SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

So, again a five-star rating for Selling England.., who needs it? Well, since I am new in reviewing albums and there are some which deserve ratings, I first try myself at the easier cases. Yes, it is training! (Who does not feel disappointed and provoked shall continue reading)

Selling England by the Pound is considered as a masterpiece by many (including me) and is listed among the highest ratings here. The homeland of the band is shown in a way representing what it was once, and what it is now. Can you tell me where my country lies? asks Gabriel, the answer is pressed in about fifty minutes on vinyl. And it is not a land of hope and glory, is it?

Dancing with the moonlit knight makes the album start with a highlight. From the a-capella start to the end, the angry guitar riffs, the solos, the dynamic and changes make up the perfect song to transport the message. I know what I like (In your wardrobe) tells of the decadence and uselessness which is an upper-class family, living a live old nobles would despair - says a lawn mower. The piano intro of Firth of Fifth gets played more or less regularly by me, and I enjoy it as much as the song. I did not like it that much, but it does not take long to get used to it. With The Battle of ... oh, I forgot More fool me. Calm, silent song I did not even noticed at first, until Phil begins to get loud. It seems to shout 'Come on, take a break, for here comes the long...' The Battle of the Epping forest. What is wrong with the youth? Some do not see that the streets are not for small war. Musically, this delivers most changes in this album, and is so chaotic it will disturb the listener at first. However, why not? Does not a masterpiece grow with time? After the ordeal is a relaxed instrumental, after the next of the highlights is reached: The Cinema Show. Both, Phil and Peter do an exceptional performance as vocalists. Banks does not need to hide. With Aisle of Plenty, the album ends in a recital of the Dancing with the moonlit knight melody. The conclusion of the album: 'I don't belong here'. It mixes in several themes, to end it with a fade-out.

Overall, this is Genesis at their peak. Some people might have noticed that I did not mentioned Hackett once up to now. To make it short: He delivers virtuose techniques, but never forgets melody. Collins seems to be able to do anything he wants with his drums and the rythms are strengthened by Rutherford, Banks switches from background chords to melodies in the forerground. Gabriel seems to reach perfection in his (!!) style, while Collins with the band adds the rest.

Oh, England, do not be sad. After all, some here is just pure sarcasm. And you have a band to be proud of! Five stars, without a doubt.