Welcome to a fantastic world: the world of Genesis, the main band of English progressive rock.
A group that had the great Peter Gabriel as its leader, and that made rock history by writing many pages of it!!! Charismatic leader Peter Gabriel, wore masks and played characters from the songs during concerts. The band revolved around him; in fact, after his departure, Genesis could no longer recreate the atmospheres of the past!!!
The original lineup included Phil Collins, Steve Hackett, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford. In 1971, Genesis released Nursery Crime, an album that demonstrates the class and majesty of this band.
The title of the album alludes to Nursery Rhymes, the children's nursery rhymes, very popular in the Anglo-Saxon world. The reference is made to the opening track ''The Musical Box'', also the subject of the wonderful cover designed by Paul Whitehead: the song's lyrics are centered on a children's story, one of whom is ''gracefully decapitated'' by a peer. ''For Absent Friends'' strikes with its infinite sweetness. ''The Return Of The Giant Hogweed'' is centered on a superb keyboard work that dialogues with Peter's voice and has a breathtaking finale. ''Seven Stones'' in which Peter Gabriel sings in a fantastic way with a majestic Phil Collins on drums!!! ''Harold The Barrel'' characterized by a driving rhythm with Peter again dialoguing with Tony Banks' keyboards. ''Harlequin'' written based on very refined musical frescoes. In ''The Fountain Of Salmacis'' the group draws inspiration from classical antiquity, rhythm and melody generate strong and delicate emotions interspersed with a long and poignant solo by Steve Hackett together with Mike Rutherford.
What makes this album great is the aura of mystery and fairy tale it exudes. Music that tells fairy tales, like when you are little, and you believe in fantastic stories!!! A work that makes those who listen daydream, a true poetry for the ears!!! A band of unparalleled musical and artistic depth!!!
The flagship track is ''The Musical Box'': tempo changes punctuate the narration of a tragic fairy tale. The ending is hair-raising, with Gabriel's voice first hoarse and hypnotic, and then imperious in a powerful and unstoppable crescendo of incomparable intensity!!!
"The Musical Box... starts with dreamlike, fairy-tale atmospheres that at times almost become a horror story."
"The Fountain Of Salmacis... probably the peak of the album, triumphant and majestic, yet not pompous."
The Musical Box shifts from fairy-tale to mystery, to terror, transforming into pure rock with an overwhelming attack of guitars.
The Fountain of Salmacis ends with a rapid drum break followed by a breathtaking guitar and bass solo.
"The Musical Box is a ten-minute piece... capable of moving listeners from the very first listen and engaging anyone in their music."
"Serious lyrics and high-quality music make up a wonderful and complete album, passing into music history through the main door."
Petger Gabriel was a genius, and with Phil Collins and Steve Hackett, they turned progressive rock into a work of art.
"The Musical Box" is one of the most influential rock tracks, blending Victorian storytelling with powerful melodies and dramatic vocals.
A 10-minute mini-opera that combines various musical styles with an ambiguous and theatrical story about childhood and death.
There could not have been a more beautiful and more interesting album than Nursery Cryme, a masterpiece of progressive rock.