Reviews (page 4 of 8)
I know what I like and I like what I know. True dat
Great album but the organ and piano, while technically skilled, did not hit my ears right. Brilliant cacophony.
"Selling England by the Pound" is the fifth studio album by English progressive rock band Genesis. Genesis' label Charisma gave them extra time to write and record this album after the success of their previous album "Foxtrot" which they took advantage of. The album has themes of English folk culture and the increase of American influence. I have to be honest, I'd have tough time picking that up if I didn't read it: these songs can and do wander. The album reach #3 in the UK and #70 in the US. Peter Gabriel singing a capella opens "Dancing with the Moonlight Knight." This song goes in all sorts of different directions (well, we are in the prime prog time frame): piano to organ and guitar to a faster pace jazz to a 12-string guitar which sounds like a harp. It's a counter to the English press who thought they were trying to please the US audience. The only single was "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)." It was inspired by The Beatles and has a great chorus. The story of Jacob who wants the stay the way he is and doesn't want to strive for great things. One of my favorite Genesis' songs. The 9-minute "Firth of Filth" has a piano open, a Gabriel flute solo and interesting time signatures. Firth is a Scottish river. "The Battle of Epping Forest" was inspired by East London gangs fighting in Epping Forest. Opening marching drums and more flute. Tony Banks really shines on the keys and organ. The album continues with one more lengthy song in the 11-minute "The Cinema Show." It has two parts with the first one featuring a 12-string guitar, flute and oboe. It then transitions to a keyboard-guitar heavy song. Neil Peart has said he was a huge fan of this album and this last song part sounded like it belonged on Rush's "2112." This album sounded great. The music is technical and all the band musicians stand out at times. Sure, they could have cut some of this down but, what the heck, you're in 1973 and a prog band. If you're a prog music fan, you'll like this.
Has its momemts
This is so nerdy and wonky, and I love it
Firth or Fifth
things are getting whimsical
muy bueno
Good time. Firth of Filth is wonderful.
I know they all put around the same time, but it felt like they had a little Emerson LP mixed and some Pink, and their own style to the mix and this was a great listen. Very contrasting melodies within each song. Really enjoyed. TBz 1. Firth of Fifth 2. Dancing with the Moonlight Knight 3. Aisle of Plenty 4. I Know What I Like
Yep, overblown, ridiculous...incredibly british/pythonesque...quite fun
Well that was certainly interesting. Easy to see why PG, MR and PC had musical differences, it's not very Mike and the mechanics, and it's all the better for it. Will be giving another few listens to decide if it's a classic, but the battle of Epping forest stood out as a potential epic.
Moosic
That shit was proggy AF boiiiiiii
Wanky and pretentious but still very much enjoyed
Love Genesis and this album is great!
Prog Monday continues (Tull, Yes and now Genesis)! My uncle used to play this when I was a kid, so I have fond memories. First half is really great, if totally up its own arse. Battle of Epping Forest is pretty stupid and knocks it down a point.
4.25
Self-important, self-indulgent, bloated, unnecessarily complicated…and I’m here for it. Would have to be close to (if not) their best record.
The most amazing inconsistent album featuring five insanely talented musicians: Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins becoming household names. A proper follow-up to their masterpiece Foxtrot, this record sees further influence from both jazz and British folk music in its unstable complicated melodies, changing structure (e.g. time signatures) and techniques every few seconds, yet confident enough for every other song to span 8-12 minutes. Plenty of memorable moments, and certainly stands out for such a unique and outgoing vocalist, the confident drummer, and strange instrumentation like the keyboard effects and woodwinds. Lyrics are fantastical and dramatic, featuring all sorts of wild vivid scenes and zany characters. Started off super loud and flashy but got tamer and more precise as the album progressed. Favorites:
I found this album an extreme example of prog/psychedelic rock. Firth of Fifth is a masterpiece, but I hated Dancing with the Moonlight Knight. I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) is fantastically odd. There's no clear story running through the album, and often seemingly within the longer songs themselves. Overall I liked it, it provoked a strong reaction from me.
Always loved Genesis.
Rare
I got into Genesis in the early 80s after listening to Gabriel’s 1st 4 solo albums, so I always liked the PG vocal sound on SEBTP but never cared much for the lyric content. The treat here is the sound of the drums and the keys. Super active bass parts are a mixed bag but it all deserves to be blasted at high volume. I’m a sucker for epic and (yes) melodramatic guitar solo on FOF.
really liked the album
I know many say "A Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" is their masterpiece with Peter Gabriel, but I'd argue that album is too long and sprawling. While being prog, and naturally having long individual songs, this album is a much more refined culmination of their talents, with more memorable hooks amongst their complex structures.
Wow, I think I like prog music now?
This album is sad, silly, insightful, and it shreds on top of that would give a 4.5 if I could
The most sophisticated one yet. They didn't cater for people with ADHD with those song lengths though, and Peter was talking a lot of papulty.
Pleasantly surprised
If you know Genesis through their 80s output, then this will be a big surprise. Greater variety of styles than other albums so far - Ramones, Waterboys and Sinatra. Pretty whacky lyrics though.
There's actually quite a lot to like about this album
I wasn't sure what to make of this album at first, but I did actually quite enjoy it. I appreciated the vast variety of sounds and styles. I particularly liked The Cinema Show.
Peter Gabriel Genesis>>>>>Phil Collins Genesis
Pretty good prog rock. The real highlight here is the production. The instruments sound so clear, and the drumming is great on this record. A little weird, but I honestly enjoyed it.
Fun lyrics, very long songs
Overall a good album. It showcases the more experimental time of Genesis, when Gabriel was still a member of the group, really well. Personally, I'm a fan of the later albums, but I enjoy listening to the earlier work from time to time as well.
Progg eins og það gerist hrikalega gott. Mikið uppáhald!
first listen great prog rock
The force of Firth of Fifth
Really wasn't expecting the first song's medieval folk sound to start and then the switch around the 1:30 mark into a crazy modern neo-soul guitar and drum part and then a minute later into a prog shred fest. Wow this really blew me away! The transitions from there don't really relent, it just keeps pushing forward and kind of doesn't let you get a breath of air. This could be a downside but in my listening experience I really enjoyed it. I don't think it's an album I would listen to frequently but man did I enjoy it. Real surprise for me here as I never heard of this record before seeing it on this list. It's very ambitious and dynamic and exciting. Will gladly go back and put it on randomly.
Подслушано! Мощный альбом, надо как нибудь переслушать.
Great album
Super solid time. Kinda wanna get more into them now.
Good album. I enjoyed it. I prefer a trick of the tail.
Very very good
Probably a 3.5 but I have it the benefit of the doubt. Super long songs. Progressive.
I enjoyed it, all the songs sounded different and kept me engaged even thought some were long
Phil Collins’s aka mustard tiger Poggers
This was really good, I enjoyed the progressiveness of the project.
