Reaction to GENESIS - "SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND" (Side 2)

[@shelleyverinder6917]

Greatest album of all time.Nuff said!!!

[@MarionJInce]

I’m glad you liked this- yes, it is complicated but accessible, rocking, soothing and full of emotion- a masterpiece. This album was released in October 17, 1973; so any tunes you think sound familiar, check the date. This is one of the best compositions and realizations of fantasy progressive music; and one of my favorites of all time.

[@rk41gator]

Love the subtle English humor sprinkled in with the serious lyrics. Gabriel's uses his voice colorings masterfully, just as his bandmates color their instrumentals with textures, tones and details. (oh and you are correct about the flute. Gabriel plays the instrument you are thinking. You can see it on live performances) The voices layers are them all singing together. Phil and Peter's voices are so well matched! What an expert sonic journey they take us on.....with Phil's drumming pushing things along. So musical.

[@sigil5772]

"Aisle of Plenty" is a wordplay on "Isle of Plenty" (ie a paradise sort of island), where 'aisle' is like the corridor in a church or supermarket, and the lyrics use wordplay around contemporary English supermarkets (Tesco, Fine Fare, Safeway), referring to discounts, an echo of the earlier use of "Knights of the Green Shield Stamp" (Green Shield Stamps were a contemporary discount scheme), and uniting the whole idea of 'Selling England by the Pound', ie reducing a nation's history and culture to mere marketable commodity.

[@rk41gator]

Damn, you nailed it.

[@pauloneill4728]

Also it could be "I love plenty"

[@sigil5772]

Plausible

[@paulbrinkman5631]

"a paradise sort of island" I wonder if that is a referral to an island off the GB coast which had psychedelic mushrooms growing all over the place, where pictures of the people all showed smiling happy faces -- until religion rolled into town. It was all shits-ville after that. A guy named Terence McKenna referred to that island, in one of his wide-ranging, psychedelic-philosophy-based lectures ("Turning the Tide?")

[@capricekor]

Hadn't read your comment. But yes the references are so cutting and so true.

[@Joemartin-g5b]

Phil's drumming is always so on point. Whether its lite tapping or anything it makes it all work.

[@paulboutet5293]

Very good post!... I enjoyed looking at you and your comments, listening to the music I still love nowadays, and loved most in my early twenties. You are getting into it, as I was doing (and still do). Your reaction is very emotional, which is lovely! The true understanding of music is "becoming one with it", and you are doing that. Don't worry, the more you listen to Genesis' music, the more you will discover it and love it, especially when it comes to the latest productions of their career together. Thanks for sharing your beautiful soul in front of the camera. I am thrilled!

[@marclevesque3147]

Thank you Miss Verdy for your wonderful reaction of this album, just one of the greatest Rock Progressive albums ever produced, the musicianship on this is crazy, Gabriel's expressive vocals and flute, Collins's backup vocals and drums, Tony Banks fantastic keyboards work, Hackett extaordinary on guitars backed by Rurtherford's wonderful bass lines, sure that's a lot of adjectives but the beauty and complexity of the music... Everything is just great and what can you say about Firth of Fifth and The Cinema Show? MAJESTIC, always stirs up stong emotions after all this time... The Lamb was great but this album is my favorite, just a gem, it's been a pleasure watching you taken in on this saga, outstanding choice, keep up the great work!

[@lesblatnyak5947]

So true and Dark Side of The Moon came out the same year. You know nothing is as good as it was in the 70s, hell you could hear church bells on Sundays.

[@marclevesque3147]

@@lesblatnyak5947 Dark Side is another masterpiece but for me, more so on a technical level, I feel Pink Floyd's music was simpler but they exploited more technology and effects than pure musical intricacies, Genesis's compositions like Rush and Yes went full bore on complexity, rhythms changes and melodies, on those aspects they were different than Floyd, perhaps a bit less accesible, Selling England for me is musically unique for the pieces complexities and execution, I also think Canadian group Harmonium were greatly inspired by this album with great acoustic guitars, drumming, flutes and harmonies, Miss Verdy being French just has to hear it, I hope reactors like Miss Verdy get to it eventually even if it is in a great minority, the great French language!

