NURSERY CRYME

The Musical Box - A stunning opening and a sign of what is to follow. The intro has three acoustic guitars playing (Tony Banks joins Hackett and Rutherford) which provide a perfect backing to Gabriel's understated vocals. This whole song contains some wonderful uses of acoustic guitars to provide some contrast with Hackett's solos. Speaking of which, this song is a guitar player's dream - three magnificent solos from one of the most underrated and revolutionary guitarists ever. The only other song I can think of with three substantial solos is "Dogs" by PINK FLOYD, and that's twice as long. Brilliant, Mr. Hackett.

For Absent Friends - Some people may see this as a chilling forerunner to what was to follow with Collins taking lead vocals. What this short song really serves to do is give the listener a bit of a rest before "The Return Of The Giant Hogweed". It may not be a classic, but it does add something to the album as a whole. Nice, but little more.

The Return Of The Giant Hogweed - The album gets back into business with another mini-epic, telling the story of plants taking over the world. Why not? This song is actually an unrecognised landmark in the history of music, particularly that of guitar playing, as it contains the first known use of the guitar technique "tapping" in popular music, having only been previously used by a handful of classical composers as a violin technique. This is normally credited to VAN HALEN, but should actually be credited to STEVE HACKETT - a travesty of justice!

Seven Stones - An interesting little atmospheric song that breaks the album up a little. Probably the album's only flaw is the little run of filler songs that this one begins - I would have preferred to lose one and extend "The Fountain Of Salmacis". It would probably be this one that I cut - it's still pretty good though.

Harold The Barrel - A fun little pop song (not derogatory!). This is actually a very good little song, with Gabriel showing off his impressive vocal range.

Harlequin - Music hall type harmony between Gabriel and Collins on vocals. Not a lot happens in this song, but it's quite impressive lyrically, so is worth having.

The Fountain Of Salmacis - Just when you thought the album might be slipping of the rails a bit! GENESIS really pull out all the stops with this one - it's probably the most complicated musical arrangement they have ever done. The vocals and most of the instruments are double or triple tracked - I believe they used every space on their 16 track recorder between the five of them! A brilliant song telling the story of a Greek legend, which few bands would attempt. Is to the end of the album what The Musical Box was to the beginning - brilliant. I would really like to hear how Phil Collins did this one on Three Sides Live, having quite enjoyed some of his performances on Seconds Out.

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