Waiting for the sun, on the mountain…
The year 1969 was really a watershed year for music. Much of what follows here is revolutionary. In truth, I could say that several things were born amongst the records listed below: true hard rock, heavy metal, jazz fusion, and proper progressive rock. So, from that year, here are the Top Ten (or so) records.
OR SO…
Joe Cocker- With a Little Help From My Friends
(blues rock, soul)
1. Feeling Alright (4:12)
2. Bye Bye Blackbird (3:28)
3. Change in Louise (3:22)
4. Marjorine (2:38)
5. Just Like a Woman (5:18)
6. Do I Still Figure in Your Life? (3:59)
7. Sandpaper Cadillac (3:18)
8. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (4:41)
9. With a Little Help from My Friends (5:08)
10. I Shall Be Released (4:36)
I was nearly ready to publish this list when I remembered that this record existed. Wow what a record! And what an idea! Joe Cocker gathered a bunch of his musically talented friends to guest and feature on his first record and they absolutely nailed it. And there are some notable additions to this record. Merry Clayton adds backing vocals on the opener, as she would on the Stones’ Gimme Shelter the very same year. Steve Winwood lends his hand on keyboards, and Albert Lee plays guitar on one track. Oh, and the veritable king of guitar at the time, Jimmy Page, is all over this record, providing rhythm and solo duties on more than half the tracks. What all these and many more friends, Cocker put together is a bluesy soulful record that I come back to often. His cover of With a Little Help From My Friends far exceeds the original, and tracks like Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood and Feelin’ Alright are certified bangers. Listen to this, it’s a ton of fun.
Creedence Clearwater Revival- Willy and the Poor Boys
(rock, swamp rock)
1. Down On The Corner (2:43)
2. It Came Out Of The Sky (2:58)
3. Cotton Fields (2:53)
4. Poorboy Shuffle (2:25)
5. Feelin' Blue (5:05)
6. Fortunate Son (2:20)
7. Don't Look Now (It Ain't You Or Me) (2:08)
8. The Midnight Special (4:10)
9. Side O' The Road (3:21)
10. Effigy (6:28)
I’m not sure what John Fogerty and crew were on in 1969 but they were producing records at a ridiculous rate. The band actually released 3 records in 1969. I’m featuring Willy and the Poor Boys as I think it is the best of the three, but really they are getting accolades for all three. If you love CCR’s sound then all three are right up your alley. Even the less popular songs still make for a fun listen, and CCR rarely has anything overstay it’s welcome. Aside from the hits like Fortunate Son, Down on the Corner and The Midnight Special, check out Born on the Bayou, Proud Mary, Green River, and Bad Moon Rising from these other records. There are few bands that had such consistently good output in such a short period as CCR.
Bayou Country
Green River
Fleetwood Mac- Then Play On
(blues, blues rock)
1. Coming Your Way (3:47)
2. Closing My Eyes (4:50)
3. Fighting for Madge (4:45)
4. When You Say (4:22)
5. Show-Biz Blues (3:50)
6. Underway (3:06)
7. One Sunny Day (3:12)
8.Although the Sun Is Shining (2:31)
9. Rattlesnake Shake (3:32)
10. Without You (4:34)
11. Searching for Madge (6:56)
12. My Dream (3:30)
13. Like Crying (2:21)
14. Before the Beginning (3:28)
Early Fleetwood Mac is very interesting to fans of their later work. Before they were the pop rock band that everyone loves, they were a down to earth blues rock band, and a fantastic one at that. Peter Green is a master of blues guitar, and his prowess really shines on these early Fleetwood Mac albums. I would remiss if I also didn’t mention the compilation album released the very same year, The Pious Bird of Good Omen. It has some of my favourite Fleetwood Mac tracks on it, including The Green Manalishi, Albatross, and Black Magic Woman. These two records combined make for the very best straight blues/blues rock to come out this year, and earn the band a spot on this list. This is a stellar version of Fleetwood Mac that too often gets forgotten.
