NURSERY CRYME

I first learned of Genesis by the time Peter Gabriel left already - the first Genesis album that hooked me to them was 'Trick of the Tail.' After I got into them, I purchased 'Nursery Cryme' for the first time in 1977 (Hackett was getting ready to leave by then as well). For almost thirty years, this album has continued to mesmerize me. The opening with 'Musical Box' is what I now term classic prog, with all the style-change elements that make for a great prog song. Phil Collins' drumming techniques are far superior to the drummer from 'Trespass,' and that is most noticeable in the first track. Steve Hackett's bowing of the guitar in the middle solo section of 'Giant Hogweed' is the most interesting musical feature of that piece (Jimmy Page did that for a few tunes with Led Zeppelin as well). My favorite song on the album - and perhaps my favorite Genesis song of all time - is 'Fountain of Salmacis.' The mythical lyrical genre, mixed together with the musical shades in guitar and keyboard harmony, make for a prog song of excellent, everlasting quality. Collins' drum fills in this song certainly add to the musicality, and do not detract from it, making this one of their most musically and instrumentally inspiring pieces. As this album was the prelude to 'Foxtrot' (1972) and 'Selling England by the Pound' (1973), they were coming into their own unique Genesis prog sound with this album. An excellent addition for all who enjoy early Genesis.