A CURIOUS FEELING

I did buy this album upon first release and found many pleasurable passages but, unfortunately, no single song that engages and amazes from start to finish. As I re-listen to it now, I'm smiling at all of the familiar Duke-era sounds and stylings Tony uses. The fact that Tony could only entrust his sacred music to the contributions of two other collaborators is probably evidence in the case for Tony being a control freak. Chester Thompson had already proven himself loyal (and malleable and docile) over the course of four years of Genesis touring, but the choice of Kim Beacon for vocalist was always a bit of a surprise. Also, there are no complex musical passages here, just straightforward saccharine. Side Two does, however, present some exciting and engaging music.

Best songs: "You" (9/10); "In the Dark" (9/10); "Forever Morning" (8/10); "Somebody Else's Dream" (12/15), and; "The Waters of Lethe" (8.5/10)--this latter instrumental giving us a little glimpse at Tony's attraction to and future explorations of classical music constructs and formats.