Selling England By The Pound

This is a tough one for me. Not the rating - that's a five, easy. It's tough because I'm trying to listen to this the same way I'm listening to the other 1001 albums, even though I'm a huge fan and I've listened to this album easily 100 times. But, when I think back to my original impressions, I found early Genesis difficult to get into, unlike other early prog bands like King Crimson and Yes. There always seemed to be something a little "off" about early Genesis. They'd mix a surprisingly hard edge with songs that referred to things like "unifauns" and "lily fair." Or, some of the sounds are dated: Hackett's guitar often sounds muffled to me and some of the synth sounds are dated. But their music is the proverbial onion...peel it back and you find layer upon layer (it doesn't make me cry, but there are moments like the middle of Steve Hackett's solo in Firth of Fifth that always give me chills. Their album Foxtrot is not in the 1001 albums or I'd be saying the same about the end of Supper's Ready. Heck, I'd be writing a book about Supper's Ready). What's more is this music is many times better live than recorded. I've seen latter day Genesis play the instrumental parts of Firth of Fifth and Cinema Show. I've seen Steve Hackett and his band play many of these songs. Both are amazing. For a more "historic" version, go see the cover band "The Musical Box" who play an amazing version of the early band that even the band members acknowledge is authentic. So, my listen of this album is colored by my knowledge of just how good it CAN sound. The fact is: this music is amazing. Firth of Fifth is a rock symphony with one of my favorite melodic guitar solos of all time. Dancing with the Moonlit Knight starts with Peter Gabriel a capella and turns into a musical tour de force around 2:25 (listen for Steve Hackett's tapping solo, something he was doing years before Eddie Van Halen made it famous). Listen to Phil Collins' drumming throughout the album - while most people know him from the 80s (with most thinking of the gated reverb fill from In the Air Tonight), this album showcases why he was one of the most in demand session drummers of the 70s and 80s. The man is doing 50 things at once and if you've ever seen video of him playing, you know he looks relaxed as can be. Mike Rutherford lays down backing guitars and excellent driving bass lines throughout much of the album. And then there's Tony Banks, the man who later sticks to "happy chords" and "sad chords" droning over simple hit songs. Listen to his keyboard playing on this album and other early Genesis albums. His solo at the end of The Cinema Show mixes the best of melody and speed and shows he belongs in the conversation of "who is the best prog keyboardist?" Other great examples - everything he plays on Firth of Fifth, the keyboards in Supper's Ready and Watcher of the Skies (sorry, annoyed that Foxtrot isn't in the 1001). For me, the main weak spot on this album is The Battle of Epping Forest. Even after all those listens it still doesn't do much for me, plus it's too long (I don't have a problem with long songs...again, I wish I could write about Supper's Ready!). Bottom line, this is an outstanding band at its best. After one more album, they lose Peter Gabriel. Two more albums after that, they lose Steve Hackett. Then the band starts to become the Genesis most people know. Don't get me wrong - I like that Genesis also. But this Genesis was a prog giant. To those listening to this for the first time, keep listening and unpeel this onion. It's worth it.

Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, and a slew of Hall-of-Fame-worthy musicians in the prog band that launched them all to stardom produced a singularly weird and schizophrenic record even for prog. From track one, this thing is a wandering mess. Maybe that's why I found myself mostly ignoring it. The lack of a consistent through-line within a single song made my brain just sort of shut off.

Utter shit

I have a real soft spot for this kind of wanky 70s prog. It's overblown, nerdy and insists upon itself but somehow rather than hate it I absolutely love it. Could listen to this style all day in the background at work (and have many times). Actually, I'll probably spend the rest of the day listening to prog. 5/5.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Peter Gabriel read the Canterbury Tales and T.S. Eliot over and over? Prog Rock. Prog rock happens. Why do I love prog rock so much? Is it how it feels cinematic? Like there's a camera panning around an open vista in your mind. Is it the wizards? The offbeat references and inscrutable lyrics? All I know is that this is gorgeous. Plus you can never go wrong with Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins (whose drumming is legend tier and essential to this album's flow) and Mike "and the mechanics" Rutherford. These guys are no damn joke. It's not often a supergroup exists before any of its members become famous. I might just need to listen to more genesis.

