Selling England By The Pound

I'll search for comprehensive information about this classic Genesis album to provide you with an in-depth review. Based on my research, here is an in-depth review of **Genesis's *Selling England By The Pound*** (1973): --- ## Overview *Selling England By The Pound* represents the creative zenith of Genesis's classic Peter Gabriel era. Recorded in August 1973 at Island Studios in London and produced by John Burns, this album captures the five-piece lineup—Peter Gabriel (vocals, flute), Tony Banks (keyboards), Steve Hackett (guitar), Mike Rutherford (bass, guitars), and Phil Collins (drums, percussion, vocals)—operating at the peak of their collective powers. The album reached #3 in the UK charts and #70 in the US, marking their most commercially successful Gabriel-era release while maintaining uncompromising artistic integrity. --- ## Lyrics & Themes The album's title and overarching concept emerged from contemporary anxieties about **British cultural identity eroding under American commercial influence**. This theme of "selling England by the pound"—trading heritage for profit—permeates the record's pastoral yet critical worldview. **"Dancing With The Moonlit Knight"** opens with Gabriel's a cappella invocation before exploding into a multi-sectioned epic. The lyrics employ dense wordplay and puns ("Chewing through your Wimpey dreams") to critique the commercialization of English tradition, with references to "the pound" appearing throughout as both currency and weight of value. **"The Battle Of Epping Forest"** stands as Gabriel's most theatrical narrative—a nearly 12-minute gangster operetta depicting territorial warfare between North London vice gangs. With characters like "Harold Demure, from Art Literature" and "Mick the Prick," it blends Monty Python-esque absurdity with genuine social commentary on corruption, materialism ("judgments based on what a person owns as opposed to who they are"), and the commodification of counterculture ("Love, Peace & Truth Incorporated"). **"Firth Of Fifth"** presents poetic, imagistic lyrics that evoke Scottish landscapes and existential searching: "The path is clear though no eyes can see / The course laid down long before." Meanwhile, **"The Cinema Show"** reimagines the Tiresias myth through a modern lens, exploring gender duality and transformation with lines like "I have crossed between the poles; for me there's no mystery." Even the lighter **"I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)"** subverts its pop accessibility with surreal imagery of a lawnmower-obsessed protagonist, while **"Aisle Of Plenty"** closes the album by weaving supermarket chain names into its lyrics—a final commentary on consumerism that bookends the opening themes. --- ## Music & Composition The album showcases Genesis's **unparalleled ability to balance complexity with melody**. Tony Banks's classical piano introduction to **"Firth Of Fifth"** remains one of progressive rock's most iconic moments, evolving through time signature changes into Steve Hackett's legendary guitar solo—a performance of emotional construction rather than mere technical flash. **"Dancing With The Moonlit Knight"** demonstrates the band's structural ambition, moving from plainsong intimacy through folk-rock passages to aggressive prog-rock sections, all unified by Phil Collins's intricate drumming that links "disparate ideas" seamlessly. **"The Cinema Show"** represents the album's musical centerpiece—an extended composition where the trio of Banks, Rutherford, and Collins demonstrates the interplay that would define the band's post-Gabriel era. The instrumental section features Banks's synthesizer work at its most lyrical, building to an emotional crescendo before the reprise of "Moonlit Knight" themes. **"After The Ordeal"** serves as a delicate instrumental interlude, showcasing Hackett's classical guitar and the band's chamber-music sensibilities. Conversely, **"More Fool Me"**—the only track featuring Phil Collins on lead vocals—offers a stripped-back, almost pop-oriented breather that hints at the band's future direction while feeling somewhat disconnected from the album's overall texture. --- ## Production John Burns's production represents a **significant sonic advancement** from previous albums. The recording captures the "beautiful and often haunting storybook atmosphere" that distinguishes Genesis from their progressive rock peers. The mix allows space for atmospheric details—the Mellotron choirs on "Moonlit Knight" and "Cinema Show," the sitar-like guitar textures on "I Know What I Like," the delicate interplay between acoustic and electric elements. The 2007 remix (and subsequent high-resolution editions) has been praised for clarity, though some listeners find the original mix possesses a warmth that later remasters sacrifice for precision. The 2014 Blu-Ray edition's 5.1 surround mix reveals the album's intricate layering, though the stereo presentation can sound "clinical" at high volumes. --- ## Influence & Legacy *Selling England By The Pound* stands as **one of the most influential progressive rock albums ever recorded**. It ranked #7 in Rolling Stone's "Readers' Poll: Your Favorite Prog Rock Albums of All Time" (2012) and consistently appears in top-tier positions in progressive rock canon assessments. The album proved crucial in Genesis's evolution: it gave them their first hit single ("I Know What I Like" reached the UK top 30), demonstrated Collins's viability as a lead vocalist, and showcased the trio format that would carry the band into their commercial superstardom. John Lennon publicly praised the album, reportedly causing Gabriel to dance around the dressing room in celebration. For the broader progressive rock genre, the album established a template for **"symphonic rock"** that balanced literary ambition with emotional accessibility. Neo-prog bands of the 1980s and beyond essentially "ripped off this sound," recognizing its perfect expression of "emotive and sentimental vibes while still being rooted to what people love about progressive rock." Steve Hackett has consistently cited it as his proudest Genesis achievement: "Selling England is the album I'm proudest of in Genesis both as a player and for its unique quirkiness... I think it was very heartfelt." --- ## Pros **+ Peerless Songcraft**: "Firth Of Fifth," "The Cinema Show," and "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight" represent progressive rock at its compositional peak, combining structural sophistication with melodic memorability. **+ Atmospheric Cohesion**: The album maintains a consistent "storybook" atmosphere—pastoral, whimsical, yet subtly melancholic—that distinguishes it from more clinical prog contemporaries. **+ Musical Virtuosity in Service of Song**: Every member contributes distinctive elements—Banks's classical piano and synthesizer textures, Hackett's lyrical guitar work, Collins's intricate yet musical drumming, Rutherford's melodic bass lines, Gabriel's vocal range and flute—without overwhelming the compositions. **+ Lyrical Intelligence**: Gabriel's wordplay, literary allusions, and social commentary create a lyrical landscape unmatched in rock music, balancing wit with genuine poetry. **+ Production Quality**: John Burns's recording captures the band's dynamic range and textural nuance, representing a major step forward from earlier albums. **+ Historical Significance**: As the bridge between the band's experimental early period and their commercial future, it captures a unique moment when artistic ambition and accessibility aligned perfectly. --- ## Cons **− "More Fool Me"**: This Phil Collins-led track, while historically significant as his first lead vocal with the band, disrupts the album's flow. The stripped-back arrangement doesn't suit Collins's developing voice, and its pop orientation feels incongruous with the surrounding material. Some critics consider it "trash" or at best a "nice little tune" that works only contextually. **− "The Battle Of Epping Forest"**: Though ambitious, this 11-minute epic divides listeners. Tony Banks himself criticized it: "Although the vocals are very nice, they completely ruin the song because there's too much happening—a complete battle between the vocals and music." The density of Gabriel's character voices and wordplay can exhaust listeners, and the humor doesn't always translate (particularly for American audiences unfamiliar with Epping Forest or British vicar stereotypes). **− Pacing Issues**: The album's second side, while containing masterpieces like "The Cinema Show," requires patience. "After The Ordeal" functions as "filler" to some ears, and "Aisle Of Plenty" concludes too abruptly for an album of such scope. **− Accessibility Barriers**: The very elements that make the album distinctive—Gabriel's theatrical delivery, the complex time signatures, the dense lyrics—can alienate casual listeners. It demands multiple listens to reveal its depths. **− Uneven Quality Distribution**: While the highlights rank among rock's greatest achievements, the album contains material that doesn't reach the same heights, creating a somewhat uneven listening experience compared to more consistently paced masterpieces. --- ## Verdict *Selling England By The Pound* represents **the definitive statement of Genesis's classic lineup**—an album where folk tradition meets progressive ambition, where social critique wears a whimsical mask, and where five distinct musical personalities achieve perfect synthesis. Despite minor flaws in pacing and the occasional misstep, it stands as one of progressive rock's essential documents, influencing generations of musicians while remaining utterly singular in its vision. For listeners willing to engage with its complexity, it offers inexhaustible rewards: the "scrambled eggs" conclusion of "Aisle Of Plenty" reveals itself not as nonsense, but as the final, surreal image in an album-length meditation on what England was, is, and might become.

