Display MoreI kind of get what you mean about Rope being the last 'fantasy' song, though I'm not convinced it is. Earlier comments here suggest (eg) HBTS and Domino as continuing the theme but, as it were, transferring the fantasy DNA into a new host, which I absolutely do see. I think Domino's a very good example actually, as it sets out a fantastical-sounding scenario, but within the trappings of the 80s trio sound and approach it feels very different from something like BR so perhaps doesn't come across so readily as 'fantasy'. Those two longer Banks tracks on ATTWT will certainly seem to many as possibly the last two fully prog-sounding tracks. Except for Heathaze, BR is for me the last one to feature Banks's ponderous faux-profound philosophising.
M&SJ is another possible example of continuation of the fantasy notion. It seems to me that "I invent a name" suggests everything that comes after is possibly a fantasy, or at least imagined.
Re the live renditions. In a way it's a shame Seconds Out happened when it did, although I completely understand the timing. Some of the live performances of its classics, such as DOAV, 81 Firth and 82 SR blow the SO ones clear out of the water. But at least we have those later ones available via the BBC discs and the various unofficial but good quality radio broadcast releases.
EDIT - by the way I meant to ask, what did PC say about BR?
He said something along the lines of having to sing a song like that is what finally made him decide to leave Genesis. Also made disparaging remark about how the song doesn’t belong in this century.