Tag: genesis (Page 1 of 2)

Other than the Genesis live album, this was my entry point into the world of Genesis. The band should have changed their name when the lines became blurred. It was increasingly difficult to differentiate what was sounding like a Phil Collins solo album or a Genesis album.

If you want to know the definition of 70’s Prog, then look no further than Nursery Cryme. Three of the best old school Prog tracks are on this record: The Musical Box, The Fountain Of Salmacis, and my favourite The Return Of The Giant Hogweed.

Pete Gabriel was irreplaceable as a front man, major props to Phil Collins for taking over as they were huge shoes to fill. Over time, the Genesis “sound” disappeared.  However, this is a genre defining album and I am instantly transported back to my 13 year old self hearing it for the first time.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

Is this the album where Genesis went totally pop and left good old Prog town behind? Well, I would say it’s split 50-50 for sure, but I also think that Mama is Collin’s era Genesis’ finest hour. A superb track that uses all of the tech around at the time to create a very striking sonic masterpiece, and when the huge drums kick in it sounds incredible. Then again, I really don’t like Illegal Alien it’s totally the opposite of how awesome Mama is. A throwaway tune for sure, and yes I’m well aware how well it did as a single which sought of makes my point.

Home By The Sea is as close as Prog Side 1 gets, and a song I really like but the electronic simmonds drums on Second Home By The Sea are very annoying. I really like Just A Job To Do and Silver Rainbow, they are Collin’s Genesis at their best.

So yes, I’m split on this album as 50% of it gets 9/10 and the other 50% gets 5/10. You decide which is which.

This is the last album to feature Peter Gabriel, and the one most fans think is their finest hour. I’ve always liked Nursery Cryme more, as it was the first Genesis album I heard. As in true prog tradition, this is a concept album with songs in multiple parts going on for days. Just a little humour there. It’s a fact that all the imagery and theatrical elements left when Gabriel did, and over time they bore no resemblance to the band that recorded this album.

Chart positions were at the bottom of the list of priorities here, but I do remember The Carpet Crawlers being a released as a single, although I’m not sure how well it did. Very hard to pick a favourite out of what is basically a whole piece of music, but the opening title track is the obvious choice. You have to listen to this as a whole thing to appreciate it, and it’s a piece of work for sure. I’m not sure Genesis will ever record again and definitely nothing like this.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.