WIND & WUTHERING

In late 76, early 77, Genesis put out the hidden gem of their career, Wind & Wuthering. In the history of Genesis, I hardly ever hear about this one, they usually go from ATOTT to Then there three, or Seconds Out. This one gets a bit lost in the shuffle when it could possibly be the best Genesis album ever.

Eleventh Earl of Mar: The album opens with the title track and right away you know this is not going to be an easy album, from a listening or playing standpoint. It is very complex but with the same driving force that made Volcano a punchy number from the previous album. The band is still in full form with a classic song

One for the Vine: If there is one song that gets me through my bouts of depression, it is this song. Tony Banks spent a year crafting a masterpiece with this and boy did he deliver. From the opening piano bit to the final fade-out 10 mins later, I am blown away every time. It is very dark, complex, progressive and feels like a 20 min epic compacted in a short 10 mins. Live, this song gets even better(Three Sides Live). Possibly my favorite Genesis song

Your Own Special Way: Mike Rutherford(NOT Phil Collins) tries a Power Ballad with this song. It's ok I guess and did chart ok for the time. My biggest problem with the song is that it feels unfinished. It sounds like it's missing something but I am not quite sure. Decent, but nothing special.

Wot Gorilla?: Interesting title, apparently a reference to Chester Thompson(go figure), and feels like an attempt at Los Endos or Weather Report-esque track, yet it feels rushed and undone like the last song. I heard that Steve Hackett tried to have Please Don't Touch! as the song in its place. That would've been much better.

All in a Mouse's Night: I've always been attracted to this song for some strange reason. I think it's great with some funny lyrical bits(I call it Tom & Jerry being Prog) but musically, it is really well done, especially Mike's bass lick. It is a frequent listen for me.

Blood on the Rooftops: Steve Hackett's big piece on this album. It has a real haunting feel to it and sends shivers in the verses. It's a very emotional track and almost a farewell to Steve. There is not much I can say about it other than just listen and you will understand.

Unquiet Slumbers for the Sleepers......In that Quiet Earth: I am combing these tracks because they go together and I have no idea why they are split up. It starts with some atmospheric guitar and keyboards before a drum roll comes in and kicks the song into high gear with a Los Endos-esque instrumental work, but done way better than Wot Gorilla?. It has a structure to it and tells a great story with no words, imagine that!

Afterglow: A Climatic end to a great album and feels like Steve Hackett's swan song with the band. It has potential to be a hit single, to be honest, with an anthem kind of quality to it with lyrics discussing how a man has tried and given up everything for his true love, hoping she will see what he has gone through. I kind of relate to this track and feels very special, in my heart.

Overall, one of Genesis' best albums and the perfect album for Steve to leave on. At least it was a high. 5 Stars. Highlights: Eleventh Earl of Mar, One for the Vine, All in a Mouse's Night, Blood on the Rooftops, Unquiet Slumbers for the Sleepers......In that Quiet Earth and Afterglow