A TRICK OF THE TAIL

Trick Of The Tail is another Genesis classic. This was the first album without their former lead singer, and even though it lacks somewhat of a powerful voice, it makes up for in musicianship. The songs here are all played wonderfully.

"Dance On A Volcano" gets things started with an exciting beginning and end. At points it sounds like Peter Gabriel never even left, because of Phil Collins' voice. "Entangled" is a gentle song with beautiful 12-strings. "Squonk" is a more straightforward rocker. In an interview, Phil Collins said it was the closest they ever got to Led Zeppelin. I don't hear the resemblance, but still, a good song. "Mad Man Moon" makes use of its seven minutes by having melodic and rhythmic changes. "Robbery, Assault And Battery" is a fun song containing what has to be one of the best instrumental breakdowns in any Genesis song. The drumming is fantastic. The song also has an interesting chorus. "Ripples" seems like a long song but it stays consistent and is pleasant to listen to. "A Trick Of The Tail" is a catchy pop song in the same vein as "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)" from Selling England By The Pound and "Counting Out Time", from The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. "Los Endos" is sort of a jazz-fusion number that repeats some of the album's material at the end, most notably a reprise of "Squonk".

This album is a testament to the talent of the group as a whole. Coming after The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, A Trick Of The Tail is another great record. Of course, nothing was going to top The Lamb, but they didn't need to make another album like that. Following in the footsteps of Peter Gabriel, everyone thought the band would not be able to survive without him. But with this album, they proved that they could not only survive, but even do well without him. A solid effort that shows that the group weren't ready to give up the ghost just yet.