[@lesblatnyak5947]

@@marclevesque3147 sorry mate Hungarian is the greatest language but your taste in music superb

[@kjdarch1]

Incredible awareness of the layered complexity on your first listen. SEBTPound is my deserted island album.!! Started listening to it in 1974 and I'm still hearing nuances and brilliance. It seems these first listening videos is creating a new wave of fans....especially Firth of Fith....the album a masterpiece worthy to be considered one of humanities greatest musical gifts ❤

[@shelleyverinder6917]

Greatest of all time, you will never hear music like this again!!!

[@wicky4473]

Every time I tune into Phil Collins’ drumming, my mouth hangs open. Just amazing.

[@You-Deef]

He’s sublime, yet hardly gets a mention in drum circles, I guess most drummers haven’t heard early Genesis.

[@rk41gator]

@@You-Deef A lot of drummers have said Phil was their inspiration. Collins is just spectacular. He has power and finesse in spades. Clever and intricate, then hits you hard when it is appropriate. Tasteful. Innovative. Can not say enough (obviously). Yes, sublime!

[@justinthyme5382]

Sadly he suffers from chronic back pain, and is unable to drum any more, hi from Perth Australia 😎🎵🎶🎵

[@You-Deef]

@@rk41gator According to Chester Thomson in a recent interview, Phil won best rock drummer 6 years in a row, which is something i never knew, i mean to guy's like you and i, it's a well deserved title, i think Phil's solo career put an end to anyone taking him serious as a drummer, which is a real shame because he's a monster player, better than most rock drummers and can hold his own in fusion, i'm not a drummer btw, but i used to play, when we were younger my parents moved to a house where it was a no go for me drumming because we had neighbours through the wall, so i stuck with guitar, but Phil is my fav musician of all time, i never tire of listening to how inventive he was on the kit. Amazing

[@rk41gator]

@@You-Deef Also not a drummer but I too "never tire of listening to how inventive he was on the kit" But I am getting tired of my saying "damn, you're good" to the video screen every few minutes as I hear him play. (I did however play in a few jazz bands and love Brand X)

[@davidbarker77]

One of my favourite albums of all time. So much fun watching you enjoy it. So much so, I subscribed. Looking forward to many more insightful reviews. Cheers.

[@wicky4473]

You took the words outta my mouth.

[@peterwarne4388]

The background to the Battle of Epping Forest is a true story - Epping Forest lies to the NE of London, UK and close to the East-end of London a notoriously tough area (or was in the 1970s). 2 rival gangs decided to set up a bare-knuckle fight in the forest to settle their differences. The police heard of it and sought to stop it so the date and venue for the fight kept changing. And do you know I can't remember if it ever happened or not but it made good copy for the popular press :)

[@justinthyme5382]

Good comment Peter, by the way that's my real name too,I know what you mean by tough areas I lived in Brixton area 50s and 60s,but left London in 1966,been living in Perth Australia since. I'm also 82 this year and still rocking a bit mainly in my rocking chair. 😎🎶🎵🎶🦘

[@jamesphillips2609]

@@justinthyme5382 Clearly still a legend though, by anyone’s measure 💪

[@GiancaSitar]

I started with Génesis,when I was sixteen,in Italy, I played in a band..we were trying to play Génesis..We used to play The cinema show,Súpper's ready...ecc....I was completely in love with them...now I am 58....and I'm still..!!!!!!.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@keithisaacs6092]

Did you see them live in Italy ive seen them twice in the UK simply spell binding. I see theirs a tribute band in Italy called Get Em out they sound superb.

[@elisabettabubola4927]

i sterted with Genesisi around that time. I never played in a band ( good for you!) but my circle of friends in high school would listen to Genensis and nothing else, Still i'm into it , I'm Italian too, 61.

[@andrelevesque2405]

An album couldn’t be more English and quirky than this one. Yep, ‘Cinema Show’ is mesmerizing and jaw-dropping, especially with Tony’s keyboard solo that just sucks you in, and with Phil crushing his drums in a complex yet musical way with the rest of the song. Every band member was on his A-game for this album that hasn’t taken a wrinkle since its release in 1973. This album is on my alone-on-an-island record list.

[@garethharding1]

The Cinema Show , and Tony Banks on keyboard, was what inspired me to play keyboards. 50 years later and i still cant play them as well as he did 😔

[@frankcoverjr.-jz3ne]

That doesn’t make you a bad person!😊

[@hubiex]

Hello Verdy, I must tell you, It was pure joy watching you listen to this, you have a beautiful heart, I love how you pay attention to all those special moments of each song. Thank you so much!