So here's the thing... After about 2 minutes of the opening track, I was convinced this would be a 1. It was so annoying and pompous and self-important, and this did continue throughout the album. But, despite Peter Gabriel doing my head in for the full hour, everything else was admittedly pretty damn good. The drums were interesting, there's lot going on instrumentally and dynamically, and the songs move through various interesting and versatile sections. I feel anything below a 2 or lower would be unfair on that side of things, but to be honest, the lyrics and posturing annoyed me enough that this 3 feels generous in some respect. Still, props to the rest of the band for pulling it out of the bag - there is some genuinely great stuff here. It's just a shame it's so oversaturated

I hated almost every second, all the medieval rubbish especially. A complete mess

A load of proggy old bollocks

Self-indulgent shite

In the beginning, God created this album. It was shit.

Between the unifaun’s opening plea and the “English ribs of beef” fade-out, it’s become impossible for me to look at this one objectively. It’s been a favourite for many years, since before I’d heard 95% of albums on this list and knew who many of the most popular artists were. So it’s interesting reading people’s thoughts upon hearing it for the first time in this kind of context, between Fugees, Nirvana and Radiohead. “What is the not-Phil one bleating on about?” “Did they honestly think those synth patches wouldn’t date by 2022?” “Does Tony Banks have to be so unbearably middle-class to open “Firth of Fifth” wanking out a classical piano piece?” “And why does it all have to be so ball-achingly long?” I’m so familiar with “Selling England by the Pound” that none of its ridiculous proggy nonsense feels jarring, strange, corny or ham-fisted. Every switch to an odd time signature, every lyric referencing medieval England, Greek mythology, 70s supermarkets or Epping Forest, every abrupt tempo change or indulgent solo, feels as natural and comfortable as it remains bold and exciting. This album feels like home. Four monster tracks trade places with (relatively) short interludes as the album unfolds. “Dancing with the Moonlit Knight” is prog-rock wizardry distilled: everything about it works perfectly and the modulation to major key during the guitar solo is icing on the cake. “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” is catchy sing-along joy. “More Fool Me”, which I used to write off as the Phil Collins pop throwaway, is a graceful palate cleanser between epics. “The Battle of Epping Forest”, which most of the band disliked for having too many wordy lyrics crowbarred in, is a tour de force of storytelling, rich with detail, character and humour (the “Reverend” section alone is worth the price of admission). And “The Cinema Show” just keeps getting more and more orgasmic with every new phrase in its behemoth keyboard solo. Musically, it’s a masterclass in almost every instrument. Guitarists should study Hackett’s smooth, melodic and dramatic guitar solos (flashy tapping when the song requires it, but all taste, style and grace in the instrumental “After the Ordeal”). Vocalists (and pantomime performers) should revel in Gabriel’s theatrical delivery. Keyboard players have the “Firth of Fifth” intro and the breathtaking “Cinema Show” solo to practice for the rest of their lives. Bassists and drummers should listen to… all of it. A perfect rhythm section. But while the technique is there, it’s in no way a substitute for soul, passion or emotion. Hackett’s wailing, bombastic reprise of the flute in “Firth of Fifth”. Gabriel’s isolated vocal at the opening, increasing in gravity over the next couple of verses. Once again, the light and shade in “The Cinema Show”’s solo (yes, yes, it’s one of my favourite bits). There’s so much to unpack, but those who make the effort will be rewarded with an evergreen symphony of sound. I tried as hard as I could to listen with fresh ears, imagining how “Selling England by the Pound” might sound if I’d been brought up on punk, new wave or pop. I was still thrilled by it: either I’m biased or it really is one of the best of all time.

First off the opener at around 1:20 is definitely a "lo-fi hip-hop chill beats to study and relax to" break down so that got me pretty hype. Second off, I'm not really a big prog rock fan so it was kind of downhill from there. I would not say this album was a total wash though because some of those synth sounds are so sick and I very much love big retro synth sound. I think my problem with this album's particular style of prog rock is that the songs get so epic and huge so quickly and then we've still got like 10 minutes to go of these sweeping guitar licks and I just get listener fatigue real quick, which made me start losing interest in the fantasy whimsy of the lyrics. Not for me, but Phil Collins rules.

