Over the years I have come to the conclusion that Genesis (after Gabriel and Steve Hackett had left the band) should have changed their name. The difference in sound and structure of the songs were so markedly different, that they were a different band. This version that recorded this album were an integral part of the seventies Prog scene – in fact – they were flag bearers as they painted pictures with their sonic warblings.
Fast forward to the Collins fronted band, and the line between his solo career and Genesis was very blurred indeed. They had become a pop band and all forms of experimental and progressive music had gone. I feel the same about Van Halen as well, as their sound changed some much when Hagar joined and became a different outfit.
Anyway back to the album. This is one of my favourite Genesis records and contains Live favourites such as I Know What I Like, Firth Of Fifth and the epic Battle Of Epping Forest. They were so good at this time and it was only ’73. I don’t think there will ever again be a period when there was so much musical creativity seeping out of every record.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
