NURSERY CRYME

Like many of the classic Genesis albums, I was not blown away by this one on the first listen. That started to happen by the third time through. The only question that remained was; how did it stack up against Foxtrot and SEBTP, which had quickly bacome favorites of mine. A year or two later I got my answer when I found myself reaching for Nursery Cryme rather than the other two when I needed my Genesis fix.

To begin with, the Musical Box is another great album opener. It actually gives Watcher and Moonlit Knight a run as the best opener on any Genesis album. I love the frantic nature of the latter half counterbalanced against the more pastoral nature of the beginning. It has most everything I love about Genesis, interesting composition, whimsical and clever story line, grand moments and of course the interesting vocal stylings of Peter. Phil's drumwork also helped elevate this album from its predecessor, Tresspass.

For Absent Friends makes a perfect foil for both the Box and the Hogweed that follows. Return of the Giant Hogweed may be the most underated of the entire Genesis catalogue, not because people do not like it, but because it is initially difficult to take a song that seems so patently silly seriously. But serious prog it is and just an absolute joy to listen to.

Seven Stones is a beatifully constructed song and again reminds me of why I love this band.

Harold th Barrel is the most disapointing song on the album. Not because it isn't great, but because it isn't long enough. I guess it ended because the lyrics ran out, but it seemed so ripe for more twists and turns and to have been the best of the bunch. No such luck. Oh well.

Harlequin is another nice transitional piece leading into Fountain of Samalcis another great closer. Probably not on par with Suppers Ready or Cinema Show, but certainly not all that far behind. So yes this is my favorite Genesis album right now (although that could change). Accordingly, I must give it a 5.