An early masterpiece from Genesis – the kind of visionary record that really set them apart from the rest of their generation – an incredible building-up in
sound from their previous two albums, and proof that Peter Gabriel's talents were finally getting focused in the right direction! Keyboards
cascade heavily – hitting Yes-like proportions, but with more structure, too – as time changes abound, scene changes match the energy of theme-changes – and the whole album falls into place beautifully, but with plenty of surprises along the way. Every song is a compelling little story – from the leadoff "Musical Box", to the spooky "Return Of The Giant Hogweed", and the playful "Harold The Barrel" – with sweeter moments that include "For Absent Friends" and "Harlequin" – just hinting at the crossover ballad style the group would embrace later, but without any of the cloying commerciality at all.
(70s pressing with pink scroll labels. Non-gatefold cover has an unglued seam, cutout notch, and faint ring wear.)