Ripples & A Trick of the Tail

Squonk & Los Endos

Just a Pool of Tears: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we close the book on Genesis's landmark 1976 album A Trick of the Tail with two unforgettable tracks: “Squonk” and “Los Endos.” First, we dive into the legendary tale of the Squonk, a mythical creature from Pennsylvania folklore whose tears are said to dissolve its very existence. We explore how Genesis transformed this strange American legend into one of their heaviest and most dramatic songs, featuring Phil Collins's thunderous drumming, Mike Rutherford's driving bass, and some of the most powerful instrumental passages on the album. Then we turn our attention to “Los Endos,” the instrumental finale that serves as both the conclusion of A Trick of the Tail and a farewell to an era of Genesis. We discuss how the track brilliantly weaves together musical themes from across the album while subtly referencing the band's past—including the famous callback to Peter Gabriel-era Genesis with echoes of “Supper's Ready.” From mythical beasts to triumphant finales, this episode celebrates the album that proved Genesis could not only survive after Peter Gabriel's departure—but thrive. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we unpack the stories, musicianship, and hidden connections behind two of the most beloved tracks in the Genesis catalog. #Genesis #Squonk #LosEndos #ATrickOfTheTail #PhilCollins #SteveHackett #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #PeterGabriel #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #MusicHistory #70sRock #SuppersReady #GenesisDeepDive

Mad Man Moon & Robbery, Assault and Battery

Same Old Song, Done Me Wrong: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we continue our journey through Genesis's 1976 album A Trick of the Tail with a deep dive into two wildly different tracks: the emotional and mysterious “Mad Man Moon” and the theatrical fan favorite “Robbery, Assault and Battery.” We explore the possibility that “Mad Man Moon” reflects the emotional fallout of Peter Gabriel's departure from Genesis, examining Tony Banks's sweeping composition, the song's longing atmosphere, and its themes of searching, uncertainty, and change. Could this be Genesis quietly processing the loss of its former frontman while redefining its own identity? We also revisit the bizarre and charming world of “Robbery, Assault and Battery,” including a look at the band's rare 1976 promotional video — another fascinating glimpse into Genesis experimenting with visual storytelling years before MTV transformed music culture. From majestic Mellotron textures and emotional piano work to humor, character acting, and progressive rock storytelling, this episode captures Genesis at a turning point — balancing introspection with theatrical fun as the Phil Collins era fully begins to take shape. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we unpack two of the most unique songs from A Trick of the Tail. #Genesis #MadManMoon #RobberyAssaultAndBattery #ATrickOfTheTail #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #SteveHackett #PeterGabriel #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #70sRock #MusicHistory

Ripples & A Trick of the Tail

Look Into the Pool: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we dive into “Ripples,” one of the most beautiful and transformative songs from Genesis's 1976 album A Trick of the Tail. We explore how this track captures a band in transition — moving from the intricate progressive rock of the Peter Gabriel era toward a more melodic, accessible sound that would define Genesis in the years ahead. Jake (professional musician and co-host) makes the case that “Ripples” is a turning point, where the band begins to fully embrace emotional storytelling and pop sensibility without losing their musical depth. We also take a look at the early 1976 “A Trick of the Tail” promotional video — a fascinating piece of pre-MTV history — and discuss how Genesis was already experimenting with visual storytelling long before music television took over. From Tony Banks's sweeping keyboards and Steve Hackett's delicate guitar work to Phil Collins's heartfelt vocal delivery, “Ripples” remains one of the most enduring and emotionally resonant songs in the Genesis catalog. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we unpack the beauty, the evolution, and the lasting impact of “Ripples.” #Genesis #Ripples #ATrickOfTheTail #PhilCollins #SteveHackett #TonyBanks #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #70sRock #MusicHistory #GenesisEvolution #PreMTV

Entangled

‍⚕️Sleep. Won't You Allow Yourself Fall: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we explore the haunting beauty of “Entangled,” one of the most atmospheric and underrated masterpieces from Genesis's 1976 album A Trick of the Tail. We dive into the song's dreamlike soundscape — from Tony Banks's groundbreaking Mellotron choir, to Steve Hackett's shimmering 12-string guitars, to the breathtaking vocal harmonies that give the track its otherworldly pull. We also spotlight the rare and magical Banks-Hackett songwriting partnership, whose collaboration produced one of the most delicate and mysterious songs in the Genesis catalog. Part lullaby, part psychological maze, Entangled blurs the line between comfort and captivity, weaving surreal imagery with some of the band's most elegant musical textures. This episode examines why the song remains a hidden gem of progressive rock — and why many fans consider it one of Genesis's most beautiful recordings. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we unpack the artistry, atmosphere, and quiet brilliance of “Entangled.” #Genesis #Entangled #ATrickOfTheTail #SteveHackett #TonyBanks #PhilCollins #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #Mellotron #MusicHistory #70sRock #GenesisDeepDive

Dance on a Volcano

On Your Left and On Your Right: Season Two of Mild Mannered Supermen kicks off with a bang as we dive into “Dance on a Volcano,” the explosive opening track from Genesis's 1976 album A Trick of the Tail. This episode explores a pivotal moment in the band's history — Phil Collins stepping into the role of lead vocalist following Peter Gabriel's departure, and Steve Hackett temporarily missing in action as he pursued his own solo work. With the future of Genesis uncertain, the band responded not with hesitation… but with fire. We break down how “Dance on a Volcano” became a statement of intent — a bold, rhythm-driven track that redefined the band's sound while still carrying the intensity and complexity of their progressive roots. It's not just a song — it's a launch, a reset, and the perfect hype track for stepping into the unknown. Whether you're facing a big life decision, a new chapter, or just need a musical adrenaline shot, this episode explores why “Dance on a Volcano” still hits like a moment of ignition nearly 50 years later. #Genesis #DanceOnAVolcano #ATrickOfTheTail #PhilCollins #SteveHackett #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #70sRock #MusicHistory #NewBeginnings #HypeMusic