FOXTROT

Beginning with the instantly recognisable "Watcher Of The Skies", you are immediately transfixed by Banks' mesmerising mellotron. A very symphonic track in its entirety, but a little clustered during the verses. Without a doubt though, absolutely magnificent and a great opener. "Time Table" is beautifully relaxing with intriguing chorus lyrics and chord progressions (as with the whole album), and a blissful melody. "Get 'Em Out By Friday" tells a very detailed story that you really have to listen to yourself, with each musical refrain belonging to a certain character - very well structured, a quality that is often underestimated is these long songs, and an overall outstanding piece. "Can-Utility And The Coastliners" contains outstanding lyrics that seem to fit with the music almost perfectly, and echoes back themes from "Time Table". Probably my favourite song on the album, because every little melody is so subtle and excellent, flowing right from one into the next.

Flipping over the record, "Horizons". A heavenly little interlude from the offset - the tone of the acoustic guitar when those harmonics enter is just tremendous. Brings a very baroque/classical vibe to the album, especially as it is based on a Bach cello suite. I don't like people saying that it acts as a prelude to the next song; it's simply wonderful as it is.

Then, going on to the next song (and what a song!), "Supper's Ready" - Genesis' magnum opus. The 23-minute epic is strung together by 7 sections, and reminds me of "In Held 'Twas In I" by Procol Harum. The piece is just mind-blowing when heard as one. It contains big emotional climaxes; areas of extreme light and shade; hammering chords; a distinctive 9/8 section; ancient biblical and mythological references; mysterious, regal and almost depressing lyrics (in a good way); feel-good interludes; bizzare and wacky costumes; a vaudeville-style ode to Narcissus; and ends with an epic reprise of how it all began in a slow majestic symphonic atmosphere, ending in New Jerusalem. Exactly what you'd want in a prog rock epic, and drives the whole album home beautifully.

A(*). Genesis' most excellent work in terms of musicality. Easily in my top 5 albums, and a must-have for every rock and prog rock fan.

Watcher Of The Skies - ***** Time Table - ***** Get 'Em Out By Friday - ***** Can-Utility And The Coastliners - ***** Horizons - ***** Supper's Ready - *****

Share this GENESIS review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Xonty
• Report this review (#984608)
• Buy GENESIS music online with PA partners
• Show all GENESIS MP3/Stream
• Go to GENESIS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Foxtrot page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for GENESIS related discussions