So after a while of being a foursome, the band went to three members. Mike, Tony and Phil were on their own and on their way to stardom. All they did was release one of the biggest selling albums during 1986 which spawed 5 singles and sold out concerts every night. But we aren't talking about that album, we are talking about the one that started to bring them into
the US audience, that album "And Then There Were Three" to be released in 1979, their 9th studio album.
Granted "ATTWT" only had one single to hit the US charts - "Follow You Follow Me" but it was when touring the album had other highlights to listen to. People thought they were selling out as most of the songs were any where from being 3 to 4 minutes in length and those people were hoping for the long drawn out songs that became anthems to them. The saving grace was of course the brilliance in Mr. Tony Banks's musical keyboarding skills. I think out of any songs, Tony's are always the stronger ones. Tony has always been the driving force of Genesis. Don't get me wrong, I like Phil and Mike as well, but to me Tony is the quiet one but still has some power driven songs. But of course this is my opinion. With that said I think I will go straight into the songs.
The opening song "Down and Out" sounds like it jumps off beat several times while listening to it. Phil is great with his drum work and this goes to show how fancy and creative he can get within a song without the beat being repetitive like so many other songs sounding alike.
Dropping down a bit to a slower pace is a Tony Banks piece and you know that 'its gonna get better'. (Yes, I just said that and any Genesis fan would have spotted that out as the title to a song off their 1983 self titled album. ) "Undertow" is a masterpiece and the first song that shows Tony hasn't given up on the Genesis we all know and love. The song trying to tell you never give up despite the hand you are dealt, you make the most of what you have and keep going. The piano and bass come together to make this song soar. Mike's bass plays a rolling progression during the chorus which is just gentle for the ears but enough to make you feel the emotion the other instruments are playing out. My all time favorite song.
The band picks up the pace again with "Ballad of Big" a rocking song. Another favorite of mine, goes to show that even though their songs have gotten shorter they make up with the change of instrumentation within the song. If you don't know what I mean, look at the song "Land of Confusion" where there is the break in the song where it changes mood and tempo near the end before launching into the last verse.
"Snowbound" is the first Rutherford piece we are privy to. Back down to the sentimental side we get a song that sounds like it picked up where "Undertow" had ended. I love the guitar we hear picking its way into the song. Sometimes I feel Mike's guitar playing gets hidden behind Mr. Banks's work. Here it doesn't do that. We get a even amount of playing on both sides.
"Burning Rope" is familiar sounding after the long intro. Like a precursor to "Me and Sara Jane". Which is why i love this song so much. Anyone want to guess who's song this belongs to? Yes, a Banks piece. Yet again the genius at work again. And don't forget to notice this is one of the more length worthy songs.
I hate how Mike Rutherfords's songs don't get much acclaim as Phil's or Tony's. This one "Deep In The Motherlode" really suprised me. I thought of Tony right away and soon found this to be all Mike. I find this song to be moving and sad during the lyrical part 'Go West Young Man, like your family said.' before launching into a instrumental break. Follow your heart and what it brings you - the gold rush, is exactly what Mike was going for.
"Many Too Many" shows you when you think you have it all someone or something can take it all away and lead you astray.
Tony sure makes his mark with this and many other of his songs. Not much to say other than its a middle of the road type song with the high point being the chours.
All the other songs are just as good and that's why I am going to shorten this blog a bit to say that the album is worth buying.
I can't write the words I'd like to because the music just leaves me speechless. It is nice to note that Mike Rutherford is the lyricist for "Follow You Follow Me" - the song that started to bring them into American's eyes. Thanks Mr. Rutherford! You are wonderfully talented and deserve huge praise. For all you out there reading this, esp the Genesis fans, I know you are looking at me with bug eyes wanting to know what I think of the other songs the close the album. Write me if you are that desperate to know.
