Customer Reviews

The Geese & the Ghost

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a piece of art. Maybe not in the sense of a big Beethoven opus or a great Coltrane recording, but in a sense of a great statement of ArtRock from a unique craftsman. Progressive music has been underrated during the last two dacades, but its artistry and imagination somehow trascends generations and reflects a spiritual and artistic urge to tell stories with musical color and imagination. Many Progressive albums are timeless and the work that made them real mirrors an impecable and focused search for creation. The Geese and the Ghost is Anthony Phillips first album since he departed from Genesis. From the first chords of a "Wind-Tales" you get a hint of how important was Phillips contribution to the sound and concept of Genesis. "Which Way the Wind Blows" is a beautiful ballad with guest vocals from Phil Collins. With Mike Rutherfords presence the album breaths an atmosphere of celestial heights. "Henry: Portraits from Tudor Times/Fanfare" is a masterpiece epic of ArtRock with great woodwind ensembles and visionary landscapes. Also a masterpiece is the cut that gives the album its title, "The Geese and the Ghost", a true flight into ancient worlds of fantasy. All the cuts make this album worth listening. Even more its a jewel for every Rock collection. If you are an enthusiast of groups such as Gryphon, King Crimson, Yes, PFM, Renaissance or any other Progressive relic, you will not regret getting this album. Satisfaction guaranteed.

1. Wind-Tales 2. Which Way the Wind Blows 3. Henry: Portraits from Tudor Times/Fanfare 4. Lutes' Chorus 5. Misty Battlements 6. Henry Goes to War 7. Death of a Knight 8. Triumphant Return 9. God If I Saw Her Now 10. Chinese Mushroom Cloud 11. The Geese and the Ghost, Pt. 1 12. The Geese and the Ghost, Pt. 2 13. Collections 14. Sleepfall: The Geese Fly West 15. Master of Time [*]

After departing from Genesis almost seven years earlier in 1970, Anthony Phillips released his first solo record, "The Geese and the Ghost, in 1977, although Phillips wasn't the first member of the band to release a solo album (that honor goes to Steve Hackett, who beat Phillips to the punch, by releasing "Voyage of the Acolyte", in 1975). Upon the initial listening of "TG&TG", it would appear the lengthy "sabbatical" Phillips took would cause his musical skills to suffer from a case of "rustitis", but that's far from the truth. On the contrary, the lengthy absence helped him mature his craft, making "Geese..." perhaps one of the most underrated works in all of progressive rock. In practical hindsight, this is a work rich in progressive undertones, with classical influences dominating most of the selections. One listen to the title suites: "The Geese and the Ghost, Parts 1 & 2", will confirm this fact. Joining Phillips on this breathtaking journey, are Genesis mates Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins, whose vocal performances on "Which Way The Wind Blows?" and on "God If I Saw Her Now" are among the best of his career. Speaking of another above-mentioned (ex)-Genesis member, Steve Hackett, whose brother John makes an important contribution to "TG&TG" on flute. Another breathtaking contribution worthy of mention, is Anthony Phillips' vocal performance on another of the few vocal tracks, that being the melancholic "Collections", including the bonus track that closes the CD, the acoustic-driven "Master of Time (Demo Version)". Including the Genesis and solo albums "Wind & Wuthering" and Mike Rutherford's 1980 release "Smallcreep's Day" (on which Phillips guests), "The Geese and the Ghost" is the last true progressive masterwork on which both Collins and Rutherford would have the pleasure of recording before they (along with Tony Banks) would take Genesis in a different musical direction, and not 100% for the better on future releases - 1978's "...And Then There Were Three..." notwithstanding. Since "Geese..." is such a lush and complex work of art, it may take a few listens to grasp all its eccentricities. Catch this "Geese" (or "Goose") soon, before it migrates south, permanently! Oh, and this particular one is THE perfect companion with Steve Hackett's "Spectral Mornings", making both titles as must-haves for your Genesis library.

