WIND & WUTHERING

Again we find contradictions in Genesis history, let's see: Foxtrot was complex, SEBTP softer, The Lamb ultra complex, ATOTT softer than ever, and when any reasonable person was expecting something easier and radio friendly the band releases the wonderful Wind & Wuthering like a return to the roots.

This great album starts with two masterpieces Eleventh Earl of Mar and One for the Vine absolutely different to any song from ATOTT and closer to Foxtrot even than almost anything from "Selling England by the Pound". Both songs have all the characteristics of an epic. "Eleventh Earl of Mar" narrates the story of Sir John Erskine, an anti heroe of the XVII - XVIII Centuries while "One for the Vine" seems like a late sequel to The Knife (from Trespass).

The lyrics are better developed than in the previous album, maybe less poetic but more inteligent, even the underrated "All in a mouse Night" makes me remember the acid humour and sarcasm of Gabriel's years (remember Harold the Barrel) .

All the other songs are amazing, with a greater contribution of Steve Hackett than in any Genesis album, except for the soft and out of place "Your Own Special Way" which would have sounded much better as a track from Invissible Touch.

IMHO this album is the peak of the Collins era and the end of the Genesis Progressive saga.