SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

An absolute classic. If you haven't heard of "Selling England", what on earth are you doing on this website. An excellent renowned piece of work by Genesis. The whole album has a distinctive tone/sound that goes on throughout, and explores various musical styles - with the classical/hard rock mix as heard on "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight", the majestic and more symphonic "Firth Of Fifth", retreats towards more accessible tracks as on "I Know What I Like" and "More Fool Me".

Going on through the album, "The Battle Of Epping Forest" tells an 11-minute story with whimsical English references (as with other tracks) which is personally one of my favourites, and could be ideal for you if you liked tracks from earlier albums such as "Get 'Em Out By Friday" from Foxtrot, or the whole "Nursery Cryme" format of individual stories in each song. "After The Ordeal" is a more minimalist piece for guitar and piano, but still upholds symphonic elements and is overall very relaxing and a nice break.

"The Cinema Show" then begins with haunting 12-string harmonies, and includes a long instrumental part - also one of the more relaxing pieces of the album, though a little weaker than previous tracks. This segues into a familiar tune as heard at the beginning of the album on "Moonlit Knight" which becomes "Aisle Of Plenty" with more humorous references, adding a unique flavour to the album which is otherwise unheard in any other Genesis album, making it quite special. It brings the album home quite well, although they could probably do better knowing the excellent musicianships behind the album.

A. A brilliant and consistent piece of work, essential to any-one's prog rock collection.

Dancing With The Moonlit Knight - ***** I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) - **** Firth Of Fifth - ***** More Fool Me - ***** (just) The Battle Of Epping Forest - ***** After The Ordeal - **** The Cinema Show - **** Aisle Of Plenty - ****