About the band: Genesis are a British rock band formed in 1967, whose output in the period 1970-1976 (the Gabriel and/or Hackett years) is among the very best of prog rock. After the departure of first Gabriel, and then Hackett, the remaining three members (Collins, Rutherford, Banks) opted for a more commercial rock sound that was highly successful for about 12 years. The band released 15 studio albums. One of my favourite bands for their prog years, even though I also appreciate some songs that came later. Genesis currently have nine songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.
About the song: the absolute highlight of the 1976 album A trick of the tail is the Tony Banks gem Mad man moon, one of the most beautiful pop/rock songs that I know. The instrumental parts are gorgeous, right from the intimate flute play at the start. And Phil Collins shows what a fine voice he has for symphonic rock, delivering great lines like "forever caught in desert lands one has to learn to disbelieve the sea" with great panache. It has been my #1 song for many years and may return to that position in the future. Run time 7:35.