something i appreciate about prog rock is that it's incredibly indulgent. that's an aspect that can most definitely be a negative sometimes, but you have to appreciate and respect the attempt at creating an epic. an album like this just makes me want to sit back and let it wash over me. the pianos, the woodwinds, the synths, the drumming, the extensive range of guitars, etc etc. it's all so Much, but i gotta admit i enjoy it a lot! it helps that everyone here is an incredibly talented musician. the chorus to "i know what i like" sounds great to me and is where i knew this was gonna be a banger after the killer opener, but all of "firth of a fifth" is pretty much gold. i appreciate the general whimsical nerdiness of the thematic topics, but i'm a real sucker for the grand orchestral feeling evoked.

Huh. Well Patrick Bateman wasn't kidding when he said Genesis in the 70s was experimental. I get the feeling this album has a marmite like quality to it, but I really like this! The way "Dancing with the Moonlight" builds is kind of wild and definitely hooked me. Its interesting, I can hear aspects of the Genesis I know in here, which is to say the later pop-genesis the original fans largely hated, but its mixed in with daring and progressive ideas that largely are gone from the later era. The way Firth of Fifth goes from a Grand piano introduction to rock to flutes and then synth really keeps up the pace of these longer songs. The thing that suprises me is each section in itself works so well and the sum of its parts is even better. Honestly the entirity of Firth of Fifth is incredible. I was debating between a 4 and a 5, but I think this just eeks out a 5 for me.

I listened to this only like 7 weeks ago and I can't remember how any of the songs go, but I'm nevertheless going to give it the same full-throttled 5 stars I gave it then. Being great and yet something that instantly erases itself from your mind such that you can come back to it repeatedly with an innocent heart every damn time truly makes early Genesis the MST3K of rock.

9.5

That was a BLAST. Exactly what I wanted from this list. It gave me good vibes like Styx, Boston, the classics. Really cool rhythms beats and just a vibe in general. I'll give this one a five star.

Not my favourite Genesis album, but it's still a great progressive rock landmark that it's worth listening even today.

Un très bon album très progressif pour son époque. D'habitude j'aime pas vraiment les groupes typés "ultra progessistes" branlette intellectuelle mais là certains éléments font penser à plusieurs sonorités qu'on retrouve dans la guitare moderne, avec des arrangements et des techniques extremement développé, c'est une très bonne surprise et je vois difficilement comment on peut mettre autre chose que 5

Do I need to hear this classic one more time? No. Do I want to? Eh, yes!

Dang this album rocks

This is great.

This is driving me crazy. It's the worst album ever made somehow cheesy but pretentious at the same time. But, I've now listened to it three times and I can't stop. It was a 1 without a shadow of a doubt after the first listen. I had to Ironically listen to The Battle of Epping forest again and then I put Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, but then, it was ironic? I was enjoying it. So I guess it's good? I thought Genesis were a bit more route one than this and I've always enjoyed that about them, they can't do anything too adventurous because my dad likes them. So this really has been quite the day for me. This is the worst album I will give a 5 to and I have no doubt about that.

Genesis is one of those bands I respect, but I find myself enjoying certain albums more than others. This one definitely lands towards the top of my list. Usually, I’m not a big fan of theatrical elements in music, but with this album, those elements actually make it even better. In fact, the combination of theatrical and symphonic elements is what makes this album stand out for me. Even though “Firth of Fifth” is one of their more popular songs, it’s also my favorite track. Oh, and the keyboards and synths, those are another highlight that really make the album enjoyable for me.

Me like, but requires multiple listenings...

This was great. I've held off from checking out early Genesis for a while despite liking contemporary prog and I wish I had listened to this sooner, I love the classical elements like those in Yes' records. Originally gave it a 4 but after listening a couple more times I've bumped it up to a 5; easily one of the best prog records I've heard.

A wonderful album full of magic.

Prog rock with Peter Gabriel seems to be an irresistible mix for me. Early Genesis may be one of the biggest revelations of this list for me.

BANGER

I love these sprawling songs full of mythic references and an epic feeling of Importance, even though they may cover such small things as a gang fight in a forest. I could listen to a lot more of this (fortunately, the list provides). Favorite track(s): "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight," maybe "Firth of Fifth"

this shit would go wild on some nitrous in the middle of an acid trip

Day697 - this album is awesome and drugs would probably make it even better

Oh damn, Genesis - that's the crappy Phil Collins band from the 90's. Apparently they had a whole life as a prog-rock band and this is some great prog-rock. I would have never guessed this was Genesis. Great find and this is the reason I keep coming back to this website every day. I will definitely be diggin into their back catalog.

Eines der besten Prog-Rock Alben aller Zeiten. Allein schon für das Klavier-Intro von Firth of Fifth 5 Sterne wert. Aber auch sonst viele hörenswerte Klassiker wie "Cinema Show" und "I know that I like" 5/5

god

I was introduced to this album in college as every young man should be. I have always loved it and i can’t be subtle about it.

The best album by Genesis, hands down. It has the musical depth and shows the talent in songwriting by making the Englishness theme not too overt. And then there's the talent to write really complex, but also catchy songs. "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)" or "The Battle of Epping Forest" are classic prog rock at its best yet highly sing-a-long-y. Not an easy accomplishment!

I liked it very much

Absolutely love this album. It was my gateway into Peter Gabriel's Genesis, and this sort of Prog in general. It is very theatrical and the lyrics quite dense, but that's part of the charm! The musical performances are excellent as well - particularly Collins' drumming and Hackett's guitar.

Genesis' finest hour. While their previous album Foxtrot delivered some of the band's most impressive work (i.e. the 23-minute masterpiece "Supper's Ready") and their following album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway was a full-on rock opera, here they strike the perfect balance of experimentation and more focused songwriting. The atmosphere is pure whimsical britishness. Fantasy and historical settings intersect and coexist harmoniously. Honestly, I don't what Peter Gabriel is singing about most of the times, but it sure sounds awesome. Key tracks: Dancing With the Moonlit Knight I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) Firth of Fifth

The group's second best album. A stunning precursor of the greatness to come in the future. I know what I like indeed.

Genius

One of the Greatest Prog-Rock albums of all time! I have owned it since its release and loved every note! All of the Band’s members have excelled in following works and careers!

Love this Peter Gabriel era of Genesis! Love this album!

I love how every second of this is designed to captivate you. It has a mesmerizing atmosphere that makes you immerse yourself (or even drown) in the waves of sound and the lyrics. Prime progressive rock! 5 stars.

Peter Gabriel still with Genesis, a delight.

