FOXTROT

Maybe the best from Gabriel era Genesis. I can't choose between Foxtrot and Nursery Cryme. Actually, I can't choose a favorite from Trespass~The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. I must admit, Foxtrot was the hardest listening from my Genesis albums. But after a few times, Foxtrot made perfect sense. My first contact with Foxtrot was my old and only CD version of the album. It has a nonsense, ugly censored version of the enigmatic cover art. I can't understand why. Aside the mediocre alternative cover, this album has a special place in my collection.

Foxtrot includes the all time favorite track for most of Genesis fans: The 23 minutes suite Supper's Ready, which was made of several parts, one different than each other. Distinct ideas, but when glued together as a masterpiece of the progressive rock. Peter Gabriel's presence on stage performing the Supper's Ready is an essential pride for everyone who have seen his show. Gabriel used to change clothes for each section of the song, appearing dressed as a flower, or wearing something strange in the head. According to some members of the band during an interview, they never knew how Gabriel would came back on stage. Generally speaking, the lyrics and concept for Supper's Ready has something to do with biblical themes, such as false prophets ("The Guaranteed Eternal Sanctuary Man"), and revelations illustrations and prophecies ("Apocalypse in 9/8 (featuring the delicious talents of Gabble Ratchet)", and what a beautiful time signature here).

But Foxtrot offerings are much more than a Side B full lenghty track. Initially, Watcher of The Skies is the perfect opening theme for a progressive album. The symphonic intro crescendo til the climax is amazing. Congratulations for Tony Banks, who gives me the greatest chills. The first time I have heard this track, I automatically thought of Arthur C. Clarke's "The Childhood's End". Even some saying it has nothing to do with the book, every line of the lyrics fits perfectly well with the story of the book, including some hidden spoiler. Being a hardcore sci-fi follower, my interpretation for Watcher of The Skies will always have to do with the Childhood's End. The dark and deep atmosphere of this song can really make me feel inside Arthur C. Clarke's plot, and I love this way. The second track, Time Table, has a similar feel to Seven Stones (the fourth track from their previous album, Nursery Cryme). I actually prefer Seven Stones, but Time Table is an enjoyable track, which the lyrics always makes me think of the knights of the round table. The third track, Get 'em out by Friday, is my favorite moment of the whole Foxtrot. Just like Harold The Barrel, from Nursery Cryme, this song is like a mini-opera, each line of the lyrics is previously marked with the name of the character whos speaking. Actually, Peter Gabriel assumes the whole plot, sometimes differentiating his own voice, sometimes not. Mike Rutherford bass lines for this track are really stronger and absolutly rises the level of the album. The track has a lot of variations and the story telling method is very entertaining.

Phil Collins seems not so proud of his cymbals, but maybe it was an upgrade for him and for the sake of the band. I never felt annoyed by his use of the cymbals in the previous album, but some of my drummer friends curse him a lot because of that. Personally, I always thought all Genesis members knew how to act full of discernment. Foxtrot is not any exception. I will highlight Steve Hacket for Can-Utility and the Coastliners, and Horizons. Well, Can-Utility and The Coastliners is very progressive and deep for a five minutes track from a symphonic prog band. You should not despise any track from this album because of the lenght. Foxtrot has no fillers.

Foxtrot is the definitive "essential album for any prog collection".