Genesis The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (Vinyl 2LP) * * *

The best prog records present listeners with an immersive experience. Early Genesis certainly had this kind of power. Generally regarded by many as the most enduring and engaging work of Peter Gabriel-era Genesis not to mention his swan song with the group (from here on in drummer Phil Collins would take over vocal duties), 1974 double concept album, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway charts the story of Rael, a tough street kid on a quest of self-discovery. The music is brilliant throughout, with guitarist Steve Hackett and keyboardist Tony Banks in particular operating at the height of their powers. Best enjoyed as a complete album, imaginative masterworks like "The Cage," "Counting Out Time" and "The Carpet Crawlers" remain standouts to this day. Its release was followed by a mammoth six-month tour featuring some of the most ambitious lighting and use of visuals ever seen in the rock concert environment.