Despite the work already showcasing the tendency, particularly of Collins and Rutherford, towards a more easy-going genre, the first time I listened to Selling England By The Pound, I was captivated and fascinated by the unique, incisive, and intriguing sound. Melodies, sudden changes of rhythm, virtuosity, dreamlike lyrics, and intense rhythmic foundations (honor this time to Phil and Mike) unveiled mysterious and elegant scenarios.

The history of music will never be able to forget pieces like "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight" and "Firth Of Fifth": in the first, Peter's wonderful melodic introduction, enriched by Tony's piano and Steve's guitar, preludes a vehement explosion of sounds that culminate in the brilliant, irreplaceable, and delightful solo by Steve, followed by a stronger yet no less intense guitar, exalted by a background of haunting choirs and subsequently by Banks' almost distorted but intriguingly fascinating keyboards. In the second, Tony's delicate introduction precedes the powerful attack of the ensemble of instruments and Peter's voice, which will dominate the scene, continuing throughout the entire piece with a variety of themes and an intensity of emotions wrapped around Hackett's moving guitar solo.
And then, "I Know What I Like," although already catchy, remains extraordinary for the modernity of the sound (we're in 1973), for Gabriel's charismatic interpretation, and for the originality of the rhythmic base.
Another gem worth mentioning is undoubtedly "The Cinema Show," where Peter's sharp yet sweet voice, Steve's tender introductory guitar, and Tony Banks' grand and imaginative solo stand out.
Tough and medieval "The Battle Of Epping Forest," with beautiful and well-crafted arrangements, but a bit easy-going for the others.

Undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary albums of the immense Genesis (clearly, with the presence of Gabriel and Hackett).

Tracklist Lyrics and Samples

01   Dancing With the Moonlit Knight (08:04)

02   I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) (04:07)

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.

06   After the Ordeal (04:16)

(Instrumental)

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 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."


By SydBarrett96

 "Selling England by The Pound remains and will forever remain the Masterpiece."

 "Consolidates them as a legendary band in the rock Olympus. Immense, deep, intense."