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| Atlantic Records |
#OTD 1976 (2 February): Genesis released A Trick of the Tail, their first work set forth with Phil Collins taking upon himself the role of lead singer; yet it remaineth steadfastly grounded in the progressive manner. Indeed, it standeth as fine an example of English prog of the 1970s as any that may be named. A strong argument may well be made that this is, in truth, the greatest achievement of Genesis: a claim that endureth even when set against the formidable works with Peter Gabriel. (For mine own part, nothing surpasseth Foxtrot, yet this followeth hard upon its heels.) It is a work of rare coherence and polish, free from any needless or ill-judged passage; just absolute perfection throughout. Among its many excellences, “Ripples” remaineth one of the most exquisitely fashioned ballads in the whole history of recorded music: poised, elegiac, and softly ruinous in its beauty. And if any doubt yet linger, let the hearer but seek it out - on YouTube or elsewhere - and return thereafter, duly and wholly persuaded.
Copyright 2026, Arthur Newhook.