Firth of Fifth the best song on the album? Probably. Banks has done so much on different types of synth-ish keyboards, it's interesting to see how good he is on straight up piano. PG's flute coming out to play is also a treat. This is top notch prog rock. The Lamb is prob my favourite so I will settle on 4 for this bad boy.
Pretty good sound. I liked it
Really interesting 70s prog rock, mixed with medieval themes, and folk stories. Overall an interesting listen, very different from 80s Genesis lead by Phil Collins.
Great as music goes but as PG's Genesis goes its kinda mid. I'd take Foxtrot over this one any day
Banger…. Classsic… true classsic…. Swag… etc
I knew in my heart that I’d like “old” Genesis, even though the one song I knew from the era was “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway”. Hope some Peter Gabriel solo albums are on this list as well. HL: “Dancing…”, “The Cinema Show” August 18, 2022
Bounced off these for so long because of the horrible populist noise they became in the Invisible Touch era. Despite knowing they're prog behemoths under Peter Gabriel. But anyway, how could I like the Flaming Lips and not like this, is I guess. There's still lots to find annoying, and it's partly the stuff here that's pisstake-worthy (see The Battle of Epping Forest's singular ridiculousness) and the worst excesses of Yes that I blame for my not realising how much fantastic music there was to discover in the prog genre until way late in my musical journey. But if you put all your preconceptions aside, and just give in to it, this is a joyous record.
7/24/2022 - ALBUM #178 Today's Album: "Selling England By The Pound" by Genesis - As a 70s prog rock album, this album is at times intentionally obtuse, but with some really fascinating production and a lot of impressive performances, it becomes easy to get locked into whatever world the artist is trying to portray, which in this case seems to be about the economic and sociological decline of england and the issues within the government and broader society that are causing it. The opener Dancing With The Moonlit Knight is a pretty impressive opener, switching up the temp and tone of the album frequently and managing to include plenty of strange instrumentation and stellar soloing. Like many other prog rock albums, this album is one that is going to be enjoyed if the listener likes other prog rock groups like Yes, The Moody Blues, Kansas, etc. and if the listener doesn’t enjoy that kind of music or hasn’t been exposed to it before, it probably will seem really scatterbrained and confusing. Fortunately, I have conquered the Court of The Crimson King and I have eaten my Leftoverature, so I fucking love the sound of this album. The overall sound of the album is quite different in the way that it mixes sounds together and brings certain sounds out in the mix. The band keeps a pretty solid energy despite the numerous changes in feel that occur multiple times a song. There are even moments where it feels like they are incorporating some sounds from artists like Bowie and Queen as well so it really feels like a full on celebration of all things prog. A huge highlight in the tracklist is Firth of Fifth, with some absolutely insane performances coming from all members of the band. The guitar solo sounds excellent, the keys add a ton of flavor, and the drums and bass are locked in this rhythmic game of chicken. It all adds up to a really mind-bending sonic experience. Overall, this album is a prog rockians dream, with a ton of unique and interesting sonic landscapes being set up and broken down. Give this one a listen if you are down with some strange music in order to get to some golden moments and have enjoyed prog rock in the past. Highlights: Dancing With The Moonlit Knight, I Know What I Like, Firth Of Fifth, After The Ordeal, The Cinema Show, Aisle Of Plenty Score: 8/10 The culmination of many of the best ideas in prog rock: an album about England?
Haven’t listened to a Gabriel led Genesis album in forever, and this reminded me why I love them. Perhaps has one of the most underrated opening tracks to an album ever!!
Some weird skits but otherwise great album
Not sure what they were talking about at all but it was definitely prog rock. 7/10
Genre: Progressive Rock 4/5 A prog rock record I had yet to get around to, Genesis' Selling England by the Pound is just as good as any of the prog records which may have surrounded it on the shelves at the time. Yes' Fragile, King Crimson's Larks' Tongues in Aspic, and Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon were all just released, giving listeners plenty of new material to keep them happy, but Genesis' epic entry into the genre was just around the corner, featuring plenty of elements familiar to prog fans, but with a melodic, symphonic focus not omnipresent in the genre. While Dancing with the Moonlight Knight and Firth of Fifth are the two tracks most widely known from this record, and while both are great prog journeys in their own right, The Cinema Show, the epic on the B-side, is one of the best prog epics of the decade. The track beautifully blends its symphonic elements, its folk elements, and its heavier rock elements with ease, even finding space for some really solid jamming, culminating in one of my favorite prog tracks of the decade. The rest of the album is rife with the sorts of material that would make any prog devotee happy, from the medieval and quaint, to the driving and complex. Really solid album that I'm sure will reward repeat listens.
It’s the tuneful and dramatic passages (“I Know What I Like” “Firth of Fifth” “After the Ordeal” and “The Cinema Show” are standout examples ) that make prog rock albums for me, and there are certainly more than a few here. They create a kind of mosaic-y feel (artists probably want you to think Renaissance tapestries). “More Fool Me” and “Epping Forest” (at least the first part) sound pretty modern. And while I like quite a few bits, there is almost as much excessive noodling and Gabriel gets dangerously close to “Minister of Silly Voices” territory here and there. Still, pretty solid overall and holds up relatively well.
Selling England By The Pound is Gensis' magnum opus. Well, really it's frontman Peter Gabriel's magnum opus. Prior to his departure from the band in 1975, Peter Gabriel with Genesis was making some of the finest prog rock around. This band could play with the best of 'em: King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Yes, etc. Selling England By The Pound is a tight hour of songs builds in an epic way. Prog music always liked it's big moments, well you'll find plenty here. Truth be told, my favorite points are the simpler, quieter lulls of the album such as More Fool Me, which I feel is more indicative of the pop that Gabriel would go on to make. Your mileage will vary. If you've heard the prog rock from this time period, you will already know how you'll feel about this album. I'm pretty lukewarm on prog rock, but this is done well-enough that I walk away more impressed than not.
Lovely folk pop prog.
Some nice drum work on this.
The calm before the storm, Selling England by the Pound features Genesis at a moment of transition. While there are ferociously awesome progressive noodling permeating the album, there are also moments of accessibility that forecasts what would eventually happen to the group in the ensuing years. An essential album in the prog rock era of Genesis' career. Favorites: Dancing with the Moonlit Knights, I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe), Firth of Fifth, The Battle of Epping Forest, The Cinema Show.
Really enjoyed this! I always assumed that Genesis made more poppy stuff like Phil Collins' solo work, but this is whole hog prog. Lots of long, cinematic rock stuff on here, pretty wacky to hear Phil singing in this space and style. I was legitimately floored when I heard "Firth of Fifth" because there's a flute portion that ScHoolboy Q sampled on "Gangsta in Designer." The obscurity of some hip hop samples just blows my mind. Long story short, this was a very cool album, and even though I didn't save too many tracks to return to, I think it's great. Favorite tracks: Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, Firth of Fifth, Aisle of Plenty. Album art: I like the art, though the muted pastel palette isn't my favorite. I'm not sure what's going on with these garden people but I like it. 4/5
this is such a cool listen!! docked a star for being british and a little weird
Have not listened to this in full for a very long time. Brought back a lot of memories.
