WIND & WUTHERING

Yes, I've rated this album a five. I can honestly say I love it; it is Genesis at their finest, most mature and most dynamic, Gabriel years included. From start to finish, this album never fails to impress. As many before have said, it is the album to sit by the fireplace with a glass of whisky and listen to. Contemporary and sophisticated, it is surprising that so many people overlook this album. Eleventh Earl Of Mar: Dynamic Prelude. The dreamy, mystical synth melody combined with the cosmic bass notes set a scene immediately, as they are joined by some sci-fi mellotron work and some even more cosmic synths, with piano and drums joining respectively. The song rocks quite a bit and is very easy to listen to. A definite highlight of the album from the first listen. 9/10 One For The Vine: Suite. Sweet. A sweet suite. In fact, one of the most grown-up, mature songs Genesis have written. Opening with some minimal guitar work from Steve Hackett, joined by the piano which drives most of the song, 'One For The Vine' develops into a highly enjoyable suite of musical themes. It is soaked in Mellotron glory, although it is decidedly lacking in the guitar department. But this is more than made up for by some of Phil Collins' best and most heartfelt vocal work. An absolute all-time Genesis favourite. 10/10. Your Own Special Way: Ballad. Most consider this a low point on the album, much like it's successor's 'Follow You Follow Me'. However I rather like it, it is a pleasant, contemporary, warm song. It might have been better a bit shorter as it does drag slightly at 6:18 long and sometimes seems little more than a vessel for some thoughtful poetry. Musically, it has a mild country n' western feel with its jangly electro-acoustic guitar and slidey, whining synths which remind one of a slide guitar. 7/10 Wot Gorilla?: Instrumental. A strange, 3 minute instrumental piece which serves little more purpose than to showcase musicianship. In other words, we're being reminded how brilliant these four musicians are. Which is never a problem! This song is similar in drive to 'Los Endos' and the later track 'In That Quiet Earth'. And tonally reminds one of 'It' from 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway'. Interesting, definitely worth a listen if you are fond of instrumental tracks. 7/10 All In A Mouse's Night: Mini-suite. Pleasant, typically Genesis 6 and a half minute track, similar to the opening track of the album. It is a quirky, prickly track with a heavy drive, telling a very self-explanatory story in the vein of Tom & Jerry. Very twee, cute lyrics which are once again typical of Genesis in one of their straightforward storytelling moods. Also uses the typically progressive method of having a very long, drawn-out fadeout, the lyrics stopping a whole 2 minutes before the end of the track. 8/10 Blood On The Rooftops: Ballad. A pretty, mature, contemporary track with a beautiful classical guitar introduction, joined slowly by Phil's voice, then accomplanied by Mellotron. A song you can't help but love, the mellotron work absolutely makes this song. At only 5.27 long it seems a bit short and could easily have been developed into a 'One For The Vine' type song. This song would be echoed musically on the following album with 'Many Too Many' as the chord sequences are remarkably similar in places. 10/10. Unquiet Slumbers For The Sleepers...: Instrumental. An ambient, peculiar instrumental track, only 2 and a half minutes long, which fades into the following track. This track can either be regarded as filler material or part 1 of the final stage of the album. 7/10 ...In That Quiet Earth: Instrumental. A burst of energy. Fantastic syncopated drumming with sublime (and previously greatly missed) guitar work from a now centre- stage Steve Hackett. This is part 2 of the final stage of the album and is arguably the best. The bassline of this, played by Mike Rutherford is up there with the best, and is in the same vein as 'Los Endos': hard and fast. A highlight of the album, and a favourite of instrumental lovers. The album paints an image first of a tropical island, but slowly develops into a sun-drenched desert perhaps, and the track even reprises part of the theme of 'Eleventh Earl Of Mar'. 10/10. Afterglow: Mini-Epic Outro. Wonderfully majestic guitar work based around a two-note melody, on what sounds like an electric 12-string guitar. This track is an epic beast which is also quite catchy. Some say it's not what it could be, some say it sounds tired, but I say, they could do a lot worse. It's the third and final part of the three piece suite which closes this album is, incidentally a definite highlight. The powerful vocal work is what makes this song what it is; and that is, a fantastic closer to a fantastic album. 9/10.

I genuinely love this album, it is vastly overlooked and contains some real gems. Make it a priority!