Great Album

Absolutely bloody brilliant. Best album so far (over 500 albums in). This might even be better than 'The Lamb..' Superb musicianship, wonderful songwriting, and Peter Gabriel. I'll take this to my desert island, please.

Firth of Fifth has to be one of the best prog rock songs of all time. Now listening to the entire album for the first time in quite a while, I can confirm again it is brilliant from start to finish.

I knew that Genesis had changed their style throughout the years but I didn't realize how much they were prog rock early on. Gabriel's lyrics are strange (they always are) but refreshing - they force you to listen and think. The musical arrangements are at times sweet and serene and then other times heavy and pulsating (maybe too electro piano/synth heavy). I enjoyed Dancing with the Moonlit Knight but I didn't get the popularity of Firth of Fifth - it's a fine song and I enjoyed the piano and flute work, beyond that I wasn't all that fired up. Of the long songs, I liked the Battle of Epping Forest a lot more (weird and wonderful). And I loved the Cinema Show - just a unique, magical 10+ minute musical journey. More Fool Me isn't bad but feels like it belongs on a different album (start of it blends nicely into Firth of Fifth then lyrics and music go a slightly different direction). It doesn't have the same seamless fit as After the Ordeal and Aisle of Plenty, and I realize the former wasn't wanted on the album at first. I think that says something about the former (it is beautiful). Prog rock isn't my scene but this album is quite good. I wonder what it was like listening to it on a good acid trip.

Masterpiece

I love this album. Haven’t listened to it in some time so I really enjoyed this after Yes yesterday. I’ve always loved all the word play in the lyrics.

Fantastic album.

There are a lot of progressive rock fans that hail the Lamb as the high point of the early era of Genesis but I think this album is. I love side one so much that for years I never gave side 2 a proper listen. This was dumb on my part. Side 2 has Cinema Show which might be the best song on the album after Firth of Fifth. Battle of Epping forest is a funny song about 2 rival gangs with some great lyrical wordplay. After the Ordeal is a beautiful instrumental written by Steve Hackett (which both bank Tony Banks and Peter Gabriel didn't want on the album). It was the first time Hackett played a nylon string guitar on a Genesis album and it strongly hints at the sound and style that his future solo albums would have. Aisle of Plenty closes side two and repeats the melody of the album's opening track. A great way to close a great album.

What musicianship! This is prog rock and a level of sophistication I haven’t heard yet, while incorporating sounds far ahead of their time. Great album!

Great prog rock album with some folky/medival sounding melodies

This was very odd, but I loved it. Only really familiar with the poppy "We Can't Dance" or "Invisible Touch" type Genesis. I was definitely not prepared for a psychedelic romp through the English countryside. It was a well-appreciated detour!

Incredible music, sometimes weird, often haunting... And the lyrics tell a really interesting tale. The whole album has an experimental feel, which often appeals to me. Easy five-star rating.

I quite enjoyed the beginning of this album but it did drag on in 70s prog fashion in bits.

I wasn't a fan of the abrupt start but the rest grew on me. Of course it did it's an awesome proggy mess. Stand-out: Aisle of Plenty

This stuff is majestic. It's expansive, fun, campy, intricate, with great performances. Maybe their peak, The Battle of Epping Forest can be a little long and maybeee just a smidge over the top tho. Firth of Fifth is absolutely perfect, best chords, best piano riff, best guitar solo, best flute solo. I Know What I Like is the best pop song ever.

That was a wild ride. I can only imagine gettin’ ripped on whatever and throwing this on and feelin good.

Definitely good but just missed the 5 star mark. Some things I have strife with such as the sound and some songs feeling off. Banger tho

I am here for this opening track! THIS IS SUCH A FUN DREAMY PROG ROCK ALBUM!

Let’s see: I’ve reviewed ELP. I’ve reviewed King Crimson. I’ve now reviewed Genesis. Looks the Generator is saving the best for last…Yes. If this was Foxtrot, it’d be an easy 5 star review. Selling England by the Pound, on the other hand…well, it has its moments, like “Dancing with the Moonlit Knight” (a high water mark in the Genesis catalog, imo), but the ornate theatricality that plagues my enjoyment of “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” is beginning to creep in and I’m starting to tune out by the halfway point on this record. Congratulations are due to Genesis, however: “The Firth of Fifth” might take the prize for most unwieldy song title to ever grace a record sleeve. The song itself is pretty great, though. One final observation while listening, Peter Gabriel’s influence on the vocal stylings of Robert Pollard of Guided by Voices has never been more evident to me than while listening to this record. (Hint, Hint Generator: recommend Alien Lanes for me)

That 70s English prog rock sound. As I observed in classic Rush from prior reviews, there's a fundamental silliness about some of it, but it's not boring, and set in a lush ass sonic landscape.

