Happy the Man has to be the most interesting early Genesis song. It was never put on an official album at the time, but was released as an A-side single in a few countries. It was later put on several compilation albums, some with slightly different versions.
It is a very simple and sort of silly song, but remains one of my favorites (as you can tell). It was played live quite often and underwent several lyric changes.
It was recorded on May 10th, 1972. Here are all of the releases of the song. Each version is a bit different. Some fade in fast or slow or have a different mix where you can hear different instruments better than others. Click the MP3 to hear each one.
There are many high-definition scans so this may take a while to load...but you've been waiting since 1972 right???
UK Promo only version released May 12, 1972 This was the first released version and came in two forms. Approximate Value: $100 |
This promotional version was also released with an unstamped b-side. Approximate Value: $100 |
This is the standard UK release from May 12, 1972. Approximate Value: $60-$75 |
This is the jukebox promo for the Italian release July 7, 1972. Approximate Value: $30-$50 (fairly common)
The very hard to find jukebox tag significantly increases the value |
This is the official Italian release from July 1972. Approximate Value: $300+ |
The single above was also released in extremely limited numbers with a Charisma logo on the sleeve. The vinyl is the same. |
This is the later re-release of the UK single, this time with a picture sleeve from October 1972. Approximate value $250-$300 Note: This release has been copied. To tell the difference between the real and fake ones, check here. |
A rare Italian promo booklet from November 1972 includes scores and lyrics. |
Ariston Italian promotional single PR-35 released in 1972. Approximate Value: There are so few of these and are so obscure, a value is difficult. |
One More Chance compilation LP from 1973. Charisma catalog number CLASS 3. |
The Famous Charisma Label 5th Anniversary compilation LP from 1974. |
The Famous Charisma Box from 1993. |
The final 'official' release on the Genesis Archive 4-CD Box Set June 15, 1998. |