Top 3 prog album ever

4.6

I'm a fan of Genesis but don't feel this is their best album

bin oui

Must. Masterpiece

Can you tell me where my country lies? Here in this album, and a really good album in fact. This is actually the first Genesis album I ever listened to, and I listened to it in full about two years ago, so I was excited to listen to it in full again, and boy was my excitement well placed. This album stands as one of the defining albums of prog rock. All members of the band carry the weight in their own way. Peter Gabriel’s vocals and songwriting infuse humor and wit, while still touching on issues such as the state of England at the time of the album’s recording, hence the title of the album. Tony Banks’ keyboard playing really creates an atmosphere on songs like After The Ordeal and Firth of Fifth. Steve Hackett is one of the best prog rock guitar players of all time, no contest. His solo on Dancing With The Moonlit Knight should be enough to prove that. Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins on bass and drums respectively create a powerful rhythm section, and they really create a good foundation for the band, while also having moments to shine on their own. The album really shines for me in the longer pieces, such as the epic Dancing With The Moonlit Knight, or the Monty-Python-esque song, The Battle of Epping Forest. But I also came to appreciate the shorter, softer songs on the album, such as After The Ordeal or More Fool Me, which are both nice breaks in between these prog epics. Overall, this album is truly a pillar of prog rock, and a great album in general. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a cinema show to catch.

Epic and Immersive!!! A true classic

Awesome dad prog rock

A perfect prog masterpiece

Hell yes feed me all of the Genesis. Never heard of this album or any of the songs on it so I was super excited to jump into this. Firth of Fifth was just a prog rock masterpiece. I should have taken way more drugs before listening to Battle of Epping Forest. That was a trippy ass song. These are the kind of albums I love listening to every so often. Genesis and Yes both do a great job of just having songs that sound like you are going through a story. The time changes that happen throughout each song are so awesome because they make each song and also the middle of each song never get stale. Definitely not a type of album I could listen to on repeat, but when the time is right this absolutely rocks.

Stellar prog rock

Um. Need I say more. I think on this listen cinema show solidified itself in the Mount Rushmore of Genesis songs. Suppers ready, firth of fifth, back in nyc, cinema show. Musical box is the 5

DUHHHHHHHHHH A geli classic and for good reason. Wish I had listened to this all in one sitting, but just awesome stuff. Glad I have nostalgia for this album.

Listened to before: Yes Genesis are my favourite 70s prog band. There are two things that play into this: First, Peter Gabriel - His performance and his humour set the band apart from their peers. Second, Genesis consists of a bunch of musicians that play their instruments impressingly - but it never sounds like they are showing off, lile with some other bands. The four album run from Nursery Cryme to The Lamb is immaculate, with Foxtrot being my favourite. Selling England is great to. It might have some lengths towards the end, but that's just nitpicking

gorgeous album

Superb. No notes Last track is so damn good Bit self indulgent but that probably makes it better. Very very good

There were some ups and downs, but the highlights of this album were borderline out-of-body experiences for a prog fan

Awesomeness

Total masterpiece, in my top 10

masterpiece, anything else?

Ambious, beautiful...and British. Compositions are amazing and I love the way some of the songs are in continuing movement in multiple directions. There isn't much rock moments but plenty of english folk songs and ever nursery rhymes inspired instead. All the players are really good and the album is full of exploration of differents sounds, especially in guitar department. Overall productions seems a little dated, but musically I don't find any weak moments in the album so definitely it is one the best prog albums ever made.

Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, and the boys sure rock hard, wow. I am floored at how musically complex this album is. I'm even more confused how a prog rock band was ever as big as it was, as it seems so counter culture to whatever was popular over the decades. You can't sing to this, you can barely keep time with it. But at the same time, I can believe it - this came out in 1973 and sounds like bothing around it; it sounds like the future. There isn't any psychadelia sounds around, just face melting instumentals. Firth of Fifth is a special song, one of my absolute favorites 600 albums in.

Every member of the band working hard and working together to create a cohesive sound. Bravo!

Yesss! I was hoping there'd be more Genesis on this list! This was great! Especially the longer songs! When the synth kicks in, it takes it to another level! Best songs: Firth Of Fifth and The Cinema Show

Listen again, get on vinyl

One of my favorite albums, personal top ten. Also in my opinion top 3 prog rock album. This album, to me, is what’s best about prog rock. It’s big and sweeping and dramatic and over the top but so so beautiful and captivating and fun.

9/10 Highlights: The Battle of Epping Forest Dancing with the Moonlit Knight The Cinema Show Firth of Fifth Aisle of Plenty

5/5

Me, I’m just a lawmower

Peter Gabriel‘s vocals (Ably supported by Phil Collins) takes this album to the heights. A magnificent reminder of Genesis at the height of their powers

Masterpiece. One of the best albums of all time by one of the best bands of all time and composed by some of the best musicians of all time.

This album, and many others by the early Genesis era, has the power to transport you to a whole other world.

This is the Genesis I grew up with, definitely the Peter Gabriel led Genesis. Good 70's Progressive Rock. Maybe the best Genesis album, definitely top 2 or 3. Tells a story, good blending of Banks, Hackett, and Collins. Well worth a listen.

Brilliant album, I’ve never heard Genesis before and definitely wasn’t expecting this.

prog rock might be a new favourite genre of mine now

An objective masterpiece of the genere

Rock with folky and theatrical elements. Takes you on a journey. Insane drumming by Collins. Prog rock, chaotic in a good melodic way. Super varied and entertaining.

This is fantastic. With an album title like "Selling England by the Pound", you'd expect either a stereotypical punk/Britpop album or maybe something more classic-rock and psychedelic. With Genesis, you get neither – instead, you're presented with a crisp, dynamic, fresh, unique take on the enigmatic style of prog rock. It's so easy to mess up the genre and sound like you're (as many reviewers put it) "wanking around", but I would attribute that more to the meandering, stop-start-laden subgenre that includes albums like Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells. (I like Tubular Bells, by the way. But I like this more.) Selling England by the Pound toes the line between wankery and tightness, and ends up with the creativity of the former and the satisfying musicianship of the latter. Seriously – the guitar and drums are excellent on this record. I enjoy the vocal, too, particularly in how it doesn't try to take the spotlight even when it's active. Reminds me very much of King Crimson's stuff. There's not a miss on the album. The track closest to being a "flop" is the medieval-sounding instrumental After The Ordeal, but even that is well-arranged with a focus on piano and an unusually melodic electric guitar. Firth of Fifth has to be my favourite track upon a first listen, mostly because of its contrasting parts: a jaunty piano some of the time, and an intense, foreboding, organ-laden feel at others times. Also a cool time signature. Genesis seems to like those. We see another nifty rhythm in The Cinema Show, and there are surely plenty others elsewhere in their discography. Something about Genesis's music reminds me of Rush. Maybe it's the overactive guitar and bass, and the flurried yet ultra-precise drumming. Geddy Lee and his gang must've taken notes. 5/5 Key tracks: Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, Firth of Fifth, The Cinema Show

Best prog album ever

Totally brilliant! Thank you Andy This album very dandy Don't call me Mandy Or Randy

I was hesitant the first few songs, then I got sucked in. Great prog rock album

Peter Gabriel!

Already listened to this a while back. Good album. Love Cinema Show, Moonlight Night, Firth of Fifth, I Know What I Like, etc. 9/10

This is exactly my kind of music - experimental yet still accessible enough prog rock, layered, written, played, sang and produced very well. Hardcore early Genesis fans consider Trespass/Nursery Cryme/Foxtrot as the Holy Trinity in the band's catalogue, but I love this album and The Lamb...just equally. Selling England by the Pound is even better produced than anything they recorded previously. I love the opening track, I know what I like, the epic prog rock songs The Battle of the Epping Forest and Firth of Fifth, the medieval beauty Aisle of Plenty and most of all, Cinema Show which is one of my favourite songs from this era by any band. The changes of timing and tempo, the drumming, the beauty of the singing and lyrics are just perfect. My least favourite song is More Fool Me, sung by Collins. It's still a 5 star album in my book and one of my favourites in their catalogue.