Really enjoyed this one - interesting to see early prog prog which I don't often listen to. Clearly see the influence on more modern prog I do like. Blending track by track of old medieval sounds, with synthesizers of the 70s made for real interesting sound. I specifically found myself finding this album sounding a lot like the risk of rain soundtrack at times. Interesting to learn about the americanization of england themes, but did not follow lyrics as closely as music.

No. 230/1001 Dancing With The Moonlit Knight 3/5 (2x) I Know What I Like 4/5 Firth of Fifth 3/5 (2x) More Fool Me 4/5 The Battle of Epping Forrest 3/5 (2x) After The Ordeal 3/5 The Cinema Show 3/5 (2x) Aisle of Plenty 3/5 Average: 3,17 Interesting prog-rock album. Just not my personal favorite.

I got high and now I can’t remember anything about this so I guess it was mid

Progrock mit einigen spannenden Ansätzen aber gleichzeitig wenig was wirklich überzeugt. Klanglich etwas brav und lyrische Aspekte gehen im ersten hören etwas unter. 3,5

Sounds like the music played on a carousel ride while the horses go up and down. This album is cheesy, no wonder Peter Gabriel split to do his own thing.

Phil Collins' voice grates on me as does Peter Gabriel's sometimes. Tough to listen to.

I was listening and thinking why I don't really like this band and had a revelation. All the music sounds like it was composed against a strict metronome. Yes there are tempo/meter changes, but you can easily identify when the metronome was increased or decreased. I guess Phill Collins or someone was a rhythm dictator. I found myself feeling claustraphobic. Also, there's so much going on, new sounds coming and going. I had to stop because I felt like I needed to go somewhere else and breathe. I can hear that the musicianship is great, but it just doesn't work for me. I didn't finish this album. Ah well...

I was never a fan of Genesis, and here is a great reason why. Let's make bad songs last 9 minutes.

I can’t stand this album. You can credit the 11 minute song on this album for ushering in Punk. Bloated meandering mess from an era of middling overlong musical wankfests.

I thought liking YES would open me up for this but I‘m closed as the legs of a nun. Undigestible muzak

Not today Prog Rock, not today. The Battle of Epping Forest has me slightly intrigued. But still, no.

The song "After The Ordeal" was how I felt whilst listening to this.

I am still enthusiastic about Genesis' old albums, including this one. Selling England by The Pound is an album that I enjoy listening to again and again. 5/5

So, is Selling England by the Pound perfect? Maybe not, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s ambitious, weird, beautiful, and unapologetically itself. And really, isn’t that what makes it so timeless? Favs are Dancing, 5th, and Cinema. 5/5 would sell England off into debt.

Dude…… I’ve never heard any Genesis from before their more pop-centric material. What a wild first listen this was. The kind of 70’s prog noodling that appeals to me exactly. The piano on Firth of Fifth and the long solo on The Cinema Show were high points.

Great, great, great.

brilliant - this and foxtrot are their two best albums. Every track is different and every track is an event, with no gratuitous instrumental solos, everything is in the service of the track, only 'The Cinema Show' is a bit self-indulgent and goes on a wee bit long. I had always thought the first track was 'Selling England by the Pound', only paying a bit more attention now I see it is 'Walking in Moonlight' - it is still as brilliant as it ever was though! One of my best ever albums.

