In the summer of 1973, Genesis re-signed their contract with Charisma Records. Manager Tony Stratton Smith said they got “a much-improved deal” despite their being able to get a better one with a bigger label, but the group were loyal and trusted Charisma with their careers. With a new agreement in place and thus a green-light for a new album, Genesis recorded “Selling England by the Pound” at Island Studios in August 1973, It was the second Genesis album that John Burns co-produced. Peter Gabriel contributed lyrics based on the idea of commercialism and the decline of English culture and the rise in American influences. Its title refers to a UK Labour Party slogan to make it clear to music critics who may have thought Genesis were beginning to “sell out” to the US.
The record was released in October 1973 to a positive critical reception, though slightly more muted than for “Foxtrot“. The “Selling England by the Pound” tour visited Europe and North America between September 1973 and May 1974. Their six shows in three days at The Roxy in Los Angeles were well received by audiences and critics. The success of the tour earned the group the “Top Stage Band” title by readers of NME.
“I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” was released as a UK single with “Twilight Alehouse”, a non-album track recorded in 1972; its release in February 1974. Its success led to an offer for Genesis to appear on BBC’s national show Top of the Pops; the group thought this would not suit their image, and they declined the offer. The setlist is complete and features all five of the main songs from the “Selling England” album.
One of the very best shows Genesis played during the North American leg of the tour took place at the University of Montreal in Canada, on 21st April ‘74. A stunning performance this superb concert was also recorded for live FM radio transmission across Canada, and synched too in the USA and across Europe. Tracks: This recording is probably one of the most widely circulated Genesis bootlegs.
It’s particularly great to hear a live version of ‘The Battle Of Epping Forest’ which surely must have been one of the most difficult songs to play live that Genesis ever had. Peter Gabriel takes on all the individual characters very well and gives them an individual voice and it is a brilliant version.
Closing with an excellent version of “Supper’s Ready” where Gabriel again implements his vocal armoury, whereby, he’s virtually telling a story within a story.
Setlist:1 Watcher Of The Skies 8:54 2 Story Of Britannia 1:45 3 Dancing With The Moonlit Knight 8:51 4 Story Of Romeo And Juliet 1:59 5 The Cinema Show 11:18 6 I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) 6:29 7 Story Of Five Rivers 1:25 8 Firth Of Fifth 10:01 9 The Story Of Henry And Cynthia 1:49 1 The Musical Box 11:03 2 Horizons 2:09 3 The Battle Of Epping Forest 12:31 4 The Story Of Old Michael 3:02 5 Supper’s Ready 24:37 6 Outro 0:37
Live FM broadcast recorded at Centre Sportif De L’Université De Montréal, Canada, 21st April 1974.
The Fat Angel Sings 