Genesis - A Trick Of The Tail [180g Black Vinyl LP]

Genesis' seventh studio album A Trick of the Tail marked a pivotal moment when the English progressive rock band proved they could thrive following Peter Gabriel's departure. Released February 13, 1976, on Charisma Records, this was the first album to feature drummer Phil Collins as lead vocalist, a decision made after auditioning hundreds of potential frontmen. Eventually, Collins was persuaded to sing "Squonk," and the performance was so strong, he sang lead on the rest of the album. The album achieved critical and commercial success, reaching number three in the UK and number 31 in the US. This 180g vinyl reissue features half-speed mastering pressed at Pallas in Germany, with 2008 mixes by Nick Davis.

The album showcases classics like "Dance on a Volcano" and "Squonk," alongside the whimsical title track and the atmospheric "Ripples." Banks' track "A Trick of the Tail" took form as a song some years before the band recorded it, inspired by reading William Golding's novel The Inheritors and The Beatles' "Getting Better," written about an alien visiting Earth. "Entangled" and "Ripples" are soft and more in the vein of Phil Collins, while "Robbery, Assault & Battery" can be compared with "Battle for the Epping Forest." The closing song "Los Endos" was written by the whole band, with Collins coming up with the basic rhythmic structure inspired by his work in side project Brand X and Santana's "Promise of a Fisherman," including reprises of "Dance on a Volcano" and "Squonk." The album maintained Genesis' progressive complexity while introducing a warmer, more accessible sound.

This deluxe edition features 180g audiophile vinyl with half-speed mastering pressed at Pallas in Germany, delivering exceptional sonic clarity that highlights the album's intricate instrumental interplay. This is the first Genesis album to credit songwriters individually, as opposed to the band as a whole, revealing Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford as the principal composers. The jacket faithfully reproduces the original artwork, housing this landmark release that demonstrated Genesis could not only survive Gabriel's departure but flourish creatively. Genesis has sold 150 million albums worldwide over four decades and influenced artists like Elbow, The Flaming Lips, and Jeff Buckley.

• Format: 180g Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Dance on a Volcano," "Squonk," "Ripples"
• Pressing details: Half-Speed Mastered, Pressed at Pallas in Germany, 2008 Nick Davis Mixes
• Genre/style: Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Symphonic Prog, Album Rock
• UPC: 081227955151

This audiophile pressing captures one of progressive rock's defining moments, when Genesis proved their creative vision extended far beyond any single member.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Dance On A Volcano
2. Entangled
3. Squonk
4. Mad Man Moon

Side B:

1. Robbery, Assault And Battery
2. Ripples
3. A Trick Of The Tail
4. Los Endos