SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

there is real majesty to be found here. Unfortunately, there are two weak tracks, but the rest is magic. Lets get the bad out of the way; 'I know what I like' is short and boring, apparently being about a gardener or something. It isn't progressive either. Perhaps it fits in with the main theme somehow, but I haven't figured it out. Regardless, the song is weak. The other low point on this album is the ballad 'more fool me'. This one has collins on vocals, which immediately evokes dischord with me. I much prefer gabriel. The music is okay, but it really stands out like a sore thumb against the other songs. Okay, now for the good, which is the bulk of the album. 'dancing with the moonlit knight' is a real treat, a perfect opener. It starts with gabriel delivering some excellent vocals, and then some classical sounding guitar joins him. The song soon takes off, leaving plenty of room for hacket to to do some good soloing. This is a haunting song, which ends leaving you in a strange sort of trance, invoked by a dreamy guitar melody, fading out slowly to the end of the song. 'firth or fifth' is an excellent track, even more majestic than the first. It opens with some good piano work, which soon opens into full blown genesis splendor. The song then quickly becomes even more awesome, eventually leading to hacket's climactic solo, which just goes over the top in a good way. This is a fine moment for genesis. 'The battle of epping forest' is a showcase for gabriels vocal antics. He utilizes at least 4 or 5 different voices! The song is also quite lengthy, leaving room for plenty of good stuff. It's an odd tune, but very genesis. I must admit though, that some of gabriels voices do slightly annoy me. You kind of have to be in the right mood for this one. 'After the ordeal' starts off as a classical piece and then goes electric half way through. It's a beautiful song, and is well placed on the album, it following epping forest. Cinema show is another epic track, clocking in at over 11 mins. It begins with some enticing guitar work that really draws you in. The lyrics are also strangely appropriate. Hard to explain. the song continues into plenty of keyboard soloing, creating a musical journey for one's ears. Another superb genesis song. 'aisle of plenty' is a reprise for the album, repeating the moonlit knight theme in a slight variation. It perfectly closes the album. Aside from the two glaring weaknesses that are 'I know what I like" and 'more fool me', this is a fine album. It is nowhere near perfect like many claim, but it is good nonetheless. I prefer foxtrot slightly, but what is here cannot be missed! All said, it is an essential genesis album, more essential than others. This is worth your time and money!