WIND & WUTHERING

Very much a Banks dominated album. This was the last studio album from Genesis with Steve Hackett as a member. I personally feel that Collins, Banks and Rutherford had become a core and knew where they wanted to go - Hackett no longer felt an integral part of things in the band and he also wanted more freedom in which to express himself musically.

"Eleventh Earl of Mar" isn't a bad opener but, to me, it is not as powerful an album opener as had been the opening tracks from each of the previous albums barring the very first one.

"One for the Vine" - I enjoy this track with its moods and swings but it isn't Genesis at the band's best. I find that in parts it is very nicely melodic but it has this habit of going all over the place.

"Your own Special Way" - seeking the hit single. I don't mind the track but it wouldn't accompany me anywhere special.

"Wot Gorilla" - I don't really like this track with it's bombastically happy keyboards.

"All in a Mouse's Night" - Another track that I like well enough but I don't love it.

"Blood on the Rooftops" - I love the Hackett intro to the track. This is beautiful stuff.

"Unquiet slumbers for the Sleepers" - I don't know why this track wasn't a part of the next one as they make up a whole.

"..........In that Quiet Earth" - Interesting instrumental track.

"Afterglow" I love this track and along with "Blood on the Rooftops" they are the best that this album has to offer.

I can't in all honesty give an album that I find interesting only, barring for a track that I like very much and a track that I love a great deal, more than 3 stars. I wouldn't have to have been a prophet or a crystal ball gazer to see exactly where this Genesis thing was going. I'm not a Collins, Banks or a Rutherford fan at all and I personally believe that the best things about the band were a member who had left and taken most of the dramatic artistry with him and a member who was about to leave who is a brilliant musician (a man whose contribution to the band in the past and on this album can never be disputed or played down). A three star rating from me.