SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

I have attempted to get familiar with this album several times, always with the same result: I can say that I like each of the songs, except a filler like "More Feel Me". At least I perceive it as a filler, as well as the closer Aisle of Plenty.

When I hear "Can you tell me where my country lies...." it gives me an empotion. It's a great start for the album, very promising. The whole song proceeds well and very progressive but it's like there's something missing.

"I Know What I Like" it's not a bad song. Even if it's Collins' stuff, it's pre-80s. I really liked the cover made by Fish on Suites. So why I don't like the original? What's wrong with me (or with that song)?.

"Firth Of Fifth" is the essence of prog music. I can't say anything bad of this song, and all the good has already been said by hudreds of reviewers, so let's jump this one.

I have a personal story with "The Battle Of Epping Forest" I know that somebody thinks to it as the weakest track of the album, but it's one that makes something for me.

"After the Ordeal" has a good guitar/piano intro, but it's when I start to be tired of the album. I own some Hackett's albums. The first I have bought is "Cured" that I liked. I should like After the Ordeal, but it's like it's leading nowhere. I don't see a reason for this track, specially when the electric guitar starts playing that melody that seems to be partially borrowed by Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird.

So when "The Cinema Show" comes, I'm almost ready to pick the album off of my "stereo" (I still have a stereo for my vinyls). It's not a bad song if I start with that, but at this point of the album I don't have energies to go ahead. Another band that makes me the same effect are Dire Straits. I can like each single song but I've never been able to listen to a whole album except the debut.

What can I say? I am probably ill, my mind may be not progressive enough, but I can't give more than 3 stars to this album. Please forgive me for this eresy. I think "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" is light years better than SEBTP. My opinion of course, and due to the high number of high ratings, my average one won't be vey influent, I think.

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