[@michaelkeudel8770]

Palm muted notes on a guitar is your chicken. Steve always used his guitar in a unique way in Genesis. Volume swells, reverbs, echoes, delay, tapping, he's incredible to watch live. And yes, those are flutes.

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Centuries from now they will be listening to Selling England By The Pound. Like people now go to Mozart concerts they'll be going to Genesis concerts, Yes concerts, Zeppelin Floyd etc etc .

[@justinthyme5382]

Yes very true, even the Beatles might get a few listeners. Hi from Perth Australia.

[@frankcoverjr.-jz3ne]

“We were a pretty good pop band.” - Sir Paul McCartney😊

[@pabsn9069]

Hi Verdy, You have such wonderfuly expressive eyes, was literally waiting for you to jump in 'The Battle of Epping Forest' just as I did in '73 😊. The endearing reaction to their abrupt & frequent rhythm changes is just adorable and So Very VERY Cool that you love Gabriel's articulate story telling (it's all him) that makes so many Genesis Songs unforgettable and which hooked me into Them and Him in the first place. Btw, the intricate acoustic guitar work is likely to be S Hackett. The massive build up in The Cinema Show followed by the mellow Aisle of Plenty blew my mind too when I first heard it and Like you, I remember being totally emotionally drained by the end too. Such a joy to watch a younger demographic who actually listens deeply and reacts so articulately and intelligently with such a deep sense of emotion - Thank-you for re-igniting those Wonderful Memories ☺️.

[@bobcharles1204]

That guitar sound in the beginning part of After the Ordeal is a 12-string acoustic guitar. Genesis loved using the 12-string guitar in many of their songs.

[@origami-unicorn]

"Selling England By The Pound" was my first Genesis album (I was 18 in 1973) and it's still one of my favourites of theirs. The way that Cinema Show transitions into the melody from Dancing with the Moonlit Knight blew my mind! Fun fact, I live in north-east London right on the outskirts of Epping Forest (five minutes from my house and I regularly walk in the forest) so that track was always interesting to me. Although growing up I was never aware of any gang fights there - sure, East End protection rackets/gambling etc were in the national press a lot in the late 60s, and the Kray Brothers are buried in the local cemetary, but I don't recall anything in the local newspaper. There's a LOT of wordplay in the lyrics on this album which will sadly be lost on anyone unfamiliar with England in the 70s e.g. the names of supermarket chains (Safeway, Fine Fare, Tesco), Aisle of Plenty which refers to the aisles in a supermarket and the special offers being read out on the tannoy, Green Shield Stamps (one of the original loyalty schemes), Wimpy (a hamburger chain long ago rebranded as Burger King). "Gob" and "kisser" are slang for "mouth". Barking and Bethnal Green are East End London boroughs. "Wandsworth" is also a London borough but in this context refers specifically to Wandsworth prison. "Silver Cloud" is a luxury Rolls-Royce car and "the bold and brazen brass, seen darkly through the glass" refers to the gang bosses (top brass) sitting therein.

[@andrewmurray5542]

Wow. Well done putting everything in context. There's far more going on in the songs than is evident on a first listen, especially with a song like The Battle of Epping Forest. I know this might sound blasphemous but it's my least favourite song on the album.

[@keithisaacs6092]

Being a massive Genesis fan i find it impossible to name a favourite song or album but cinema show is in my top ten . When listening to Genesis music it makes me very emotional and the tears were starting to flow listening to cinema show again so very beautiful along with firth of fifth two great songs.

[@frankcoverjr.-jz3ne]

We forgive ourselves.😊

[@gog583]

Guitarist Steve Hackett still plays a lot of the early Genesis songs live. If he ever comes around to your area, you should go see him. As close to a Genesis concert as you can get. And speaking of Steve Hackett, you should also give his first solo album, "Voyage of the Acolyte" a listen. Mike Rutherford & Phil Collins appear on it. Many refers to it as "The Missing Genesis Album."

[@elisabettabubola4927]

i agree, He's exvellent

[@lookathistory]

Hi Verdi! About the choral vocals on Genesis music, these were all produced by keyboard player and composer Tony Banks. He loved to use a keyboard called a Mellotron. The Mellotron used sampled notes of many instruments and choral singers on tapes that were played through the keyboard by Tony. This was one of the reasons Genesis sounded perfect on live performances. He was the most underrated member of the band, and was at the very heart and soul of Genesis.

