Genesis - It's Yourself/Mad Man Moon

A Trick of the Tail is one of my favorite albums. As the first Genesis album to feature Phil Collins on lead vocals, it is definitely one of their more well known albums. But many people do not know that there was a song left off the album called "It's Yourself" due to the time constraints of the LP.

It was released as a single twice (originally with "Ripples" and then with "Your Own Special Way"). Later on it was released on the Archive 2 box set in 2000, and finally as part of the Extras disc of their 1976-82 Box Set in 2007.

To complicate matters, there are different versions of the song. The original version is shorter as a verse was taken out . But some versions have the missing verse, but fade out early. The early fade-out is unfortunate, because without the fade-out you can hear Tony Banks play the first phrase of the song "Mad Man Moon". I'm almost certain this song was supposed to precede "Mad Man Moon" on "A Trick of the Tail". The instrumental section of the song is also reprised in "Los Endos". Since "Los Endos" basically serves as a reprise of several themes on the album (and a call back to "Supper's Ready"), I decided to place this song before Mad Man Moon to see how it works within the album.

Not too surprisingly, it works wonderfully, and the album is actually improved with its addition. This is how I play the album on my iPod from now on. The version of It's Yourself you hear here is actually a fan edit from the now defunct genesis-music that incorporates the missing verse, but does not fade out at the end so that you can hear how it segways nicely into "Mad Man Moon". Enjoy.

[bandfromtheband]

"Mad Man Moon" is one of the most beautiful songs ever written! I have never grown tired of it. It still gives me goosebumps after 44 years! There are just a few other songs that have affected me that way. It's timeless to me! "One From the Vine" is another.

[mikesmith-drsv]

I don’t think Phill’s voice was EVER better than 75-85 era. Voice of honey and unique sound
It kills me to see him now unable to sing as he once did and unable to play his drums, life is cruel but he is forever saved on vinyl for the universe to appreciate.

[sanddab]

Mad Man Moon is one of the most underrated of Genesis' songs.

[lanceromance]

Trick of the tail was a brilliant album. Especially after Peter Gabriel left the group after The Lambs Lies down on Broadway. Collins Rutherford Hackett and Banks displayed a masterpiece of an album. To me Genesis is the best Progressive ban of all times without a doubt

[jonathanbywater]

Apparently 'It's Yourself' was left out of the Trick of the tail Album because there wasn't room on a vinyl record. The fact that they had to leave out such a brilliant song just shows what a fantastically rich vein they were in at that time. For me, 'A Trick of the Tail' remains the definitive genesis Album and the one I listen to the most, by far. This creation shows that it could have been even better.

[theresabrown]

A Trick of the Tales is my comfort album. It has always been my favourite of the albums and Mad Man Moon will always be my favourite song.

[robertwoolgar]

What saddens me is that a massive slice of the population never gets to hear the great Genesis masterpeices such as this one.

[RastaSaiyaman]

In the "Musical box" documentary, Peter Gabriel said that he had full confidence in the band continuing without him. And that he was not surprised by how good "A trick of the tail" turned out to be. He also lets it shine through in the lyrics of "Sollsbury Hill"
"Tonight I don't need a replacement.
I told them what the smile on my face meant."

[kenm.]

Its Yourself is a great song that did not make it onto an album. The ideas were fresh and the standards were high.
What a band they were at this time!

[andylinton]

I'm a huge Genesis fan. Trick is my favourite album. But I never heard this before! How marvellous!

[christophertote]

This band's presence has enhanced my life!
HockeyTote2023

[rrmech]

Just wish phil Collins sees this comment. He is a big part of my life. Your a brilliant man Knight

[charlesnolan]

I purchased TRICK OF THE TAIL, 40 years ago, March, 1976, and then saw the "Trick, " Genesis show on tour, April, 1976, at the Tower theater, Upper Darby, Pa.( Philadelphia ). Never get tired of Trick of the Tail !

[josephboston]

Entangled/It's Yourself/Mad Man Moon would have made an awesome suite.

[derbystardom]

Can you imagine Roger Daltrey quitting The Who, and then Keith Moon decides to try being the lead singer and takes The Who to even bigger heights. Or John Bonham. It is incredible what Phil Collins and Genesis was able to do.

[RobertWeingher]

Prog rock can't get any better than the albums Genesis released between 1972-1978, this song is a great example for the greatness of Genesis, Genesis is my favorite prog rock band and in my humble opinion the best prog band of all times!!!

[Curseofsuperbowl]

People forget Genesis did 4 sold out shows at Wembley in 87, fantastic night the gig I went to, Phil had the audience in the palm of his hands, not saying they peaked that week but cemented their place as a " premier" band. Nothing beats Phil and Chester playing together then Phil just walking back and starting his vocals again, magic, pure magic....

[Aquatarkus]

Man the ending of this makes me wish Genesis did more psychedelicy kinda material

[Driver]

A re-released A Trick of the Tail, with this fantastic piece included, would be most welcome.

[hedgehog]

Between '76 and '80 they were untouchable, making sounds and playing chords that no-one was. Just listen to the bass pedals against the keyboards, and the vocal harmonies. Still makes me want cry for a lost time.