As with other long exisisting productive groups that made it through changing times and tastes it's hard to point out their absolutely best once and for all. I can only say this is the Genesis album that brought me most pleasure in the last forty years. The setting is like many prog/art rock bands at the time, odd melodic trials and tempo changes all played with outmost skill by group members only. What makes it rise above other contemporary efforts is the song writing. The poetic lyrics portraying ordinary life mixed with visions from beyond, embedded in beautiful and catchy melodies, makes it timeless and constantly up-to-date. Fiftyone minutes and not a bad one among them. The long side two suite "Supper's Ready" is elaborately complex, both musically and poetically. It's built like a classic symphony with introduction, movements and final conclusion. The lyrics work with events on two levels - one profane and one religious inspired by John's Book Of Revelation. At the end the levels dissolve and all is revealed. The supper that's ready after the TV's turned off at the beginning of the suite is now "the supper of the mighty one", leading on to the apocalypse and rapture of souls - "Like the river joins the ocean, as the germs in a seed grows, we have finally been freed to get back home". Themes used earlier in the piece are merged and transformed to an almost overwhelming climax. To me the connection is more than just listening. I'm on the inside all the way and always totally exhausted at the end. Couldn't ask for more. Although it's fun to own a UK first press, the US issue on "scroll" label sounds superior to my ears - clearer and with better separation. Premiere UK had label as shown here with "manufactured and distributed by B&C records Ltd." at the bottom. Hand etched on dead wax - "PORKY" side one and "PECKO" side two. Cover is structured fold/out with red fonts on spine, made by "E.J. Day Group London & Bedford". (CÄX*) (GYÄ*)
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