NURSERY CRYME

I like this one because it shows glimpses of all that was good about the Genesis sound. You could argue that symphonic prog began with this and a few other albums of the era. In a historical sense, this is a VERY important record.

1. The Musical Box (10:24): The opening track doesn't do it for me. I understand what Gabriel was trying to do(based on material he wrote on subsequent records) but it just doesn't work for me. It's a good piece, but way too long. The band could have made the same statement in a much more concise manner. This one actually hurts the album, getting it off to a somewhat dark and creepy mood with harsh sounding guitars. Certainly not my favorite Genesis opener. Seems to me they were practicing for things to come.

2. For Absent Friends (1:44): Complete and utter filler material of the worst kind.

3. The Return Of The Giant Hogweed (8:10): Surprisingly this is VERY STRONG song, even though the lyrical material is quite goofy. The music and vocals work very well. Once again, showcasing the signature Genesis symphonic sound.

4. Seven Stones (5:10): An excellent piece, that weaves in and out of pastoral passages with flute, acoustic guitars and strong vocal harmonies. Nice to hear this type of piece in a symphonic rock album. One of the highlights of this record.

5. Harold The Barrel (2:55): What appears, at first, to be a silly song(makes you want to skip about) is quite strong and well composed, arranged and performed.

6. Harlequin (2:52): A nice pastoral piece that showcases harmonic vocalizing and Collins' child-like vocal range. Honestly, this is more filler than anything else.

7. The Fountain Of Salmacis (7:54): The most progressive and intense piece on the record. Hackett was in fine form on this one, exploiting his legato and tapping technique to the hilt. Banks shows flashes of things to comes, as well.

This is a VERY GOOD Genesis album, but NOT a masterpiece by any stretch. The song writing was starting to get there and they got there rather quickly, as their NEXT album, Foxtrot, is IMO, their best work.

FOUR STARS.

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