Foxtrot

AMAZON
Foxtrot marked a decisive point in Genesis's career. An emerging art-rock band who were building up a growing cult following with a busy touring schedule, this album was an artistic and commercial landmark: It was their first album to chart, reaching Number 12 (rather bizarrely, it made it to Number One in Italy!). Including the classic "Watcher Of The Skies" and Peter Gabriel's whimsically compassionate slice-of-life "Get 'Em Out By Friday", the highlight was the ambitious side-long epic "Supper's Ready". Comprising seven linked subsections, it is a story of two lovers and the struggle between good and evil; certainly it was the most innovative and entertaining piece the band had produced to date. Depending on your perspective, the relatively low production values of the recording could be said to detract somewhat from the impact of the album or to add a pleasantly rough edge to what might otherwise be a somewhat prim sound. --James Swift