A TRICK OF THE TAIL

Now, it took me a long time to give this album a listen, given the background of the situation. But, I was the fool in the end to overlook such an amazing piece of, not only progressive rock, but the strongest musicianship and songwriting that Genesis had ever known. Their ties became stronger following the departure of PG, and the band took a democratic approach to writing their material (much to the dismay of HACKETT, who left a few years later partly due to this reason.) Nevertheless, I would definitely say this belongs in any prog collection, and may be bold enough to say it is one of the best Genesis albums.

1. Dance on a Volcano - Sheer brilliance. Brand X had an effect on COLLINS to bring his glorious jazz drumming to new heights. This is my favorite on the album and one of my favorite Genesis songs, ever. Just listen, I can't explain it any more.

2. Entangled - A wonderful break from the chaos. This beautiful "ballad" wraps its tender arms around you and embraces you within it's tender melodies and soft vocals. By far their most moving piece in terms of beauty to the ears.

3. Squonk - Returning to the proggy nature of the album, Squonk features great bass lines by RUTHERFORD and excellent organ riffs by BANKS, classic in foundation and composition, another stand out track.

4. Mad Man Moon - Another beautiful composition to balance out the intensity/softness that is present in the album. Not as moving as Entangled to me in terms of sensuality, but nevertheless a great moving piece. BANKS' keyboard leads and the sped up tempo that is commonplace within Genesis complete the song with great precision.

5. Robbery, Assault and Battery - Ah, the great theatrics of Genesis return in the form of their cheesy dialogue and weird voices (which I LOVE.) Has a similar feel to "Get Em' Out By Friday" and "Willow Farm" from Suppers Ready. Swinging, fun and complex, just the way i like my prog. COLLINS lyrics are comical and amusing, in the vein of PG.

6. Ripples... - The last of the ballads, and not by any means the least moving. COLLINS stands out with his fantastic vocal melodies in sync with the flowing keyboards. Truly moving, tears may have been shed a few times, if not by this song then by the others for sure.

7. A Trick of the Tail - My least favorite track, and a weak song for the title track. Even though it is my least favorite track, it is still good in the vain of their contemporaries like "The Beatles" or any other British Invasion bands. Possibly alluding to the pop direction Genesis takes in the upcoming albums?

8. Los Endos - The best, and i mean the best, finish to an unbelievable piece of musical ecstasy. Jazzy drums, fast keyboard shredding, and almost explosive bass chords reprise "Dance on a Volcano" and bring this album to bookend status. And best of all, the allusion to PG using the lyrics "There's an angel standing in the sun...There's an angel standing in the sun / free to get back home" makes this album that much greater. It proves that Genesis could easily move on without PG, but that he could never be replaced for what he did and that he will never be forgotten within the band.

Final Rating - 5/5 stars. Essential, not just for Genesis fans, but for fans of Progressive rock, and even just rock music.