SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

I guess reviewers have said it already and better than I could. However, I think that in order to highlight the quality of this album, we should compare it to the so-called greatest progressive albums. First of all, this album is composed of the most desired attributes in progressive rock. It´s got complex and inteligent song structures, enjoyable tunes and melodies, great playing, originality as far as style goes, energy and a fresh feelling throughout. This album can be called unique since it was never immitated nor improved by anyone within its style, not by Genesis itself either.

On the other hand, "better" than what you ask?. Let´s say, better than "In the court of the crimson king". It may not have a single song as greatly played as "21st. century" but it also doesn´t have a single second as boring and absurd as the 10+ minutes of "moonchild". While "21st. century" is about the only 100% attention demanding on that album, "Selling England" is filled with at least 3 songs full of diverse, inspired and imaginative passages. Furthermore, "Selling England" displays the most ever respected capability Genesis ever had, writing skills. I mean that ability to write music within very different styles, sounds, etc. "In the court" might have been the startpoint to all progressive bands, yet, king Crimson was not succesfull at creating a trully different style other than that. Genesis on the other hand, came from recording a bizarre Foxtrot, nothing similar to the "Selling England" sound and style, and went on to writing a remarcably different "The Lamb". While "In the court" was the raw material to every King Crimson Album to date, "Selling England" was their 5th. album and that´s it, no more no less, with a personality of it´s own. Would you dare saying "In the court of the crimson king (THE SONG)" is coparable to "Cinema show" ?. I think after the ordeal has much more to stick with.

Compared to "The dark side of the moon". Well, we´d have to ask ourselves wether that album is progressive at all. Is it?. Isn´t it just Classic rock in a fusion with; first, a lot of media support, and secondly, a pretentious desire by the band?. As pretentious as to call this album progressive (a more pretentious genre than classic rock). Anyway, lets consider it progressive. The same way critics and music researchers call Pink Floyd "progressive" as a whole, in a generic way of course, though they are not aware they are. "Dark side" is a great album nonetheless. However, it is great only if listened as a whole. Take "Us and them" as an example. It sure is a very enjoyable song, with hook tunes throughout. yet, the playing is quite simple with no rythm changes nor complex arrangements whatsoever. That can´t be called progressive by no means. Progressive or not, it is a fine song with a great melody depending strongly on mood and atmosphere rather than on trully writing skills as in on, say, "Firth of fifth". Being the last, at least in my mind, a more enjoyable song than "Us and them". Has anyone noticed that the only "tough" and technic demanding song on "Dark side" lies-down on "Money"?. Which by the way has a very simple structure with barely no rythm changes. "Money" is a song that stands out only for one reason, it is the only loud song on the record ¡¡, and also because it´s received thousands of favourable reviews and because it´s on every single live album by the Floyd. listen to it, you won´t deny that the only element that gives this song a feeling of complexity, is Gilmour´s strong guitar going from one side to another. If this is to be the most progressive moment on "Dark Side", let me tell you friends, there are no real and authentic progressive elements here. Would you dare comparing "Eclipse" or "Brain damage" to "Dancing with the moonlit knight" and "Cinema show" face to face?, second to second?. "Dark side of the moon" would fail miserably that´s for sure. Did i forget about "Time"?, is it an anthem?, I like it of course. However, there is nothing beyond it´s "beauty" that really deserve the hundred percent of my attention through the headphones. As a matter of fact, I need no more than a 50%, the one required for listening to the melody.

A Yes Album?. What about their best proposal?, "Fragile". Well, I have to grant on one very important subject on this one, the instrumentation and playing. Although Genesis are no mediocre instrumentalists whatsoever, they are definitely no better than "Yes", whose individual skills are well known for taking the notes to the edge. But that´s the end of the advantages of "Fragile" over "Selling England". Now. While virtuoso Instrumentation and fast rhythm changes are some of the basic elements of prog, they are not the only ones, and YES made sure to fail on diversity of style and sound in further years from 1971. Whatsmore, they failed at giving diversity within the songs on this album. Also, it´s not that Genesis have no fine instrumentation and rhythm diversity, it´s only that their´s are featured in a mildly lesser degree. After all, when making a list of the classic prog bands, Genesis is among the first 5 or 6, 7 at the most best instrumentalists, along with YES itself, King Crimson, EL&P, Gentle Giant, Jethro Tull and Van Der Graaf. Sorry Pink Floyd ¡. Genesis´ instrumental peak might not be at the same level as YES´, or King Crimson´s or Gentle giant´s. However, I dare to say Genesis was more consistent on that same field and what is more important yet, they were way more creative at making different styles, sounds, moods and atmospheres within their discography than all those mentioned above. Ok, back to the "Selling England" vs. "Fragile" topic. "Heart of the sunrise" is impressive at first listens, its playing is masterful with an innitial loud, interesting and exciting, yet, repetitive interaction of all the instruments. The sudden pauses between the instrumental parts are something to wonder at. Nevertheless, this "trick" turns too obvious when used over and over throughout the song. Only with a more quiet and lyrical moment to rest somewhere arround the third minute. What does that tell you?. It tells me YES couldn´t afford an 8 minute song with more than two musical ideas (The hard and interesting, yet brief and repetitive playing, and the lyrical and pleasant softer parts). YES required to wear out a great, and their best trick to pull out this song. Had they made it a 3 minute song out of this idea, it would have been the best among the other 5 little songs in the album. This means lack of creativity by YES. Genesis on the same issue, featured songs like "Battle of epping forest" full of lyrical and musical ideas never to be repeated, or for a better match, "Dancing with the m.k.". See why YES´output doesn´t stand a chance?. When YES makes a song like "The heart of the sunrise" with so few musical ideas, it seems like they wanted just to impress the audience as mere good performers disregarding anything concerning composition or imagination. After listening to it many times, the same, once interesting and colorful instrumentals, now makes me wonder wether they cut and pasted the same notes all over the 8 minutes.

Now, "Roundabout" is just fine. Some of YES fans say it has a lot of hooks and I agree, those hooks make the song "half-a-pop-song". Now seriously, "Roundabout" still features the great instrumental skills by YES´ members, as well as their biggest deficiencies. Like again, their poor writing. The bass is great though. The other interesting song would be "long distance ronaround" which is basicaly the same story as "Roundabout". The other 5 mini songs are just little individual ditties that could well, have been the product of messing around with the instruments during the recording sessions. If this is not enough to making my point, just match one song against another from "Selling England" and see for yourself.

One album that could represent a serious match is "Tarkus" by EL&P. It´s full of imagery, it´s diverse in terms of style, sound, mood and atmosphere, it´s even fun to listen to. EL&P´s instrumental skills are flawless also. Why would "Selling England" be better ?. "Selling England" is way more accesible and enjoyable. I mean, I like "Tarkus´" style and kinda-ugly sounds as much as I like Genesis´. But I have to admit that in order to get to that, I had to go through many listens to finaly get an aquired taste for it. Take the next statement lightly; "Selling England" is beautiful while "Tarkus" is a hard bone to gnaw.

I guess it´s a matter of taste anyway, it´s fun making considerations regarding music and that´s why we all have something to say in this page.

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