SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

Genesis' fifth album, the legendary 'Selling England by the Pound' was released in October 1973. At this point, the band had made tremendous progress in developing their 'classic' sound and mastering symphonic rock. 1973 is one of the most important years for prog, without a doubt; it is a year when prog really became even more challenging than before, more lavish than ever, and certainly more self-indulgent, despite the primary negative associations that this adjective brings. And Genesis fitted quite well in all of these characteristics of the genre.

After releasing the untouchable 'Foxtrot', one can hardly imagine a band surpassing such an achievement. For 'Selling England...' the band had obviously decided to explore further the sound that they were becoming recognized for. Lush, majestic soundscapes, unmistakable and dreamy guitar passages, mind-blowingly complex rhythm sections, all topped by the voice of Peter Gabriel and his witty, abstract and uncompromising lyrics. All these make 'Selling England by the Pound' a really difficult album to digest but one that is definitely worth it. Just thinking about all the bands that have ripped off this particular record in their works, gives us a sign that its influence is immense.

Touching upon the themes of English folk culture's disappearing identity under the increased influence of American culture, 'Selling...' is a very English, very adventurous, intriguing, and pleasing album. The listener will find some of the ever-lasting Genesis classic here, like the opening track 'Dancing with the Moonlit Knight', 'I Know What I Like', 'Firth of Fifth', 'The Battle of Epping Forest' and 'The Cinema Show', alongside the seemingly more negligible 'More Fool Me' or 'After the Ordeal' which are no less impressive.

However, the album is not as welcoming as it may seem; some will find the keyboards too dominant and opulent, some might say that there are passages making no sense, others will notice the expressive manner in which many of the lyrics are sung, which are essentially the things that make this album so charming, yet daring.

Flamboyant and grandiose, difficult to listen to, provocative and exuberant, odd yet so witty, 'Selling England by the Pound' is a classic album that has amazed generations and will most likely continue to because quality can hardly be unheeded.