NURSERY CRYME

This collection of songs we have here is very pleasant and deserves special attention from a Prog listener, mainly because it carries a very heavy influence from medieval music, which is a peculiar characteristic of few Progressive bands (e.g. Gentle Giant). Let's follow, song by song:

Seven Stones: a slow song, with good lyrics and melodies throughout. Nothing special, but a nice try from the band. 4,25 stars.

The Fountain of Salmacis: great song, nice vocals and arrangements on it. The rhythm is also cool. The part beginning at 3:15 is very exciting. The song becomes more rhythmic and fast, with good drum fills by Mr. Collins. The guitar is great on this one, congratulations to Mr. Hackett. 4,5 stars.

Harold The Barrel: this is a good example of how to do a great progressive song within 3 minutes ! I love it ! It has a great rhythm, with good arrangements from all the instruments and the vocals by Gabriel are funny. The lyrics tell an interesting story ! 5 stars.

The Return of the Giant Hogweed: This is one the Genesis songs I've never liked too much, but listening to it again while reviewing this album I started to like it ! It's very well structured and melodic, while the lyrics are amazing and funny (not to say apocalyptical!) ! It now stands as one of my favourite from this very band !! 5 stars !

The Musical Box: I think it needs no comment? really ! A long medieval piece telling a very intriguing magical story? softness and kindness for the first minutes and aggressiveness, in an almost heavy-metal way of playing, for the last minutes? WHY DON'T YOU TOUCH MEEEE ?!?!? NOW ! NOW! NOW ! Just fantastic ! 5 stars !

Harlequin: a soft piece sung in a double harmony by Gabriel and Collins, which sounds very calm and peaceful ! Just love it ! 5 stars.

For Absent Friends: I think this is the first song sung by Collins in Genesis, and he does it very well ! It's the sweetest song on the album ! It makes me have memories of something I've never lived ! 5 stars.

So, although I think it's not a masterpiece AS Foxtrot, Selling England By The Pound and The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, it IS a masterpiece of Progressive Music. 5 stars.