[@jimreeves1]

Isle of Plenty "voices" in the background are an effect of the mellotron, which uses a series of tape loops to recreate the sounds of choirs or orchestras.

[@massimoclaus3662]

Uno dei più grandi album dei Genesis... grazie per la tua gioventù,li ascoltavo durante la mia ed ancora oggi è così...un abbraccio dall'Italia

[@garethharding1]

This album was my first introduction to Genesis. It was 1976 and I was in the sixth form. The girl who played it for me ,Karen, was winsome, cute and bright as a button. She stared at me intently for my reaction , and to my eternal regret , I didn't notice she had a crush on me 😪. It's still my favourite album , though Ripples is my favourite song , and I've just been to see Steve Hackett, the original guitarist at the time , who is on tour doing Genesis Revisited. Definitely as good as the originals! Thank you young lady for taking time to share your insights into music that has stayed with us through our whole lives , and reminding me of what once might have been😊

[@cathysherman5968]

I'm on my 12 Steve Hackett concert. Just amazing! Keeping Genesis with Peter Gabriel alive and fresh.

[@alvaroarango7024]

Gracias por esas expresiones,es mi disco preferido durante 40,años,y lo será hasta el final de mi vida. Un abrazo grande desde Colombia. Coque,baterista.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ralphmckenzie8802]

It's been a while since I visited your channel - and as I watch this video, I have this very album sitting on my turntable. It's a new copy, I recently retired my first copy of this album which I purchased in 1974 so it lasted well. It's great to see a younger generation appreciating some of the best music produced in the last 50 years.

[@capricekor]

The entire album is a critique of the England I grew up in under Thatcher. Complex wordplay indicative of life then. One of my favorite albums of all time.

[@andyburge7358]

Cinema Show is just incredible - one of those songs where just when you think it can't get better, it does. Battle of Epping Forest is pure theatre with Gabriel playing all the main parts. And Like Dancing With The Moonlit Knight (side 1), Isle of Plenty is full of puns that you probably have to be a Brit to understand but they're very funny

[@andyburge7358]

Oh and After the Ordeal was definitely original, and IMO a greatly underestimated song!! Other artists may well have been inspired by it!!

[@jacquesfinster5034]

@@andyburge7358 I love this Hackett song but Tony Banks not, he said- it was "a " pseudo-Classical music"

[@andyburge7358]

@@jacquesfinster5034 Yeah, Banks could be very disparaging about Genesis tracks that he didn't write - a great keyboard player, not such a great person.

[@teelurizzo8542]

Indeed, The Battle Of Epping Forrest' is a great song, but requires repeated listening to fully digest all the instruments and parts. 29:16 - Yes, not just the melody note is lower, but also the chordal harmony of that part change from major to minor, (then back again to major @ 29:28) creating a memorable effect. @ 36:19 - the Mellotron, a keyboard, doing the choir sound. Incredible reaction, great to see that there's young people who enjoy this complex, yet timeless music. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelschulzodermath571]

The "Battle" is surely deep into prog, but also an early punk statement, cinema show is a wonderbloom on its own!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

You could be a great musician Verdy. You certainly have the gifts and sensitivities for it.

[@dej1971]

"after the ordeal" is such an underrated instrumental! I love it! really love it! so pure, so meldodic... rmeminds of the middle age (I hope you understand) ...and at the end Steve comes out with the electric guitar, touching your heart and soul... dreaming (maybe only one critical thing is the end... just fading out! a bit too simple for this beautiful sound)

[@martinsteffens8668]

Fading out should be forbidden in general, I hate it since I listenend to Samba Pa Ti for the first time. I always try to compensate with the volume control but it´s very dangerous for my ears and my speakers.:-)

[@pasqualemuzzupappa8596]

​@@martinsteffens8668 Ma cosa stai dicendo?

[@jm-oo8lz]

C'est merveilleux de partager " selling england " avec toi , tu as vraiment beaucoup de sensibilité ..j'aime te voir craquer sur certain morceau ! Cet album est réellement ANTHOLOGIQUE ..Merci miss VERDY !

[@aldito7586]

Isn't she SOOO cute???? I love her voice. :)

[@avantprog6902]

Yeah, you just reacted to my favorite Genesis song. Everybody talks about Firth of Fifth( which I love), but I love Cinema Show more. Phil Collins drumming is spectacular! The whole composition is uplifting.

