ABACAB

I must thank GENESIS for this album. If it was not this album plus the new wave and punk era in early 80's I would never have a chance, probably, to know MARILLION. This album represented my first "disappointment" with GENESIS as I was actually one of their fans since "Nursery Crime" album.

Musically, nothing wrong with this album if we never knew before that this group was one of pioneers of prog rock altogether with KING CRIMSON, ELP, YES, PINK FLOYD,etc. If we only knew that this band is a typical pop band then it would be OK. But, if I remember how brilliant this band crafted "Supper's Ready" in Foxtrot album or the legendary "Firth of Fifth" in "Selling England by The Pound" album and dozens of other prog tunes by the band, I felt I was to vomit listening to this album Uuugggh .. What is this, Mr. Collins???

Forgetting prog boundary (which is "vague" anyway. What is prog?), some tracks of this album are good. They are straight forward rock such as "abacab", "dodo" especially if they are played live as in the "Three Sides Live" album. The rest look like Phil Collins solo albums, I think. I guess the band tried to compromise with the industry trend at that time where rock music was challenged by new wave and punk era.

I thought that prog music was dead by the release of this album in 1981. For me, it was really dark years until in 1983 I listened to the first time "So here I am once more .." from MARILLION. It was a sign that prog music would not die as a new group from Scotland dare to challenge new wave era.

Well, I could not recommend you to buy this CD with the expectation of this is a prog album.If you just want to listen to pop/rock music, then it's OK. It's your call.