Another solid album from Genesis. The Battle Of Epping Forest is easily my favourite, but each track feels rewarding in it's own way.
Pas mal pour du Genesis Prefs: Dancing with the Moonlit King, I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe), Firth of Fifth, After the Ordeal, The Cinema Show Moins pref: More Fool Me
ovo su najbritanski nazivi pjesama koje sam vidio na jednom albumu, ali stvarno dobrih stvari ima. sjećam se da sam taj album nekad davno preslušao, ali ne tak detaljno, i znam da mi je odma bio dobar, pa evo revizit karta. dakle poput pink floyda me podsjećaju - zašto? više tako što baš zvuči što bi slušo da sam u njihom kraju i da je sunčano, onako rana jesen, ujutro, sunce izlazi ili proljeće i ovo se sluša, ovce na ispaši, ptice cvrkuću, ja ispod krošnje sjedim na klupčici i uživam.
This album came up as my recommendation and I said to myself, "Great!" This version of Genesis is a solid line-up with Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins. I like Peter Gabriel, and I like a lot of what Genesis has done. A few years ago I listened to every single Genesis album to try and figure out how they went from their prog-rock beginnings to pop music superstars. I've heard "Selling England" by the pound at least a couple of times, and several of the tracks more than that. You could take any track from this album and get a good idea of what Genesis has to offer at this point in time. I had two tracks that I wasn't sure if they were a full 4 stars, but the rest of the tracks were easily a 4. The album works well as a single whole. This album is not my favorite Genesis album, but it is a favorite and worth a listen.
Seminal progressive rock album. Genesis at the height of their creative run of albums. 4.5/5
I quite enjoyed this. The long song suites work well, sounding magical and whimsical one minute before rocking out the next. Peter Gabriel had a great voice back then. It's a very theatrical album with a heady mix of organic sounds like flute and piano and various synthesizers, typical of 1973.
Pour moi, Genesis avec Peter Gabriel au chant et Phil Collins à la batterie est la meilleure époque. Les albums Nursery Crime, Foxtrot et ce dernier sont à écouter. J’aime beaucoup la puissance qu’apporte les bass pedal à la fin de Firth of fifth. Pièces préférées: I Know What I Like (In your wardrobe), Firth of Fifth
eitthvað þarna
Go off kings
Like it! Full of classical elements!
Well, when I saw the band was Genesis, I was not expecting what I heard. I am not at all familiar with early Genesis, quite apparently. I struggled at times and was interested at others. Definitely never fell in love with it and I am really on the line between 3 and 4. Because I enjoyed the vocals of Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel, I landed at 4.
Never bad, occasionally great, often meandering in that prog rock noodly, Hobbitty way. Interesting to see this incarnation of Genesis that I'm not familiar with beyond a song or two, particularly hearing how Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins' voices blend. Very pretty!
I am not really familiar with early Genesis… and don’t know that I have heard any of these songs before. I enjoyed the prog-rock sound and rambly songs for the most part, although even after reading the lyrics I am often left scratching my head as to what these are about. The music is great in that 70s prog-rock way. As I listened to “The Cinema Show’s” very, very extended instrumental section I was wishing I was listening to this on a record player back in 70s. Enjoyed this strange little journey…
Good for listening to while reading Lord of the Rings
Dobry kawał rocka progresywnego. Nie wszystkie rzeczy się udały, a sam album nie miał żadnego utworu, który wywoływałby we mnie jakieś szczególne emocje, ale na pochwałę zasługuje Peter Gabriel ze swoim wokalem (Collins w utworze "More fool me" niestety nie dowiózł) oraz duża rozpiętość instrumentala (która przeważanie tworzyła dość spójną całość)
mmm, Genesis :3 Definitely a worthwhile album. Epic in a sense (?), full of unexpected sound fusions, which made my jaw drop at times. Love the vocals, love the drums (as if I expected anything else from Phil Collins). Sounded surprisingly fresh for a nearly 50 year old album - I would say that's a solid sign of an evergreen. A well-deserved spot on 1001 list. Will happily come back to this album in the future. Highlight: The Battle of Epping Forest
Większości nie znałam, ale giga fajne
Fajny albumik, dość mocno wychodzący poza stereotypowe brzmienie klasycznego starego rocka przez wplatanie elektronicznych dźwięków przez co muzyka się nie nudzi, ale przez to cierpi wokal, który nie nadąża różnorodnością instrumentów i dźwięków. Ciekawie się słucha albumu jako całej historii, ale poszczególne kawałki się nieraz dłużą. Liryka i wokal 3.5/5 reszta 5/5.
Even though most of the songs clock in over 7 minutes, it's easy to listen to and get lost in the song. I laughed a few times out loud about the lyrics in "II Know What I Like" and felt like "Cinema Show" could be a song that came out yesterday. The arrangements build in such a way that makes would could be a jam, something more.
Prima 4.
On pourrait me reprocher de ne pas appliquer mes reviews en ce moment, mais rendez vous à l'évidence: c'est toujorus mieux que mon camarade d'écoute robpoirière qui présente actuellement à son actif une dizaine d'albums de retard. Un comportement scandaleux, que je ne manque de rapeller à Robert chaque matin. Ce dernier n'a pas encore décidé de la moindre sanction à l'égard de rob, mais je vous tiendrais au courant de l'avancée de ce dossier.
Progressive rock. Experimental/adventurous. Sometimes a little funky/psychedelic. Nice percussion. Mellow. Good to read or work to. Would listen to again.
Some great songs like "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight" and "Firth of Fifth" (god damn, that guitar solo is so good). "The Battle Of Epping Forest" is whatever. I liked the synthesizer sounds but the lyrics are just kind of too wacky for me and it's too long for what it is. Nothing against long songs, Supper's Ready is one of my favorite songs of all time. Speaking of Supper's Ready, it's sad that there's no Foxtrot on this list.
Je ne mets pas 5 par respect pour Paul McCartney
qui aurait cru que Phil Collins avait fait ça avant la BO de Tarzan
4 stars
Plenty of over complication as is the want of this style from the period. Never took to Genesis in either format, despite having a great singer, drummer and guitar player. Wasn't taken with the album when I heard it about the time it came out. That has not changed. However it is a good piece of work. The three elements I picked out are prominent here and provide the better moments. The guitar fills are wonderful. It is maybe too clever but somewhat dull.
Solid 3, beautiful melodies and lyricism, so tempted for a 4, fuck it 4, too good
Young man says you are What you eat eat well old man Says you’re what you wear 7/10
Wasn't a fan of the first 2 songs on the album. But then thought "Firth of Fifth" and "More Fool Me" were brilliant, then after that a mixed bag, but still enjoyable overall.
