SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

My highest rating so far, but not necessarily better than ‘Close to the Edge’ (or even ‘In a Glass House’). These two albums are of completely different moods and colours. This is a progressive rock album which is difficult for a prog-hater to turn their noses up at, whereas they may scorn at the Andersons vocals (I know someone who has) or just disdain their energetic synthesiser sections or warbling bass lines. Yes, Genesis do include some potentially ‘strange’ parts, but differently, in a more accessible way perhaps. (Of course, there is a lot for prog-haters to say about Gentle Giant!)

All tracks are absolutely stunning. Headphones on and you are instantly part of the music, flowing where it flows and feeling every note. This album can be played whatever mood you may be in, as the songs change so much throughout. ‘Dancing With the Moonlit Knight’ is a definitive Genesis track, and therefore a definitive prog piece. Tempo changes, complicated sections and generally masterful musicianship, delivering brilliant melodies and vocal harmonisations.

‘Firth of Fifth’ and ‘After the Ordeal’ are my favourite tracks most of the time, as they are easier to listen to than the almighty ‘Cinema Show’. ‘Firth of Fifth’ has an extremely impressive piano performance at the beginning, showing immense skill and opening this awesome track in an outstanding manner. Nearing mid-point, Gabriel grants his audience with a beautiful flute solo, developing and passing the main melody to the hands of Banks, who again displays some dedicated piano playing. The rest of the song is a wonderful instrumental with spectacular playing from all musicians.

‘After the Ordeal’ is one of my favourite instrumentals of all time, and makes me cold however many times I listen to it. The track gives the feeling of someone who has experienced the reason of life, total fulfilment and a flabbergasted state of self- achievement. ‘Cinema Show’ has all the elements needed in progressive music, so why not download it from this here website?

Unless you hate Genesis, you will never regret buying this masterpiece.

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