[@burmesecolourneedles4680]

Me too, and agree about Phil's drumming. How he makes 7 to the bar funky, heavy, delicate, smooth, slamming in rapid succession is just stupendous. And the whole dreamy quality to the engineering and mix - wow.

[@chrisblythe4912]

I have listened to this album so many times but have never enjoyed it as much with your reaction ,I think I fell in love with you during the battle of Epping forest.

[@gazza8127]

Beautiful reaction to this prog rock masterpiece, one of the greatest albums of the genre ever produced. They realised new levels of creativity, musicianship & sophistication with "Selling England". Once again it was such a joy to travel with you on your voyage of discovery. Will look forward to your reaction to "The Lamb lies down on Broadway", nothing can prepare you for what you are yet to experience. Best Wishes

[@sandrakece5437]

Loved to see you react to some of the best progressive rock of the century; you now need to see it LIVE! Steve Hackett, the guitarist, still tours worldwide, so check him out if he comes nearby, and "The Musical Box" is the greatest "old" Genesis tribute band and they tour all over the world as well. They do exact replicas of Genesis shows from the 70's, so that is the closest you can come to seeing Genesis live (back before you were born!) It's obvious you really love and appreciate music, so thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@frankcoverjr.-jz3ne]

It’s hard to overstate how good “The Musical Box” is!😊

[@NyMyers64]

The guitar on the beginning part of After The Ordeal sounded different to you because it's a nylon-string acoustic aka classical guitar. I think Steve Hackett said it was the first time he used one on a Genesis album. I know people have mentioned checking out the 1973 Shepperton Studios live stuff and it's definitely recommended if you are interested. There's some great live versions of songs you've heard, including an epic Supper's Ready. Anyways, hope you have a great week!

[@Bristolcentaurus]

ive just realised at 8:08 Liquid Len not sure if the reference was intentional or simple alliteration but Liquid Len and the Lens Men were the lighting crew for Hawkwind in the early to mid 1970's

[@herbhill7591]

I had forgotten just how powerful this album was. Well done!

[@dej1971]

AAAHHHHH!!! the end of "the cinema show" !!! YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE LIVE VERSION! this version sounds like they found the real ending of it! the ending in the live version is perfect! (and the drumming is... phantastic! really!)

[@jimhardiman3836]

Concur about the Seconds Out version of Cinema Show. Also Steve expands on his melodic guitar ideas during the part that starts "Take a little trip back" I really miss that in this studio version.

[@rowgler1]

It's not on this album, but 'Driving the Last Spike' is a powerful song. For some reason it resonates with me and when I listen to it, my eyes water.

[@tonybaker55]

I had a boss called Bill Banks once and someone else used to get us confused. Ended up calling me Tony Banks one day and I was honoured 🤣

[@raymondtheriault2555]

The beginning of "The cinema show" is very baroque. Lovely!

[@happyhedgehog6450]

You reacted to my favourite album. Got yourself a subscriber hehe. Your ability to hear the instruments details quickly is impressive.

[@gQman1057]

I was 17 when this album was released and fell in love with its music. It’s awesome seeing your sincere reactions to it! your video is helping to keep this amazing music alive! Thank you!

[@derbystardom]

This album was one of John Lennon's favorites, he mentioned it in an interview. You are the very best at musical reaction videos!

[@dej1971]

funny fact for "aisle of plenty"... they only read aloud a purchase receipt !! haha... nothing really important or so, but it fits to "selling england..."

[@brianpercival1829]

I bought this album when it came out. Trying to remember back 50 years. Some of the band members knew each other from school days. They attended Charterhouse School and learned musical instruments. Tony Banks on keyboards, Mike Rutherford on Guitar, Peter Gabriel on flute. Steve Hacket joined the band on guitar. Chris Stewart on drums, replaced by Phil Collins. As I recall reading just after Lamb Lies Down Peter Gabriel's first born was premature and a difficult birth. He spent a lot of time away from the band and at home as a father would be. The band had to move along without Peter. Peter would still write music and after a few years came back as a solo career. Genesis disolved into solos with Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford formed Mike and the Mechanics. Reflecting back on this era of music, it all changed from Elvis, The Beatles, Moody Blues, Led Zeppelin etc. We were spoiled with the best music of our lives. Today it's all auto tuned boy bands pumped out every 5 years for the next generations of kids and teens.

[@alanconrad8490]

I love the way Miss Verdy 'hangs in there" through all of this song's quirky complications....very impressive. She is obviously smarter than most people :) Love it.

