A TRICK OF THE TAIL

I was tempted to give this album five stars. Melodically speaking, composition wise, production wise, etc. it certainly in many ways is a 'masterpiece'. However there are a few quirks. Steve Hackett is for one missing entirely. I can't help but think what this album could have been with a little more participation from his side. Also the title track isn't too much to speak of in my opinion. Lyrically it is also a step down from the mastery of Gabriel.

I wasn't born at the time, but I guess when Gabriel left, a lot of people were wondering about what would happen to the band. How would the new album sound? The answer is pretty easy. Add 'Selling England by the Pound' and 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway', subtract Gabriel from the equation and you've basically got the sound of 'A Trick of the Tail'. Many feel that 'The Lamb' in a way lost the organic and warm sound of 'SEBTP' in favor for a more sterile, technical sound. I'm a fan of the way both sounds - - they reflect the respective albums' concepts and lyrical themes. I think however that 'A Trick of the Tail' sounds even better, instrumentally at least. The vocals are naturally another matter. Basically 'A Trick' has the same instrumental sound as 'The Lamb', but the warmth and dynamics of 'SEBTP' is back. Perhaps this is due to the organ gaining a larger role again. This is perhaps most easily heared in the gripping ending of 'Entangled' or the beautiful middle part of 'Mad Man Moon'.

As for the songs, I like them all. The opener 'Dance on a Volcano' was definitely a statement by the band, in a way distincting themselves from the Gabriel-Genesis sound. For the first time the band really turns up the pace. This track rolls fast! The highlight is definitely Banks synth playing. The whole track really sounds fresh.

The album soon returns to old Genesis territory with 'Entangled' which is a beautiful piece. The ending is fabulous. It's powerful, yet beautiful, much thanks to the mellotron in combination with Hackett's twelve strings guitar. It isn't just the ending that makes this track great however, the whole thing is really beautiful. Hackett's accoustic playing really shines, as well as Collins' vocals. Penned in part by Hackett, I guess it hints at what could have been if Hackett were allowed a bit larger role in the post-Gabriel Genesis.

The next track up is the, at the time, unusual 'Squonk' about this little imaginary creature which can dissolve itself to tears when threatened. The lyrics are well written and Collins delivers pretty well. What is special about this track is its over all style. It features Genesis in a slow rock groove which certainly was unusual for them at the time, but which pointed forward to later pop songs. Don't take this as a warning -- this groove is extremely catchy, and further more it is topped by a absolutely beautiful synth melody by Banks (this one stuck in my head from first listen!) Besides, the chorus is also very strong, with another great melody played on organs. Over all this track works very well and is in fact one of my favorites.

Following up is 'Mad Man Moon', which seems to be a largely overlooked track by many. I don't quite get why. This is probably the album's highlight. Right from its start we're given a beautiful melody on piano by Banks, with Hackett accompanying it with beautiful guitar playing. The chorus is also beautiful with a rather interesting chord progression. The real gem is however the middle section. Probably one of Banks' finest piano moments. After a while accompanied by some great symphonic synth playing. Simply a great track. The lyrics are perhaps a bit strange but whatever. The music is excellent. Even some flute here. Wonder who played that...

'Robbery, Assault and Battery' is a bit overrated in my eyes. The whole robbery concept is ridiculous and this aspect is only strengthened by Collins' flawed attempt at voice acting a la Gabriel. Musically however, this track has a really great instrumental section. Definitely one of Banks' highlights on the album.

'Ripples' is another track which is overrated I think. To be frank I find the chorus a slight bit cheesy. A bit unoriginal perhaps. It's a nice track however, and especially the middle section is moving. Even Hackett comes out to do some soloing stuff a la 'Firth of Fifth'.

The album ends with the title track before it closes off by picking up the speed again and giving us a few a reprises from earlier songs. The title track never appealed much to me. I guess it's a solid single by the band, but for me it isn't especially interesting. One interesting thing however is Hackett's weird atmospheric high pitched playing in the background during the sections featuring the intro melody on bass. The closer 'Los Endos' picks, as mentioned, up the pace. Collins provides some really rhythmic drumming, clearly inspired by his work with jazz fusion band Brand X. His playing is simply outstanding. Rutherford's bass also gets to let some steam out. Banks of course grips the chance to spill out one catchy synth melody after the other. After this chaotic section is followed by the intro of 'Dance on a Volcano', this time with an epic mellotron choir to back it up. Powerful! Then comes a powerful reprise of 'Squonk'. The final few seconds Hackett contributes substantially to the song but it fades out ...

I find 'A Trick of the Tail' to be a really entertaining album. Not very melodramatic, complex, theatric, spanning four LP sides or anything like that. Just a set of really, really strong songs. Some fast and furious, others mellow and beautiful. There's no masterpieces here, just great tracks which fit very well when you just want a casual listen.