Review Summary: An excellent album that displays musical ability and interesting songwriting.
Genesis
Selling England By The Pound
Atlantic Records, 1973
Genesis is...
Peter Gabriel: Vocals
Phil Collins: Drums, vocals
Tony Banks: Keyboards
Steve Hackett: Guitar
Mike Rutherford: Bass
'Selling England By The Pound' is the culmination of modern rock music, a milestone of musical genius, and, possibly most importantly, one of the first albums to be coined as 'Progressive rock'. This album could be described a musical masterpiece, blending jazz, pop, rock, metal, and even latin influences together into one great audio melting pot. Everything about this album reeks of brilliance, from the lengthly progressive epic 'The Battle Of Epping Forest' to the light, poppy acoustic melodies of 'More Fool Me'.
Peter Gabriel is considered to be the main mastermind behind this masterpiece. He manages to merge brilliant songwriting, his raspy vocal style, and excellent musical passages into one, cohesive being. The ten minute 'Firth Of Fifth' is a great example of his skills as a composer and vocalist, with short vocal passages and a lengthly instrumental interlude. His songwriting and ability to tell stories are also combined on the magnificent 'Battle Of Epping Forest', which depicts the adventures of a wandering Vicar, as well as shining a humorous light on gang violence during a territorial battle. He also contributes with gorgeous flute melodies, all of which make the band more flexible as a whole and provides even further variety.
The remaining four members of 'Genesis' also provide massive contributions, with Steve Hackett and Tony Banks often combining their instrumental skills on keyboards and guitar for great song structures and melodies. 'After The Ordeal', 'The Cinema Show', and 'The Battle Of Epping Forest' all showcase their excellent musical chemistry, especially the latter, where organ and guitar merge and battle for musical dominance. The overall effect is spectacular and mesmerizing.
The rhythm section is not to be neglected. Phil Collins is a fantastic drummer, and although he does not often get the chance to perform to his fullest, the drum rolls and fills on 'The Cinema Show' are more than enough proof of his flexibility and finesse. Mike Rutherford's bass, in true prog style, is often quite noticeable, and he manages to create some very interesting, complex basslines that help establish a powerful layer of sound that the other band members may work upon.
The first two songs 'Dancing With The Moonlit Night' and 'I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)' both manage to sum up the finest, and most forgettable moments on this album. The former is a work of genius, with a truly amazing guitar solo, a gorgeous vocal performance, and light keyboard touches. The latter stands as the least impressive song on the album, with rather cliche lyrics and a poppy melody. 'More Fool Me', the shortest song on the album, featuring vocals by Phil Collins also falls into the same trap, and manages to be rather underwhelming.
Overall, 'Selling England By The Pound' is an amazing album that absolutely everybody should be able to listen to and enjoy. With the exception of the shorter tracks, the album is near perfect, and stands as Genesis' masterwork.
Recommended Tracks
-Dancing With The Moonlit Knight
-Firth Of Fifth
-The Battle Of Epping Forest
-The Cinema Show
-Aisle Of Plenty