[@barrymiller3385]

A surprising number of our greatest bands hit a three album spread when they were at their absolute creative and performing peak. In the case of Genesis this comprised Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound and Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. Not that other stuff is bad or anything - but this trilogy is up there with the best of all time.

[@ollythorp5428]

Although my trilogy would be Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot and Selling...

[@tudvalstone]

From Trespass to Wind and Wuthering and including a superb Live 73, Genesis had 8 top notch albums 'up there' with the best and often way above. add to that some excellent solo efforts by former members and what you have is am unequalled treasure trove of great music.

[@carloseduardotupinambamace6909]

Genesis : 4 álbuns...don't forget "Nursery Crime"...

[@thepragmatic6383]

This track (The Battle of Epping Forest) as well as (Cinema Show) have always been among my favorites from this album. Peter Gabriel's singing is so theatrical that it even allows you to visualize this sung story. Who else but Genesis can sing their grocery list, like they do in (Aisle of Plenty)? The first time I saw Genesis in concert was on April 21, 1974, at the Centre Sportif de l'Université de Montréal. It was a much more intimate show than the mega shows of the 80s and 90s, but I was won over by their haunting melodies. At that time, Genesis fans were considered like "marginal" people.

[@brayundia]

J'y étais moi aussi. Un souvenir inoubliable.

[@VampeyMK]

My god the ending couldn't be better... everything is just perfect. The last two songs are like one. Like Brain Damage and Eclipse on Dark Side of the Moon.

[@markusheadmaster1844]

dear Arianne, we love to visti you and your channel every day

[@Dee-ih2yf]

Love the melatonin at the end of side 2 giving the choral backing in Aisle of Plenty. My favorite Genesis album.

[@bukeksiansu2112]

As a teenager in the '80s it didn't take me long to enjoy I Know What I Like, Fifth of Firth and the Cinema Show, but The Battle of Epping Forest and Supper Ready took almost 25 years to "get into" my musical taste.

[@andyburge7358]

The joy in your face while listening to Cinema Show is just wonderful. Takes me back to when I bought the album in 1973 aged 15 and first heard it!

[@WELLBRAN]

yep....me also....And every man jack of us is in love with Verdy

[@andyburge7358]

@@WELLBRAN Umm no .. that would be creepy - I'm 64 for God's sake!

[@WELLBRAN]

for me all the old analog synths and moogs etc sound so much better than todays stuff

[@WELLBRAN]

@@andyburge7358 haha your taking it the wrong way... im 67..i meant in a music sense the fact that a young person can enjoy this music...just great

[@andyburge7358]

@@WELLBRAN Phew! Sorry!

[@stefangoeritzer]

You're right, it's a "flûte traversale", Peter Gabriel played it in many Genesis songs.

[@kevinlese633]

Oh my gosh I listened to this album so many times in my youth

[@QuantatativeStealing]

"There's no one left alive..it must be a draw...so the black capped Barrons toss a coin to settle the score" 🎉😂

[@leoscone4036]

That "big sound in the back" when the bass comes in so heavy is not keys or Rutherford playing the string bass. Those are bass pedals played by Rutherford while he is playing string bass. No other band I can think of made such good use of them. Blessings.

[@JoséCristo-i3g]

By Selling England by the Pound's end Miss Verdy is about to start losing track of the tracks. Who's still in the mood to keep counting them anyway?... Two very different stories, one about a battle, another is romance. Nothing better than an instrumental buffer, just like we may found instrumental buffers in operas between Acts. More unusual in operas is an Epilogue. Aisle of Plenty (the S is mute). Another example of Rock depicting a story with battles, in this case an entire Rock Opera album: It was 1974 and German band Triumvirat releases their most acclaimed album "Spartacus", over the famous slave rebellion against Roman rule. It achieved some notoriety in Europe for a while but is currently an almost completely forgotten relic. But it is present in youtube: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYO5dYOVbZyseNk Or the version with bonus tracks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYGQlmRoaNakgLs

[@Musicdok]

I own the original album!

[@TheVirtualWatcher]

I'm an early Genesis fan, love the Peter Gabriel era and his later solo work. Nursery Cryme and Foxtrot are probably my favourites but this is an amusing album. Perhaps you'd like to listen to some work from a contemporary band on 'The Famous Charisma Label'. Van der Graaf Generator. I'd suggest these 3 albums in this order:- 'The least we can do is wave to each other' 'H to He, Who am the Only One' 'Pawn Hearts' Darker and heavier than Genesis but worth a listen, probably my all time favourite band.

