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Rating: After the great success of the album "Foxtrot," and with the group's fame further enhanced in Europe, Genesis returned to the studio to record a new album of originals. The album was released in September 1973 and was named "Selling England by the Pound," which in Italian can be rendered as "vendesi Inghilterra un tanto al chilo." Although it is not a true concept album, it develops a plot with a political and social background.
Peter Gabriel, the band's eccentric leader, contributed massively to the lyrics, which contain many word plays and many untranslatable points. The first song of the album is a clear example of a text full of word plays and ambiguous words. It is titled Dancing with the Moonlit Knight and the lyrics represent an ironic indictment of England at the time. This is evidenced by the frequent references to English culture scattered throughout: the lyrics mention the Queen of Maybe, which calls into question the Queen of May; moreover, it refers to an American hamburger company, Wimpy. There would be countless terms worthy of attention, but suffice it to say that the song is on the whole a snapshot of English society characterized by a sprinkling of properly English irony. The music lives up to the lyrics. The track begins with Peter Gabriel's a cappella choir followed by a beautiful acoustic guitar solo by Steve Hackett. Meanwhile, the atmosphere intensifies and with a drum roll by Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel's shouted singing, delivering the title line, is introduced. This is followed by a long instrumental solo by the entire band, but especially Tony Banks on the mellotron. Peter resumes singing accompanied by a uniform choir that breaks off with the chorus, introduced again by Phil's roll. The song closes with a long instrumental.
The second song on the album, I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe), is a pop-rock vein piece, one of the standout performances in both Genesis Gabriel-era and Collins-era concerts. The lyrics talk about a boy, Jacob, who lives in the countryside, who is daily dominated by his family and those around him: he has no character, is easily influenced, and the only time he feels good about himself is when he is mowing the grass. This pop-rock piece is followed by a true anthem to progressive, a piece of magnificent molding, Firth of Fifth, which already in the title presents a word play that pokes fun at a Scottish river. The song, which lasts about 9 minutes, begins with a superb piano solo by Tony Banks that flows into Peter Gabriel's commanding vocals. In the middle of the song, a long guitar solo by Steve Hackett develops, leading to a finale that reprises the opening notes with Gabriel's commanding vocals. The lyrics are not up to the music, as even the band members, who describe it as trivial, have stated. Side A of the album closes with a piece sung by Phil Collins, the band's drummer. It is negligible compared to the other tracks.
Side B opens with a song of considerable length and a very long, intrinsic, and difficult-to-interpret lyrics, called The Battle of Epping Forest. The lyrics tell of the struggle between two gangs vying for territory near London. Following this mini-suite is an instrumental piece by Steve Hackett, After the Ordeal, dominated by his guitar. Members of the band, especially Peter Gabriel, have expressed opposition to the inclusion of the track on the album, and this disdain for the guitarist's work would, years later, lead to Hackett leaving the band. The third song on Side B is an imposing piece featuring a majestic 7/8 keyboard solo by Tony Banks in the middle. The song is called The Cinema Show. The lyrics combine the story of two new "Romeo & Juliet," anxious to spend an evening at the cinema, with the mythological figure of Tiresias. The album closes with a short piece, Aisle of Plenty, which reprises the theme of Dancing with the Moonlit Knight.
Selling England by the Pound deservedly enters among the milestones of progressive, an album with a very British flavor, an album worthy of praise and that would deserve deeper exploration.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
03 Firth of Fifth (09:37)
The path is clear, though no eyes can see
The course laid down long before
And so with gods and men, the sheep remain inside their pen
Though many times they've seen the way to leave
He rides majestic, past homes of men
Who care not or gaze with joy
To see reflected there, the trees, the sky, the lily fair
The scene of death is lying just below
The mountains cut off the town from view
Like a cancer growth is removed by skill
Let it be revealed
A waterfall, his madrigal
An inland sea, his symphony
Undinal songs urge the sailors on
'Till lured by the siren's cry...