Take me where you're going, Genesis! I'm not a middle-aged white man, but boy, do I love prog rock. "More Fool Me" ripped me to shreds today.

yes

Pre-listening thoughts: hmmm… so here’s my thing with Genesis. This is Peter Gabriel Genesis and I truly feel that once he left the band got better. Now this isn’t to say I dislike Peter Gabriel, I actually love some of his solo stuff. However. Phil Collins’s pop sound changed the band for the better imo. (Yes I know Phil Collins was in the band atp but when he became lead singer I mean). This is very prog rock so I’m not going to enjoy this as much as I’d have hoped I bet. Post/during listening thoughts: this is lowkey so full of character. Like within the first 10 seconds. I do agree with other reviews that Phil Collins on the drums is such a vital piece of this band and record. They were kinda insane for cooking this up in 1973. My biggest issue is the same as it is with all prog rock - song length. Man but even the long songs I find myself still consistently interested and enjoying the whole way through, it’s like a big album of songs that move and change like Scenes From an Italian Restaurant. Genesis I’m so sorry for doubting you (although I still mostly stand by my original statement that Phil Collins-fronted Genesis is better than this). 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: I kinda rock with this a lot actually so yes ⁉️Prog rock can be good and this is a great example of it ‼️ Fav tracks: whole thing. This won me over in ways I did not expect Least fav tracks: none

Måske den bedste Peter Gabriel-æra Genesis plade, wall to wall bangers. Noget af det mest nørdede musik jeg elsker

unexpectedly good

One of my only thoughts on this album after listening is god DAMN was Phil Collins a fucking monster on drums. What a fucking beast. Incredible prog album, Firth of Fifth is one of the best prog songs ever made, easily.

Listen, it can be a little theatric, bordering on silly at times, but the music is so overwhelmingly good that I'm definitely going to revisit. The opener has a sweet little guitar line that sticks with you, "I know what I like (in your wardrobe)" has a fantastic chorus, the exploratory "jam" section of "Firth of Fifth", it all adds up to a banging album.

The band that gave us Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins has to be a 5/5!

One of the great prog rock albums of all time, and one of the Top Three Genesis Albums.® I know what I like, and it's this.

Progressive rock, symphonic prog. Man I love this kinda stuff. Just super proggy rock, amazing performances, wish I had listened with both earbuds. So much fun, medieval feeling is just what I like. Strong 4.5/5

This is one of those things where this is a great great record, but there are other great records by Genesis that I like more than this one... but does that mean I have to give this four stars? No. It's a five star record. I think that "Foxtrot", "Lamb" and this record are all solid five star records. I happen to like the other two more, but that doesn't mean this isn't a five star record.

Excelente disco, pilar fundamental del rock progresivo y álbum muy influyente para el art rock. la etapa de genesis con Peter Gabriel para mí es la cúspide del rock progresivo, un balance perfecto entre la exploración artística, el virtuosismo y la compleja narrativa con comentario social de Peter Gabriel, no por nada Peter Gabriel volvería a ser un personaje sumamente importante durante los 80s liderando el Art Pop con su proyecto solista. Selling England by the Pound marca un sonido único sin muchos precedentes, la exploración sonora y timbrica es importantisima en este disco, innovando con el uso de los primeros sintetizadores, efectos de guitarra y producción musical, en el ámbito musical este disco se caracteriza por sus ambiciosas y muchas veces largas canciones, sumamente melódicas con varios pasajes, cada uno distinto al anterior, los cuales muchas veces evocan influencia clásica, independiente de esto las instrumentación y composición de las canciones es tan única y rica que no logra ostigar o aburrir, además la narrativa une muy bien estos distintos pasajes agregándole un toque más dramático a la historia, también hay un contraste entre las canciones latgas con algunas más cortas y "poperas" que sirven como un respiro. Increíble disco, increíble época de esta banda, Peter Gabriel 🐐

Destruyendo expectativas, en realidad para mi este disco era fácil que me gustara. Me encanta el prog, me encanta lo teatral, las referencias literarias, la música dramática, progresiones interesantes, los buenos instrumentistas. Supongo que a esto se refiere la gente cuando dice que Genesis con Peter Gabriel fue mejor. Yo no se si mejor pero si me gusta mas, y bueno Mike Rutherford, medio Bass broski aunque claro soy consiente que toco mas que eso en el disco incluyendo el cello y el sitar eléctrico. Este disco tiene momentos tan variados que es difícil de creer, incluso hay riffeo digno de un album de thrash.

One of my favourite Genesis albums, and one of my favourite albums ever. For me, the best tracks are "Firth of Fifth", and "The Cinema Show" / "Aisle of Plenty".

