NURSERY CRYME

"Trespass" was such a placid and tranquil album with Gabriel playing the flute more than he ever would again. His vocals didn't vary much either. Enter Phil Collins and Steve Hackett and I think we see a more confident band. Gabriel suddenly is very theatrical with his vocals, and we get a lot of bombastic passages that are usually contrasted with the mellow ones. "Trespass" was fairly consistant while I find "Nursery Cryme" has some better songs but also songs i'm not thrilled about. Overall I have to rate the latter album a notch higher than "Trespass" mainly on the strength of "The Musical Box" and "The Fountain Of Salmacis". What I love about this record is how intricate and complex it is. It really requires your full attention in order to enjoy all the delicacies.

"The Musical Box" is such a triumph for the band. The fragile vocals, delicate guitar work and warm flute, all give weight to the words "Play me my song...". 4 minutes in we get pulsating synths as the soundscape explodes. Check out the amazing guitar ! And the passionate vocals after 9 minutes. "For Absent Friends" has Phil on vocals. This is such a reflective, heart warming song with intricate guitar melodies to go along with the touching vocals."The Return Of The Giant Hogweed" has harsh vocals at times and bombastic instrumental workouts. It all settles down and this contrast will continue. Some incredible piano 5 minutes in as the song ignites a couple of minutes later and rages on until it's over. I confess to not being a fan of this one,not enjoying the vocals and loud sections at all. The mellotron is nice though.

"Seven Stones" is where Collins' presence is really felt behind the drum kit.The floods of mellotron only add to the melancholy of this underated tune. "Harold The Barrell" is an uptempo, silly song, with fast paced vocals. Don't like it. "Harlequin" has reserved vocals and such an intricate and delicate soundscape. Brilliant ! "The Fountain Of Salmacis" has a really good melody with waves of mellotron. Great synth work later. It's like this song slowly builds to a climax several times as it plays out. I still can't pick which one I like more between the first song or the last song. Both are masterpieces !

4.5 stars for the album.