THE GEESE AND THE GHOST

Anthony Phillips faded away after leaving Genesis in 1972. In the meantime, he studied music, learned how to read and write and orchestrate. He stayed good friends with Mike Rutherford, and they got together to try to make a debut album for Anthony. It took a long time to get together (Mike still being in Genesis and touring) but the reward was this album, one of the most beautiful and uncompromised albums by any Genesis band member.

Unlike the next couple of albums where Anthony flirted with pure songwriting (and excelled) or later albums where he goes for pure instrumental atmosphere (and again excelled) he goes for a early Genesis feel. There are lots of intertwined 12 string acoustic guitars here, along with a wide variety of acoustic stringed instruments. The music is very gentle, very love, and easy to get lost in, which is the primary joy of this album. Besides a few great performances by Phil Collins, most of this album is instrumental. While this bothers some, I find it great, because we can listen to the nuances of Anthony and Mike's acoustic playing, which is probably at its peak. Pianos, organs, oboes, and violins all contribute to a sound that is lovely to fall asleep to, read to, write to, or meditate to. Though the music is dynamic, it has a feel of ambient in that regard. This is not an album to rock out to, or to get pumped up to while listening. It's not for everybody. But for those who want to relax and enjoy some great music, it makes for good listening.