I don't really love that old folk rock sound, but Peter Gabriel's voice is amazing.
Always loved early Gabriel solo stuff as I came of age. stopped listening. nice to hear with Phil and the other dudes.
I don't think I've heard much Peter Gabriel era Genesis so far, but I digged it. It sounds like it may have influenced quite a few of the later prog metal and rock bands I'm into. Pretty highbrow prog rock, very artful, Perhaps a bit too much for its own good though. Could definitely be more accessible with less intentional dissonance.
Rebosa creativitat i mostra la banda en un estat de forma increïble. Es pot escoltar tantes vegades com dies té l'any, i cada una d'elles provocarà una experiència diferent a l'anterior. Per arribar a ser perfecta, li manca un toc més melòdic, però molt a prop hi queda
I was surprised to have liked it as much as I did.
This is really stunningly well-done album, just beautiful. I mean really, can you imagine anyone today pulling off something this marvelous? The musical prowess of Genesis is undeniable here, and I absolutely love Peter Gabriel’s vocals. Elegant, poetic lyrics, that will come off as opaque or too clever by half to a lot of listeners – including me at times! If you have to go to Genius to figure out what the heck a song is talking about, you lose a bit of its impact. The album has some truly lovely, moving arrangements, with everyone playing at top form. It’s also a nice reminder that Phil Collins is a remarkable drummer, better than he ever was as a singer. This album was a real pleasure to listen to, but a little goes a long way here. It’s also a little self-indulgent, which I have limited patience for. Not quite a 5, but a solid 4. Fave Songs: I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe), Aisle of Plenty, The Cinema Show, Firth of Fifth
Signature Genesis sound without any that made me go 'oooooh'
Never really listened to Genesis outside of the hits until my uncle passed last year. This was one of his favorite albums. I think I appreciate a lot of prog rock more than I like it, but there’s some cool shit going on here. Phil Collins is a monster drummer.
Really liked this one. Particularly when they were going all traditional English folk style. Some lovely tinkely instruments throughout
Vabbè, penso sia inutile che dica che stavo aspettando questo gruppo al varco. Era nella mia top 10 del varco. L'ultima volta che ho sentito i Genesis sarà stato a 14/15 anni nella mia fase progressive rock e non mi avevano convinto. Devo dire che oggi, un po' a malincuore pure, sono rimasto abbastanza stupito. Questo disco, rispetto per dire ad Aqualung che è praticamente contemporaneo, suona veramente su un altro livello. I musicisti, pluriacclamati, sono bravi davvero e non solo per fama e la composizione c'ha un livello di raffinatezza che comunque è notevole, su delle cose ha un sound che ho trovato stranamente affine e moderno, a tratti ho pensato "ma sto sentendo un disco di adesso?". I pezzi sono vari e ben caratterizzati. La pecca, che per me non lo fa arrivare al 5, è forse una questione di gusto personale, che il prog rock per quanto lo puoi fare un po' punk e del popolo comunque suona sempre un po' pretenziosetto. In questo disco i Genesis riescono a minimizzarne gli effetti, però si sente uguale. Per me è 4 pieno, sicuramente richiederà qualche altro ascolto.
you know what prog and rap have in common their àbums are TOO LONG. still this one has a special place in my heart. Genesis and me in high school were going steady for s while. This album is among ny favorites of this period. 4 ⭐️
I like Genesis. A lot. But they have never had an album for me that is solid throughout. Here, the last song kinda leaves a bad taste in my mouth. A lot of the songs I heard the live “Seconds Out” version before. So they always hold up, except “Firth of Fifth.” What a masterpiece. “Cinema Show:” the studio version can’t compare to hearing Collins and Bruford going all out. So yeah, this is a good one, but not a GREAT one.
It's no secret that I love Gabriel era Genesis. While this album contains a lot of my favorite of their tunes, Battle of Epping Forest is a disaster and The Cinema Show deteriorates halfway through into a 5 minute grating keyboard solo. So, it's far from perfect, but this album was really important to me and helped frame how I think about music.
Another predictable choice for this list--SEBTP is the most direct, least eccentric, and least complex release of Genesis' classic period that started with Nursery Cryme and ended with The Lamb Lies On Broadway. Either Nursery Cryme or Foxtrot would have been better choices (The Lamb Lies On Broadway is in fact on the list). Which is not really a knock on SEBTP--it's still a very good album. Genesis' mastery of extended song forms is still evident if not as obvious as on the other albums. Even at their strangest, the members of Genesis seem incapable of penning a melody that isn't hummable, and one flows into the next with an enviable inevitability. Considering the amount of whimsy and sophistication here, the music rocks really hard in places, quite the accomplishment. Then there is the sound, which is incredibly expansive--credit goes to all the musicians, but the MVP here is clearly Tony Banks, with his--ahem--banks of keyboards, including piano, organ, a Mellotron, and an ARP Pro Soloist synthesizer. Banks is one of the unsung master synth programmers of the 70s. His synths never sound cheap or thin. And the arrangements from the band are intricate and emotive. As usual, Peter Gabriel sings his heart out--he's one of the all-time great angsty singers. And I haven't even gotten into the lyrics, which are unusually literate, thoughtful and witty. Still, although Dancing With The Moonlit Knight probably comes close, there aren't any indisputable knockouts like Watcher of the Skies from Foxtrot or Seven Stories from Nursery Cryme.
Hierbei hätte ich fast einen schweren Fehler gemacht, hab die Platte nur bis zum 3. Song geschafft und fand sie langweilig und hatte danach zu viel um die Ohren, daher diese Nachbeurteilung mehr als 1 Monat später: ab The Battle of Epping Forest wird sie richtig, richtig geil.
Silly but some brilliant stuff on here. Drumming is as good as I’ve heard during the album club.
Weight for it
I think this is the first Genesis album I've properly listened to - not sure if this is a good entry point into their back catalogue, but yeah, enjoyed it! Prog with the folkiness dialed up, and without going too twee. Fave track - "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight", perhaps, or "The Battle of Epping Forest". I definitely think more listens will be rewarded...
Quite progressive, always kept interesting
So this is what Genesis sounded like pre Phil on vocals proggy MC prog prog
4.5
Really enjoyed this album - such an interesting fusion of various genres, ranging from rock to folk to more experimental sounds.
Some parts were corny. Some parts went hard. Other parts went hard because they were so corny
Liked the beginning more than the end. This was fun
Solid album
Great first half.
Know it well. Love classic Genesis.
Good
I've always enjoyed this one, but I need to sit down and give it the attention it deserves. Not an album to be listened to in the background while doing other things.