Now as the river dissolve in sea
So Neptune has claimed another soul
And so with gods and men, the sheep remain inside their pen
Until the shepherd leads his flock away
The sands of time were eroded by
The river of constant change
04 More Fool Me (03:11)
Here am I
Who while away the mornings
Since you've gone
Too long have I lain alone
Not knowing which way to turn.
And there you are
Quite sure that you were right
Knowing full well
That I'd be the first one
To go down.
And you'd be the one who was laughing
Except when things weren't going your way
And the lady would say that she'd had enough
Wandering around on her own.
The day you left
Well I think you knew you'd not be back
Well at least it would seem that way
Because you never said goodbye.
But when it comes round to you and me
I'm sure it will work out alright.
And you'd be the one who was laughing
And giving me something I don't need
And you know, I'd always hold you and keep you warm
Oh! more fool me.
But when it comes
Round to you and me
I ask myself
Do I really believe
In your love.
And yes, I'm sure it will work out alright.
05 The Battle of Epping Forest (11:48)
(Taken from a news story concerning two rival gangs fighting
over East-End Protection rights)
Along the Forest Road, there's hundreds of cars - luxury cars.
Each has got its load of convertible bars, cutlery cars - superscars!
For today is the day when they sort it out, sort it out,
'cause they disagree on a gangland boundary.
Yes, they disagree on a gangland boundary.
There's Willy Wright and his boys -
one helluva noise, that's Billy's boys!
With fully-fashioned mugs, that's Little John's thugs,
the Barking Slugs - supersmugs!
For today is the day when they sort it out, sort it out,
these Christian soldiers fight to protect the poor.
East end heroes got to score in...
the Battle of Epping Forest,
it's the Battle of Epping Forest,
right outside your door.
You ain't seen nothing like it.
No, you ain't seen nothing like it,
not since the Civil War.
Coming over the hill are the boys of Bill,
and Johnny's lads stand very still.
With the thumpire's shout, they all start to clout
- there's no guns in this gentleman's bout.
Georgie moves in on the outside left
with a chain flying round his head;
and Harold Demure, from Art Literature,
nips up the nearest tree.
(Here come the cavalry!)
Admidst the battle roar,
accountants keep the score: 10-4.
They've never been alone, after getting a radiophone.
The bluebells are ringing for Sweetmeal Sam, real ham,
handing out bread and jam just like any picnic.
It's 5-4 on William Wright; he made his pile on Derby night.
When Billy was a kid, walking the streets,
the other kids hid - so they did!
Now, after working hard in security trade, he's got it made.
The shops that need aid are those that haven't paid.
"I do my double-show quick!" said Mick the Prick, fresh out the nick.
"I sell cheap holiday. The minute they leave,
then a visit I pay - and does it pay!"
And his friend, Liquid Len by name,
of Wine, Women and Wandsworth fame,
said "I'm breaking the legs of the bastard that got me framed!"
They called me the Reverend when I entered the Church unstained;
my employers have changed but the name has remained.
It all began when I went on a tour,
hoping to find some furniture.
I followed a sign - it said "Beautiful Chest".
It led to a lady who showed me her best.
She was taken by surprise when I quickly closed my eyes.
So she rang the bell, and quick as hell
Bob the Nob came out on his job
to see what the trouble was.
"Louise, is the Reverend hard to please?"
"You're telling me!"
"Perhaps, sir, if it's not too late.
we could interest you in our Staffordshire plate?"
"Oh no, not me, I'm a man of repute."
But the Devil caught hold of my soul and a voice called out "Shoot!"
To save my steeple, I visited people;
for this I'd gone when I met Little John.
His name came, I understood,
when the judge said "You're a robbing hood."
He told me of his strange foundation,
conceived on sight of the Woodstock nation;
he'd had to hide his reputation.
When poor, 'twas salvation from door to door.
But now, with a pin-up guru every week,
it's Love, Peace & Truth Incorporated for all who seek.
He employed me as a karmacanic, with overall charms.
His hands were then fit to receive, receive alms.
