FOXTROT

With an album under their belt, Hackett and Collins were now important pieces of the Genesis puzzle. Nursery Cryme had changed the sound a bit from the pastoral beauty of Trespass and Foxtrot would continue this sound. In many ways Foxtrot is a sibling to Nursery Cryme in the sound and feel, and even down to the artwork. They form an amazing one-two punch that grounds the classic-era Genesis. Many feel the band would soar even higher on their next 2-3 albums, while some of the Gabriel purists believe this is really as good as it got. Particularly within the movements of the epic "Supper's Ready" which to some prog fans is the single greatest progressive rock track.

Just as Nursery Cryme satisfied me a hair less than Trespass, so does Foxtrot continue the downward trend to me, being just a hair less pleasant than Cryme. There is a parallel here for me to Yes. In '72 they had their first big side long epic in "Close to the Edge" which is nice but these days does not hold up as well as some of the 10 minute tracks from that album and the previous two. "Supper's Ready" is the Genesis zenith for many fans but I tend to appreciate the double-team of "The Musical Box" and "The Fountain of Salmacis" from the previous effort. And as far as Foxtrot goes, it is also the shorter tracks that make me enjoy it as much as I do. "Watcher of the Skies" is a strong opener with those amazing keys, and just as they did with realizing the water imagery on "Salmacis" they do here creating sound to visualize a skyline. It just soars, pure magic. The power of the opening and the kick-in are breathtaking. "Watcher" is without question one of my favorite Genesis moments. "Time Table" and "Can-Utility" are those shorter classics of great character and storytelling warmth. "Horizons" is a lovely acoustic piece by Hackett and one he was pleased they chose to use. He had actually toyed with leaving Genesis as recording for Foxtrot began, convinced he wasn't a good fit and already very tired from the pace. Thankfully this didn't happen. Gabriel continued to escalate his weirdness factor, walking on stage in Ireland in foxhead and a dress to the shock of his bandmates. Knowing they would have vetoed his expression if put to a vote he simply did it without asking. As he says, these days such actions wouldn't raise a single eyebrow, but back then this was pretty daring.

Foxtrot is a classic despite my personal feelings about Supper and worthy of the rating. The next album would see the band perfecting and tightening their sound and presentation.

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