[@IsabelBrito-iu5ol]

Obrigado por gostares tanto de Genesis.Meu conjunto de sempre ❤❤❤

[@peterhughes4258]

That's the first time anyone on these reaction videos (the one's I've seen) reference Mike Rutherford's bass line coming in on Epping Forest at that very moment. I always have to replay that bit. It is a thing of genius. Their arrangements were amazing.

[@DrGonzoOBoogie]

Once agin great reaction! I can't wait till you hear the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, I think it's their best album. It's a double album with a continuous story that runs throughout the whole thing.

[@bobholtzmann]

I always enjoy listening to this - it's the sum of the subtleties that make this album so majestic. Last Spring, I got to see the guitarist Steve Hackett, with a touring band, perform the entire Selling England By The Pound album live, as part of his world wide tour. Steve is still touring when I last checked. It must have been sad for him to know Genesis has finally retired, due to Phil Collins' health, but Steve is doing great, and Peter Gabriel will be releasing a new album soon. Fine group of musicians.

[@sigil5772]

Yup, in Epping Forest, Steve Hackett does a lot of weird things - the marching drums in the intro are partly guitar; the 'chicken' is like a damped banjo-like effect, and in the lead up to 'Harold Demure' all those weird offbeat stabs. Lyrically, though, far too many words for the amount of time available!

[@Simon-kt2lx]

Salut! Très bonne réaction face à ce classique! J'aime te voir analyser avec soin et attention cette musique géniale et maîtresse dans le monde du prog!

[@pazeinat]

Steve Hackett mentioned in a homemade video capsule that this was the first Genesis track on which he ever used a nylon guitar

[@Malfie657]

Thank you for a great reaction and review, and your obvious appreciation - there's so much going on for a first listen that I would strongly recommend that you try it again a few more times. Please also try more Genesis because there is a lot more great music to come from them.

[@kingvii7250]

When you said you were surprised by the big sound on "Cinema Show" Tony Banks used a "String maschine" and you may also have noticed that the bass tone went lower and broader... thar's because they use something called a "Taurus bass" (looks like the bass pedals on a church organ).

[@stanleypimpe2895]

An other epic piece from Genesis (1974) Carpet Crawlers kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2XceYiMhbtnm7M In 1974 Peter Gabriel was the vocalist, but the sound quality of the "old" version I found on KZbin isn't good.

[@ithacaster]

This is IMHO, one of the best albums of all time, certainly in the progressive rock genre. I bought it about a week after it came out. That "ah" sound in The Cinema Show is a Mellotron...one of the first synthesizers. I creates a wonderful mood. It is also the "voices in the back" in Aisle of Plenty. I'd suggest listening to The Cinema show again and when the instrumental section starts, try to listen only to the drums (Phil Collins). It is, IMHO, one of the best "drum solos" ever. Now you're ready to listen to "Suppers Ready" off their Nursery Crime album.

[@capricekor]

Hmmm..... "Foxtrot" I believe.

[@stephendavis6066]

The mellotron is not a syth but a key triggered tape machine....

[@bert7867]

It gave me a big smile, when I see young people enjoy this kind of music. Yr reaction on Cinemashow is timeless. But really try the live version of Seconds Out. Keep enjoying Genesis and this kind of music. It's music far before yr time, but yr your time far ahead in music taste.

[@Musiquesaecouter]

True ! according to the musicians, "the Battle of the Epping Forest" was a true battle between the already complex music and the rich and emotional lyrics, so this became the issue of the final rendering of this particular song, and yes, as usual with early Genesis they appear many different themes and ideas (like on "Supper's ready" or "Get them out for Friday" from Foxtrot ). "Cinema Show" is much more easy to grasp and to be liked at first listening, with basically 2 parts, acoustic with lyrics and then the Instrumental solos before "Aisle of plenty" at the coda. It must be among the richest music you could listened to in those times, like other bands like Jethro Tull, Yes, ELP or even King Crimson (if you dare!)

[@keithcarper8809]

I have always viewed this as a symphony in 8 parts. Each wonderful in their own way. The song "I Know What I Like" is based on the cover art. ☮💜🎶

[@JoséCristo-i3g]

I call it opera! In view of Peter Gabriel interpreting characters on stage, complete with costume and make up. Which of course we do not see while listening to an album. But essentially what we are saying is that it is classical music. Much less evident than Deep Purple's symphony for orchestra and rock band or Yes' "Cans and Brahms" but still... it is there.

