Tabletop Genesis

The Tabletop begins 2023 with a review of Peter Gabriel’s new track, “Panopticom,” from his upcoming album i/o, and gives a preview of what topics they’ll be covering this year.

There’s plenty of “dancing on the tabletop” as we discuss Peter Gabriel’s fourth solo album. Adam Kromelow from the Genesis Piano Project brings his musical expertise (aka, nerdiness) to help breakdown the genius of these eight tracks, which turn–SHOCK!–40 years old this year!

When Tabletoppers Mike and Tom were guests on Al Melchior’s “You, Me, and an Album” podcast, they discussed the highs and (swing) lows of Phil Collins’ 2002 release, “Testify.” What did they think? Don’t get them started!

It’s been a long, long time … seven years and fifty episodes, to be exact! The Tabletop celebrates by turning over the show to you, the listener! You asked, we’ve done our best to answer!

Journalist Jelisa Castrodale joins the Tabletop for a fun discussion about her recent Genesis pieces for VICE, the band’s imminent final shows, and Tony Banks’ ubiquitous 1991 sweatshirt!

The Tabletop reflects on what most likely were the last Genesis shows ever on American soil (the soil, the soil, the soil!). Former Tabletoppers Stacy and Simon Godfrey join the discussion to share their thoughts on the concert, the state of the band, the stage setup, setlist favorites, and more.

The fights! The jealousy! The rivalries! The Reelz Channel turned up the drama to 11 in their recent entertaining special, “Breaking the Band: Genesis.” Former Tabletopper Stacy Godfrey shares her experience being a “talking head” for the program, and we hear behind-the-scenes tales from director Samuel Bates.

The Tabletop sit down with friend and Genesis Piano Project member Adam Kromelow to discuss the new album, which was recorded at Charterhouse, the alma mater of the band’s founding members. Plus, we look back on the legacy of the late Angelo Di Loreto.

The Genesis Piano Project album is available now from your preferred music streaming service.

As “The Last Domino?” Tour finally gets under way, the Tabletop shares their hopes, dreams, and expectations for the long-awaited reunion shows. Plus, they discuss the upcoming 2-CD “Hits” collection and the recent tour documentary that aired on PBS – with no spoilers!

There’s a girl that’s been on our minds … all the time … Sta-Sta-Stacy! Former Tabletopper Stacy Godfrey (and current host of “No Words Music”) pulls up a chair to discuss Phil Collins’ Grammy Award-winning album, “No Jacket Required.” We’ve got a long, long way to go back to 1985, when it was all Phil, all the time.

“Holy Mother of God you’ve got to … see that new Bataclan video!” Genesis fans got a treat recently with the release of the well-known 1973 Paris concert footage, but now beautifully restored in 4K glory. The Tabletop share their reactions to the video and speak with the team behind the project, Adam Gottlob from The Genesis Museum and Thomas “Ikhnaton” Manchon.

After moderate to little success with his first two solo albums, all Mike Rutherford needed was a miracle with his new project and their self-titled, debut album, “Mike + The Mechanics.” The Tabletop and special guest Katherine Stratton of mikerutherfordnet.com discuss this breakthrough album that spawned two Top 10 hits in the U.S.

In 1983, keyboardist Tony Banks stepped out of his comfort zone to sing lead vocals on his second solo album, “The Fugitive.” Was this experiment a success? The Tabletop weighs in with the help of two special guests, writers (and longtime Genesis fans) Antony Johnston and Al Melchior.

Hearts around the Tabletop are going boom, boom, boom as the members dive deep into Peter Gabriel’s debut solo album. The 1977 release finds the former Genesis frontman exploring a variety of musical landscapes, from grandiose epics and straight up rock to blues/jazz and barbershop quartet. Excuse me??

As 2020 becomes just another fading memory (thank God!), the Tabletop reflects on the past year, looks ahead to 2021, and shares news about exciting changes happening around the table.

Holy Mother of God! Though many thought Peter Gabriel’s departure in 1975 signaled the end of Genesis, the remaining members—with drummer Phil Collins taking on lead vocals—proved them wrong with 1976’s “A Trick of the Tail,” their biggest selling album up to that point. The Tabletop discusses this pivotal album, which has aged a lot better than the protagonist in “Ripples…”!

As a founding member of Genesis, Anthony Phillips was considered to be the driving force in the early days, and his departure almost ended the band. He has since created a wealth of solo material, and in this episode the Tabletop discusses his 1978 sophomore effort, “Wise After The Event.”

Members of the Tabletop react to the news of “The Last Domino?” tour, Genesis’ first outing in 13 years. Which old songs might they revisit? Can Nic Collins fill Phil’s shoes? Will they come to the U.S.? The members discuss these questions and more!

