Patrick Doyle

Almost classical in form, a continual display of the assembled members of Genesis at a high point in their recorded history. Possibly not matched again, by band or solos, although Peter Gabriel's "So " is a contender. Lyrically deft, melodic throughout, and typically Genesis in a refusal at that point to be categorized . Still a great listen.

Always loved this album. Difficult to find on vinyl back in the day, second hand copies were like gold. Never fails to move me. Fragility balanced against confidence. All supporting instrumentation fits. Flawless.

There is very little of Joni Mitchell's repertoire at this point in her career which could have disappointed, and much of that is covered in this fine live album. Joni is completely comfortable playing either solo or with the L.A. Express. With the latter there is the jazzy feel she would follow through to Hejira and her later masterpiece live Shadows and Light. All told a wonderful compendium of where she had got to, through Clouds, Blue, Ladies of the Canyon, to Court and Spark. A number of songs off For the Roses are fresh and poignant. Bears repeated listening.

No retrospective review of this album has any real merit. In 1969 this was definitely a step elsewhere, even if others may have done their bit for "albums with themes ". Tommy is still more cohesive than Sgt Pepper for example. Don't try and relate this album to others. Listen to it all and marvel.

I wouldn't say I listen to this album a lot. But I listen to Ummagumma less. I like the melodies, and am once again reminded how important Richard Wright was to this band. Plodding now and then, but overall pretty cohesive. Gilmour's guitar work is good, and lyrically this is not the load of rubbish Roger Waters grumpily suggested.

I liked the start. To create a different, but believable world is not so easy , but the author manages that well. Not so good are the endless plot twists which sometimes make me think the story is being prolonged for the sake of it. The ending simply says "read the next book, and l probably won't.