The Pious Brid of Good Omen
TOP TEN
10. The Beatles: Abbey Road
(pop rock, soft rock)
1. Come Together (4:20)
2. Something (3:02)
3. Maxwell's Silver Hammer (3:27)
4. Oh Darling (3:26)
5. Octopus's Garden (2:51)
6. I Want You (She's So Heavy) (7:47)
7. Here Comes the Sun (3:05)
8. Because (2:45)
9. You Never Give Me Your Money (4:02)
10. Sun King (2:26)
11. Mean Mr Mustard (1:06)
12. Polythene Pam (1:12)
13.She Came in Through the Bathroom Window (1:57)
14. Golden Slumbers (1:31)
15. Carry That Weight (1:36)
16. The End (2:19)
17. Her Majesty (0:23)
People that know me and my music tastes know that I’m not big on The Beatles. As one friend said of me recently: “He doesn’t like the Beatles they’re too ‘lah-dee-dah lah-dee-dah’ for him.” Fair enough, my reputation for being a metalhead proceeds me. I recognise how huge the Beatles were and the influence they had, but their music never really grabbed me, and I find it hit or miss. The problem I have is that the band has a hard time holding my attention for an entire album. Most of their albums have good songs, but most of them don’t come across as a complete album, as a cohesive whole that I actually want to sit and listen to. However, Abbey Road is almost an exception, and worthy of some praise in that regard. It’s probably the Beatles album I’m most likely to enjoy, and indeed I do. Come Together is iconic, one of their best tracks. I Want You (She’s So Heavy) is actually one of my favourite Beatles tracks, both lyrically and musically. And then there’s Here Comes the Sun. I don’t love this as much as others, but I recognise its greatness in both the Beatles and pop rock catalogues. As my Beatles-loving friend said: “I don’t know why George waited till the last album to release Here Comes the Sun, an absolute banger.” The medley on the back half is also great and a little progressive. Enjoyable to listen to front to back. Abbey Road is really the last proper Beatles album, and along with Sgt. Pepper’s, is one of their finest hours.
Top Tracks: Come Together, I Want You (She’s So Heavy), Here Comes the Sun
Little darlin', it's been a long, cold, lonely winter. Little darlin', it feels like years since it's been here…8/10
9. The Who- Tommy
(rock, proto-prog)
1. Overture (5:20)
2. It's A Boy (0:38)
3. 1921 (2:48)
4. Amazing Journey (5:04)
5. Sparks (2:05)
6. Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker) (2:14)
7. Christmas (4:32)
8. Cousin Kevin (4:06)
9. The Acid Queen (3:34)
10. Underture (10:04)
11. Do You Think It's Alright? (0:24)
12. Fiddle About (1:31)
13. Pinball Wizard (3:01)
14. There's A Doctor (0:23)
15. Go To The Mirror! (3:47)
16. Tommy Can You Hear Me? (1:35)
17. Smash The Mirror (1:34)
18. Sensation (2:28)
19. Miracle Cure (0:12)
20. Sally Simpson (4:10)
21. I'm Free (2:39)
22. Welcome (4:32)
23. Tommy's Holiday Camp (0:57)
24. We're Not Gonna Take It (3:28)
Tommy can you hear me?
Tommy can you hear me?
Tommy is certainly an ambitious record…that doesn’t quite live up to the hype. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot to love here and The Who are excellent songwriters, but this album has been a bit over-praised as some sort of prog concept masterpiece when it’s really just some great pop-rock. I’m not certain The Who were good enough yet to pull this off. It’s very good, just not that good. It’s heights are much higher than the rest of the album. With that being said, the heights are great. Pinball Wizard remains one of the all-time great songs from The Who. I mean, it’s stupid, the lyrics are stupid, but it works! And then there’s Christmas, Amazing Journey, The Acid Queen, Go To The Mirror!….all great! Lyrically this record is all over the place and I don’t enjoy the story much at all. But musically, aside from a few slow bits, the band does shine. Keith Moon and John Entwistle show why they are one of the tightest rhythm sections in the business. Moon’s percussion work is especially excellent throughout, and worthy of high praise. Overall, a great record if you only pay attention to the good parts.
Top Tracks: Pinball Wizard, The Acid Queen, Go To The Mirror!
