SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

For me this well themed concept album is my all time prog no.1 record. Here Genesis sounded like the fully mature and complete band. In later records Peter Gabriel as much with his prescient lyrics and his flute playing perhaps even more than his vocals are much missed as is Steve Hackett who never quite bettered his sublime guitar work on this album. There are some moments here such as when Peter harmonises with Phil that are simply outstandingly beautiful. As for Tony Banks his keyboard work was inspired - mellotron choir was used in such an innovative and haunting way - but not overly dominant. Perfect.