The keyboard gives the feeling of Yes while the wind instruments gives the feeling of Jethro Tull. Two prog bands I really enjoy. Despite the connections, Genesis really does feel like its own thing and I'm here for it. The instrumentation is delightful and varied. The vocals are soft but still feel impactful. Good stuff.

Long ago, I remember reading about list of the greatest prog bands of all time and seeing Genesis ranked highly. “Huh? Phil Collins?” Silly me. Genesis were such a more interesting band in the Peter Gabriel era, and this album highlights it in pretty much every way. The story telling and the composition of it all is beautifully constructed. It reminded me a little of Jethro Tull at times too, although that may have simply been because there were flutes. Overall, this album is bloody great.

I was so impressed by this record, an absolutely gorgeous example of British folkish prog rock. I listened to it twice in a row, beautiful on the hi-fi and powerful in the headphones. The creative power of this band is on full display here. I read online that the band wasn't happy with the original production, but I streamed the 2007 stereo mix, and the production and mastering sounded borderline perfect to me. Some purists online complain that the original mix is the way to go, but I don't have a history with this record, so I wouldn't know the difference. This record's legendary status is fully deserved, and this is one I plan to come back to again. Five stars.

Damn, this is a really great record. Only ever knew a handful of songs before, but I loved the entire record. Have been listening to it on repeat all week!

Progressive rock is really hit-or-miss for me. Sometimes, I struggle to get past the evident showboating of talented musicians—like Emerson, Lake & Palmer—who, in my opinion, lack the emotional depth and melodic warmth that Genesis brings to their work. For me, "Selling England by the Pound" is the quintessential progressive rock album, capturing Genesis at their most imaginative and technically brilliant.

This era Genesis is my favourite Prog Rock. Everyone here is amazing. Rich, lush and beautiful.

At the time of this writing, I have a one-month old baby and ever since he’s been born, I listen to my album of the day with him. He HATED this album. Every time I tried to play it, he would scream bloody treason until I killed the music. So maybe he’s not going to be my little prog rock monster, but for my part, I loved their lush sounds and silly little nerdiness.

The haters gonna hate. But I don't give a fuck because this was and remains one of my favourite albums of all time. So I'll have a day's break from objective listening to stuff I've mostly never heard before and fill my boots with this absolute joy. Best track The Cinema Show. No, wait, Firth of Fifth. No... Battle of Epping Forest. Fuckit the whole damn lot. 6/5

I was going to make a pun on Genesis doing what ninten-don't, but that didn't really fit. So I don't have an intro, sorry. This is one of the consensus picks from the fandom for best album from Peter Gabriel's time with the band, and I have to agree. I love 'Supper's Ready' as a side-length song, and there are some really good tracks in 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway', but aside from some dodgy lyrics to 'Firth of Fifth' and the lyrics to 'The Battle of Epping Forest' not fitting 100% with the music, it's all solidly great. The opening and closing tracks bookend it perfectly, Firth of Fifth has some of the best keyboard and guitar riffing that the band ever did (and the flute work is great too) and it just feels a lot more... fun. Genesis never took themselves too seriously, but they accidentally projected a po-faced attitude to people who hadn't listened to them (Because honestly, one look at the ridiculous album cover to Nursery Cryme would've clued you in). Most importantly, the band is completely balanced here. In both earlier and later albums the organ, piano and synths were the centerpiece of the band's sound. Here, it shares they spotlight with the guitars, along with the best production work from this era, and that just gives it that extra special oomph. Oh, and they actually made a single that could've been a hit, had it been marketed properly. I'm not sure this is where I'd start people off with listening to Prog!Genesis, but if you like it then you really need to get this one. Tangent: I feel like Pokemon ripped off the instrumental section of Dancing with the Moonlit Knight for their intro theme. (Not the anime, the 'dan-dan daaan, dan-dan daaan' one from the games) Fave Song: I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) Least Fave: The Battle of Epping Forest Strong Bad Demerit Rating: 2

Fire asl

This one really wowed me. The tone, the writing, the technicality, just a masterpiece of a prog album.

I’m really enjoying Genesis more and more

Has no business going that hard

Great !

Not had a bit of prog on here for a while it feels like. Definitely underrated this one from the couple of listens i've already given it, had a blast this time. The first track especially kicks with off with a huge bang. None of the longer songs feel like their actual length at all.

I'm pretty new to prog as a whole, but this one I really adore. there's tons of great stuff, but the first two tracks here are near and dear to me - especially 'dancing with the moonlit knight' which I have fallen in love with outside of this project. the thing I love about this album is how expertly it switches gears from one movement to the next. I really adore the rhythm section on this one, particularly the bass playing. just a great album that is becoming one of my favorites!

Loved it

Well, consider me a fan of this era of Genesis. Seriously, it's incredible I've never listened to this stuff before. I mean, I've always been aware that it's been pretty damn quality, but, for some reason, prior to today I've only ever listened to one of their songs, "Land Of Confusion". Which, hey, that's not a bad one song to be stuck on; it wasn't a world conquering single for nothing. But actually diving into something from Gabriel's tenure in the band — and not even one of the more well-known ones, at that... Oh, wow. Wow. Woooow. This is amazing. Simply amazing. I'm struggling to put a word to exactly how this sounds to me, but goodness me, I love how it sounds. This kind of, y'know, vibe and tone. I'm comparing this to some of the other 70's prog bands I've heard, like King Crimson and Yes, and unlike critics' comparisons at the time, I'm actually **favoring** Genesis. And don't get me wrong, of course; Yes is great, and I've really liked what I heard from King Crimson. Genesis, though... This sound that they got just really appeals to me. I think the best I can describe it is that it's the most "uplifting 70's rock" prog I've ever heard. Seriously, I can't even begin to describe how this scratches an itch I didn't even know I had. As soon as possible, I'm really gonna hafta check out some of the other more well-known Genesis albums, like FOXTROT and THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY, goodness. And... Yeah, on an initial listen, tryna describe my initial reaction, that's really all I hafta say. From one album alone, Genesis might've already become my second favorite prog rock band, only beaten out by how much Pink Floyd is truly a part of me. It's a hard 5 from me, no question about it. It's a new benchmark for judging prog albums I haven't heard before. So, y'know, good luck tryna match up... I'unno. CRIME OF THE CENTURY? Do ELP have an album here? Yeah, they probably wouldn't stand up too well.

Just some pretty dope prog rock, simple as. Solid 5 Stars.

Well, that’s a 5. This is my first full Genesis album – I’m very aware of the whole Peter Gabriel to Phil Collins switch, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything from either era of the band, save for Misunderstanding (which is basically a Phil Collins solo track, let’s be real). To put it more blatantly, the fact that this is a full blown prog rock album (and by extension, Genesis being a full blown prog rock band at this time) kinda hit me out of nowhere, but I am not complaining one fucking bit – this is spectacular. Call me dumb if you want, it might be a bit deserved. I’ve just always assumed, based on both Peter & Phil’s 80s work, that Genesis leaned more into rock with a bit more blues involved (i.e. Chicago, Boston, Toto, etc), and not big booming Yes or King Crimson-esque stuff. This is proper prog rock, and it’s treated with the full slate of respect; there are melodies upon melodies upon melodies throughout this album, and it somehow keeps an incredibly tight rhythm while somehow finding room within each sandbox to keep expanding far beyond the imagined scope at the start of each track. The shining example here is “Firth of Fifth”’s extended instrumental break, but I simply have to give a huge shout to all of the longer tracks on this album, especially the instrumental outro of “The Cinema Show”. It’s very rare to have that many long tracks be *that* captivating. When this album does lean back from its prog rock sensibilities, it still sounds great; “I Know What I Like” has some killer melodies with a Beatles-y flair, & “More Fool Me” is a really nice bit of foreshadowing for Phil’s solo success to come – stellar vocals & harmonies on that track, seriously. “Aisle of Plenty” is fine, with some decently layered guitar riffs, but it is a bit of an odd ending to the album to pun on UK supermarkets and whatnot. It does require a bit more attention lyrically than I would’ve figured on a first pass; it certainly feels like there’s a lot of sociopolitical commentary scattered throughout this album, most of which is probably UK-based. The only one I *think* I picked up on was “The Battle of Epping Forest”, which I sort of took as a 60s/70s culture war allegory, replete with greedy CEOs and executives simply making money while enjoying watching the warhawks and the hippies fight. I’m probably way off in that analysis, but there’s certainly something close to that. The rest of it, if it is UK-based, will probably just remain a bit of a mystery to me. Regardless of all that, I’m still just a bit stunned; it’s clearly on me for never really listening to Genesis before now, but for this to exist, and have gone under my radar for years upon years is rather annoying. Better late than never – it’s just a spectacular prog rock album, and I feel like I really need to dive deeper into Genesis. I’ve probably been missing out. Very easy 5.