5 stars. So well made from start to finish.

It needed six stars to rate.

J’adorais cet album là durant ma phase fanboy de prog-rock. Puisque ça faisait au moins 2 ans que je ne l’avais pas réécouté, j’avais une petite appréhension que ça serais pas aussi bon que dans mes souvenirs. Mais au boy que j’avais tord! L’arrangement musical impeccable, les melodies à la fois weirds et envoutant, le drum de Phil plus tight qu’un speedo sur Gérard Depardieu et les paroles mystiques de Peter créés un monde sonore capoté, grandiose et totalement unique. C’est sûr, c’est loin d’être pour tout le monde, mais de moins point de vue personnel, c’est un gros 5 étoiles

I am a late to the party with Genesis I knew the 80's hits and loved No Son Of Mine from 1991 but hadn't really delved into the bands albums other than Nursery Cryme which my dad had on vinyl (he was a Peter Gabriel can and hated when Phil Collins took over) A few years back I did a deep dive into 80's Genesis and worked my way back to the 70's prog stuff. So this album I listened to quite early in my listening to 70's era as I liked the song I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) This is a great album although not my favourite it's strong and the first three songs are excellent with Firth Of Fifth being a highlight. Great Album.

A prog rock classic to say the least. A fun and engaging listen. Deserves its reputation!

This is a truly brilliant album. Turns out having two legendary songwriters in one band is good for the quality of the band's music. Favorite track: Dancing with the Moonlit Knight

An absolute classic of it's genre. If the idea of progressive, beautiful, folk rock doesn't make you feel sick, please give this a listen. The music and lyrics are amazingly imaginative with loads of unexpected turns.

Lots of fun and creativity in there ! Great album, great musical journey.

Un album ambitieux, aux multiples ruptures de ton exemplaires du progressif. Il y a une véritable maestria des musiciens, et la voix de Gabriel n'est pas en reste

a perfect album

Great album.

Ok!

I haven't heard this in so long. Listened to it three times!

Never listened to a Genesis record before! Really loved it.

Well this was very different from the 80s music they out out and was fun to listen to.

Really liked this. Genesis are a good band. Like both the early stuff with Peter Gabriel as leas vocalist and later when Phil Collins took over 👍

absolutely rate this album, I was already sold on it but The Cinema Show really sealed the deal for me. FIrst two songs really stood out to me as well, along wiht the Battle of Epping Forest. Super solid recommendation

Love love love love love this album - forever one of the greatest.

This is the first genesis album I ever bought. Trick of the Tail was the popular album at my high school but ive always been partial to the Peter Gabriel-led Genesis even though their output is dwarfed by the prolific Phil Collins-led group. So many incredible songs- Firth of Fifth, Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, The Battle of Epping Forest and I know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe). One of my personal favorites.

wow

Amazing Prog Rock, Genesis is full of musical legends, and this stands out there as one of the definitive rock groups of all time.

Un álbum sublime. Lo mejor del viejo progresismo

This was a very interesting experience! I’ve never heard of them before but i really loved the album and their style.

Epic musicality!! What an amazing band this was! From the fantastic, theatrical singing and performing of Peter Gabriel, to the jazzy powerhouse pounding of Phil Collins, to the sublime musical soundscapes of Hackett, Banks and Rutherford. I adore this album front to back. Standout tracks: Dancing With The Moonlit Knight, I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe), Firth Of Fifth, More Fool Me, The Battle Of Epping Forest, After The Ordeal, The Cinema Show 9 out of 10

This is a really weird album. I could give this two stars or five stars and still be satisfied with my rating. Strange, random, five stars.

I didn't know that Genesis had an album to rival Thick as a Brick! Prog rock rock opera is my jam!

Very nice find!

This album is great. One of my favorites

All time great Side A and unfortunately a little underwhelming Side B. Early Genesis, with Peter Gabriel as their frontman was a marvellous band. Original Dream Theater, just with much better vocalists (any of them will do). Basically, some of the songs are absolutely amazing even 50 years later, great solos, beautiful melodies, it has everything. Second part falls off from the standard a bit, but you have to admit, it's one of the best prog rock band in history.

