Let’s start at the end: Side-two’s epic “Supper’s Ready” ranks alongside King Crimson’s “In The Court Of The Crimson King” and Yes’ “Close To The Edge” as the pinnacle of the entire prog-rock movement. The 23-minute, Biblical-themed piece moves through nine individual movements, spanning tranquil 12-string folk (“Lover’s Leap”) and insanely complex symphonic rock (“Apocalypse in 9/8″), never once lapsing into tedium — thanks to Gabriel’s vivid imagery and the clever full-band arrangements.

It’s the clear centerpiece on Foxtrot, but the other five tracks nearly rival its brilliance: The “Watcher Of The Skies” opens with an iconic mellotron wash and builds into a galactic rock workout; the more tightly constructed “Can-Utility and the Coastliners” features one of Gabriel’s most dynamic vocal performances; and the blissful “Horizons” gives Hackett a much-needed solo spotlight for his talents on the classical guitar. Foxtrot improves upon Nursery Cryme in every way possible — and the scary thing is that they’d continue that upward trajectory from here.