SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

In case this album needs any introduction, this is the classic of all classics. A masterpiece that showcases some of the most perfect songwriting of the 70's - even the production is flawless - quite a feat for the times. It shows GENESIS at the peak of their musical creativity.

Among the notable tracks are the album opener "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight", whose flute and medieval guitar notes develop into a full-fledged symphonic number, complete with mellotron, choppy beats and soaring keyboards. "Firth of Fifth" (my personal favourite alongwith "The Cinema Show") is as perfectly constructed a symphonic tune as you're likely to hear, thanks to a stunning STEVE HACKETT guitar solo over TONY BANKS' tapestry of magestic, melodious keyboards (if ever you want to give a neophyte a feel of what Prog's appeal is all about, this is the track to play) "The Battle of Epping Forest" is a zany, eccentric 12-minute epic with plenty of theme and time changes; it recounts the tale of two street gangs playing at war - with very tongue-in-cheek lyrics directed at English politicians. Finally, "The Cinema Show" is another true jewel of progressive sound and imagery. With its various musical themes, evocative lyrics and impressive instrumental build-up, this track is simply stunning and guaranteed to blow any progster away.

After over 30 years, this album still delivers the goosebumps and if my house were to catch fire, that's the one I would grab.