw this performed live a few years back when Steven Wilson joined Hackett and his band on stage for this song, a friend of mine who is a singer in a metal band my nephew came with me to this gig both had heard very little of Hackett's solo stuff but they were both stunned into silence after hearing this song, live the whole build up at the end of this song is so immense with Nick Beggs bashing away on the Bass Pedals you could feel the air displacement from the speakers thumping your chest, some great live videos on YP you should check out.
Hearing this live is almost scary, certainly evokes an emotional response which is difficult to describe.
This is by far one of the most amazing tracks that Steve has produced and without doubt an excellent album. Have seen Steve and his band on nearly all his tours and when this is played it sends shivers down my spine how the band truly come together as one. In their own right they are all incredible musicians, Amanda Lehmann's vocals are pitch perfect. The bass pedals live go straight through you. Brilliant
I had the great experience of seeing this played live. As you can tell by the studio version it just builds and builds till you think the roof is literally going to blow off. On top of that the drummer gets to take liberties with that part and goes nuts. Gives me chills every time I hear it. If you ever get the chance to see Steve Hackett live...goooooo!
Sally Oldfield's voice is just ethereal! It's too bad Steve didn't do more work with her. It would have been great to have an entire album where she was doing all the lead vocals with Steve Hackett and his band. But Phil Collins also does a great job singing lead on "Star of Sirius." And yes, that is Steve finger tapping just before the transition. He also did it with Genesis as far back as _Nursery Chryme_ and years before Eddie Van Halen did it on "Eruption."
Hackett just played 2 dates in my little town near Toronto. You are in for a treat. Looking forward to some feedback from the show you will attend in a subsequent video.
I love 70s Genesis but didn't know Steve Hackett made a solo album in the same decade! What a nice discovery! Thank yoou
Steve made 3 solo albums in the 70's. This one, Please Don't Touch and Spectral Mornings.
For many Genesis fans, Voyage of the acolyte is the missing Genesis album and is actually a showcase where the band could’ve taken their sound after Gabriel left. Both Phil and Mike appear on the album😄
@@sammarsh3679 Thanks for your clarification! Which of these three albums do you recommend me to listen to first? Are they all interesting/good?
@@danielthenorwegianguy Wow you just convinced me to listen to the whole album asap!! I loved so much the feeling of earing a lost Genesis song i got during this video.. priceless
The other missing Genesis album is The Geese And The Ghost by Anthony Phillips (1977) it also features Phil and Mike and is very reminiscent of the Trespass era.
I have done it again. This time I think I know how I managed to lose my post. I write the post up but forget to hit the comment button before reading and writing on other folks comments.
Brilliant piece of music. Those commenters who have been touting this song were right. I need to go back and re-listen to it all but this is a keeper and should be in my library. The final portions kept reminding me of the best of Procul Harum's work. Wow.
Great song and review.
This week we learned our local music festival, where I volunteer every year, will be canceled for a second year in a row (it had been running every year since 1970). On a positive note, there will be a smaller 3 day festival in August to help keep the spirit alive. It will only have one mainstage (instead of two evening mainstages) and there will not be any workshop stages (normally there are 8 workshops dotted around the festival site in Bird's Hill Provincial Park).
Another plus, I will get my first jab on the 15th. The entire family should be vaccinated by the August festival date so I should be free to volunteer.
Get your jabs and stay safe.
You're going to see Steve, awesome! I saw him just before Covid. Amazing guitar player, and the drummer he tours with is phenomenal!
this whole album is epic i love it
HI Justin, I'm Mike, the so-called nagging responser from 'Hergest Ridge' :-) . Outstanding !!!! Discovered this diamond a year ago, all my building neighbours know this by hard (The live version) !!! Thanks a bunch !!! Cheers, Mike
Haha ty fufu!
Yes, that's tapping in that spot. Eddie Van Halen got that from seeing Genesis at their first LA shows at the Roxy in 73.
Never knew EVH was at those shows- interesting !!
🚬😎
The tapping here sounds just like part of Eruption by EVH. Steve started tapping in 1971 on Nursery Cryme to keep up with Tony Banks' keyboard.
