Genesis – A Trick of the Tail (Atlantic 75 Audiophile Series) (2025) Review: "Nothng but manna from analog heaven can be found within the balance of Analogue Productions’ year-long-plus Atlantic 75 anniversary reissue series … but to my ears, the crème de la crème of the lot are all the reissuances culled from the prime, more progressive-leaning ’70s era of the Genesis catalog. … A few highlights to whet your aural whistle: 1) Mike Rutherford’s high-pitched, 12-string acoustic guitarwork and the overall rise/fall drama of “The Musical Box” (LP1, Side 1, Track 1, November 1971’s Nursery Cryme). 2) The full majesty of Tony Banks’ lengthy piano intro (and outro!) and Steve Hackett’s career-defining guitar solo on “Firth of Fifth” (LP1, Side 2, Track 1, September 1973’s Selling England by the Pound). 3) Peter Gabriel’s pleading lead vocals and Phil Collins’ ever-clever drumming on “Back in N.Y.C.” (LP2, Side 3, Track 1, November 1974’s The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway). 4) The all-in, all-band composition of the mostly instrumental “Los Endos,” replete with thematically squonky, volcanic callbacks to prior tracks and other suppers past (LP2, Side 4, Track 2, A Trick of the Tail). I could go on — and I will, when I can!” — Mike Mettler, AnalogPlanet’s Top LPs of 2024, Dec. 20, 2024. “This is a success, it’s very, very good. An open window to a legendary album. I’m sure longtime fans of this record are going to love this edition. … The jacket is just wonderful.” — Scott Wilson, The Pressing Matters. “The Analogue Productions 45 RPM cut provides a new level of clarity and detail across the board. The vocals are more clearly defined, intricate percussion has more sparkle, and cymbal work has more shimmer. Details in the layering of instruments that were somewhat obscured on the MFSL are easily discernible. … The whole effect of the new cut is overwhelming and, honestly, a bit of a shock after 40 years of listening to the more restrained and atmospheric MFSL. … Most listeners will be awed by the resolution and vivid clarity that Chris Bellman was able to draw out of this tape. I’m glad to have both. … For longtime fans of this album who want to hear every detail and nuance captured on this recording, the Analogue Productions Atlantic Records 75 release is essential. Add to that the most beautiful jacket the release has ever seen, and you have a record that dazzles both visually and sonically.” — Scott Wilson, Audiophilia. Read the entire review here. Genesis’ seventh studio album was released in February 1976 on Charisma Records and was the first to feature drummer Phil Collins as lead vocalist after the departure of Peter Gabriel. The album was a critical and commercial success in the U.K. and U.S., reaching No. 3 and No. 31 respectively. A Trick Of The Tail was a landmark album for the band, and it still stands today as one of their best with classics such as “Dance On A Volcano” and “Squonk.” In the wake of Peter Gabriel’s departure from the band, the remaining members of Genesis were determined to forge ahead, showcasing their songwriting prowess and recording prowess in the absence of their iconic frontman. This period marked the genesis of A Trick of the Tail. In mid-1975, the band embarked on an intensive creative journey, crafting new compositions and diligently rehearsing them. Their quest for a new lead vocalist led them to sift through a staggering 400 audition tapes. As the autumn leaves began to fall, Genesis found themselves at Trident Studios in October, accompanied by producer David Hentschel. Surprisingly, the recording sessions began with an air of uncertainty regarding who would take on the role of lead vocalist. However, fate intervened when Phil Collins was persuaded to step up and deliver a powerful rendition of “Squonk.” The strength of his performance not only won over the band but also paved the way for him to assume lead vocals for the entirety of the album. Genesis has always been synonymous with grandeur and innovation, both in their electrifying live performances and their trailblazing studio albums. From timeless classics such as Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Selling England By The Pound, to the epic concept album The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical creativity. Over the span of four remarkable decades, Genesis has left an indelible mark on the music industry, having sold a staggering 150 million albums worldwide. Their influence extends far and wide, inspiring artists ranging from the indie rock stylings of Elbow to the experimental sounds of The Flaming Lips, and even the soulful resonance of Jeff Buckley. A Trick of the Tail stands as a testament to their enduring legacy and their ability to adapt and thrive in the face of change. Mastered directly from a 1/4″ EQ’d tape copy of the original master tape to Direct-Stream-Digital. — store.acousticsounds.com Track List: 01 - Dance on a Volcano 02 - Entangled 03 - Squonk 04 - Mad Man Moon 05 - Robbery, Assault and Battery 06 - Ripples… 07 - A Trick of the Tail 08 - Los Endos Media Report: Genre: prog-rock Origin: Godalming, Surrey, England, UK Format: FLAC Format/Info: Free Lossless Audio Codec Bit rate mode: Variable Channel(s): 2 channels Sampling rate: 44.1 KHz Bit depth: 16 bits Compression mode: Lossless Writing library: libFLAC 1.3.0 (UTC 2013-05-26) Note: If you like the music, support the artist