FOXTROT

Here is one that is generally known as a "classic". Is it worth the price of 5 stars ? What a monstruous effort to review this complex CD ! Fortunately, others have done it before... I just want to go for humble additions that could help understanding this opus.

There are very diverse styles of prog masterpieces, when one takes a look at the Top-100 : Genesis being all-around instrument specialists, P. Floyd being more atmospheric and guitar-oriented, Yes being very complex and also all-around, Harmonium being more melodic and folk-oriented, etc. Some reviewers prefer more guitar, others like diversity, more "ensemble". That's good, everywhere. I personally prefer this present genre of Genesis. Where does stand this one ?

Answer : at the top !

Tracks like 'Watchers of the Skies', 'Get 'em out' and 'Can-Utility' are extreme complex musical writings, with very typical prog notions, such as rhythm changes, surprising turn-arounds and moods, power and intensity moments, very artistic sections, the very particular voice of Peter, very original stories. They are all superb, different. I just love greatly 'Can-Utility', which has everything in a relatively tiny 'epic'. Fantastic. Now, 'Time table' is more poetic ans classical, still beautifully complex, with the main theme being played back in other tones, having a few energic passages that lead to poetry again. A nice gem. The short 'Horizons' is known by a lot of non-prog guitar learners, and is still beautiful in 2010 ! Very sensitive. Another example of the dexterity of S. Hackett. Well recognized as an 'old Genesis' simple and very good track, but very different than the big epics, which brings another 'plus' (if neaded ?) to this CD. And... 'Supper's ready' ! Wow ! Here is the prog favorite 'single' of a vast number of prog-fans. It is in fact... a 'reference', brilliant, intellectual, genius, dominant, breathtaking by moments; it 'chills' you ! A 'once-in-a-lifetime' accomplishment. This suite has everything. I suggest you to read the interesting and complete other analysis of my reviewer-colleagues here that went for a '5-stars' note. Everything has been said, and I agree completely ! ... Just to add that the 9/8 section is an absolute climax, a curiosity for the musician beginners, especially in percussions, coming after ranges of emotions and styles, just before the ending bringing elements from the start. Majestic; unsurpassed; sublime. Last year, I saw a group playing that song 'live', and it is something ! You are transported elsewhere litteraly !

Why 5 stars ? Because everytime you listen, you discover something new, super-nice. Because there are no weak sections whatsoever (when this happens, it is 5/5 automatic). Because it is the best representative of symphonic prog. Because it lasts since 1972 !

I add another 5.0 note to this 'merveille'.