Eddie says he got it from watching Jimmy Page actually, he mentioned it in multiple interviews
@@lukenettle492 Apparently, he acknowledged Hackett... but... maybe both? I don't remember Page doing tapping.... Got a link?
@@craigfazekas3923 It was only a couple years later that Eddie et al were spotted at one of LA's other hot spots, the Starwood, and signed more or less on the spot by Warner Bros. A&R/staff producer, Ted Templeman, and Warner prez, Mo Ostin.
I love Hackett's tone using the nylon strings as opposed to steel. One of my all time favorite albums.
Finally JP!!!!! Didn't think you were ever going to listen to this bliss. This song which I guess is a tribute to Mike Oldfield is the reason Tony Banks is a tosser.
The Hermit is a great song too, Steve's first vocal performance and his best singing until the 90's, he sounded whiny in the 80's.
Ha ha! Your comment is funny in a good way mate cheers
Saw Steve Hackett with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani on one of the G3 tours in Cleveland back in the 90's some time. It's been so long my memory escapes me of the exact date. But was a summer concert outside in the Flats. I can see it now. It was awesome.👍
Read all these notes. They pretty much sum it all up. After this record, you will also love "Please Don't Touch". That one has Steve Walsh (Kansas) and Richie Havens.
Was Randy Crawford on that album too? Or was it a different album? Havens voice on Please Don't Touch was perfect!
Yes Crawford sang Hoping Love Will Last on Please Don't Touch. Just looked it up. Another excellent choice by Hackett.
No surprises that Jonny Greenwood and Thommy Yorke were probably listening to this as kids then.
U know what Justin? Only now do i have the patience to appreciate this particular song, having warmed to it initially on a metal guitarist’s video appraisal of it in 2019! That after growing up with it thruout 1978 and onwards, but always thinkin
It
Doesn’t
Go
Anywhere.
In the same way that i have now, at long last, mutated into a
Fully Fledged Gardener,
this week also sees me appreciating this
operatic desperately uncool unhip as a teen- sing-song,
along with
An vast Array of
Truth & Justice Videos which
Challenge Us
To
Be
People of Integrity as opposed to Robots of Conformity.
Sorry my phone just went off. I may well have to keep it that way. I’m off to plant some seeds.....in the garage. Today’s cassette Tape Game contender?:
“thank you goodnight”
-it bites live.
God Bless U Justin.
Mutemath- Marching to the End makes me cry. But that’s just me. Diolch.
JP, love the reaction to this Steve is one of my favorite guitarists so thank you for this. Also, I want to alert you to another favorite guitarist, he's lesser-known but just a tremendous player. I'm not sure you've heard of him, his name is Frank Zappa and to get a good sample of his guitar work you should react to "The Ocean Is the Ultimate Solution" I really think you'd like it. LOL (you know I had to get that in). Anyway hope you have a great day and keep up the great work!
Have to agree, Collins is on fire on this.
Great to see a reaction to this epic track. Fantastic review
Really glad to see you doing some more Hackett. I have seen him live 4 times now, every time he blows my mind. If you think the studio version is great, just wait until you hear it live, its 1000 % better. I was lucky to see him in 2018 when he did his tour with the heart of England orchestra. He did this just before the interval, I will never forget how the song just builds and builds, the bass pedals had the floor shaking. My whole body was vibrating, just amazing. I probably listen to Steve Hackett more than I do Genesis these days. He has recorded so many awesome tracks. His last Rock album "At the edge of light" is just amazing. Standout track is probably "Those Golden Wings" definitely a must listen to on the next Long Song First Listen Saturday:)
Hopefully he does this when you see him next year! First set solo works and other collaborations, second set Genesis! You will enjoy the show no doubt Justin...Steve was tapping and hammering and was a one of the first to use this technique in rock music.
Ty Ron, it'd be great to hear!
Yep, awesome stuff. Steve was the guy who invented tapping in the early 70s and was using on it Genesis stuff before all the other more high profile ‘guitar heroes that made it more high profile.
I think you touch on an important point why I for one love this and earlier Genesis and other music from that period. Although Steve Hackett is the main person he gives the music space by coming in but also knowing when to back away to other sounds to give a rich variety of moods and sounds as if being on an adventure.