I can get down with some British prog, but it sometimes looks rather quaint next to German kosmische. Genesis have never been a favourite of mine, and from memory I would have said 3/5. Happy to revisit it, and I enjoyed it more than expected. (The 2014 half-speed remastered vinyl sounds amazing btw.) Some of the tracks seem to think they are more stupendous than they are, confirming all the things people say about prog's pretentiousness. However, 90% of this record sounds great. I love the mixture of folk and classical influences (albeit superficial?) into rock. I even like most of the silly whimsical lyrics. 4/5
A proper classic! First 3 songs are incredible, but the album is sort of let down by the subsequent songs.
ive already listened to this but it was prett good i need to listen again LOL
Story teller album, I felt it was realxing musing
How they sing is much different than I expected. And the guitar has a filter I've never heard before, and they included an organ in a few of the songs.
Genesis is Phil Collins' band. This is their fifth album. Its seen as a classic progrock album now, although it had mixed reviews when it was released. Several really long, but cool songs.
Excellent album. I like early Genesis - Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is one of my all-time top 10 albums - but I haven't listened to this one a lot. Adding it to my regular playlist. 4 stars.
Wow. I didn’t realise how Rush-like Genesis really was. Very Jethro Tull influenced. I dug it.
theatrical, great guitar. fun album
Loved every minute, what a journey. So close to a five it's not funny
The kind of album you would smoke up to or play on a trip. Good stuff
Instrumentals were great however the lyrics lost me on a few songs. I think it would have been better on drugs
One of my favourite albums, without a hit song. So much creativity, without being just totally wierd.
bisschen Mittelalter Style aber trotzdem nice und da ich ja gerade eh nur im homeschooling chille auch gut zum Arbeiten
Was a great little listen, odd in places due to the drug taking is imagine
Nice
Hey, this was actually quite nice! Thought I would find it dull, but I really enjoyed the melodic lines for most of the songs.
As I've said before - I like Genesis with Peter Gabriel, but I prefer the Phil Collins era - However, this is a good album. The one song with Phil as lead vocalist is not the best, but not bad by any stretch (Almost has a Bee Gees vibe :( ). This is Genesis at their creative peak. A nice balance of jazz-fusion into this prog rock record, with incredible musicianship. At lot of people consider this a masterpiece, but I don't think quite think so. It still feels rather experimental even though the sound is polished and incredibly muscular. Latter part of the album is not quite as good. Stand out track is "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight". Definitely worth hearing before kicking the bucket, but not really my type of listening.
This is pretty good, has great vocals but leans a bit pop for me.
never really listened to genesis. not bad!
I’ve never heard this album. I’ve never heard Peter Gabriel era of Genesis. I don’t think I’m British enough to understand it.
Some decent 70s rock here but it does get overlong and a bit too twee.
Now this is a title I can get behind. Dancing with the moonlit night was quite pretty in parts. I didn’t mind the vocals and thought the instrumental was pretty genius. The 7.5 minute runtime is a bit of a detractor, but I didn’t think it was completely wasted time. I know what I like had that somewhat creepy vibe to it which I liked. The piano in Firth of Fifth was gorgeous! I quite loved the guitar part as well. I found most of More Fool Me quite boring, but when the music swelled I thought it redeemed itself slightly. I find it hard to give a proper critique of the longer tracks, but I will say that The Battle of Epping Forest was quite good. I liked the synth style sounds and how they contrasted with the military sounds. After the Ordeal was genuinely a nice piece of music. The cinema show was lovely and just seemed to keep flowing. The final track closed things off nicely. 3.5/5 ⭐️ 167/1089
There is some interesting work here but sonically most of this isn't for me. Battle of Epping Forrest had it's moments. Aisle of Plenty sounds ahead of it's time.
Pretty good early Prog Rock.
Nicely weird but nice
#411 / 1089 Heard before? ❌ Revisit? ❌ / ✅ (not sure, time will tell) I actually thought I had listened to this one before, but as it turns out I have not, it's folkier than expected. I hear some of the elements I've come to expect from Jethro Tull in there, especially Aqualung and Thick as a Brick era stuff, which I've listened to most. Lots of familiar things within as I'm hearing King Crimson-ish runs and EL&Pesque bits her and there. It also took me a moment to place Peter Gabriel's voice, I'd forgotten he was indeed a member of the group. Not really my kind of prog, I prefer my rock on the psychedelic side, but I can understand the appeal. Strong 3/5, weak grab to 4/5.
Kind of a wonky, silly one. A lot of synths, reminiscent of a good 8/16-bit RPG soundtrack. It's fun and lively, keeping up the energy, just not something that resonates with me deeply, but it's not bad to listen to. I'm okay with this one.
I was not a fan of this album and reading the description I’m not sure why it was even on the list. Genesis is a good band and so it wasn’t horrible to listen to but surely there are other “must hears”.
It was pretty good but just weird
Sounds like some sort of Pink Floyd wannabe album.
This album is a perfect display of my common issues with prog rock. Every other song was 10 minutes long, but did they really need to be? They went from a song length sound to then wasting another 5 minutes highlighting 10 random instruments that add nothing to the existing song, then randomly return to the original song. The flute/guitar/synth/woodblock solos thrown in add nothing and feel like a time waste, and they might as well split it into 3 songs since it's not a coherent song anyways. Then the following songs are like a minute and a half of what should've actually been part of the song for some reason. Not to mention the lyrics become difficult to follow when the chunks of singing are split apart by 4 minutes of solos twice a song. Is this awful music? No, but the organization of it feels ridiculous and packed with filler. Every Genesis album feels too long, and the overly long songs lack the coherence that would justify them being a single song in the first place. All around, it comes to a meh, will not revisit this one.
There are the Gabriel Genesis people, the Collins Genesis people, and the solo people. I guess Banks would say we all should be Banks people. But I'm not a Gabriel Genesis person - love him solo though! This one wasn't that interesting to me. Let's get to Duke and move on!
Okay. Phil Collins is minus a star.
OK. Je sais pas quoi dire, ça se laisse écouter. J'aime pas spécialement
They’re trying really hard to be like a legit prog rock band, but I don’t know if that’s who these guys really are. Not terrible but also lacking any authenticity.
First few tracks were fine, the rest was boring
Maybe I'm the only one, but it is my firm belief that Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel sound EXACTLY THE SAME. Anyway... it's Prog.
chill ig - wouldnt listen to any of these chill ones outside of revision but fairs
lowk pretty good, not thaaaat good and I dont see what is so special
I've never really immersed myself into prog rock, but I do find it interesting; complex melodies, wicked time signatures, out-there lyrics... this record has ALL of that. Not too bad. A little lengthy and exhausting, though.
I am only familiar with 80s Phil Collins-fronted Genesis, so 70s Peter Gabriel-fronted Genesis was a new listening experience, albeit full of ups and downs. A lot of prog rock fans hold this album in high regard, but I wasn’t very impressed. There was too much piano and the music was too jaunty, kinda medieval-sounding. There were a couple cool tracks, but this was nowhere near the high prog rock bar set by King Crimson. Solid 3/5
Фил Колинз продал Англию
There's some great musicianship here, but this is a very strange album with, generally, terrible lyrics. I can't imagine this was an enjoyable album to see on tour. Is Genesis the only group that actually improved -- and substantially -- in the pop era, with all the trappings of 80s music?
