NURSERY CRYME

'Nursery Cryme' is the 'secret' Genesis masterwork, the first big stellar work of grandiosity and pretentiousness, of lavish and all-out symphonic prog, of unmistakable identity, their undisputed achievement that marks the beginning of the 'golden age' of progressive music, and I for one, love it to death. Released in November 1971 and recorded in Trident Studios in London, this impactful record was (un)surprisingly a massive hit in Italy, and subsequently became an obvious influence on the local progressive rock scene, that gradually gained momentum until it exploded a year later. Today, this fact might not seem that unbelievable, as the album (in my opinion) has a cult following in Europe; but this leaves one wondering what was wrong with the British back then? Didn't they like their prog emotive and masterful? Or they were too blues-oriented? This is, of course, a side note, not to be taken too seriously.

Clocking in at 39:26, this is, most interestingly, the shortest Genesis album ever released, so it has to be noted that its 'compactness' is definitely an aspect to be taken into account when assessing 'Nursery Cryme' as a very straight-to-the-point masterpiece. Not too well received initially, it is puzzling to me that still to that day there are 'professional' reviewers (most of which should be journalists, as we presume) that neglect not only this album, but this very stage of Genesis' career as weak, pretentious (assign negative connotations here), and over the top. However, this record has fortunately and deservedly received the admiration of the prog fans, which is what matters more.

Most importantly, this is the first Genesis album with the classic 70s lineup of Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and then-newcomers Phil Collins and Steve Hackett; Virtually the best thing that could happen to the band was the addition of the latter two to the band. The material is, in my humble opinion, some of the strongest of the whole early 70s period that has ever been released, full of classics that still sound flamboyant, impressive, very bold and very original (maybe the strongest aspect of Genesis' 70s sound, their unmistakable originality!). 'The Musical Box', 'The Return of the Giant Hogweed', 'Seven Stones' and 'The Fountain of Salmacis' are staples in the genre that have their righteous place in the prog pantheon, with their bombarding musicality and elegance, their masterful and lovely emotivity, the gorgeous playing of each band member, and the strikingly evocative vocals of Gabriel. The shorter songs on here, 'For Absent Friends', 'Harold the Barrel' and 'Harlequin' are no less impressive, all showing different sides of the band, very memorable, enjoyable tracks that are certainly fan-favorites of many people, with 'Harold the Barrel' being especially quirky and compelling.

To conclude, one can simply say that 'Nursery Cryme' is a genuine masterpiece - a stark and original album, very provocative and evocative, inspiring and compelling, masterful and rich in sound, texture, tone, and a certified classic.