SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

This is a very, very good album by Genesis, a band I must admit that doesn't strike a chord with me. But a masterpiece? I don't think this band can approach King Crimson, Yes, ELP, or even Gentle Giant in that era.

Dancing With The Moonlit Knight is a damn good song, one of the few by Genesis that I still like to listen to after all these years (even my favorites, I have listened to so often that I rarely play them anymore, as I have every note committed to memory). But like most Genesis, I wish there were better, and longer solos.

Firth Of Fifth is another highlight in this band's career, and Hackett even provides a nice guitar solo, but here Genesis sound like they are trying to recreate King Crimson's sound. And they do a fair job of it.

The Battle Of Epping Forest has potential, but this recording is marred by a particularly drab Tony Banks performance. His keyboards here are a prime example of why I compare him more to Tony Kaye of Yes than to the truly great prog keyboardists. He has the skills to occasionally rise up and play something spectacular, he just usually chooses not to.

The Cinema Show is another fine prog tune. Worth having in any collection.

A solid four star album.