But I ain't seen nothing like him in any amusement hall. That deaf, dumb and blind kid sure plays a mean pinball…8/10
8. The Moody Blues- To Our Children’s Children
(rock, proto-prog)
1. Higher and Higher (4:06)
2. Eyes of a Child (2:23)
3. Floating (3:03)
4. Eyes of a Child, Pt. 2 (1:21)
5. I Never Thought I'd Live to Be a Hundred (1:06)
6. Beyond (2:57)
7. Out and In (3:43)
8. Gypsy (3:34)
9. Eternity Road (4:18)
10. Candle of Life (4:18)
11. Sun Is Still Shining (3:37)
12. I Never Thought I'd Live to Be a Million (0:34)
13. Watching and Waiting (4:19)
The Moody Blues released two records in 1969, the latter featured here. And unfortunately for the band, this is probably their last “great” record. But great it is. A concept album about man’s conquest of space, it is certainly broad and adventurous in scope, and I think nails its concept just a bit better than both the previous Moody Blues record, and the offering from The Who above. This record really demands to be listened to as a whole. The singles are too short and sweet, and feel disconnected when listened to alone, but as a unit this record really makes sense. It coalescenes into a beautiful soundscape that really brings you into the world that the concept is trying to create. The songs do what they say they will. Higher and Higher lifts you up; Eyes of a Child gives you a sense of wonder, and Floating a sense of weightlessness, whilst Candle of Life is like a revelation to your ears. All of this in a relatively tight package that is easy to listen to, and makes you want to spin it once more to take the journey again.
Top Tracks: Gypsy; Candle of Life; Higher and Higher
Speeding through a shadow of a million years, darkness is the only sound to reach his ears. Frightening him with visions of eternity, screaming for a future that can never be…8/10
7. High Tide- Sea Shanties
(rock, heavy prog)
1. Futilist's Lament (5:17)
2. Death Warmed Up (9:08)
3. Pushed, But Not Forgotten (4:43)
4. Walkin Down Their Outlook (4:58)
5. Missing Out (9:38)
6. Nowhere (5:54)
Where has this record been all my life? If someone just showed me this album randomly and said it was dropped in 1969 I wouldn’t have believed them. This is seriously heavy stuff that’s perhaps weighed down by a lack of consistent songwriting. What really makes this album special is the interplay of the electric guitar and electric violin. The two trade solos and lines back and forth throughout and really shine above the rest of the band. The vocals are very Jim Morrison-esque. They fit the tone of the record but don’t do much to wow on their own. As such, I find the instrumental Death Warmed Up to be strongest track. The middle of the album after that is a bit listless and forgettable, but finished strong on the final two tracks. Overall, I’m marveled that this band got so little attention and fizzled out in a few years. The playing here is excellent, especially on the longer songs, and I think they had the talent to be one of the better heavier prog bands of the seventies. Am I ranking this too high because I like how heavy it sounds? Maybe…but I never promised to be unbiased. (Spots #2 and #3 should give that away)
Top Tracks: Death Warmed Up, Futilist’s Lament, Missing Out
Cease my pain, slowing down confusion in my brain. Only to be born again as they pretend I grow weary…8/10
6. Colosseum- Valentyne Suite
(prog rock, blues rock)
1. The Kettle (4:25)
2. Elegy (3:10)
3. Butty's Blues (6:44)
4. The Machine Demands a Sacrifice (3:52)
5. The Valentyne Suite (16:51)
- Theme One: January's Search (6:25)
- Theme Two: February's Valentyne (3:33)
- Theme Three: The Grass Is Always Greener (6:55)
Y’all been sleeping on Colosseum, I promise you that. This is some top-notch work from a relatively unknown band and despite it’s length, the title track is remarkable accessible. Seriously, give this a listen if you’ve never heard of Colosseum, I think you will be presently surprised. It’s not as quirky as the other prog released this year, but is infected with some RnB that makes it stand out. The Kettle is just some fun rock n roll, and they keep that bluesy feel through the first three tracks. The Machine Demands a Sacrifice is where it really gets proggy, with a time signature shift and abrupt ending that preps you for the magnificent B-side: The Valentyne Suite. The quintet really shines in this track, with impressive drumming, jazzy soloing, and outstanding organ-work. And at just under 17 minutes, its one of the best early prog epics.