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

pretty good

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.

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 !

I'm a fan of both, the proggy and the poppy Genesis. This my favorite Gabriel led era album or lat least the one I listen to the most. Musically it's a pleasure to listen to and really seems to unveil different aspects the more you listen to it. The only knock is sometimes the "Britishness" get's a bit old.

I love this album and I have since high school. Hard to believe how fast 50 years can go by. Here's to Genesis and all of their great music, together and apart.

A masterpiece. Progressive rock in its purest form. Lyrically clever and inventive - Peter Gabriel at his whimsical best. Musically original, adventurous, yet moving - Tony Banks at his canorous best. An essential album for any student or lover of music.

lo que se dice DISCAZO. 9/10

Truly masterful. I don't know if this was their progrock or poprock era but I head elements of both and it all was amazing.

It's hard for me to be objective about this album, given how into it I was when was 14 years old. Admittedly much of it is self indulgent prog rock bollocks, but what magnificent bollocks! The guitar solo from Steve Hackett in Firth of Fifth is worth the price of admission alone.

this rules

loved the medieval vibrations i was sensing. the journeys these songs take you on are super cool. even though there were parts i felt weren't to my liking, they still all contributed to the atmosphere of the album, which i did like. it was adventurous and fantastical. i lack the words to really describe how the music sounded but if this is prog rock then i like it. is it?

prog rock is so weird. but this was a banger 10/10

I admit my eyes rolled when I saw this - but it’s a delight.

I'm the kind of person that listens to the beat before I pay attention to the lyrics and I was hooked on the first song. It transitions so well with different sounds. All the songs mesh so well together its so mesmerizing. Also just found out Phil Collins is in the group love that. Only disliked one song and the rest was just transcending. Very much would want to listen to this on psychedelics.

"Me? I'm just a lawn mower. You can tell by the way I walk." That line alone might be enough to divide the 5s and 1s. The musicianship and creativity on this album are nearly unparalleled in "popular music" history. I could do 5 separate listens to focus on each member of the band. Also more people should be aware of how absolutely insanely great a drummer Phil Collins was. Give me Gabriel-Genesis all day every day. Fking brilliance. 10/10 5 stars.

Peak Gabriel. Such a magnificent blend of poignance, whimsy and majesty.

Banger

Disregarding the unnecessary breather of 'After the Ordeal', this is all peak Peter Gabriel bright-mind creativity backed by a remarkable ensemble. Early Genesis is much more provocative and interesting than the later more successful era of the band, and 'SEBTP' is an epic testament to that. Favorite Track: 'The Battle of Epping Forest'

Ik heb (of had) niet heel veel met Genesis, niet dat ik weet in ieder geval, ik dacht toch altijd dat het redelijk jaren '80 doorsnee rock was. Maar dit album is echt wel interessant hoor. Dit gaat echt richting folk prog ofzo, een mengeling die ik niet echt eerder gehoord heb, behalve bij Magna Carta dan denk ik. Ik zit er op het moment van schrijven pas drie nummers in, maar weet nu al dat dit er eentje is om later nog eens bij terug te komen. En na het hele album ben ik nog steeds van mening dat dit erg interessant is. Ik twijfel wel altijd met 5 sterren geven, want misschien valt het bij een tweede keer luisteren wel tegen, maar laten we het gewoon doen. Je moet ook niet al te terughoudend zijn als je iets wel gewoon leuk vindt.

LP

I could listen to members of Genesis sing "Picnic, Picnic, Picnic" for eight hours straight, and it would still be worth it for 'Firth of Fifth' alone.

Selling England By the Pound will probably always feel like a first love to me. I have listened to this countless times, own multiple editions and never grow tired of anything about it. It contains everything I love about the Peter Gabriel-era. Amazing prog-suites in "Dancing With the Moonlit Knight", "Firth of Fifth", "The Cinema Show" and the monster that it "The Battle of Epping Forest". Beautiful classical inspired pieces like "After the Ordeal" and enough British references to scare off almost anyone. This is also Hackett, Rutherford and Collins at the absolute height of their career, delivering one awe-inspiring performance after another. I know many people insist on The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway being the better Genesis record. But they are wrong. Plain and simple.

Excellent album and massively influential for a lot of my favorite bands. Top-notch level of musicianship and ambition. I fucking love Genesis.

I reallyliked this album, This gave me a a feeling of a very high energy Rush-like album

Lengthy prog rock and I'm for it!

Classic prog album, one of my favorite album of all time. For me this is a perfect album, with incredible instrumental work, especially from Tony Banks and Steve Hackett.

increíble progresivo

When Genesis was in its earlier progressive rock days with Peter Gabriel still lead singer, the music had a mythological feeling, a walk between the “sacred and the profane” and a dark wit. It was before my time, but it must have been great to catch their live performances which had theatrical elements, costumes and makeup etc. In fact, “More the Fool Me” almost feels like an intermission in a play, with Collins on vocals for this one, and I can almost imagine Gabriel is backstage changing costumes. It’s a fine enough song, but it’s the only one that feels out of flow with the rest of the album. Written and sung by Collins, it seems to me to foreshadow the more romance centered pop music Genesis would put out after Gabriel left for his solo career. The earlier prog rock days are my preferred time for Genesis, and this is a great album I’m glad is on the list. Along with it I’d recommend “Foxtrot” and “The Lamb Lies down on Broadway” if more classic Genesis is wanted.

The only way I can explain why I’m not into Yes, but I love this record is: Peter Gabriel.

Imagining a time when this kind of music was not only good but commercially successful blows my mind. I love the virtuosity, the tight arrangements and execution, and the pictures painted by the libretto.

Big fan of solo Peter Gabriel work and both Genesis eras, but it's been a good long while since I sat with the old 70s stuff. Somehow aims for both grand and cozy, and manages to make both work

Long time fave.

oh wow, why is it new to me??