This is NOT a rock album, and it's not an album for everyone. This first album (1977) by Anthony Phillips, the original lead guitarist for Genesis, is made up of pastoral, melancholy, and often timeless sounding music. The CD cover matches the mood of the music. A drum kit appears for maybe a minute out of "The Geese and the Ghost-Part ii" and that's it, and there are no real guitar solos. The album is all about texture and mood. Phillips gets good support from former bandmate Michael Rutherford--their dual 12-string playing on the title track is reminiscent of the "Trespass" album. Phil Collins comes along to sing lead vocals on two tracks ("God if I Saw Her Now" is especially lovely), and Steve Hackett's kid brother John plays flute on three cuts. The album's centerpieces are two extended instrumentals: the 15-minute title track and 12-minute "Henry: Portraits from Tudor Times". Both include some memorable themes but also a lot of segments that are mood pieces. Phillips has produced a long series of albums called "Private Parts and Pieces" (I stopped buying at #6) that are strictly mood pieces. This CD is a cut above those, but you shouldn't buy it unless you like quiet, reflective music. This is my second favorite Phillips album after "Wise After the Event"; "Geese" has the advantage of still being in print. This is a 3-1/2 star album.

(1=poor 2=mediocre 3=pretty good 4=very good 5=phenomenal)

This new 2007 Japan 2CD mini-sleeve remaster is not only the best-sounding version of this classic album, but the included 12-track 2nd CD contains outtakes, non-album and demo tracks.

All wrapped up, of course, in an exact replica of the original LP album cover with the wonderful, evocative art. The 2nd CD comes in a separate sleeve.

Track list for CD2:

1.) Master Of Time
2.) Title Inspiration
3.) The Geese And The Ghost - Part One BASIC TRACK
4.) Collections Link
5.) Which Way The Wind Blows BASIC TRACK
6.) Silver Song BASIC TRACK
7.) Henry: Portraits From Tudor Times BASIC TRACK
8.) Collections DEMO
9.) The Geese And The Ghost - Part Two BASIC TRACK
10.) God If I Saw Her Now BASIC TRACK
11.) Sleepfall BASIC TRACK
12.) Silver Song PHIL COLLINS VERSION

WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?

Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.

Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 135MM X 135MM cardboard precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, anything contained in the original LP, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and/or die cuts, are precisely replicated and included. An English-language lyric sheet is always included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.

Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2/K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.

Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "obi" ("oh-bee"), a removable Japan-language promotional strip. The obi lists the Japan street date of that particular release, the catalog number, the mastering info, and often the original album's release date. Bonus tracks are only listed on the obi, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork. The obi's are collectable, and should not be discarded.

All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common (again, not always). The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake mini-sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs.

After recording two albums with Genesis, 1969's "From Genesis To Revelation" and 1970's "Trespass," guitarist Anthony Phillips left the band (mostly due to poor health and a self-admitted bout with stage-fright), and he spent the next few years studying music (including his newfound love for classical), and greatly expanding his musical skills. With a little help from his Genesis guitarist mate Mike Rutherford (as well as singer/drummer Phil Collins, whom Phillips had never worked with in the band), Phillips finally returned to recording in 1977 with his debut solo album, "The Geese And The Ghost." Quite simply, this album is a beautiful work of art, a gorgeous tapestry of mostly-instrumental classical and progressive music. You can't really label this album progressive "rock"---there's no actual "rock" music on it---but it's definitely progressive, and it is truly beautiful stuff. "Geese" is definitive proof that Anthony's immediate years after Genesis studying & strengthening his musical gifts were very well spent indeed. Just look at this partial list of instruments that Phillips *alone* brilliantly plays here: Acoustic & electric 12-string and 6-string guitars, classical guitar, synthesisers, mellotron, harmonium, piano, organ, drums, glockenspeil, and bells & chimes. Need I say more? Rutherford also plays a wide variety of instruments on the album, and although Phil Collins doesn't drum on "Geese," he lends his distinctive voice to two very lovely songs, "Which Way The Wind Blows" and "God If I Saw Her Now" (the latter co-sung with Viv McCauliffe). I must also mention the instrumental masterpieces that are "Henry: Portraits From Tudor Times" and the two-part title track, with both pieces being very haunting, dramatic, and unforgettable. Anthony's composing & playing skills are world-class, and I'm astounded that his solo albums haven't gotten more attention. But he *does* have more solo releases than any other Genesis member---over 25 and counting---so good for him! And good for you, too. Anthony Phillips is a genius, his music nothing less than outstanding. "The Geese And The Ghost" is a fantastic first chapter in Anthony Phillips' vastly impressive solo career. A truly exquisite album.