Top Tracks: The Valentyne Suite; The Kettle, Elegy
To the ends of the mountains I'll tread a path. Just to hear once more your fragrant laugh…8/10
5. Frank Zappa- Hot Rats
(prog rock, jazz fusion)
1. Peaches en Regalia (3:39)
2. Willie the Pimp (9:23)
3. Son of Mr. Green Genes (8:57)
4. Little Umbrellas (3:09)
5. The Gumbo Variations (12:54)
6. It Must Be a Camel (5:17)
I’ll admit that in the realm of prog greats I’m not the biggest Frank Zappa fan. However, credit must be given where it is due, and Hot Rats is a fantastic record. Well, it’s fantastic if you like extended jazzy solos. Zappa shows his playing ability throughout, and although it meanders a bit it always Peaches en Regalia is a beautiful piece of music and quite possible the best song Frank Zappa ever wrote. It’s short and sweet…like a peach. But when a song needs to be extended, to simmer for a while and let the flavour seep in, you’ve got The Gumbo Variations. My biggest complaint is actually that this isn’t fully instrumental, as the rude lyrics of Willie the Pimp really pull me out of an otherwise excellent song. This might jump even higher if it was just Zappa and the boys playing straight through. Still, the remaining tracks are strong enough, and I really can’t ger tired of that second half.
Top Tracks: Peaches en Regalia, The Gumbo Variations, Son of Mr. Green Genes
Hot meat, hot rats. Hot cats, hot zits. Hot roots, hot feet. Hot rats, hot cats…8.5/10
4. Miles Davis- In A Silent Way
(jazz, jazz fusion, jazz rock)
1. Shhh/Peaceful (18:16)
- a. Shhh (6:14)
- b. Peaceful (5:42)
- c. Shhh (6:20)
2. In A Silent Way/It's About That Time (19:52) :
- a. In A Silent Way (4:11)
- b. It's About That Time (11:27)
- c. In A Silent Way (4:14)
Ever wonder where jazz fusion was born? Well, look no further than In A Silent Way by Miles Davis. A stellar outing from one of the best jazz musicians of all time. And it’s not just Davis that shines, everyone playing on this album is top notch. The keyboards are beautiful, provided by none other than Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock. John McLaughlin’s guitar is excellent, and Wayne Shorter takes care of sax duties to perfectly tandem Davis on the trumpet. One might expect some rip-roaring fury from the first jazz-fusion album, but the title gives it away. This record is peaceful and subdued, only allowing each member just enough room to breathe. Everything is done In a Silent Way. The second side gets a bit more dynamic, but it never strays too far. Really, just give this a listen if you like jazz or jazz fusion at all. It draws you into its beauty and asks you to stay a while, to marvel at the musical landscape before you.
9/10
3. Led Zeppelin- Led Zeppelin
(hard rock, blues rock, proto-metal)
1. Good Times, Bad Times (2:46)
2. Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You (6:41)
3. You Shook Me (6:28)
4. Dazed And Confused (6:26)
5. Your Time Is Gonna Come (4:34)
6. Black Mountain Side (2:05)
7. Communication Breakdown (2:27)
8. I Can't Quit You Baby (4:42)
9. How Many More Times (8:28)
There were a lot of debut albums in 1969, a great many on this very list. But none are more thunderous and influential than Led Zeppelin’s eponymous splattering of heavy blues rock. What really sets this album apart from it’s contemporaries on the heavier side is one man: John Bonham. Good Times, Bad Times, just thunders out of the gates. Seriously, listen to his drumming on this record and tell me there was anything remotely close to how heavy and loud that was in 1969. Even the other heavy albums on this list sound weak in comparison. And he’s just 1/4 of what makes this record phenomenal. Seasoned session veterans Jimmy Page (guitar) and John Paul Jones (bass) show off their amazing ability and why they were so sought after. Then some kid named Robert Plant wails over the top and you’ve got yourself an album. What Jimmy has done here is nothing sort of remarkable. It’s simple on its face, just a bunch of blues standards amped up and played fast and loud, with all sorts of innovation. That dark and heavy sound on Dazed and Confused is the true birth of heavy metal, along with the bowed guitar used there and on the stellar How Many More Times. And how many bands took speed cues from Communication Breakdown? The band slapped this together in just 36 hours in the studio, and then smashed the rock world to bits. Perhaps it didn’t go over like a lead balloon after all, eh Keith Moon?
