A TRICK OF THE TAIL

"A Trick of the Tail" was the one of the first prog rock albums I came across (thanks to a friend) and to this day, I enjoy it very much. Every time I listen to it, it still brings that feeling of wonder and amazement, taking me to those first days when I began discovering this wonderful world of progressive rock. I look at "A Trick of the Tail" as a stepping stone towards expanding my tastes as a listener, an important album that made me aware of what music could be, full of risks, adventure, and a little bit of magic added in.

After the departure of Peter Gabriel, things looked uncertain for the remaining four members but with this album, they were able to prove that they could carry on, and quite well, without their esteemed ex-front man in the picture. "A Trick of the Tail", with its beautiful intricacies and atmospheres, is evidence enough that a new era of Genesis had begun. But does it necessarily match up to the glorious albums made by the classic 5 lineup? Let's have a look, shall we?

"Dance on a Volcano" sets the mood for the album right away. Collins' crazy drum parts and Banks' keyboards really shine in this track, making for a solid first track. "Entangled" is one of the softer songs and also the most eerie. However, its thoughtful lyrics and music provide a pleasant feeling. "Squonk" is one of my favorite tracks from the album and also one of the "heaviest" Genesis ever did. Collins' voice performs excellent here. "Mad Man Moon" is one of the more somber tracks, but very beautiful overall. The band as a whole is top notch in this track. And now, to side 2.

The second side is slightly weaker than the first, in my opinion, but not so weak as to bring the entire album down. "Robbery, Assault, and Battery" is one of the weaker tracks, but showcases Collins' drumming skills at their best. A funny video was made for this song. "Ripples" starts off very well, with Hackett's acoustic 12-string leading the way, but dwindles slightly towards the middle. Still quite a good track. "A Trick of the Tail" is the "poppiest" of the songs but also one of the best. The song has one hooked from the beginning with its catchy riff. "Los Endos" is the instrumental that ends the album, and in such a high fashion. Exceptional bass work from Rutherford, especially. The song also features Gabriel's voice near the end, as an nod, I presume. And thus so, the album comes to an end.

"A Trick of the Tail" will always remain one of my dearest albums, seeing as how it was one of my first prog records. Although it may not be a masterpiece, it is definitely worth attaining if you have not done so. An excellent addition? You betcha.

1. "Dance on a Volcano" - 8.5/10

2. "Entangled" - 8.5/10

3. "Squonk" - 9/10

4. "Mad Man Moon" - 9/10

5. "Robbery, Assault, and Battery" - 8/10

6. "Ripples" - 8/10

7. "A Trick of the Tail" - 9/10

8. "Los Endos" - 9/10

69/8 = 86.25% = 4 stars!