WIND & WUTHERING

Actually, 4 and a half stars. This is the last top-shelf Genesis album, though the next one wasn't really too bad. Also, I think it's the best non-Gabriel Genesis, and holds up as well as many of the earlier ones. I think all of Genesis' albums up to this point are a little inconsistent, with a couple of not quite as good tracks among the brilliant songs on every album. It's damn hard to pick a favorite Genesis album for this reason (however i don't think the Lamb has a weak moment). After this one, it all started falling apart. This album is nostalgic for old England, but in a completely different way than "Selling England by the Pound" is. Highlights are the historic piece "Eleventh Earl of Mar"...brilliant...and "Blood on the Rooftops". I agree with another reviewer, save this for a melancholy winter day when you are curled up by the fireplace with a glass of whisky (not whiskey). Hackett and Banks are brilliant throughout, with the most questionable turns courtesy of Mr Rutherford, which makes you wonder if you really should blame Phil for them eventually selling out.