Selling England by the Pound
Genesis · 1973
53 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock
A grand tapestry of intricate melodies and theatrical storytelling that epitomizes the golden age of progressive rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dancing With the Moonlit Knight Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its sweeping orchestration and poetic lyrics that critique British society, embodying the band's theatrical style.
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I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) — This song stands out for its catchy chorus and playful imagery, representing Genesis's ability to blend complex musicality with accessible pop sensibilities.
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Firth of Fifth — A masterclass in progressive rock structure, this track features a stunning piano introduction and showcases intricate guitar work, highlighting the band's musical virtuosity.
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The Cinema Show — With its elaborate narrative and shifting time signatures, this track exemplifies the band's storytelling prowess while maintaining an engaging melodic flow.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate compositions and storytelling define its progressive rock essence.
What we noticed
- The album features extended compositions, with several tracks exceeding six minutes, allowing for intricate musical development.
- The lyrics often tell stories or paint vivid imagery, creating a theatrical experience that complements the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- immersive storytelling through music
- reflective moments of quiet beauty
- playful lyrical twists and turns
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, quick listens
- dislike long, evolving compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked Genesis's transition to mainstream success and wider recognition.
- Themes
- British societal critique· theatrical storytelling· pastoral landscapes
- Moods
- Nostalgic· Melancholy
- Career context
- When Genesis released Selling England by the Pound in October 1973, they were transitioning from cult favorites to mainstream success, following their previous album Foxtrot. This third studio album showcased their increasingly complex compositions and lyrical sophistication, solidifying their role as pioneers in the progressive rock genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Yes· Emerson, Lake & Palmer· King Crimson
Tracklist
- 1 Dancing With the Moonlit Knight Start here 8:04
- 2 I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) 4:07
- 3 Firth of Fifth 9:35
- 4 More Fool Me 3:10
- 5 The Battle of Epping Forest 11:48
- 6 After the Ordeal 4:14
- 7 The Cinema Show 11:03
- 8 Aisle of Plenty 1:35
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Close to the Edge
Yes
Similar intricate compositions and philosophical themes wrapped in lush, symphonic arrangements.
Moonmadness
Camel
Shares a pastoral soundscape with rich melodies and storytelling elements, evoking a similar atmospheric quality.
Larks' Tongues in Aspic
King Crimson
Explores complex musical structures with a blend of theatricality and experimentation akin to Genesis.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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