Nursery Cryme (1971) is the third studio album released by Genesis. It is also the first album to feature the lineup of Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins, and Steve Hackett, the final two replacing John Mayhew and Anthony Phillips on drums and guitar, respectively. This lineup would remain consistent until Gabriel's departure in 1975.

Though not as polished as the albums that followed, Nursery Cryme was still a large progression from the groups' previous album Trespass. "The Musical Box" and "The Return of the Giant Hogweed" became staples of their live performances, and showcased the growing skills of each of the band members.

Track listing

all songs composed, arranged and performed by Genesis (Banks, Rutherford, Gabriel, Hackett, Collins)

1. "The Musical Box" - 10:27
2. "For Absent Friends" - 1:48
3. "The Return of the Giant Hogweed" - 8:12
4. "Seven Stones" - 5:09
5. "Harold the Barrel" - 3:01
6. "Harlequin" - 2:55
7. "The Fountain of Salmacis" - 7:56

Personnel

• Tony Banks - organ, mellotron, piano, electric piano, 12 string guitar, vocals
• Mike Rutherford - bass, bass pedals, 12 string guitar, vocals
• Peter Gabriel - lead vocals, flute, bass drum, tambourine
• Steve Hackett - electric guitar, 12 string guitar
• Phil Collins - drums, vocals, percussion

Releases

All releases of Nursery Cryme on Charisma Records in the USA were distributed by Buddah Records.

U.S. LP Releases

• Charisma CAS-1052 (1971): 1st issue with pink scroll label. This issue did not have a gatefold cover.
• Charisma CAS-1052 (1973): 2nd issue with large "Mad Hatter " label. Gatefold cover.
• Charisma CAS-1052 (1974): 3rd issue with small "Mad Hatter " label. Gatefold cover.
• Charisma CAS-1052 (1974): 4th issue with small "Mad Hatter " label. No gatefold cover.
• Atlantic 80030-1 (1982): Reissue with no gatefold cover.