These days, it's not easy being a fan of old Genesis music. Both McGehee and Michele of Popped Culture (Formerly A Small Victory) are making fun of a couple of Genesis classics of late. But that put me in mind of another, slightly less well-known Genesis song that could have very well have been the theme of the recent Democratic National Convention -- it even features a character named John.
Lyrics below the fold.
J.
Genesis
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Disk 1, Track 9
The Grand Parade Of Lifeless Packaging
The last great adventure left to mankind Screams a drooping lady
Offering her dreamdolls at less than extortionate prices,
And as the notes and coins are taken out
I'm taken in, to the factory floor.
For the Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging
All ready to use
the Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging just need a fuse.
Got people stocked in every shade,
Must be doing well with trade.
Stamped, addressed, in odd fatality.
That evens out their personality.
With profit potential marked by a sign,
I can recognise some of the production line,
No bite at all in labour bondage,
Just wrinkled wrappers or human bandage.
The Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging
All ready to use
Its the Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging just need a fuse.
The hall runs like clockwork
Their hands mark out the time,
Empty in their fullness
Like a frozen pantomime.
Everyones a sales representative
Wearing slogans in their shrine.
Dishing out failsafe superlative,
Brother John is No. 9.
For the Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging
All ready to use
Its the Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging just need a fuse.
The decor on the ceiling
Has planned out their future day
I see no sign of free will,
So I guess Ill have to pay, pay my way,
For the Grand Parade.
For the Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging
All ready to use
The Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging just need a fuse.
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Comments (7)
"Invisible Touch" = Best Ge... (Below threshold)1. Posted by david | August 29, 2004 10:48 PM | Score: -1 (1 votes cast)
"Invisible Touch" = Best Genesis Song Ever.
Go ahead - mock me if you must. I stand by my statement.
1. Posted by david | August 29, 2004 10:48 PM |
Score: -1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on August 29, 2004 22:48
2. Posted by McGehee | August 29, 2004 11:21 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I thought that was a Phil Collins solo tune. I could be wrong; it got hard to tell there for a while.
2. Posted by McGehee | August 29, 2004 11:21 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on August 29, 2004 23:21
3. Posted by Jay Tea | August 30, 2004 3:39 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
David, that is the one song on that entire album that I loathe.
That said, "The Brazilian" is sheer brilliance. I can't help but move to it (way too uncoordinated to call it "dancing") every time I hear it. In fact, it's the 2nd track on my workout mix on my MP3 player ("Supper's Ready" gets me through most of the treadmill part).
J.
3. Posted by Jay Tea | August 30, 2004 3:39 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on August 30, 2004 03:39
4. Posted by Jeff B. | August 30, 2004 12:25 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Hey, nice to find a Genesis fan around the right-blogosphere. Lileks is a fan too, by the way.
Your thread title is from "Back In NYC," which is right after "Grand Parade," if I recall. That's one of Genesis' finest-ever songs, despite its weirdness; there's a reason it was one of only two Genesis songs Peter Gabriel would perform on his solo tours.
4. Posted by Jeff B. | August 30, 2004 12:25 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on August 30, 2004 12:25
5. Posted by Jay Tea | August 30, 2004 1:26 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Jeff, I'm glad you caught the quote. It just fit so perfectly, I had to use it, even though it is from another track.
I used to use that and lines from "Counting Out Tim" as signature quotes in college, but after once sending the sysadmin the quote "Erongenous zones I question you- Without you, what would a poor boy do? Without you, mankind handkinds thru the blues," I had to retire them.
And I don't care what Michelle says -- I LOVE "Supper's Ready." And did you catch the remake of "Carpet Crawlers" on the "Turn It On Again" compilation? FANTASTIC!
OK, back to work...
J.
5. Posted by Jay Tea | August 30, 2004 1:26 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on August 30, 2004 13:26
6. Posted by Jay Tea | August 30, 2004 1:29 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Er... "Counting Out Time." I dunno who Tim is in this context...
J.
6. Posted by Jay Tea | August 30, 2004 1:29 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on August 30, 2004 13:29
7. Posted by Jeff B. | August 30, 2004 1:35 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
"Supper's Ready" is the song which singlehandedly converted me from an elitist rock and roll "authenticist" (you know, with trendy hatred for prog-rock in all its forms as "pretentious and self-indulgent," etc.) to, if not a lover, then at least someone who had an open mind and a healthy respect for Peter Gabriel's lyrics and Steve Hackett's guitarwork. Later on, as I bought more and more Genesis material, I grew to really love the genre at its best - stupid lyrics aside, Yes wasn't that bad, but it was 70's King Crimson and Genesis which really captured my attention. Genesis is now actually my favorite band (you MUST buy the first boxed set, Genesis Archive: 1967-75 if you like them, since it's all completely unreleased with a slew of awesome live material including a complete performance of The Lamb and a great "Supper's Ready"), which considering I'm only 23 offers hope for the new generation of music enthusiasts.
7. Posted by Jeff B. | August 30, 2004 1:35 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on August 30, 2004 13:35