Well, they call me the hunter, that's my name. Call me the hunter, that's how I got my fame…9/10
2. Led Zeppelin- Led Zeppelin II
(blues rock, hard rock, proto-metal)
1. Whole Lotta Love (5:34)
2. What Is And What Should Never Be (4:46)
3. The Lemon Song (6:18)
4. Thank You (4:47)
5. Heartbreaker (4:14)
6. Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman) (2:38)
7. Ramble On (4:24)
8. Moby Dick (4:21)
9. Bring It On Home (4:21)
Oh, did you think Led Zeppelin was done? Did you think a tour was going to stop them from recording another master-class of blues rock in 1969? Well think again, because Jimmy Page and company are just getting started on their heavy adventure. Honestly, its hard for me to decide between these two records. Both are monumental, and they rocketed the group to the stardom that would make them undisputed kings of the 1970’s. I think that perhaps the first record is more consistent, but the heights reached here on II are higher. Furthermore, it provided the bedrock for their massive live shows, where each of these tracks left so much room for improvisation and medleys to be jammed in there. To think that this was recorded whilst the band was on tour and haphazardly put together is mind-boggling. The influence of this record is also huge. The solo on Heartbreaker (when seen live) sent a young Eddie Van Halen back to the drawing board. The expert bassline of What Is And What Should Never Be inspired a young Geddy Lee to pick up the bass. And how many bands have imitated some version of that palm muted chug on Whole Lotta Love? Aside from Living Loving Maid (and perhaps the backing vocals on Thank You), the band doesn’t miss on this album. It is a testament to both their skill as blues musicians and their innovation as hard rock and heavy metal pioneers.
Top Tracks: Whole Lotta Love, Heartbreaker, Ramble On
Leaves are falling all around; it's time I was on my way. Thanks to you I'm much obliged for such a pleasant stay…9/10
1. King Crimson- In the Court of the Crimson King
(prog rock, eclectic prog)
1. 21st Century Schizoid Man (7:20) :
- a. Mirrors
2. I Talk to the Wind (6:05)
3. Epitaph (8:47) :
- a. March for No Reason
- b. Tomorrow and Tomorrow
4. Moonchild (12:11) :
- a. The Dream
- b. The Illusion
5. The Court of the Crimson King (9:22) :
- a. The Return of the Fire Witch
- b. The Dance of the Puppets
King Crimson have done something that I can’t quite explain. This record is an absolute masterpiece, and truly the birth of proper progressive rock. Seriously, there was nothing quite like this at the time, and almost hasn’t been anything quite like it since. Unlike other prog giants that take a few records to find their footing, King Crimson have crafted one of the greatest records of the genre on their first go at it. It’s so magical and enduring that few bands have topped it; indeed King Crimson themselves were never able to. Greg Lake’s vocals are soothing and mellow, yet explosive when needed, such as the stellar opening track 21st Century Schizoid Man. Seriously, there was nothing that sounded like this. It blasts out of the speakers. The use of flutes, mellotron, and saxophone at that jazzy element that keeps the listener guessing as the band opens up on extended solo sections is incredible. The drumming is outstanding: Michael Giles is frenetic and fast when needed, but also subdued and relaxed for the lighter parts (whilst still hitting some nice rolls and fills with a light touch). The rhythms on that song alone are insane and put many bands to shame. Oh, and Robert Fripp, the heart and soul of the band, is killing it on guitar.
Really, it’s hard to pick a favourite track as one after another they roll out masterpieces. I Talk to the Wind sounds exactly like it should, airy and breezy. Then there’s the monumental Epitaph which is lyrically one of my favourites. That repitition of the final line just stays with you on and on. And that middle instrumental section sounds like a dirge. I’m sure many a funeral doom band took cues from this wonder of prog rock. Lyrically, this record keeps you guessing. The eclectic tag can apply here, as the band throws all sorts of images and symbols at you with no explanation. I have no idea what any of this means, but I really don’t care to. I just let it dance upon my brain
The only thing that keeps this from being a flawless record is the meandering in the second half of Moonchild. It borders on being unmusical, and I don’t think its entirely necessary. It’s just all over the place, I suppose creating an effect of The Illusion. But, it segues well into the title track, The Court of the Crimson King, which is a phenomenal piece of music. It’s really made up of four little poems that are identical in structue, punctuated by instrumental sections. Each has that final haunting line before sweeping into the crescendo each time. It’s addictive, and asks me to listen again and again.