I mean it’s Genesis what do you want me to do give them less than 5? Not in this century bud

One of the most interesting albums I've ever heard. Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins together was always going to lead to something like this. Favorite track: I Know What I Like

The theatrical-ness of it (esp. Peter Gabriel) might remind you of Iron Maiden or Kiss or some shit and put you off, but when you realise that they’re much more high-brow, v. well thought out and more tasteful, they become one of the best bands in the world. All masters of their own craft. It’s basically jazz/classical with contemporary instruments. More Led Zeppelin than Led Zeppelin. More Pink Floyd than Pink Floyd. More Beatles than Beatles. Metal before metal, shoegaze before shoegaze. You could have been listening to The Temptations in ‘73. Genesis have a vast discography going in different directions with different members but for me this is peak Genesis. Earlier/later albums might be ‘better’, but dynamically this one hits the sweet spot. One of my favourite albums of all time. Want to go We need to smoke one to this in February. And play catan to the goblin music. FIVE STARS

Nice

I'm an unabashed Genesis fan, and I like all of their different eras. SEBTP is probably my favorite of theirs, so this was an easy 5 for me. The songs are whimsical, inventive, often hilarious (check out the lyrics for The Battle of Epping Forest) and endlessly fascinating. The performances are stellar throughout, with bonus points going to Phil Collins, who delivers a drum performance for the ages. I know prog isn't for everyone, and I'm not even really a prog guy. Mostly I find the genre pretentious, stuffy, and noodly. But Genesis always had a great sense of humor, which cuts through the pretension, and I never find their songs too long or boring. (The only tune that doesn't land for me is After the Ordeal, but it's fine.) Plus, Peter Gabriel might be my favorite male vocalist, so there's that.

I knew Phil Collins was a great drummer, but sheeeeeesh he is a master on the kit. Elevates what is already great prog rock into a real 5 star album for me.

Fine, I like Prog Rock. The fans definitely still suck though.

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Musically rich, ebbs and flows through so many different parts and moods, sometimes folkloric, sometimes killer prog. Dare I say a nearly perfect album even with the hints of arty pretentiousness; it slays. I am completely surprised to say I like it quite a bit more than The Lamb Lies Down… My only critique would be Gabriel’s vocals occasionally are overbearing on the music to me, but I’m still very fond.

Interesting music. There's narration in between the music to tell you a story. Easy beats to listen to.

This was my first Peter Gabriel fronted Genesis album that I've listened to. I love Abacab and Invisible Touch, and I really loved this album. The instrumentation is phenomenal, and I really like how everything is arranged. Peter Gabriel's vocals really shine on this album, and I look forward to more albums from this part of Genesis's history.

Absolutely tremendous prog epic

Oh Prog Rock, the only genre where I see 10 minute songs and think "Cool!". Also, I didn't expect a band I know for much poppier sounds and members who make, again, much poppier sounds, to make such a banger of a prog album. Each song is super enjoyable and always keeps you invested, long or short. I wasn't expecting to love this album so much but each song brought something to the table I thoroughly enjoyed, and brings you back in pretty quickly if it starts to slip. Shame I got this album today when I just saw a vinyl for it yesterday; would definitely of bought it had I known.

So many moving pieces - on my first listen I was overwhelmed, but with more listens I started to enjoy the album a lot.

Lots of conceptual themes going on, this paved the way for a lot of the music that I listen to today. Great prog rock foundation, a little disorienting to first time listeners but this is an album that grows on you over time.

Very good early Prog.

Listen to it with great pleasure

I couldn't put less even if I wanted to

damnnnn. great album through and through. opener is amazing, not a single song is annoying, except maybe the second one, but not to an extreme extent, and the closer (The Cinema Show/Aisle of Plenty) wraps it up really nicely. it always feels shorter than it really is, because it really takes you to a place and brings you home. I would love to give this a 5, but it does feel somewhat bland at times, and is not incredibly memorable on a song by song basis. it feels more like a long soak in this world than different songs that stick with you. high 4.5

I think this is my favourite Genesis album. The keyboard solo in Cinema Show is my favourite-OAT, with its many different themes. The instrumental passage in Firth of Fifth is great and Rolling Stone (I think) ranked Hackett's guitar solo in that song as one of the GOAT. His solo in After the Ordeal is good to. I like the opening and closing bookends + Epping - though I'm not so fond of the hit or More Fool Me. A big plus is that the entire band participates in writing the music and lyrics. Gabriel's lyrics are clever and can be hard to figure out for non-Brits. I once visited Song meanings (I think) to read more about the references in Moonlit Knight - it wasn't a short read.

This is an iconic prog album, certainly in the top 5 of all time. I can't decide which is the best song on the albu: the Firth of Fifth, Battle of Epping Forest or Cinema Show. They are all monster songs and truly epic in scope (in this case the use of epic is not cliched, but truly appropriate). Here, on their fifth album all band-members are basically in peak form. Firth features lovely piano and guitar solos by Banks and Hackett, Battle of Epping Forest has some of my favourite lyrics / wordplay sung magnificently by Peter Gabriel, and Cinema Show closes with an incredible 4.5 minute keyboard solo by Rutherford. The album lags slightly in certain sections but the sheer weight of the above 3 songs more than compensates for any shortcomings. Peak Prog indeed.

One of my first progrock albums I ever bought. Still so great.

A genuine classic. One off.

Magnificent. To me this is Genesis's masterwork and up there in the top 5 prog albums. I really like the playful lyrics (especially Battle of Epping Forest and Cinema Show) and the lovely, understated playing of Hackett and Banks. The songs all stand up and are both complex and accessible. A total joy to listen to

A prog masterwork. Ever changing songs, brimming with great melodies, creativity and life. Though the players are all incredibly gifted, technicality never overshadows musicality. If you haven’t heard it before you certainly must before you die

omg wonderful

One of many classic Genesis albums. I am probably more inclined to listen to one of their 80s albums: Duke / Abacab / Genesis / Invisible Touch are all 5-star but probably not on this list. From their Peter Gabriel period, I had only expected to see the Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, but of course Selling England By The Pound is an appropriate choice too.

What an amazing album. True work of art from beginning to end. I know Phil Collins isn't some master class singer, and Peter Gabriel was great too, but Phil Collins voice is just wonderful to me for some reason.

Essential prog work listening and the best album of the Gabriel era of Genesis

A true classic from one of my favourite bands. Didn't listen to it today to be fair, but listened through most of it last week and know pretty much the whole thing off by heart, so I can still give a fair review. This album plays off somewhat as a concept album, with common musical themes popping up in several places and an inescapable English vibe. The three main highlights to look out for are "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight", "The Cinema Show" and "Firth of Fifth". Genesis was in a purple patch in terms of instrumentation and creativity at this point, and it shines through in places like the breathtaking guitar solo on FoF, or Cinema Show's colossal organ solo. Scattered between are everything from love ballads to the prog-folk rock behemoth "The Battle of Epping Forest". Even if this album doesn't strike you at first, appreciate the scope of the sound they are creating and you'll see the beauty behind it.

This is a 'love-it or Hate-it' scenario. I can see a whole army of 1* reviewers massing on the border....... I used to love 'Phil Collins Genesis' and thought 'Peter Gabriel Genesis' dull but actually listening to this now it's like the Heavens have opened and the sun is shining down. It's marvellous. I'm in Prog-Paradise. The musicianship is amazing and the meandering bits no longer irritate me. Maybe it's an age thing? Our army of 5* defenders will repel the enemy!

Still their best album overall, still listen to it regularly. The worst song is the one with Phil Collins singing, a sign of what was to come. There's a live version of Cinema Show on Youtube from 1976 with Bill Bruford doing the twin drummer thing that's amazing if you haven't seen it. Shame they didn't bring this last tour out here. One of the few bands I've never seen. Haven't seen PG ever either.

Nick Green would be happy.... Liking it so far. Firth of Forth is great. Also More Fool Me. Yeah, ok, I loved this. Genesis is one of those bands I'm always surprised to discover I love, but....this ruled.

