NURSERY CRYME

Nursery Cryme is where the gods truly smiled upon Genesis and blessed them with it's greatest lineup. Drummer Phil Collins and guitarist Steve Hackett join the fray and waste no time proving they belong. Gabriel's lyrics range from depressing to silly, often within the same song. Rutherford and Banks shine once again. Gabriel has one of the best voices in prog, and he proves it throughout.

"The Music Box" is the highlight of the album, and Steve Hackett makes history by pioneering both tapping and sweep-picking in the solo. Eat your heart out Eddie Van Halen. The lyrics sound like like the words to some burlesque tavern song, as Gabriel displays his twisted wit. "For Absent Friends" is a filler track that allows Phil to take center stage. The Return of the Giant Hogweed" is Peter's take on environmentalism, where plants rise up to take revenge against their human slave masters. "Seven Stones" features great vocals from Peter. "Harold the Barrel" is this album's multiple character song, with Gabriel going through dfferent roles rapidly in its brief span. Tony has some great piano here. "Harlequin" is a very minimalistic song with a great harmony between Gabriel and Phil. The light 12 string, bass, and keys make this a lovely tune. The album closes with another mini-epic, "The Fountain of Salamcis." Tony's mellotron and Phil's incredible drumming are the defining aspects of this song, but it features great performances from everyone.

Nursery Cryme set in motion Genesis' classic era that would go on to influence countless progressive bands of all sub-genres. It isn't as stunning as Selling England By the Pound, but it comes close and is, to me, better than the resulting Foxtrot. You're not a fan of prog without this album.

Grade: B+