As I said, I can’t quite explain this record, but I’ve done my best to say at least why I like it. It’s the best debut in prog rock history. It’s the best album King Crimson will ever write. It’s simply the best album of 1969, and easily one of the best records ever recorded. Just listen…
Top Tracks: The Court of the Crimson King, 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph
The purple piper plays his tune, the choir softly sing, three lullabies in an ancient tongue for the court of the crimson king…9.5/10
Song(s) of the Year
King Crimson- The Court of the Crimson King
Led Zeppelin- Dazed and Confused
Led Zeppelin- Whole Lotta Love
King Crimson- 21st Century Schizoid Man
Creedence Clearwater Revival- Fortunate Son
Frank Zappa- Peaches en Regalia
Santana/ Fleetwood Mac- Black Magic Woman
The Beatles- Here Comes the Sun
The Rolling Stones- Gimme Shelter
Joe Cocker- With a Little Help from My Friends
Honourable Mentions
Jethro Tull- Stand Up: Jethro Tull have yet to find their footing and craft a consistent record, but Stand Up sees the band getting there.
Chicago- Chicago Transit Authority: Remember when Chicago was kind of a jazzy prog band and not a pop band? Well this record will remind you. This is the kind of Chicago I love (and that most people didn’t know existed). Seriously good stuff displaying a lot of talent.
The Moody Blues- On the Threshold of a Dream: Like I said above, this is the weaker of the two Moody Blues’ records to drop in 1969, but it is still solid. The title track reached number one and is really emblematic of this sound of The Moody Blues.
Santana-Santana Too many good debuts dropped this year so let’s not forget Carlos Santana making his mark as a legend of guitar. Don’t let his reputation fool you, this isn’t just a good guitar album. It’s well-constructed blues rock that borders on prog with a jazzy touch.
CAN- Monster Movie This is some weird German kraut-rock masquerading as prog but I really dig it. It gets a bit tiresome but it’s only a few tracks so you get your fill quickly.
Albert King- King of the Blues Guitar: Though perhaps the title he claims with this record is challenged this very year by the likes of Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, and Peter Green, Albert King is certainly blues guitar royalty. This is a compilation of some of his best, and really some of the best blues of the 60’s.
The Rolling Stones- Let It Bleed I’m not a huge fan of the Stones, but they put out a lot of good (not great) records. This one is carried by the amazing Gimme Shelter, one of the best songs of their career. The rest of it is worth listening to if you like the Rolling Stones’ brand of rock.
Isaac Hayes- Hot Buttered Soul- If you’re into soul, then this is the record for you. Isaac Hayes really is a master of his craft here and puts out engaging soul music that anyone should love.
The Allman Brothers- The Allman Brothers A pretty good debut from the boys, featuring one of the best songs of their career: Whipping Post.
Worthy Listening
The Grateful Dead- Aoxomoxoa I’m not really a big Grateful Dead fan, but this is a decent album that I’m sure fans of the band will like.
Bob Dylan- Nashville Skyline: It’s Bob Dylan, so it does what it says on the tin.
The Jackson 5- Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5: The debut of the Jackson 5! It’s got plenty hits including I Want You Back.
The Doors- Soft Parade A decent Doors record, but nothing too special. Has the brilliant Touch Me, but is still a far cry from some of their better work.
Johnny Winter- The Progressive Blues Experiment: Not exactly a successful experiment, but not a failed one either. Not the best blues of the year, but if you like blues then its worth a spin.
The Band- The Band: The “Brown Album” sees The Band improving on their debut. If you like that style of folk music then this should be a solid listen.
Grand Funk Railroad- On Time and Grand Funk Railroad: A decent debut and follow-up to my hometown heroes, with a surprisingly heavy sound but not quite the great stuff they will soon put out.
Van der Graaf Generator- The Aerosol Grey Machine: A rather raw an poppy debut from would be prog greats that shows promise, but doesn’t do enough to showcase Hammill’s talent.
Yes- Yes Yet another debut. Yes had yet to figure out exactly what they were, but soon they will shake the prog world to its core.
Bound for the Bin
Genesis- From Genesis to Revelation: The debut album from Genesis, one of my favourite bands. This however, this is…not good. It’s a decent start, but compared to their higher achievements this is downright bad. Trash it.