Funny you mentioned Renaissance, never having heard this, for more than a passing moment I thought we were listening to Annie Haslam. Beautiful, powerful, symphonic, song and your analysis was excellent.
Brilliant song from Steve, definitely carrying the Genesis banner in this one. Almost at 15k, JP! Can't wait :)
You've read Pillars of Earth? Why am I not too surprised. Lots of respect for your Medieval Mind -- We think we have it tough today? Keep reaching, old friend. Genesis was never the same after Steve's departure. Also - Geese and the Ghost from Anthony Phillips is an acoustic joy. The many hours of Private Parts and Pieces makes lovely background music, too. More Hackett!
Haha ty Ed! Yup, was one of my favorites for a long time!
I can't get enough of that jamming so I listen to the extended version lol I love this song, the first part reminds me of my childhood
So many different elements in this piece. Really impressive.
Hi Justin , just tremendous solo album from Hackett ,I still have my original copy on vinyl when it first came out & one of my favorite ex- Genesis solo Albums along with Smallcreeps day both I hope you get to more... eventually .
We have tickets to the postponed 2020 show. We've seen this current band play twice before and they were two of the best shows I have ever seen. You will love it when you see it. In the mean time, you should buy the live Bluray from Steve Hackett's official site "Genesis Revisited Band & Orchestra: Live At The Royal Festival Hall". Also you need to explore the Anthony Phillips album The Geese And The Ghost.
I remember the day I bought this vinyl album in the late 70s and sat listening to it with big old-fashioned headphones. I always loved this song. I would love to see you react to the excellent song suite on side two of Hackett's "Please Don't Touch!" I would also highly recommend the songs "Hands Calming the Water" and "Mathematical Air Display" by Pekka Pohjola with Mike and Sally Oldfield.
Really nice track. Not sure I've actually ever heard it, earlier. I don't believe I've ever really listened to any of Steve Hackett's solo stuff. Cheers!
SHADOW is an epic song. Part Richard Wagner, part King Crimson. And yes Justin... that middle part was Steve's famous tapping method... which he did a decade before Eddie Van Halen did it. You can see Hackett doing it on video on TH-cam.
I love that you mentioned the powerful opening that gets repeated a few times as a kind of chorus, because that's exactly how I see it as well. It was also a trip getting to see your reactions to them. The initial blast of strength kind of took you aback, and then you got settled into the lovely verse. Then it came again and took you by surprise again. At the end of the next verse, though, you were grinning because you started to anticipate it. And then after the third verse you expected it again, but here came Phil with that giant, heavy drum fill to bring it home and I could see the "Wow" in your mind. Good stuff!
I also think you don't get nearly enough credit for your video editing. I noticed that gradual zoom while you were talking about the increasing menace of the final section as it transitioned from the xylophone into guitar. Really effective choice to subtly underscore your point.
Well ty so much Philip!
Mood. Sublime Atmosphere. Go without going. It's all here.
Hi JP. Dave from an unlocking London. Another Day, Another Ray Of Hope. This is a majestic piece that I have seen him play live, but for some reason I only have his VU compilation on CD (plus his first Genesis Revisited album) and its not included. The big mystery is why Steve struggled to get his songs included on Genesis albums (as I believe that is one reason why he left). Love the way he really brings out the best from his guest vocalists like Sally Oldfield here, Steve Walsh (on Narnia), Richie Havens (on Icarus Ascending), and Randy Crawford (on Hoping Love Will Last, possibly my favourite Hackett track). P.S. Love Kim Poor's artwork.
Can you imagine, I had tickets for Frankfurt in August 2020, it would have been on my birthday but it was cancelled.
Live. You gotta do it live. From the Wuthering Nights video
I agree with many comments, this album is a Genesis´ 70's discography extension.
The section at the end makes me feel a similarity to the epic part of "Awaken" that came 2 years later.
I was very impressed by Steve's first album when I first heard it. I still am. Thanks for the review. 😎
I just discover your channel. Your comments are very interesting. Your very entertaining too. Bravo.
Thanks so much Stephane!
