A Trick of the Tail

A Trick of the Tail was the first studio album by progressive rock band Genesis following the departure of original vocalist Peter Gabriel, released in 1976 (see 1976 in music). The album surprised both critics and the public, who were convinced the band was doomed without Gabriel, by performing strongly. Most surprising was drummer Phil Collins' graduation to the position of lead vocalist. Genesis in fact had held lengthy auditions for a new singer, but reportedly had to deal with a lot of dubious Peter Gabriel-wannabes turning up in outlandish costumes. Finally the band settled on Collins, who had sung backup for Gabriel on most of their earlier albums.

This was also the first Genesis album in which individual band members received songwriting credits, bringing to light the strong contribution keyboardist Tony Banks made to Genesis' overall sound.

Track listing

all songs written by Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford

1. "Dance on a Volcano" - 5:53
2. "Entangled" - 6:28
3. "Squonk" - 6:27
4. "Mad Man Moon" - 7:35
5. "Robbery, Assault and Battery" - 6:15
6. "Ripples" - 8:03
7. "A Trick of the Tail" - 4:34
8. "Los Endos" - 5:46

Personnel

• Tony Banks - organ, synthesizer, piano, keyboard, vocals, background vocals, 12 string guitar, mellotron
• Phil Collins - percussion, drums, vocals, background vocals
• Steve Hackett - bass, guitar, electric guitar, 12 string guitar
• Mike Rutherford - bass, guitar, 12 string guitar, bass pedals

Production

• Producers: Genesis, David Hentschel
• Engineers: Nick Bradford, David Hentschel
• Remastering: Chris Blair, Geoff Callingham, Nick Davis
• Arranger: Genesis
• Design: Colin Elgie

Charts

Album - Billboard (North America)