7/10
next selling egypt by the egypt pound
There are parts of it I really like and parts I don't enjoy as much. I always find it hard to pick favourites and least favourites with songs that change so much over the course of the song. I'm not sure I would listen to the album again, but I did find a lot here that I enjoyed. I think its maybe just too synth heavy for me. Fav song: Dancing with the Moonlit Knight Least fav: The Battle of Epping Forest
wow, genesis formed in the 60s!
Kinda weird and conceptual but not awful?!
This has a much stronger starting point than many prog albums as at least four of the members would go on to write actual pop hits. This is evident in the strength of melody in so many songs. There’s also a quality of musicianship that generally doesn’t stray in to noodling. However, it does occasionally sound like music from the 80’s video game outrun. There’s also high quality story telling- like in I know in what like, but this occasionally strays into silly voice territory on the battle of Epping Forest. So good, but not consistently great
Bueno
*1973. *This is such a wild album - sometimes it sounds like King Arthur with lots of strings and olde English/Irish rhythms. Other times it's almost like creepy funhouse Alice Cooper vibes. And then there are also plenty of tracks that sound like regular Genesis. *I tried listening to it several times - it's just tough because it changes so often that it's hard to stay in the zone with this one. *Definitely interesting, although it seems like a lot of drugs were involved in the making of this one. RATING - 6.5/10
Surprisingly fun album. Went in expecting some sort of usual Gabriel-esque plain pop-rock but left with a fun, serviceable rock record. Impressively consistent throughout the runtime, and would run again. That said, the excessively British vocal bits over the course of the album feel super regional, in both space and time, and overall feel detached the album as a musical rock-project as a whole. Super unfortunate. Fav tracks: Dancing With The Moonlit Knight, Firth of Fifth, The Cinema Show
Not bad but not my vibeeee
not my thing
Definitely needs multiple listens to fully appreciate, musically some fantastic bits and the musicianship is excellent
6/10 Hmm, too rambling for me. In that musical way, where the chord progressions go on forever and everything seems forced to accommodate the lyric. And they are soooo posh, it makes it so much harder to like
This album was a total trip down a rabbit hole of 70s weirdness, and not in a good way. It's like they tried to mix prog rock wankery with a medieval folk festival, and it just doesn't work. The musicians are, of course, super talented, Phil Collins' drumming and Tony Banks' keyboards are particularly killer, but the songs get lost in their own drama. It's got this weird self important vibe, long, confusing songs about mythology, and I just got tired of it. There's a little bit of cool melody, but then it's ten minutes of them just showing off. It's a bit much, unless you're super into that kinda nerdy, over the top stuff, AKA Prog Rock
Cool
Dès fois ya des guitares et c'est bien, et dès fois ya des trompettes et c'est pas bien.
I enjoy Genesis but their music (or prog rock in general) always feels pretty cerebral and that I might not be smart enough to enjoy it to its potential. I liked this on my surface level listen, but didn’t spend enough time to peel back the layers of the proverbial onion, so for today rating down the middle. But at some time I really need to give them the time they deserve
ESTUVO BIEN
No hablo genesis
Pretty solid album. Don't like Peter Gabriel all that much, or Phil Collins. genesis are pretty good.
Yeh not bad. Some slow burners in there for sure
I don't think I knew that Genesis was prog, that's cool. It's like diet Rush. Pretty decent!
3.5/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/genesis/selling-england-by-the-pound/ Whimsical. That would be my one word review. Sometimes too whimsical for its own good but at other times the perfect amount of whimsy. That would be my sixteen word review.
Selling England was an album I've been meaning to take a listen to as well as other Peter Gabriel-era Genesis albums. It was a good one, very fantastical. It features the 10 minute songs progressive rock is known for, it's multi-parted and you can tell it is very well thought out. The instrumental section in "Firth Of Fifth" is literally mind-blowing, I was filled with straight ecstasy during the guitar solo, especially when it kept repeating. This is on the cusp a 4 star but some tracks like "The Battle Of Epping Forest" brought it down, just not a fan of that song, especially when it's a fifth of the album. However I strongly believe a re-listen and a different frame of mind would help, but for now a strong 3 will have to do. Highlight Song/s: "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight" and "Firth Of Fifth"
2.5
At first I did not like the start of the album but in the end, I quite enjoyed it. Had some nice retro vibes. Three stars
I didn’t mind it
eh
Mulle väga meeldivad Peter Gabriel ja Phil Collins. Meeldib ka Genesisi mõni hilisem plaat. See album aga on minu jaoks liiga proge-rock, kus on liialt katsetamist ja mitte selgeid meloodiad/riffe. Vahepeal on ikka huvitavaid ja meeldejäävaid seike, aga laias laastus pigem 'meh' album. 3.1/5
The 20" Stone Henge towers under foot in this one. When I wasn't chuckling in my head from Spinal Tap references, I did find myself enjoying the music.
Not bad. ★★★
Listening rn, sounds Phil collins sorta but also not at all
Pretty proggy - I kind of like it more than the yes stuff on the list, and am very curious how it rates next to say "wish you were here," as I feel this is the better album, earlier and with similar musical aims.
Much more prog like than I was anticipating
"It's one o clock, and time for lunch" Talk your shit king. Firth of Firth had me have an out of body experience. The goose cameo in The Battle of the Epping Forest was hype. I enjoyed the album.
Interesting and evocative, maybe a bit expansive. Instrumentals that tickle the mind and a vibe that invites you into a strange universe
Tiene una fusión de estilos que suena muy original y fresco pero me ha dado un poco de bajón porque al principio pensaba que iba a ser un álbum de música medieval o celta. No me gustan las canciones porque son muy largas, aunque no son repetitivas y eso está bien.
Ha leider so null ufpasst. Wär susch glaubs no tuff
tja ja zeker een genesis album
Not my kind of music sadly, few cool tracks tho
I love this album title but didn’t care about the content.
These are pretty intricate suites of music but not really for me. Maybe I just needed more time with it because there certainly were moments I liked (the guitar in the first track for instance) but overall it felt chaotic rather than cohesive. Kid A is a good counter example here.
J'avais oublié que Genesis avait fait quelques albums bizarres
Les harmonies de voix sont top ! Peut-être pas le meilleur album pour découvrir Genesis, c’était trop fluctuant On retrouve bien la caractéristique de Genesis : rock progressif
Je me souviens plus mais j'ai souvenir d'avoir bien aimé
It is interesting to hear Peter Gabriel's earlier work. It is more like renaissance rock with an electrical bend, but I like the attitude of the album. It serves as more of a signpost with one direction being a very talented an inventive Peter Gabriel going one way, and Genesis moving in another with Phil Collins. Not sure where to land on either.
Cool album, but not my jam. I like certain eras of Genesis, but this one is not for me.
