SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND

I hesitate a lot when it comes to giving 5 stars to an album. For Selling England by the Pound, I did hesitate for a while. PROS: outstanding writing by Gabriel. The lyrics are of course from a bit of everyone in the band (by that time) but Gabriel gave more of his verve to the album. You kinda know when it's his writing. Genesis is like reading a fairy tale book and images spreads out the pages (Fanfreluche anyone?). Stimulates the mind a lot. Then, the musical performance has to be heard to be commented. Phil Collins is a divine and humble drummer. Gabriel said one day:" people maybe not like his voice or his solo work, but stays the fact that he's an extrordinairy gifted player." He plays fast, very fast (if you don't believe me, watch Live at Wembley Stadium, you'll see!). But also in an almost lazy way. Very 'cool' on the snare rolls and fills. Tony Banks is also giving all he can in his inimitable style. This guy is soooo underrated. He's not in the style of Kaye, Van der Linden or Emerson, but his strenght is giving British class to the song. He gives a good boost to a song with his great solos (end of Cinema Show) or 'riffs' (start of Firth of the Fifth). Banks has a tremendous background in classical playing and, thank you lord, he's using it in almost every song. Also great "dramatic" ending with Aisle of Plenty. Pure musical heaven. CONS: Battle of Epping Forest. I'm not sure where this is going. You get lost in a sea of character switching phrases and bad voice acting from Gabriel. My first Genesis album and still one of my favortie of all-time...Hey by the way if you have a chance to see THE MUSICAL BOX: TRIBUTE TO GENESIS, go and be amazed how 5 guys from Quebec are giving a rock n' roll lesson to all. In my top 5 shows of my life, and one of the cheapest! I cried a bit after the Musical Box, this is exactly like the original show from 1974! With tribute band like these, MY OH MY ROCK AND ROLL WILL NEVER DIE...