This album is a masterpiece! Prog with folk/medieval melodies. Favorite tracks: * Dancing With The Moonlit Knight * I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) * The Battle Of Epping Forest

Genialny muzycznie album. W każdym z utworów Phil Collins zaskakuje swoim kunsztem perkusyjnym, niemniej każdy z muzyków na przestrzeni całego albumu ma kilkukrotnie okazję zabłysnąć i pokazać swoje umiejętności. Niezwykle trudne do zagrania utwory, które dodatkowo poza klasycznym trio rockowym wplatają syntezatory, intrumenty dęte, gitarę 12 strunową czy pianino, dodatkowo solówki skomponowane typowo pod każdy z instrumentów, które przewijają się przez całość utworu. To wszystko, oraz muzyczna opowieść w niecodziennie długich utworach trwających nawet 10 minut sprawia, że album odciąga od innych czynności i angażuje w aktywne słuchanie. Mocno wpleciona lirycznie kultura anglosaska podkreśla pochodzenie albumu, które można także usłyszeć w warstwie muzycznej, szczególnie instrumentów dętych.

Fenomenalny album. Na pewno często wrócę. Bogactwo melodii i przenikanie się gatunków, przyjemna warstwa liryczna, zdecydowanie magnum opus Genesis. Takie ciekawe rzeczy pod względem muzycznym tam się działy, że aż ciężko było się skupić na czymkolwiek innym niż słuchanie. Każdy tam dał popis swoich najlepszych umiejętności. Pierwszy i trzeci utwór zdecydowane topki z albumu, do których z chęcią wrócę. Na minus przedłużone niektóre kawałki, moim zdaniem na siłę. Niemniej jednak wydaje mi się, że nie mógłbym temu krążkowi dać czwórki i spać spokojnie.

This is my personal favorite Genesis album. The whole first side is spectacular, especially Firth of Fifth. The second side is mostly story songs that are intricate in their execution and interesting in their story lines.

A different side of Genesis that I wasn’t aware of, but I liked it a lot!

God I wish I still did drugs

So fucking weird, I love it. I listen to a lot of terrible music like grind core, where you listen to a minute of complete shitty noise just for a five second riff that makes it all worth it. Genesis is similar, you listen to six minutes of wacky shit for one minute of a badass sequence and its totally worth it.

Bien vu.

9/10 great prog, would love to hear more Genesis

Classic/10

lyssnade igenom första gången för typ ett år sen och kom ihåg att man blev ganska trött och paff och oj första gången man lyssnade. men nu! nu! Epping forest är wohooo och moonlit knight ojojoj. Lite dippar i kortlåtarna ibland och är inte heeeelt övertygad av cinema show, MEN

Ett av världens bästa progg-album, känns nästan som de uppfinner något ny blandgenre? Har många olika inslag, det tillsammans med den lite lätt humoristiska lyriken, insprängda runk-solon och en rätt lättsmält längd, gör det till ett väldigt roligt album att plöja i en sittning. Släpptes 1973 men känns så himla i framkant, måste ha varit extremt banbrytande för sin tid. Produktionen är extremt jämn och utstrålar professionalitet men lämnar heller inga riktiga 'nuggets' som hade jammat rätt bra med den 'levnadsglada' musiken. Allt annat än en femma är tjänstefel men det kittlar inte i pungen som det gör för vissa andra tidlösa klassiker? Inte samma Eurekaupplevelse som när jag lyssnade på The Wall, ett annat album jag varvar hundratals gånger? Men däremot faller allt på plats utan den minsta glipa eller opolerad skavank. Skulle nog säga 4.8, upprundat till en femma. Don't get me wrong, ÄLSKAR SKITEN

Genesis har betytt så mycket för mig sen tonåren, så jag ser såklart det här albumet genom en rosig lins, men i mina ögon är det här kanske fortfarande världens bästa platta. Vilken jävla RESA det är, från den trevande öppningen av Dancing with the Moonlit Knight till det bombastiska avslutet på The Cinema Show, via Firth of Fifth och The Battle of Epping Forest. Det enda jag önskar är att jag inte kunde albumet not för not redan utan fick uppleva det som nytt igen. Skulle dela ut 6 stjärnor om jag kunde.

Rating: 9,3/10 What is this immediate awesomeness? "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight" evolves into something akin to Rush. This whole album is just so good! The prog-rock and Rush-like elements are amazing. "Firth Of Fifth" is an amazing track, but so are all the other songs! "The Battle Of Epping Forest" is a long epic melodic treat, filled with shifting time signatures, awesome synth sounds and great drumming!

Epic. Love this album. Firth of fifth is simply a phenomenal track.

Genesis - always cool!

Holy prog.

Fun, elated, driven by their success with Foxtrot.

Phil Collins steals the show with his drumming and writing/singing the best song on the album. Gabriel's stuff isn't bad either!

Great prog masterpiece!

Firth of fifth

Métomelo por el culo. I believe in Peter Gabriel supremacy

Genoten van deze! Ik wist niet wat te verwachten, maar de niet alledaagse melodieën konden me wel bekoren!

Un de mes albums prefere au monde. Ecoute un cinquantiane de fois 5*

Un album magnifique, évidemment! Plein de samples de bon rap aussi.

Surprisingly awesome

phil collins and peter gabriel... hm

Amazing prog album. Definitely deserves a listen for all.

Awesome! Identified potential new portal song

7/10… art rock / symphonic pop / *1973

Genesis is a great band with two distinct eras. This list should include one album from the earlier, Peter Gabriel-fronted period and one from the Phil Collins-fronted material. There is plenty to choose from, but no need to clutter our limited bandwidth with everything they did.

Really good, big composures and theatric music. 4

This was great. didn’t know much going in, but didn’t expect to like it this much. Really detailed prog rock with lots of changes. The guitar, drums, and keys all sound beautiful. Favorite track(s) Dancing With The Moonlit Knight Firth Of Fifth The Cinema Show

This is pretty damn progy in all the good and bad ways.

another classic from over 50 years ago. some classic songs. some of Peter's best work

Every time I’ve had anything proggy I roll my eyes and instantly go in wondering whether the cringe fest will be a 1 or 2 star album…. Then I actually listen to it and half the time end up really enjoying it. This is the perfect example. Hugely over the top but I actually really enjoyed it.

Love me some prog

True prog rock enjoyers will really like this album, and everyone else will hate it. As an enjoyer, myself, I delighted in this album. The sweeping synth, unique time signatures, syncopated rhythms, and technical guitar work all come together to create an album that holds nothing back and explores all avenues it creates for itself. Peter Gabriel's vocals do work to define the signature vocal sound of Genesis for decades to come and mark his talent as a vocalist and songwriter. And of course, Phil Collins stands out on this album as his tight and technical drumming comes to define the genre. This album set Genesis on a path of prog righteousness that they would follow, even after Gabriel's departure, and established the band as visionaries which other acclaimed acts would follow.

Elbow are to this day one of my favourite bands, and I also really enjoy Black Midi - so hearing an album that inspired BOTH was not something I thought I’d get up to today, thoroughly enjoyed, even though every song was 10 pissing minutes long x

Хороший альбом. Мабуть, кращий серед тих, що я чув у Genesis.

Surprised at the complexity and melodic aspects… expected it to be much more of the prog-rock noodling. It’s there, but didn’t really get in the way for me.

Was never a big fan of Genesis. Jethro Tull, Yes, King Crimson were more my thing. After reading a lengthy and detailed review of this album, I listened to it and I liked it. 4 stars

I loved this album.I thought the mid evil aesthetic was great and I liked in the first song how it almost changed to early metal.

Some of their songs are genuinely fun to listen to.

