Selling England by the Pound: Genesis (Charisma)

Reviewed by Phillip Hay.

In a musical world where direction and creativity seem to be lacking for the moment, one group which emerges from the langour is Genesis, containing five very experienced musicians whose equipment ranges from electric sitars to VCS 3 synthesizers. Another English group which has a great deal in common with Genesis is Steawbs. Both sets of musicians play similar instruments, their vocalists Peter Gabriel and David Cousins have identical styles, and their music is a tight, well balanced portrayal of expertise. "Selling England by the Pound" completes a collection of three previous albums,

some of which were recorded and produced as early as 1968, but held back by the over-zealous, money-grabbing producers until a time when the music would be appreciated and bought. Had the music been released early, the effects on contemporary style might have been devastating as to put parasitic virtuosos as Keith Emmerson and psuedo-avant-gardes as Hawkwind out of the business permanently.

This album is a satire on the English middle-class which, by its stability and rigid morality, is stilting the nation with the need for indiscriminate progress and supra-commercialism. The lyrics present situations where "the sands of time were eroded by the river of constant change". The older people in England feel disorientated and incredulous at the way their country is losing its dignity for avarist. "I don't belong here, said Olde Tessa out loud, easy love, there's the safe way home, still alone in o-hello-o — sec the deadly nightshade grow."

The group actually feel their music, putting their sensitivity and creativity forward in an effort to capture that elusive quality that good music has. For this, they should be respected.

The compositions fall favourably on the ear, being soft and at the same time remarkably mecurial, a quality which sonorous bass and wailing lead guitars can never achieve. I strongly recomment that this album should be heard for its sensitivity and creativity.