Rhinofy-Squonk
This is from before Phil Collins went solo.
Actually, it’s from right after Peter Gabriel went solo, it’s the third track on the first side of “A Trick Of The Tail.”
Genesis were seen as imitation Yes, assuming you were not into the band. Most people could entertain only so many prog rock acts, and it was Yes that broke through on Top Forty radio, Genesis was for fans only, Gentle Giant’s cult was even smaller. But then Gabriel left and blew the whole thing up.
That’s right, leaving the band and cutting “Solsbury Hill” with uber-producer Bob Ezrin pushed Gabriel into the public consciousness. Genesis marched on as four, unheralded. They eventually lost guitarist Steve Hackett and were down to three when they finally got some radio traction. Then Phil Collins went solo, MTV blew up the act and too many people now despise a band with history and cred.
Not that I don’t believe “Abacab” is undeserving of attention, especially the iteration on “Three Sides Live.”
But it all started here, with “Squonk.”
There were no expectations. As a matter of fact, people were skeptical. The drummer’s gonna become the singer?
That’s right, Phil Collins, who was faceless, at least in the eye of the public. He sounded remarkably similar to Gabriel, not as close as Brian Johnson did to Bon Scott in AC/DC, but the band still featured the same sound. At this point still artsy, but minus the limit-testing of the Gabriel era, the band still stretched out, still explored arcane themes. Like in the six and a half minute “Squonk.”
Like father, like son
It was so HEAVY! Not metal, but you banged your head nonetheless to this monolithic sound. “Squonk” was nothing if not hypnotic.
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
Could never put a smile on that face
This was not hot tubs and booties. Not that I can tell you exactly what the lyrics are about, even though I’ve sung along for decades.
It’s really about the riff, it’s always about the riff.
The trail they leave is very clear for all to see at night
All to see at night
Dungeons and Dragons. “The Lord Of The Rings.” This was fantasy music for mostly men who wanted to indulge themselves, who wanted something they could dig into deep, that would reward them.
And “Squonk” was nothing if not rewarding.
And thus began the renaissance.
Two albums later there was finally a radio track, “Follow You Follow Me.”
And on the album after that, there truly was a hit, “Misunderstanding.” The band had reached a pinnacle, who knew that there were further mountains to climb.
But before everybody took notice, before giant puppets on MTV, the band took a small victory lap, testimony to its ability to survive. That’s right, after “A Trick Of The Tail” and “Wind & Wuthering,” the band went on the road with an extravaganza and released the double live album “Seconds Out,” whose centerpiece was a live take of “Squonk.”
Only this time they put it right out front, “Squonk” opened the album. You can hear the audience cheer in recognition. They didn’t need to hear any words, only the riff. All hail the power of the riff.
You never had the things you thought you should have had
And you’ll not get them now
But this is untrue! We didn’t get the job we wanted, the relationship we desired, our bodies became weak, but one thing we got was this music, which was our best friend, which got us through.
Either you know what I’m talking about, or…
Pull up “Squonk.”
Cast aside your judgment of Phil Collins, of the band. Don’t evaluate the commercial appeal, the radio-friendliness. Just let the elixir wash over you. Soon you’ll be exulting like a fan.
I’ve got you, I’ve got you, you’ll never get away