[@frankcoverjr.-jz3ne]

“After the Ordeal”, to me is English madrigal.😊

[@WaltherLopez]

You got the right feeling to g enesis and the right eyes reflection , more fool me is like you , that song is what you are , a new voice.

One of the finest Genesis albums, along with Trick of the Tail and The Lamb Lays Down on Broadway... Genesis at his prime... Firth of Fifth, The Cinema Show and Dancing With the Moonlit Knight are for me some of their best jobs in their whole history...

[@progperljungman8218]

This album contains one of their best songs ever: The Battle of Epping Forest (though I didn't fully appreciate it when bying the album at age 11... )

[@martinsteffens8668]

Don´t worry, even Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci wouldn´t have been able to.:-)

[@carlossagaro5977]

This album is lauded as one of the greatest prog rock albums of all time. Go listen to Lamb Lies Down on Broadway!

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Hey Verdy that familiar sound is from Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield.

[@Mr33Ian]

Stunning album....stunning

[@natewilliams1062]

This song may be why I will always associate early Genesis with Monty Python. Such a performance. Thanks for the react!

[@burmesecolourneedles4680]

Hahaha, I get it! Their records were on the same label too!

[@glnwllmprry]

I’m in love with you. I was considering it but then I saw your Queen Sheer Heartache video.

[@melvynford3238]

Personally, having bought NC and F and seeing them live even as a support band in 1971 and then on their own in 72 and 73, this was the big change. The rawness and originality was going and a more professional, commercial sound emerging. I think this was when PG was already seeing the repetition and eventhough he continued to write and sing incredible lyrics, his voice was softening too. Plus they were becoming more instrumental, which is why he left to do other things I think. Early Genesis still rules and the evolution under PC's voice was a sound all of its own. Great times

[@markkusiira3766]

I am so glad to see that you (and age) undestand and enjoy music that is music. Not really BTS on the wall... 😆 Hello from Finland. Prog to the gore. 😄

[@cliffordwaterton3543]

I always felt that some early Genesis tracks (Harold the Barrel. Battle of Epping Forrest) have elements of Gilbert & Sullivan and their comic operas.

[@andyknight1]

35:48. my favorite part

[@guidovalenti4986]

No bad songs on this great album , every albums with Steve Hackett on are very good

[@markjohnson4217]

The Battle of Eppen Forest is built upon a 6/8 feel, BUT every third measure turns around at a four count instead of six, so the figure is 6-6-4, 6-6-4, 6-6-4. And just to mess with us even more, they bring in a variation of that with 6-6-2, 6-6-2, 6-6-2. This can also be counted as 7/4 as the groupings are 14 eighth notes. This shows up more towards the end and during the final guitar solo, etc. Once you listen for those groupings of six, it is easier to make sense of the rhythm.

[@jacquesbodin4987]

the epping forrest is for the english people like fot tje french people the ontaibleau fores. Can you imagine a battle in our french forrest ? it was epic when i listening to that song with an older english couple 35 years ago ?

[@halcyon289]

Once again - the best ears on You Tube .

[@1-JBL]

For my money, the best album they ever released. It was the first one I owned, but not the first one I heard (we had a fantastic college radio channel back in the 70s and it introduced me to Yes, Genesis, Van der Graaf Generator, Hawkwind, a great many bands...)

[@eximusic]

Your question at 4:30 - it's a keyboard. But there's little popping sounds in the background which might be guitar. And yes, the singer, Peter Gabriel, played the flute on many Genesis songs including The Cinema Show.

[@thomaseland3136]

You must watch Cinema Show when playing in concert so you can see Tony Banks keyboards and Phil Collins drums ❤

[@MisterWondrous]

My guiding angel gifted me with this album on the first year it dropped, and has remained at the top of my loves ever since. Firth of Fifth and Cinema Show are particularly brilliant, and are, I would submit, two of the very best songs in the progressive music canon. Or was it a musket? Alliterates better. Every player played their best work on this album. Steve dominates Firth and Phil and Tony dominate Cinema Show. No one does 7/8 better than Phil Collins. Evita has some good 7/8. I haven't much of an ear for bass, sadly, but Peter's vocals here are will all stops pulled out. Icing on the cake. Lovers of this album are a tribe. Welcome.