REFLECTION - ROCK THEATRE

'Rock Theater (Collection)' is a compilation of Genesis and was released in 1975. It was released about one year after the departure of Peter Gabriel from the group. Gabriel left the group due to pursue a solo musical career. So, with his departure he left the band orphan without their charismatic front man and without one of the main songwriters of the band, too. One of the most interesting things on this compilation is that it has only tracks that belong to their best and most progressive musical period, the Gabriel's musical era. So, this compilation represents also the end of a musical era for Genesis. In this era Genesis made six studio albums 'From Gennesis To Revelation' in 1969, 'Trespass' in 1970, 'Nursery Cryme' in 1971, 'Foxtrot' in 1972, 'Selling England By The Pound' in 1973 and 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway' in 1974. With him, Genesis had also released a live album, 'Genesis Live' in 1973.

So, in 1975 it's perfectly normal that the band has released a compilation album because they had enough stuff to do so. By the other hand, it's perfectly normal that after the departure of Gabriel the band wasn't already ready to release a new studio album. The release of this compilation maybe was the only possible answer of the band and of their record label to maintain perfectly alive the flame of the group. So, perhaps it was this, the main reason for its release.

'Rock Theater (Collection)' has six tracks. The first track 'I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)' is a song originally released on their fifth studio album 'Selling England By The Pound'. This was the first charting single of the band. It's a very funny song with some characteristics of a pop song. This is a shorter less serious song which is based on the album's cover and with lyrics fairly cryptic. It's a good shorter song which fits on their fifth studio album, well enough. The second track 'Harold The Barrel' is a song originally released on their third studio album 'Nursery Cryme'. This is a song with interesting lyrics, is somewhat funny, is very rhythmic and provides a joyful moment on the album. It reveals a Genesis that is able to combine black humour and pathos. It has a nice tune, sounding slightly like a medieval British folk song. This is a cool song that has a nice piano part and that flows well on 'Nursery Cryme'. The third track 'Harlequin' is also a song originally released on their third studio album 'Nursery Cryme'. This is a song that harmonizes the voices of Gabriel and Collins, providing a very beautiful short folksy piece with nice vocal harmonies. It's a beautiful song, at least pretty, in Genesis' vibe. It's a soft ballad featuring some good vocal melody and balances the frame on 'Nursery Cryme' with some notes of tranquillity, but with nothing more of interest. The fourth track 'Watcher Of The Skies' is a song originally released on their fourth studio album 'Foxtrot'. It's one of the most popular and beloved songs by their fans, and one of the most played live by the band. Even Hackett, plays often this song on his live shows. This is a great opener for 'Foxtrot' which gives a sense of majesty and power, to the beginning of the album. It's a brilliant track, starting off with simple, yet harmonious keyboards. This is a must for all mellotron lovers like me. The fifth track 'The Fountain Of Salmacis' is another song originally released on their third studio album 'Nursery Cryme'. This is the greatest gem on 'Nursery Cryme'. It's one of the songs most played live by the band, or by their members when they are performing as solo artists. The theme is around a story, based in the Greek mythology. Musically, it's a song with great energy, which collapses into an avalanche of emotions. It features everything that was great and unique, in that Genesis' era. It taps the same vein that has provided the setting for their subsequent masterworks. The sixth and last track 'Supper's Ready' is also a song originally released on their fourth studio album 'Foxtrot'. It's divided into seven parts: 'Lover's Leap', 'The Guaranteed Eternal Sanctuary Man', 'Ikhnaton And Itsacon And Their Band Of Merry Men', 'How Dare I Be So Beautiful?', 'Willow Farm', 'Apocalypse In 9/8 (co-Starring The Delicious Talents Of Gabble Ratchet)' and 'As Sure As Eggs Is Eggs (Aching Men's Feet)'. It's the lengthiest track on the album, is probably the most known and beloved song by all their fans, and is also their most progressive track too. This is a great track, full of amazing musicianship and lyrics, and is one of the most representative tracks of the progressive rock music. It stands as a true testament of how unique and creative Genesis was during the early 70's.

Conclusion: The track list chosen is good but can be considered a bit controversial. It can be quested the decision of leave out some of their best studio albums. It's hard to understand the non-inclusion of any song of 'Trespass' and 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway'. Both albums have quality enough to have songs included. For instance, they could be replaced 'Harold The Barrel' and 'Harlequin' by 'Visions Of Angels' from 'Trespass' and 'The Carpet Crawlers' from 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway'. We can also question the list of tracks chosen. 'Firth Of Fifth', 'The Cinema Show', 'The Musical Box' or 'The Return )Of The Giant Hogweed' would be better options despite being perhaps too much long for a compilation. This is a good compilation of Genesis, in Gabriel's era, but it could be better.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

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