A very special Tabletop Genesis episode, where your erstwhile host, Mike Lord, reflects on his attendance at the 2019 Phil Collins and Steve Hackett shows. Plus, he takes questions from the teeming masses on Twitter! What could be better?

In Part One of their discussion of 1974’s “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway,” the Tabletop joined Rael as his journey took him from the streets of Manhattan to a chamber of 32 doors. In this episode, the group explores sides three and four of the epic concept album; will Rael ultimately flee to safety … or stay behind to help his brother John? Spoiler alert: “Hey John!”

The Tabletop descends upon Manhattan as they follow Rael on his epic journey as told in the 1974 concept album, “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” This episode covers sides one and two of the Genesis masterpiece, which would prove to be Peter Gabriel’s last with the band.

In part two of our interview with Richard Macphail, the former Genesis road manager shares more stories from his time with the band and reveals his favorite tracks from each of their albums.

The Tabletop drops the needle on the first live album from Genesis, a fantastic five-song (and one unaccompanied bass pedal solo) snapshot of the group in top form during the 1973 Foxtrot tour.

Hi there! Don’t give up, because the Tabletop is back with a new episode in which they say anything about Peter Gabriel’s smash 1986 album, “So.” Open up your ears (and fruit cages) and have a listen!

Though Genesis dedicated their first live album to a friend “who left April, 1973,” Richard Macphail tells the Tabletop that reports of his death were grossly exaggerated. In a lively sit-down interview, the unofficial sixth member of early Genesis reminisces about his lasting friendship with the band and shares stories from his memoir, “My Book of Genesis.”

We’re waiting for you, come and join us now … as we look back on Genesis’ 1969 debut album, “From Genesis to Revelation.” No need to hang out in limbo when you can follow the members of the Tabletop to the land where the rainbow ends …

Called the “only irreplaceable member of Genesis” by manager Tony Smith, founding member Tony Banks has created countless chord sequences that have made up the soundtrack to the lives of Genesis fans everywhere. In our interview with the legend, Tony looks back on Genesis, his solo projects, and his most recent work in the orchestral music world.

Genesis’ tour de force 1977 live album Seconds Out is revisited, this time with the Tabletop giving the masterpiece its deserved track-by-track breakdown. Plus, which version of Supper’s Ready do fans prefer: Peter’s Foxtrot or Phil’s Seconds Out? The results of the listener poll are revealed!

Take a little trip back with the Tabletop as they embark on the musical journey that is 1973’s Selling England by the Pound. Wimpy dreams, undinal songs, and east-end protection rights are explored in depth, and Steve Hackett shares his track-by-track memories of this iconic Genesis album.

Drummer Jerry Marotta joins the Tabletop for a lively discussion about everything from his work with Peter Gabriel, to how the dreaded “Disco Duck” stood in his way of #1! Plus, find out how you can catch him performing classic Gabriel (and Genesis!) tunes on the latest Security Project tour.

And then there were two: Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks faced some uncertain weather when they set out to prove there was Genesis after Phil Collins with 1997’s “Calling All Stations.” Did the addition of Ray Wilson on vocals satisfy fans, or did the whole endeavor leave them feeling … shipwrecked? The members of the tabletop discuss!

Members of the Tabletop join Genesis founding member Anthony Phillips around his table for some tea and a discussion about his solo career, 5.1 reissues, Spinal Tap, his current projects, and more.

What’s the topic of this episode? It’s “A Curious Feeling!” The members of the Tabletop chat for a while about Tony Banks’ 1979 debut solo album.

At the end of the day, sit back, pour yourself a cup of moonshine, and enjoy the Tabletop’s take on Mike Rutherford’s first solo outing, 1980’s “Smallcreep’s Day.”

From the “how much more black could it be?” cover of From Genesis to Revelation to the ectoplasmic font of Calling All Stations, the members of the Tabletop put their spin on the album artwork of Genesis. Plus, we’re counting down the Top 10 Genesis Album Covers as chosen by you, the listeners! [Note: the giveaway mentioned in the episode has now ended]

In this special holiday episode, guitarist/songwriter extraordinaire Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa, Joe Satriani, Dethklok, and many more) discusses his passion for the music of Genesis. Mike touches on all aspects of his fandom, from how he first discovered the band and drawing The Lamb cover from memory, to creating his own custom Ant Phillips playlists! Plus, Mike recalls how he experienced a “close encounter of the frisbee kind” in 1977 at his first Genesis concert.

Check out Mike’s music at www.keneally.com, or wherever fine music is available.

