NURSERY CRYME

It was one morning in the spring of 1977 when Simon, a classmate of mine, took me to a record store. We went to listen to "Nursery Cryme" by the then-unknown-to-me Genesis, a fantastic LP he had discovered through his brother. 'You won't believe what you're hearing, it's so beautiful,' Simon said. We watched as the store clerk placed the green- yellow cover against a perspex edge on the counter in front of us and pointed to the headphones. Well, headphones? They were more like two separate handsets. Each of us took a part to hold against our ear. What happened next was pure love. At lightning speed, I was swept into the world of progressive rock through this showerhead-like sound sprayer, and now, almost half a century later, I'm still in it up to my ears. But enough about me, on to the album.

We are talking about the third studio album by Genesis, released in 1971. It is an important work in the progressive rock genre and crucial in the band's career. With its complex arrangements, literary lyrics, and striking musical structures, this album marks the beginning of their most creative period. The album introduces two new band members. With the addition of the eccentric guitarist Steve Hackett, the band truly found a golden goose, and there's not much else to say about the highly creative drummer Phil Collins.

"Nursery Cryme" opens with the epic The Musical Box, which quickly makes it clear that this is no ordinary rock album. With its beautiful 12-string guitars, bombastic organ sounds, instrumental passages, and distinctive vocal harmonies, Genesis creates a captivating atmosphere that immerses the listener in musical nostalgia. Although the two guitar solos with their powerful outbursts stand out the most, it is really Gabriel's expressive cries in the finale that hit the hardest. The story told in the lyrics is perfectly conveyed. Cynthia, who during a game of croquet, beheads her friend Henry; Henry's spirit returns as a frustrated old man through a music box, and a nurse who smashes the box against the wall, effectively killing Henry for good, form the ingredients of this macabre tale.

The evocative cover is based on the aforementioned story. This creation was crafted by Paul Whitehead, the man who had already adorned the predecessor Trespass with an atmospheric cover. Whitehead manages to combine a typically English sense of melancholy with the essence of the lyrics found on the album. The painting was finished with a layer of honey to make the image appear older than it is.

Another highlight on the album is the swirling composition The Return Of The Giant Hogweed. It starts convincingly with Hackett tapping along the neck of his Les Paul and further showcases various gradations that suit a powerful and energetic prog number. The lyrical themes are dark and mysterious, while Gabriel's expressive vocal performances elevate the piece to a higher level.

What really sets "Nursery Cryme" apart are the creative and imaginative lyrics. Genesis draws inspiration from literature, myths, and fairy tales, making each track tell a unique story. The humorous Harold The Barrel and the compelling The Fountain Of Salmacis are good examples. The lyrics demand in-depth interpretation and contribute to the album's mystique. For instance, Harold The Barrel is about a man threatening to jump off a roof. Gabriel momentarily takes you into the protagonist's dream world, giving the song an endearing touch. In the closing track, The Fountain Of Salmacis, we hear an impressive musical rendition of the Greek myth of Hermaphroditus and the water nymph Salmacis. We hear Hackett at his most creative, Collins laying down a wonderfully rolling rhythm, beautiful Mellotron chords, and piercing bass guitar tones as if it's the most natural thing in the world.

The album also includes a few less remarkable tracks, such as For Absent Friends, sung by Phil Collins, the Mellotron and organ-laden Seven Stones, and the melancholic Harlequin. Nevertheless, as a whole, it is a coherent and exciting piece of work. The album shows Genesis' growing musical ambitions and their ability to master complex arrangements without losing accessibility.

This is an album that demands your attention. The layered compositions and thoughtful lyrics offer new discoveries with each listen. The instrumentation is rich and deep. The guitar work is virtuosic and adds an extra dimension to the tracks while the rhythm section provides a solid foundation and tight grooves. The keyboards and delightful 12-string guitar playing bring color and atmosphere to the compositions. Above all, however, the vocals and the many harmonies cast everything in a sky-high light.

All in all, "Nursery Cryme" is a beautiful album that reflects Genesis' artistic and musical vision. It is a showcase of early '70s progressive rock and an essential listening experience for fans of the genre. With its rich arrangements, poetic lyrics, and atmospheric performances, "Nursery Cryme" deserves its place as an influential album within the world of progressive rock.

Thank you, Simon!

Orginally posted on www.progenrock.com