DUKE

I consider this album the apex of the band after Gabriel left. The previous effort, "And then there were three" remains one of my least favorite recordings by the group. Then they released "Duke" and all was forgiven. It bursts out of the gate with Behind the lines and instantly announces that they are on a mission that won't let up until the last notes fade away about 56 minutes later. They are telling a story of disillusionment that is timeless in its everyman associations. I understand why many don't like a number of songs included but I keep in mind that they were trying to hone their craft to where they could be more accessible (i.e. more successful/profitable) and I refuse to hold that against them. Phil was never going to be as mystical and charismatic as Peter was and they were writing what their hearts and minds were leading them to. Yet it is the incredible Duke's Travels and Duke's End that make this album soar above the rabble. It ascends ever higher until it reaches a tension filled peak that I consider one of their greatest moments ever and a landmark in progressive music.