SMALLCREEP'S DAY

Mike Rutherford´s first solo album was released at the time his Genesis pal Tony Banks did the same. But more than Banks A Curious Feeling, Smallcreep´s Day reflects a lot what was happening to Genesis at the end of the 70's: half the album is truly progressive music (the title track suite with its 24:38 time). The other half it´s pop music (with some prog overtones). Very much like Genesis Duke. And I must say I always liked it. Specially if you compare this one with his ludicrous second efford, the very forgetable Acting Very Strange.

First he put together an excellent team of musicians that included an ex Genesis axeman, Anthony Philips (now playing keyboards! and doing a fine job), England´s best studio drummer in the 70´s (Simon Phillips), a jazz rock percussionist (Morris Pert) and an old friend who once sang with the proto Genesis during school days (Noel McCalla). Songwriting wise, Rutherford proves he can write some decent symphonic tunes along with his obvious pop leanings. Fortunatly he does not sing on this one, McCalla´s choice being a very fitting one: he has a fine voice and his interpretations are very emotional and convincing. As for Rutherford himself he sticks to his guns, adding some nice solos here and there, emulating Steve Hackett´s style very well.

Certainly for progheads the title track is the true gem of the album, and I agree.. But the other songs are also fine. Pop songs alright, but sophisticated pop, tasteful and well arranged. An album I can hear from beginning to end without skipping a single track. If you like Genesis around the Wind and Wuthering era, you´ll probably love this album.

A little piece of trivia here: my old LP had the suite on the first side and the other tracks on the b side. it works better that way.