Genesis: Counting Out Time Single (1974)

A Prog Rock Nursery Rhyme

Genesis’ “Counting Out Time” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 8, 1974, on Charisma Records (catalogue: CB 238). Backed with “Riding The Scree,” this quirky prog rock track, written and produced by Genesis and John Burns, was the first single from the double album The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway.

Issued in small centre hole, push-out centre, and promo versions, it’s a standout from Genesis’ Peter Gabriel era

Single Overview

A-Side: “Counting Out Time” (3:39, Genesis)

Written-By, Genesis. Producer – Genesis John Burns. Published By – Genesis Music / Carlin. Lacquer Cut By – Porky.

B-Side: “Riding The Scree” (3:56, Genesis)

Written-By, Genesis. Producer – Genesis John Burns. Published By – Genesis Music / Carlin. Lacquer Cut By – Pecko.

Release Details:

Label: Charisma Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Marketed By – B&C Records Ltd.

UK Formats:

Vinyl, 7", Single, Small Center Hole (CB 238):

A-Side: “Counting Out Time” (3:39, Genesis) – Composer – Genesis – Producer – John Burns, Genesis

B-Side: “Riding The Scree” (3:56, Genesis) – Composer – Genesis – Producer – John Burns, Genesis

Vinyl, 7", Single, Push Out Center (CB 238):

Same tracklist.

A-Side: “Counting Out Time” (3:39, Genesis) – Composer – Genesis – Producer – John Burns, Genesis

B-Side: “Riding The Scree” (3:56, Genesis) – Composer – Genesis – Producer – John Burns, Genesis

Vinyl, 7", Single, Promo (CB 238):

Same tracklist.

A-Side: “Counting Out Time” (3:39, Genesis) – Composer – Genesis – Producer – John Burns, Genesis

B-Side: “Riding The Scree” (3:56, Genesis) – Composer – Genesis – Producer – John Burns, Genesis

Notes: Published By – Genesis Music / Carlin. Marketed By – B&C Records Ltd. Lacquer Cut By – Pecko (B), Porky (A).

Country Variations:

France - Charisma - 1974

Italy - Charisma - 1974

Portugal - Charisma - 1974

Spain - Charisma - 1974

UK Chart Performance:

UK: None. (Official Singles Chart)

Legacy and Collectibility

“Counting Out Time” is a Genesis prog gem, with “Riding The Scree” a fan-favorite instrumental. Verify catalogue CB 238. Streams on Spotify via The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway reissues preserve the analog complexity. This single is a must-have for Genesis fans and prog collectors.

Have you snagged this Genesis rarity in your vinyl collection? Does “Counting Out Time” count you in? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube