Genesis - Spot the Pigeon
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On May 20, 1977, "Genesis" released the EP "Spot the Pigeon".
It is a three-track EP that was originally recorded during sessions for the "Wind & Wuthering" album (1976) but ultimately didn’t make the final cut. As it turned out, this EP became a notable turning point—it was the last studio recording to feature guitarist Steve Hackett before he left the band.
Due to the EP format being relatively unpopular in the U.S., "Spot the Pigeon" wasn’t officially released there. Though it saw a CD release in 1988, it hasn’t been reissued since, although the songs have popped up on later compilations.
Phil Collins later admitted he wasn’t proud of the lead track, “Match of the Day,” describing it as a misstep where they tried (and failed) to inject contemporary rhythms into "Genesis’s" style. He even called the lyrics “embarrassing.” Critics haven’t been much kinder. One blog called it a “naff” football anthem with a cheap-sounding keyboard riff.
The second track, “Pigeons,” is built around a deliberately repetitive, one-note note, whilst Tony Banks tried to do as many different chords as possible. Steve Hackett once remarked that the simplicity of the melody gave Tony Banks room to experiment with varied chords, creating contrast between the static rhythm and shifting harmonies.
The EP closes with “Inside and Out,” arguably its strongest moment written by all 4 band members. A fan favorite, it blends folk and prog textures and features layered guitar parts that give it a shimmering, textured feel. Lyrically, it tells the story of a man wrongfully imprisoned for rape and later freed—split between a lyrical “Inside” section and an instrumental “Out.” Long after leaving the band, Steve Hackett continued to champion the song and believed it should’ve been part of "Wind & Wuthering". It was even played live during the 1977 tour.
Looking back, bassist Mike Rutherford felt that leaving songs like these off "Wind & Wuthering" may have been a miscalculation. The experience prompted the band to aim for shorter, more concise songwriting on their next album, "...And Then There Were Three..."
While "Spot the Pigeon" doesn’t often appear on “essential Genesis” lists, it’s a fascinating release for fans interested in the band’s transitional phase—bridging the gap between their more theatrical past and their increasingly accessible future.
For Listening: Youtube