Selling Pound in England

If you had to narrow down the essential albums of prog-rock, SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND would undoubtedly be one of them. It represented the culmination of Genesis' efforts since their late-'60s beginnings, refining the vision that began with TRESPASS, NURSERY CRYME, and FOXTROT. The fusion of complex classical elements with electrified rock and pastoral folk defined Genesis' signature style, and never more effectively than on SELLING ENGLAND. Peter Gabriel's unpretentious storytelling shines on "The Battle of Epping Forest". Tony Banks's elegant keyboard work is a vital element in nearly every song, and the electric/acoustic guitar combination of Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford is the perfect complement. The band's catchiest, quirkiest song "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)" adds a welcome anomaly to the album. Phil Collins's lead vocal on the gorgeous acoustic ballad "More Fool Me" hints at the band's future direction. If you can only buy one Genesis album, let it be this one.

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