That's why we're in
the Battle of Epping Forest,
it's the Battle of Epping Forest,
right outside your door.
We guard your souls for peanuts,
and we guard your shops and houses
for just a little more.
In with a left hook is the Bethnal Green Butcher,
but he's countered on the right by Mick's chain-gang fight,
and Liquid Len, with his smashed bottle men,
is lobbing Bob the Nob across the gob.
With his kissar in a mess, Bob seems under stress,
but Jones the Jug hits Len right in the mug;
and Harold Demure, who's still not quite sure,
fires acorns from out of his sling.
(Here come the cavalry!)
Up, up above the crowd,
inside their Silver Cloud, done proud,
the bold and brazen brass, seen darkly through the glass.
The butler's got jam on his Rolls; Roy doles out the lot,
with tea from a silver pot just like any picnic.
Along the Forest Road, it's the end of the day
and the Clouds roll away.
Each has got its load - they'll come out for the count
at the break-in of day.
When the limos return for their final review, it's all thru'
- all they can see is the morning goo.
"There's no-one left alive - must be draw."
So the Blackcap Barons toss a coin to settle the score.
07 The Cinema Show (11:05)
Home from work our juliet
Clears her morning meal.
She dabs her skin with pretty smells
Concealing to appeal.
I will make my bed,
She said, but turned to go.
Can she be late for her cinema show?
Romeo locks his basement flat,
And scurries up the stair.
With head held high and floral tie,
A weekend millionaire.
I will make my bed
With her tonight, he cries.
Can he fail armed with his chocolate surprise?
Take a little trip back with father tiresias,
Listen to the old one speak of all he has lived through.
I have crossed between the poles, for me there's no mystery.
Once a man, like the sea I raged,
Once a woman, like the earth I gave.
But there is in fact more earth than sea.
Take a little trip back with father tiresias,
Listen to the old one speak of all he has lived through.
I have crossed between the poles, for me there's no mystery.
Once a man, like the sea I raged,
Once a woman, like the earth I gave.
But there is in fact more earth than sea.
08 Aisle of Plenty (01:32)
"I don't belong here", said old Tessa out loud.
"Easy, love, there's the Safe Way Home."
- thankful for her Fine Fair discount, Tess Co-operates
Still alone in o-hell-o
- see the deadly nightshade grow
ENGLISH RIBS OF BEEF CUT DOWN TO 47p LB
PEEK FREANS FAMILY ASSORTED FROM 17 1/2 to 12
FAIRY LIQUID GIANT - SLASHED FROM 20p TO 17 1/2
TABLE JELLYS AT 4p EACH
ANCHOR BUTTER DOWN TO 11p FOR A 1/2
BIRDS EYE DAIRY CREAM SPONGE ON OFFER THIS WEEK.
It's Scrambled Eggs.
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Other reviews
By Dario Pierini
The piano intro alone is worth the price of the record.
The unmistakable dreamy and romantic atmosphere, with a medieval and baroque flavor, makes them at once so modern and ancient, so innovative and tied to tradition.
By rebel1
The history of music will never be able to forget pieces like "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight" and "Firth Of Fifth."
Undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary albums of the immense Genesis (clearly, with the presence of Gabriel and Hackett).
By Breus
"Selling England" unfolds like a fable-like and epic fresco between the unifaun and the Queen of May Be, singing the fate of a land that has become prey to commerce and lost its nobler ambitions.
"The Cinema Show" remains the most spontaneous and authentic testament of their original group career, with a succession of phrases that engage all the musicians without ever detaching from the typical style.
By lukather88
"Selling England By The Pound is an extraordinary album that perfectly represents progressive rock alongside King Crimson and Yes."
"Hackett’s guitar solo on 'Firth Of Fifth' is a gem perhaps unparalleled in progressive rock, leaving one enchanted and lulled into a dreamlike dimension."
By XBend
"53 minutes of real delight, of pure art exposed by those who know how to do art well."
"It marks the absolute consecration of the group that had already made waves with monumental works."