Even in my intense teenage prog nerd phase, Genesis were kind of lower tier compared to the others. This is a fun listen though...the opening track is a real ride, the musicianship is great and Peter Gabriel is a great performer/frontman/singer.
Very interesting contrast to later Genesis. Hints of Slade and Pink Floyd. Kind of cool.
Guitar-heavy prog is about a thousand times better than synth-heavy prog.
это чтото очень интересное но недоступное для меня
I was hoping I would be hearing the Phil Collins version of this band. I knew if it wasn’t I was in for a world of weird. Well, I can’t say it’s weird yet. I’m only 6 minutes in and 8 minute opening song….. Definitely prog rock. In the realms of Rush and those type of weirdos who can pump out a jam of a hit but it’s surrounded by weird experimental music. Now I think I hear Phil Collins singing instead. I don’t know . I don’t really know much about these guys other than they were basically sellouts when Phil Collins took over completely. So far, I’ve liked and disliked every song. Where do I go from here? This sounds like a soundtrack for a movie with mystical creatures in it. It’s definitely something. There’s no hiding the talent and musicianship within this band. I just don’t know where I’d classify it in these rankings.
5.5/10
Ah, interesting. First track is actually quite proggy with an unusual structure and plenty of variety in instrumentation. Some folk influence, rock, even some hard rock, psychedelia. Sitar in I Know What I Like, and other world influences. The Battle of Epping Forest is too much for me - too proggy, too folky, too long. Overblown. Instrumental at end of The Cinema Show is nice Best track - Dancing With the Moonlit Knight, After The Ordeal, Aisle of Plenty 3 stars - 4 star moments, but it's generally overdone
I enjoyed this
Sadly Genesis is one of my "I don't get it" prog groups that other prog friends love. Can't win 'em all I guess.
Generally speaking I enjoy prog rock, some of my favourite albums are from bands of this era. I've never really given 70s Genesis a try before. I thought this album was good, not great. The drumming is exceptional and some of the guitar parts great too. I just found some of the changes of pace a little chaotic, more so than other prog rock bands. 3/5 for me, didn't grip me like some other bands of the era.
Very unique and distinguishable sound. Very British. I liked the variety of instruments used.
Decent album, I really wanted to like it more. Just not my cup of tea
It was OK. I like later Genesis better but it was fun hearing Peter Gabriel’s voice along side Phil Collins. I’d have guven it 4 stars but it felt loke it was all the same and got monotonous after a while.
Dancing with the Moonlit Knight More Fool Me After the Ordeal Aisle of Plenty
I learned that Genesis started out as a 70's psychedelic rock band that was influenced by medieval music (this project has taught me that the connection is not unique). So yeah, it was fine, palatable, nothing offensive, but also nothing enlightening at this point.
This had some cool moments, I liked how big some of these songs get, and there's some cool instrumentation going on. But also the songs are SO long and it veers a little too prog rocky for my taste. I like this marginally better than the Genesis album we JUST had, so I'll bump it up a star.
Der Prog-Einschlag hat mich durchaus überrascht. Es wechselte für mich zwischen guten Ansätzen und gewissen Längen. Viel hängen blieb nicht, könnte sich aber bei mehr Durchläufen ändern. Reicht noch für schwache 3 Sterne Sterne.
Bin eigentlich nicht so der Prog-Rock-Fan, wenn wie hier nicht ins Psychedelische abgedriftet. Ein Song mit 10 Minuten, der in unterschiedliche Parts gegliedert ist, sorgt häufig für Abwehrhaltung (10 Minuten stumpf das gleiche Riff mit minimaler Abwechslung spielen finde ich dagegen super). Unter diesen Voraussetzungen hat mir das hier überraschend gut gefallen, wohl auch, weil hier schon eine gewisse Pop-Sensibilität zu erkennen ist. Allerdings gab es hier auch Songs (darunter ein Long-Track), die mir zumindest beim ersten Hören gar nichts gegeben haben. Könnte ggf. noch wachsen.
Hat sich bisschen gezogen. War aber eigentlich ein solides Werk.
I've never listened to a Genesis album start-to-finish before. It's not that I hate prog. It's just that sometimes it just feels empty. And that's what I'm getting here. There are times where the instrumentation and musicianship is great, but it just doesn't add up to something that seems meaningful. This isn't bad, and I am glad I listened, but I'm not into it.
This is quintessential 70’s Prog rock. But it also has meaningful elements of what Peter Gabriel’s solo work will sound like. And what Genesis will sound like after he leaves.
Few samples I recognised in there
I respect it. Not something I'd want to have on and listen to but the sound is nice and the concept is solid
I was hoping I would like this because I love a lot of Genesis, but as a child of the 80s, I think I've mostly listened to their later works. I do appreciate the art of this album and the immense musical talent from this group.
Better than I thought it’d be. Some really great moments in here and the musicianship is undeniable. Don’t feel the need to listen to it again.
Very different but I think also better than I expected!
Pleasant music to listen to, if you're wanting something more chill.
Yeah there’s potential
Peter Gabriel often brings a triumphant feeling to a song in his vocal performance. When it comes to prog rock, I tend to lean on more technical, less lyric heavy stuff, but this is quite enjoyable. That being said, I don't care to interpret the lyrics much. Firth of fifth has a guitar solo that seems to draw on some influence from Pink Floyd's work at the time. After all is said and listened, it was good, but not my favorite flavor of prog.
listen. listen to me. no disrespect intended to peter gabriel. but i don't know if i've ever known a greater disappointment than pressing play on this album and not immediately hearing phil collins' voice.
This project has revealed that I perhaps have a higher tolerance for prog than I previously thought. That said, the parts of this where Peter Gabriel is affecting the voice of a character? No thanks. But this is surprisingly palatable, even if it's not something I'd return to much.
I've struggled with several full albums from Genesis, including this one. On one hand I love the approach, the instrumentation, Peter Gabriel's vocals, and some tracks are fantastic! On the other hand, the full sets often leave me bored or unclear what to think or feel. Most music will impact or change my mood, this doesn't—it leaves me solidly in place but wondering, “what brilliance am I too ignorant to realize is sitting before me?” This will remain an album I continue to explore from time to time, but not a favorite.
Embarrassingly, today I learned that Genesis was a prog rock band. In my head, they made the same 80's pop that Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins went on to make. I was, uh, wrong, so this caught me totally off-guard. Not entirely sure how I feel about it; it's kinda all over the place. I get that being weird is part of prog rock, but it was hard to latch onto anything here for more than 10 seconds. There's a wide spectrum between "no chorus" and "no cohesion whatsoever" and this leaned too far toward the latter for me. Didn't hate it. I respect the talent here. It just didn't end up working for me even if I liked it more than I like solo Peter Gabriel. 2.7
I have never done a deep dive on Genesis… although maybe I should (although I listened to other stuff on different albums and liked them more…) solid 3.
