THE GEESE AND THE GHOST

Whatever realm or alternate timeline the music on this record came from, I desperately want to go there. The record cover does a pretty good job of capturing the pastoral beauty and simplicity of life that clearly must be characteristic of the place from where this music came. And while I recognize that visiting this place may be an impossibility, I am grateful to Anthony Phillips, his 12-string guitar, and his majestic songwriting abilities for giving us our only window into this world.

Unlike the song writing and production of most rock music of the era which was done mostly during short windows between tours, the music on this record was written, arranged, and re-arranged over the better part of a decade since Phillips' departure from Genesis. The added time and thought put into these songs paid off tremendously as all the music feels lean and purposeful despite including two sprawling epic centerpieces.

If, like me, you are a fan of heavy music but in need of ambitious light music, The Geese & the Ghost is your fix!