There’s an extra chair around the Tabletop as Peter Jones of Tiger Moth Tales joins the group to go behind the lines of Genesis’ 1980 masterpiece, “Duke.”

Check out Peter’s version of Guide Vocal (and more): https://youtu.be/nUm8x7YPTBQ

The tarot cards have been spread out and the reading predicts an episode dedicated to the first solo album by a Genesis member: Steve Hackett’s 1975 debut effort, “Voyage of the Acolyte.” Is this the “lost Genesis album” as some have claimed? The Tabletop weighs in …

“Like the story that we wish was never ending, we know sometime we must reach that final page …” Phil Collins’ last studio album with Genesis, 1991’s “We Can’t Dance,” is discussed by the members of the Tabletop, as they try to keep a jovial mood amid such topics as abusive fathers, shady TV preachers, the hazards of railway construction, and worst of all – the inability to dance.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then fewer bands could be more flattered than Genesis, given the myriad of tribute bands and recreation projects that pay homage to their music. The Tabletop shares its take on this aspect of Genesis culture, and interview members of four diverse tribute acts; Adam Kromelow from the Genesis Piano Project; Heliopolis keyboardist Matt Brown from Los Angeles-based Cinema Show and Gabble Ratchet; Mike Morton and Howard Boder from England’s The Book of Genesis; and Joe Trainor from the Keep It Dark project.

The Tabletop members have their air drums ready as they tackle Phil Collins’ debut solo album, “Face Value,” and one of the most iconic drum fills in history. Plus, there’s not a dry eye around the table as the group delves into the melancholy world that is the Phil Collins love song.

Laughter, music (and perfume!) linger ’round the tabletop as the members dive deep in the motherlode that is 1978’s “… And Then There Were Three …” The lively discussion touches on Steve Hackett’s departure from the group and the “genesis” of the three-piece unit, while exploring everything from snowmen and all-star Indian tribes to pretty mamas and maidens fair.

Genesis and solo legend Steve Hackett sits down with members of the Tabletop to discuss his latest work, Wolflight, how he chose songs for his most recent career-spanning tour, the history behind a Genesis fan-favorite tune, and more!

Strap on your batwings and flower masks as the members of Tabletop Genesis discuss the band’s 1972 classic, Foxtrot. The expanded podcast covers everything from alien visitors and carved oak tables to restrictions on humanoid height – PLUS, almost an hour devoted to the magnum opus, “Supper’s Ready.”

Tabletop Genesis DO remember (and DO recall) Peter Gabriel’s third album as they take their first venture into a band member’s solo album. The group attempts to lead a normal discussion that includes everything from assassinations and kissing baboons to why she’s so funky (yeah!).

Invisible Touch holds a special place in the hearts of many fans as their first introduction to the band, opening a doorway to their earlier “classic” material. For many others, it marked the final nail in the coffin of what was once a great band; in their ears, the album was “complete bollocks.” You might want to take cover behind sheets of double glazing as the members of Tabletop Genesis square off on the band’s divisive 1986 album.

Clive Nolan of Pendragon has called it “the album that made me want to be in a rock band,” and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters said it was “one of his drum bibles.” Now hear what the members of Tabletop Genesis have to say about the band’s 1977 double live album, Seconds Out. Plus, Tabletop Tom explains why he thinks a certain Spot the Pigeon track is for the birds.

The members of Tabletop Genesis bask in the afterglow after having their own special way with 1976’s Wind & Wuthering, tackling failed Scottish uprisings, giant mice, the departure of Steve Hackett, and the album’s best song for shakin’ ya groove thang!

Stacy “Daughter of White Fang” Godfrey and the rest of the Tabletop Genesis members discuss 1970’s “Trespass,” touching on the contribution of Anthony Phillips, the departure of John Mayhew, and Peter Gabriel’s farm animal impression in “The Knife.”

In this bonus “mini” podcast, the members of Tabletop Genesis put on their sunglasses and crank up the boom box as they reflect on the Mama Tour Video and the integral part it played in their fandom.

Genesis’ 1983 self-titled album is also known as “Shapes” and “The Mama Album” … but “The Piano Album?” One Tabletop Genesis member makes his case, and the group gets in touch with the “other world” as they tackle everything from silver rainbows to faux-Mexican accents.

“Play me my song…” In this episode, Tabletop Genesis focuses on the 1971 masterpiece, Nursery Cryme, as one member attempts to convince the group of the brilliance of “Seven Stones.” So go ahead and listen to this podcast now, now, now, now, now…

Darth Vader, agitator! The members of Tabletop Genesis take a look back at Genesis’ 1981 album, “Abacab,” and reveal what they really think about “Who Dunnit?”