SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

As much as I dislike most everything else done by this band, I admit that this album is an absolute joy to listen to, and is the only Genesis album that deserves its high marks. The composition is top-notch, production clear, playing dynamic, and songs genuinely interesting and exciting... something which cannot be said of their later works. "Selling England" is the quintessential British progressive rock album. That being said, the quintessential British progressive rock sound is still dominated by Bank's (noodling) keyboards and Hackett's (spineless) guitar, which makes this-- and all Genesis albums-- occasional listens for me. Still, this one is the pick of the bunch, and pretty much a mandatory purchase for the complete progressive rock collection... luckily, it's actually really good.

Songwriting: 4 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 4 Style/Emotion/Replay: 5