Give me all of this self indulgent, nerdy, 70s prog rock. As others have said, it really does insist upon itself and is quite cinematic with sprawling, English epics. This type of rock makes me feel like I’m in a fantasy world as there’s almost a fantasy-like aura around Gabriel’s smooth vocals and artsy fartsy flute, Hackett’s wild/catchy guitar, Collins’ fast yet smooth drumming, Banks’ pianos, organs & keyboards. The songs just go in so many different directions you have to hear them out because you never know where they’ll take you. Like who could’ve seen Firth of Fifth coming at 5:45? Or the Dancing With the Moonlit Knight guitar solo at 3:41 into that final pre-chorus (there’s a fat old lady outside the saloon😮‍💨)? God I’m a nerd. But why no 5 rating after such a review? Idk, maybe the music is too pretentious?

I've never been as big of a fan of Genesis as other prog band from the time, but i thought this was well cool.

Didn’t realise early Genesis was so prog tbh. Probably the best prog album I can remember listening to. I gave Floyd a four for The Wall, I’d rate this higher but not five. 4/5.

Enjoyable enough but why are the songs 8-10 minutes long? Of note, the only two Genesis albums on this list were with Peter Gabriel on lead vocals. Peter Gabriel also has 3 solo albums on the list while Phil Collins has none?? Who did Phil Collins piss off? “Invisible Touch” and “No Jacket Required” being the most notable omissions.

Certified banger.

The album was pretty nice, I thought the songs had a good sound the them

Early Genesis. More prog rock than expected

Very English but for the most part I was able to look past that. Prog rock is a hit or miss for me but I’d say I liked this album. Finding out it was Phil Collin made me biased though. Specific rating - 4.0 Fav song - I know what I like (in your wardrobe) Least fav - the battle of Epping forest

I’ve listened to a fair amount of Genesis and am a fan but this album especially stood out to me. So many parts of it feel like they could’ve come out today, gives it a timeless feel. Will be going back to this. 4.5

this is more interesting than i expected it to be!!! big gabriel voice fan it’s so rich and powerful. idk if i should’ve given this a 5 but i didn’t give it enough critical thought so i might go back and adjust my rating later.

Every time I see Genesis I go "you mean we get Peter Gabriel AND Phil Collins?!?!"

The Good: We’re finally getting rid of England! The Bad: We’re not getting much in return… The Ugly: Brexit, anyone? Who would've thought that Genisis gave us a glimpse of what was going to happen decades later? True to their name, they were… All joking aside, I never really dove into the old Genisis, probably because of it’s proggy prog roots. In college, one of my best friends was a massive Genisis fan, and when Phil left in ’96, he wore a black band with the inscription “and then there was 1” Interestingly enough, yesterday’s album was Tarkus, by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, which means I’ve had to listen to 2 ‘70s prog rock giants, and my real thought was “are you fucking kidding me???!!!!!” ELP was hell to listen to, so I was dreading this one… Well, fucking Peter, Phil, Steve, Tony and Mike (in no particular order), have been able to mesmerize me enough to want to listen to this album several times more… not because it is a toe tapper, or fist pumper of a record, but more because, to paraphrase someone’s comment I read around here, I need to pull back the onion layers and see what’s behind. Also, as a final thought, … . ]]… \\ 4*

When you hear the name Genesis, you may be tempted to think of their 80s pop era(and Phil Collins's solo work that sounds very similar). This isn't that. It's slightly folky, keyboard and guitar-heavy classic prog rock. The lyrics are very intricate, often to a detrimental degree that makes the record sound pretentious(though that's basically the point of prog rock). All the musicians are very skilled, and this is the album's greatest strength. However, I don't like the way the vocalist sounds all that much. It comes off as whiny and overly dramatic to my ears. Nevertheless, this is far from a bad album; it's pretty close to greatness honestly. Not bad for a band that would eventually turn to by-the-numbers pop music.

I listened to this album as I cruised my way through the grocery store. This album took me a handful of attempts to fully get; the very beginning of the album set an expectation of a lyrical and instrumental vibe which would almost immediately give way to something different and sprawling. The lyricism and vocal melodies always remained captivating and music was always well-played, but the movements started to feel a bit meandering early on, and I found myself connecting more with the interstitial pieces and interludes than the proper sections; the more reserved, vocal-focused songs grabbed me almost immediately, sometimes with vocal tones and deliveries which sounded like early inspirations for an artist like Geordie Greep. However, once I knew what I was in store for, I found myself connecting more with the songs. I was still not as big a fan of the moments when the songs got jauntier in tone, but the grand sweeping battlefield instrumentals with gorgeous woodwind instruments finally got me, and I respect how some of these songs manage to make grand movements between different sounds while remaining just as beautiful as always. Highlights: Firth of Fifth, More Fool Me, The Battle of Epping Forest, After the Ordeal, The Cinema Show, Aisle of Plenty

Firth of Fifth is awesome

One of the best prog albums of all time. Just an amazing array of different sounds and time signatures. Favorite track: Dancing With the Moonlit Knight

I heard this album before, but couldn't really get into it then. I think it's really great now! A bit weird but in a good way. Definitely needs more listens.

I was wondering how long it would take for me to get an album I already know. Honestly, if it was only "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight" and "Firth of Fifth" it would've probably been a 5 star for me. It's not that the rest of the songs are bad, but they don't really reach the same highs as the aforementioned two.

> the Beatles

Kunnon progetykittelyä, tarvii joskus ottaa paremmin kans kiertoon. Oikein hyvä

Decent. Felt very theatrical.

MUY BUENO tremendas duraciones de canciones Me sentí en una batalla

Sold! For 4*. I seriously keep forgetting that Gabriel’s time in Genesis was real and not just an answer to a trivia question. I also keep forgetting, or maybe refusing to believe, that Phil Collins is/was a really good drummer. I appreciate this project keeping me straight on both counts.

The Pound strengthens against the Dollar

Very enjoyable. I considered a 5.

Fair bit of wank in this, but that's kinda the point, right?

I still think Peter Gabriel's peak wouldn't come until he shed the skin of Genesis, but their run from '72-'74 is nothing to sneeze at, and it can be traced through the DNA of so much music that has come out since (especially anything in prog). I tend to prefer the Moody Blues and early King Crimson for this kind of symphonic, "medieval" prog but I still really enjoy this record. Tony's synth work really stood out to me on this listen.

Thoroughly enjoyed this. It was my introduction to Genesis despite enjoying both Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins!

The rock and medieval sound mixed together... I love it. Vocals were sometimes off for me but I will add this album in my collection of music I will listen more often.

These guys can play! Souch talent, this album is a pleasure to listen too.

Интересненько, но не мое

Spoiler voor mn mening over het album van vandaag, maar het was niet best dus had ff andere muziek nodig, en dit was een hele chille erva. Fun fact gedurende Firth of Fifth begonnen er buiten honden te huilen en het duurde tot het volgende nummer voor ik doorhad dat het niet in de muziek zat ???? Vond het al een weird kwaliteitsverschil maar dacht dat t een artistieke keuze was ofzo want de inzet van het gehuil was heel goed getimed. Het is laat.

Certes, chansons un peu longues mais les instrus sont orgasmiques 💅

Very good Peter Gabriel era Genesis album. More theatrical and progressive than the later material

One of those albums where the 5 point scale kinda sucks. A 4 feels too passionate but a 3 feels dismissive of its successes. I wish there was more of a chorus structure here - something to look forward to during the meandering prog rock. A resolutions or something. I found myself lost in the sauce at times - sometimes in good ways but often kinda missing the point. Favorite Songs: "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight" and "Aisle of Plenty"

Man, this is way better than I remember it being. So fun and melodic. A worthy revisit absolutely.

Great prog rock! Just advanced enough to be interesting but not enough to be hard on the brain (looking at you Dream Theater!)

Overall, brilliant. Very English, a bit silly in places, but i have a soft spot for progressive music unless it disappears up is own arse. Genesis walk a tightrope but usually get it right. Not their best album but it was great to revisit it

Masterpiece