Wonderfully weird

This album is marvelous. It’s just permeated with this wonderful whimsy. The songwriting is jaw-droppingly good, and the instrumental performances are stunning as well. It’s pretty reasonable to say that this album has the best drumming out of all of the 1001 albums, for anyone who paid attention to this album. And there are vanishingly few guitar solos that have more soul than the one on Firth of Fifth; how can a guitar solo sound so beautifully mournful? Even though several of the songs are long, they never cease to be satisfying. Even in the long instrumental passages there is so much movement and change: the music always feels like it’s going somewhere interesting. The long songs each take you on a journey. Amazing dynamics, great variety. It's doubly impressive that such brilliant songwriting is also just so engaging and fun. There are always the misguided fools who think they can dismiss any monumental work by calling it "wankery" or "pretentious self-indulgence." People who say things like this are really just admitting that they are allergic to talent and creativity. Some people can't wrap their closed minds around any music that isn't a 3-minute, 4-chord, verse-chorus-verse-chorus song. And besides, why shouldn't actually talented musicians want to indulge a little in more complicated music? Do you really expect gifted musicians and songwriters to dumb down their genius just so they don't look like they're showing off? And the absurd thing is, this album is so far from pretentiousness anyways. Genesis always had a healthy dose of wit and self-awareness, unlike some of their peers. I can kind of understand someone calling ELP pretentious snobs and show-offs; but calling Genesis pretentious is just so far off the mark. "Pretentious" means one is pretending to have some degree of importance or intelligence that one doesn't have. How can a piece of music be pretentious? And what exactly is Genesis pretending to be that it isn't? Every piece of this album serves a musical purpose. Haters of prog love to talk about how punk rock killed prog; maybe they're right, who knows? But the amazing irony is that the punk rockers were far more pretentious than the old bands they supplanted. Punk rockers were maladjusted, talentless youths who resented that rock music was dominated by skilled, heroic rock gods. They put on a false facade of anger and wrote music about how disaffected they were. They put on leather jackets and proclaimed themselves the heroes of the common man. Punk rock was all about the cool anti-establishment image, and not about the music, the majority of which is basic, unimaginative, and boring (not all of it though!). Prog rockers, on the other hand, shunned image. Their focus WAS their music; they honed their craft and strove to create something remarkable, almost always without widespread fame and glory. They actually tried at what they did. Punk rockers pretended to be cool without an ounce of musical ability to show for it; prog rockers are the antithesis of this. The spirit of prog rock is striving for the highest of musical heights and exploring exotic, unorthodox musical landscapes. What's not to love about that? This album is vastly, shamefully underrated by the mainstream music establishment. This album is brilliant and such a joy to listen to. :)

Wow I really liked this! I truly don't know if i've ever heard cleaner production on an album before. There has been more creative stuff for sure but the instruments sound so crisps that it scratches a part of my brain so well. Man is the drummer so god damned good at his job dude I can listen to that all day long (After writing this I found out it was Phil Collins so no shit, how tf did I not know that). The long songs are like a ballad that changes throughout and none of them feel as long as the runtime says. Very close to a perfect album for me except.....what the FUCK is Peter Gabriel talking about. 9/10

What drugs are Genesis on? What’s going on inside Peter Gabriel’s brain? I want to be on those drugs. The sheer stamina to do insane things. Creative, silly, unserious. Adventurous. Dizzying to listen to! And yet this fatigues me far less than some of the more proggy picks we’ve had. I think I’m just a fan of prog! Because to me, this is really emotional, beautiful in many moments. “More fool me” stunned me. Came out of nowhere. One of my favorite song discoveries I’ve heard on this list in a while. I’m not sure why the more questionable, strange self-indulgences on the later half of the record don’t come across as gratuitous to me. Maybe it’s the exceptional playing from the band. The rhythm section seems to be able to sell anything! Any idea works! This is an inspiration. I’m reading the backstory now. I LOVED the folk, Britishness. It challenged me, and a lot to digest. One of my favorite strange, weirdo picks we’ve had. 5/5

Perfect

On the nose vokalisti ei kansaa miellyttä... Progessa ei päätä ei häntää.. Huoh sanoo kuuntelija..

buenardium

As far as prog rock and pop goes, this is the tops. So fun, so proficient, just a good time! A big commitment though, I couldn't finish !