The live version with orchestra he did a couple of years ago brought me to tears. It was so powerful, so intense... This is the real deal, prog epic at its best.
Has always been one of my favourite Hackett tracks, so beautiful. Yes that is Steve tapping. There is a wonderful version of this on YT. If you go on Steve’s YT channel Hackettsongs, he talks briefly about this track and a lot of others.
The live version with Gary O'Toole on drums is awesome
Yes it is
I thought he was too busy IMO
@@ppuerling It’s true he’s busy but it adds to the intensity of the live version I think it’s good
Gorgeousness and gorgeosity distilled to perfection. I can't help but wonder what his bandmates from Genesis thought when they were recording the album. There were clearly signs that Steve was coming into his own as a composer and that his ambitions couldn't be contained in that band any longer. When you did "Ace Of Wands" I was hoping you'd do the whole album. Now that you've heard the bookends perhaps you could dip into the rest. It's totally worth it.
I have a weird relationship with this song. I always forget how much it blows me away when I'm listening to it. It always feels like "oh here we go again, this one is long and repetitive", then as I'm hearing it I'm like "oh dang... OH DANG". I always think Star of Sirius or Ace of Wands is my favorite on the album, constantly forgetting how epic this is. It's true that it is truly huge live.
Lol!
An early masterpiece. The end section used to bore me when I was young, but I find amazing subtlety in it now every time I hear it. This is the album I imagine Genesis might have made if Hackett became the driving force of the band instead of Banks. Hackett abandoned this type of sound as well in the 80s when he was chasing the pop dream. He eventually re-embraced it (you can hear him taking steps back to prog in songs like There are Many Sides to the Night and the entire Dark Town album, but he really started to hit his proggy stride again with the albums To Watch the Storms and Wild Orchids).
I haven't heard this for 10+ years, forgot about Sally Oldfield on vocal. Wonderful.
Majestic.Live is even more powerful.And yes it is tapping
Another Steve, Howe, did once a similar album with a female singer, Annie Haslam
Annie of Renaissance fame. Great singer.
Nice choice. That quiet bell sequence was something, sets up a great contrast in dynamics.
There is a live performance of this on the TH-cams where is “tapping” is highlighted.
Absolutely breathtaking ❤️❤️❤️
I believe this was co-written with Rutherford, Mike Oldfield's wife Sally with the vocals, Hackett with the great mellotron, harmonium and bells on the last section.
Yes Justin, it is tapping and it sounds like he is using a wha-wha pedal to help vary the sound. That is real hand-foot coordination.
Amazing song live.... the bass pedals at the end.... oh my godddddd
A flower? ;)
Anthony Phillips has some nice tunes out as well. Different style than Hackett, but has about as many (or more?) albums out. Really like "Beauty and the Beast" and "1984" just to name a couple, though "1984" is a whole album. Maybe someday, some love for Ant? :)
Well this is great. Like new Genesis songs I have not heard. Surprised.
There is a great live version out there ! The Drummer in the suit does his nuts in performing it lol
Gary O'Toole. Sadly he has left the band. How hot must it have been wearing a suit and going off like that on the drums. It was fun to watch/hear.
@@bradhernandez5823 Craig Blundell does a great job as Gary O’Toole’s replacement. I miss Gary though. He’s a great guy and a decent singer as well as being a first rate drummer.
Another Great Analysis! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻✌️
Appreciate that!
*bass pedal rumble*
This is the best album Genesis never did.
No, Smallcreeps Day gets it for me.
Geese and the Ghost
I love A Curious Feeling
Totally agree! Even though as previous guys said, for me at least, all Genesis' members first albums had so much Genesis meat. Love VOTA, Smallcreep's Day, ACF, I, The Geese and the Ghost and even Face Value.
I call this album 0.5 of the four-man band, given all but Banks are on it.
Very good choice ! You should try some other tracks from this album, like "Ace of Wands" and "Star of Sirius".
Tapping? Yes. You are correct, one of the first. Great song and great album. So jealous you will get to see him in concert. For a next-generation tapping / jazz experience, check out Stanley Jordon ( e.g.: "All the Children" from 'Magic Touch'), or, even better: "Aerial Boundaries" by Michael Hedges..