Huh. What a weird album. It was musically dense, and decently enjoyable. But I don’t know that I’ll ever care to listen to it again. 5/10 Decent
some of the songs were absolute slogs but others were fun
This was surprisingly fresh and dare I say timeless? Favourite track: Firth of Fifth
Not the biggest fan...
„Selling England by the Pound“ ist ein Album, das sehr lang ist und sich oft in ruhigen, ausgedehnten Passagen verliert. Die Instrumente spielen viel, aber meistens passiert dabei nicht besonders viel. Die Songs ziehen sich, wirken stellenweise etwas schwerfällig und bleiben selten wirklich im Gedächtnis. Alles ist sehr ordentlich gemacht, aber ohne große Überraschungen, und die experimentellen Momente fühlen sich eher wie lange Umwege an. Am Ende bleibt ein Album, das manchmal interessant sein könnte, aber meistens einfach nur ruhig vor sich hinläuft. Und ehrlich gesagt: Diese Rezension ist genauso langweilig geworden wie das Album selbst – was irgendwie ganz gut passt.
I've never been a genesis fan, but this album is good (at best). There are a few passages that I like, but a lot more that I feel drag on for far too long. Overall it is a fine album. High 3.
It's a lot to take in, but mostly enjoyable.
This is pretty fun. I don’t know how re-listenable it is, but I could really appreciate what they were doing.
GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: in the bath FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Peaked mid-way VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3 My parents were big Genesis fans, so I have a soft spot for them despite only knowing one album (Trick of the Tail). My dad saw them a few days before I was born; if I'd been born male, I'd probably have been named Phil or Peter.
Never listened to this before and probably liked it a bit less than I thought I would. Good prog rock but a bit OTT especially vocally at points
You kind of have to shut your brain off for this one. It's admittedly pretty dynamic and impressive from a musical sense, but keeping in the theme of prog rock, it jumps around quite a bit to fully hold your attention. You have to embrace the zaniness with early Genesis.
A nice, clean rock sound from a group of very talented musicians. Besides the normal allotment of instruments, Genesis throws the occasional flute interlude and (possibly even) a harpsichord solo. The lyrics on a couple tunes are pretty far out there and I have no idea what they were talking about, but musically the album was successful.
I was more familiar with Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel as solo artists and never really came across Genesis music. I was surprised by their sound when the album started. The first song was a lot heavier than I was expecting. As the album progressed, it settled into more of what I'm used to and started becoming repetitive, which was a little disappointing. The instrumentation on this album is beautiful though.
2.8 prefer duke.
Nerviges Gedudel
Favourite track was the opener - "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight" which had a fun guitar lick. The album rocked harder than I expected in the start, but overall it felt bloated at 53 minutes over 8 tracks. 3/5 stars.
This album is a noticeable improvement over the previous one (The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway), but it confirmed that I’m just not much of a fan of 1970s progressive rock. I enjoy the more radio friendly Pop Rock Genesis after Peter Gabriel’s departure and I also love Gabriel’s solo work, but his era as Genesis’s frontman doesn’t really work for me—so I’m content that they only appeared twice on this list and that I’ve already heard both.
very rush sounding
Medieval prog rock is apparently an acquired taste; it's not really for me, but did like portions of it.
Very clever and of its time.
was on a road trip with a genesis fan when this album pop up and the light on his eyes when he got to listen to his fav Genesis album is something i'll won't forget. phil collins cooked on the drums and Gabriel sung well, cool moments but Prog is just not my genre as much as people say that it should be haha
Instrumental vey good.
Puh . Hat mich gar nicht abgeholt
Dragged on a bit
It was ok. Real promise with the first song, then a bit inconsistent.
Enjoyed this more than I expected (although I don't really know what I expected). Suspect that this would grow with more plays
I have a tough time with Genesis, it's a band I respect, I admire their ability. They take no shortcuts and it's clear that they were absolutely ambitious and their songs reflect that. I like prog rock but prog rock is complex, and I think Genesis just isn't exactly for me and that's totally fine. They deserve the acclaim, they deserve their spot among the most important prog rock bands of all time. All that being said, Dancing with the Moonlit Knight is a fantastic track, made me a little sad that they don't turn up the noise a bit more often. Firth on Fifth was also pretty great, with some Pink Floyd esque guitars shining thru. Even Cinema Show had some really cool moments that had me second guessing my assessment of this album, so I listened again and although there are many moments that are really cool and demand my attention, I just didn't enjoy my entire ride. The Battle of Epping Forest was exactly that, a battle for me, I found it annoying and I know prog rock can be nerdy but this was far too nerdy, it sounded like a song about a Dungeon and Dragons mission and that's too much for me. I want to like Genesis more that I do and maybe one day I'll get there. 5 star glorious burst moments but ultimately 3 stars
First real intro into Phil Collins/Genesis, was a good and fun listen but not something I would put on again. Songs are too long to put on a playlist too. I like it when an album has a theme, this one did wash over me a bit but still had some enjoyable songs. It was no invisible touch
Still dont get Prog. And this is barely prog
Favorite Track: Firth of Fifth
++: Firth of Fifth, Aisle of Plenty +: Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe), The Battle of Epping Forest, The Cinema Show +-: More Fool Me, After the Ordeal 6,0/10
Some cool sounds and story telling
This is another familiar, brilliant album
Kurt jam band music Not my thing but some fun energy Best- when it feels like a soundtrack Worst- when it’s getting too zany to even consider a musical progression
Genesis with Peter Gabriel … and without him … it’s like two completely different bands.
I liked this album not my usual listen but I did enjoy it most likely won’t listen through again but will look into the band a bit more :)
3 sterne
An okay album but I am not a big fan of the early Genesis stuff. 3 stars or C+.
Early Paul Simon
Total: 2706912000000.00£
I recently listened to a Yes album, and while I know it's not a contest, if it was, I'd be on team Genesis. Yes feels more like prowess is on display, where Genesis is more like place-making, like I feel like I'm somewhere else. And while it's still hella-Prog, it doesn't have so many switch ups and changes. It's more fantasy and less jazz. Gotta say our boy Phil Collins is tearing it up on the drums here! I like the feel of Genesis. Peter Gabriel's voice is soothing and makes me feel safe.
I wasn't particularly enthused by this album. It felt a lot like poncy people noodling. The music was alright, it just didn't grab my attention, and felt like jazzy people trying to play rock music, which is what happens when you have a prog album. My rating: 3/5 umbrellas
Extremely British (in a good way). I’d have to listen to it a couple times to appreciate it though so a 3er it will be for now.
Obviously you have to be in a certain mood for prog, which I don’t think I was listening to this. Aside from that, I think sometimes slightly too medieval for me.. I found the songs on Lamb Lies Down on Broadway a bit more attention holding personally.
I went back and forth with whether this was catching my ear or just being kinda ... there.
every song was long enough that there were bery enjoyable and very bleh parts. 2.5