SPECTRAL MORNINGS

By this time, our guitar master has confirmed his strong standing as solo musician. His departure from Genesis two years before had really paid-off especially after the success of second album "Please Don't Touch!". In one year time, he released "Spectral Morning" which I consider as masterpiece. It offers different style of music and combines in its best possible sounds that he even would not make it possible if he was still with Genesis. A good example is track 5 "The Ballad Of The Decomposing Man (Featuring - The Office Party)" that I don't think would fit into Genesis format (at that time). And I think this album is much better than Genesis' "..And Then There Were Three". From this perspective, it can be concluded easily that Steve Hackett is better as solo musician than being a member of Genesis. And now you can compare: he himself can overrule the sum of three gentlemen from Genesis! So, who actually ruled Genesis??? It's a fallacy if people compare the music of Genesis between Gabriel and Collins era. The right question is: with or without Hackett? Because without Gabriel but still with Hackett Genesis released two excellent albums "Wind and Wuthering" and "A Trick of The Tail".

Also, the music of "Spectral Morning" is much more mature compared to its two predecessor albums. It progressed in a very positive direction. Bravo, Mr. Hackett! My best memorable track that has become an all-time favorite is the album opener "Everyday". At first spin, I was disappointed where it had a poppy and straight forward beats. But when Hackett finishes with all lyrical verses and the music brings me to instrumental part at the long ending part, it BLEW me away! I love the solo guitaring - so marvelous! When I could not afford to buy a CD, I had only a cassette version and I kept rewinding this long ending many times without any feeling of getting bored at all. Even, when I watched the live version in laser disc format under "Time Lapse" album this track was the only one that I repeated viewing. Top notch! The album continues with acoustic-guitar-based song "The Virgin and the Gypsy" - very interesting track.

The classic and legendary "The Red Flower of Tachai Blooms Everywhere" is another song worthy for enjoyment. It's something that Steve would not possible composing it under Genesis umbrella, I think. It's a traditional-based music with eastern / chinese influence. It's really a great track to enjoy. This track cannot be separated with the next one "Clocks (The Angel Of Mons)". It's a hard driving track with Genesis music style. "Lost Time In Cordoba" is a song with a heavy influence of classical music, exploring acoustic guitar and flute. This track has inspired, in certain way, Arena' "Cry for Help" series in Songs from Lions Cage album. The album is concluded with two wonderfully crafted tracks: "Tigermoth" and "Spectral Mornings".

In summary, I can tolerate you for missing the first two albums from Steve Hackett. But for this third one? Oh no ., you MUST have it! It's terrific. Keep on proggin' .! JRENG!

Progressively yours, GW

"Can you light a fire in Winter's face? Or say why a life has gone to waste? Pleasure Island was on overcrowded place." - "Everyday" by Steve Hackett.

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