SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

Genesis' release Selling England By the Pound has been and always will be one of the best definitions of Progressive Rock. With this album, Genesis had fortified their already grand style of Symphonic Prog. The track to track quality of this album is just as good as if not better than any Genesis album before or after it's release. The virtuosity is a signature touch to this album. Earlier Genesis albums featured excellent composing, but with this album Genesis combines there well known composing skills with excellent virtuosity which scarely appeared on earlier albums.

Tony Banks puts in an exceptional performance on this album. This is definately his best performance to this point. Firth of Fift highlights Banks' subtlely showcased chops. After the Ordeal also shows excellent piano skills of Banks. With previous Genesis albums, Banks always left a little to be desired, but he more than made up for his lack of technique on other albums.

Steve Hackett did a an excellent job on creating the signature Genesis atmosphere with none other than keyboardist Tony Banks. The harmonies chosen by Hackett on this album are spectacular and original. A great sense of couterpoint from the guitarist. Hackett had always put on excellent performances on every Genesis album, but here he works much more with the band.

Peter Gabriel's vocals recieve more justice on this album. The production is just so much better on this album. There isn't really much to say about the vocals other than that they are just as good if not better than earlier Genesis albums.

Michael Rutherford disspoints me a little bit. After such amazing performances on earlier albums like Nursery Cryme and Foxtrot, Rutherford isn't showcased as much on this album. Perhaps with Banks occupying more space Rutherford didn't want to overplay and take up more space in the music than he could. Rutherford puts in a solid, but not his best performance.

Collins' work on drums is quite impressive. The beats are not spectacular, but the mroe meticulous side of drumming that deals more with smaller movements on cymbals is quite enjoyable.

The production on this album is better than any previous Genesis album. The guitars and keyboards are both clear. The bass isn't as present, but it has less of a role than on previous albums. Gabriel's vocals are fantastic. Genesis fans love this album and so will any other fans of Progressive music.

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