NURSERY CRYME

One of the first prog rock albums that I bought. After listening to Yes it seemed as though nothing could really compare until this. The first time I listened to this on the computer I instantly fell in love with the beautiful melodies and impressive instrumentation that Genesis had come up with. It was brilliant! This album is really an excellent one when first getting into progressive rock because it is not too complex and very listenable. So the songs:

The first track, The Musical Box is a great opener and the harpsichord sounding intro really creates the mood and atmosphere of things to come. Great jams and guitar solo and one of the best songs on the album.

For Absent Friends is a suprising acoustic track from Collins and Hackett and creates an interesting interlude before the next song which is very dramatic in comparison.

Return of the Giant Hogweed was such a suprise; very different and has both soft melody parts and strong guitar and drums driven sections.

Despite its popularity, Seven Stones never really appealed to me. Maybe I just didn't give it enough listens but it seems too slow to me and feels like it doens't really go anywhere.

Harold The Barrel, an interesting piece and by far the most theatrical on the album. Nice melodic parts and energized, high tension parts as well.

Harlequin, really nice acoustic track which contains some of the better melodies on the album. Almost folky and proves that Genesis explored many different genres with success.

The Fountain of Salmacis, Probably my favourite song on the album for several reasons: Its melodies are very beautiful and delicate with excellent vocals by Gabriel. But also, there is a harder rock section in the middle with Mike Rutherford's bass and Tony Bank's organ which creates a great instrumental part.

Overall, great album ranging from harder rock, to theatrical, dramatic pieces, a folky song and downright progressive songs as well.