Anthony Phillips was Genesis' original guitarist and main composer, who only played on their first two albums (From Genesis to Revelation and Trespass). His remarkable style of composition, however, stayed with the group, especially during the quieter acoustic guitar passages such as "The Musical Box" (the beginning of which was written by Ant before he left the band), "Supper's Ready", "The Cinema Show", etc. The Geese And The Ghost is Ant's first solo album, which draws upon that laid-back, mellow stylistics of early Genesis. If you've heard the 4th CD on the Genesis Archive, songs like "Sheperd", "Pacidy" and "Let us now Make Love", that is the kind of thing you should expect from this album. Along with him are Mike Rutherford (on guitars and co-writing two songs), Phil Collins (who provides vocals and drums) and John Hackett (Steve's brother, on flute). The album consists of a number of enchanting pieces such as the magnificent "Which Way The Wind Blows" and "God If I Saw Her Now", two vocal pieces sung by Collins; or 12-string guitar epics as "Henry: Portraits of Tudor Times" and "The Geese And The Ghost" in which Ant and Mike travel through a number of styles and moods. Ant sings the short "Collections", which is unfortunately, the weak link on the album, but the closing "Sleepfall: The Geese Fly West" more than makes up for it. Included is Ant's own recording of "Master Of Time", a terrific song he wrote for Genesis before he left the band. If you enjoy the acoustic passages in early Genesis albums, and the sound of 12-string guitars in strong compositions, you'll be delighted.

Well this isn't a masterpiece,but in its own particular genre (a mix of those quite moments of "Trespass" by Genesis+the medioeval folkprog style by Gryphon)is an exceptional unplugged and tasteful album: listen to the 16-minute title track for example, which is enriched with beautiful themes on his acoustic guitar, or to the track "Henry;Portraits from Tudor Times", the second instrumental piece of art,which is pleasant and well worth checking out!!Anyway the importance of Phillips in the evolution of the Genesis sound, in comparison to their immature and inconsistent debut "From Genesis to revelation", was enormous! This solo work demonstrates and confirm my sentence...

Quite essential for the lovers of the early Genesis (the "Trespass" era above all)

Back when this was first released, I bought it because it had Collins and Rutherford on it. I wasn't sure how much Phillips had changed since leaving Genesis. But then I was hooked. Now his music seems to have aged more gracefully than much of his Genesis counterparts'. The quality of compositions and arrangements are second to none throughout.

This was a major blast from my past....being the longtime Genesis fan from the beginning....

How some of these heartless cd sharks can sleep at night attempting to rape buyers for unreasonably high amounts for a cd like this....$100.00 for a used copy??? is way beyond my comprehensions. I recently scored a brand new sealed import of this selection from another source....NOT AMAZON.....for only $17.99, which is much more realistic for a rare and hard to find cd. You can find a copy as they do exist.

I dont like doing record reviews...as I am not a credited reviewer...nor will I even attempt to be....What I am is an avid collector with a very diverse taste in music..centering on the progressive rock bands of the late 1960s and thru the 70's and 80's.. I will also tell you that the sound quality of this selection is flawless..So sweet and the quiet soft passages just melt deeply into your soul...like a fine cognac...If you liked this album on vinyl....you will love the mastering of the import CD...As a bonus..there is an extra track...."Master of Time"...Which fits in very nicely to the sound mix...as it was probably omitted from the final album..A second bonus: Phil collins and Michael Rutherford played on this album..Thus adding that unmistakable signature "Genesis" sound....It has that early fairy tale ambience about it...which hints "what if...just maybe... Ant was still playing in Genesis..." Important note: You need to remember that Ant left the band before Phil came aboard on drums.....So this is almost like..The band that didn't happen..at least...not back then. My biggest unanswered question is....After Peter Gabriel left Genesis...and Steve Hackett exited after Wind and Wuthering..Why didn't Ant return....I guess at this point in time..it really doesn't matter..It would sure have been nice if he had..

I wish you the best of luck in your search for this CD at a decent price..It is worth having and everybody who appreciated Ants contributions to Genesis should own a copy.

As a first solo outing from the original Genesis guitarist, albeit nearly seven years after he left the band, you would expect this music to have a strong connection with the early Genesis sound, and it does. You can argue that Ant WAS the early Genesis sound, and his imprint on the band lasted into the late seventies. So this is a sort of Genesis album, in my view, and a great one in every way, composition, performance and packaging are all on the same high level as are Foxtrot, Selling England, Trick Of The Tail and other great Genesis albums. Of course Anthony leans more in the pastoral direction, but there are moments on the album where you'd think the whole band was there with him. Mike and Phil were there in fact, on one or two tracks, and that adds value to an already great album. The second disc is interesting and nice to have, but does not add much to the classic first disc, which is a timeless progressive rock masterpiece.