I cannot get across how absolutely flawless A Trick of the Tail is. This is not only hands-down the best album in the Genesis discography, but the best era for the group all-around. There was no replacing Peter Gabriel's intricate and bizarre storytelling and sometimes-grotesque costumes, but that isn't what Genesis was trying to do. Phil didn't step up to replace Peter, he stepped up to be himself. From the very first night of the Trick tour in London, Ontario, it was apparent that Phil was a master of paying homage to Gabriel's theatrics without plagiarizing them. Trick is the album that showcases the remaining Genesis members as themselves, versus 'Peter Gabriel's band,' as many of the fans had come to view the group. The confidence and assertion that the group displayed onstage was like nothing they'd ever showed before. Each one of them came forth as their distinct personality and performance prowess instead of backing Peter's often-regarded one-man show. Phil became comfortable as the new full-time vocalist and engaged the audience in his own brand of antics -- the tambourine dance, topping his bandmates with different hats to illustrate the 'wardrobe' of "I Know What I Like,' and new takes on the between-song stories that Peter used to tell. Mike and Steve stepped up to assist Phil with song introductions -- previously, the others never spoke onstage. Now, here they were in all their glory -- four distinct men sharing one consciousness to put forth a dazzling and enigmatic show. The Genesis In Concert film showcases their ease and confidence in commanding the stage with proven, established material alongside the new warm and heartfelt numbers like "Entangled" and "Ripples;" the aggressive and serious "Dance On a Volcano" and "Squonk." The four floored the audience everywhere they went on the Trick tour, reaffirming the longtime fans' dedication to the band and ushering in a totally new wave of worshippers. God, I just cannot say enough about this album, this era of Genesis. They were purely electrifying, awe-inspiring, genius. Every single note absolutely flawless, truly their absolute best, firing on all cylinders, totally in sync with each other. Sigh...
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