Take a little trip back with the Tabletop as they embark on the musical journey that is 1973’s Selling England by the Pound. Wimpy dreams, undinal songs, and east-end protection rights are explored in depth, and Steve Hackett shares his track-by-track memories of this iconic Genesis album.
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Yay!! The gang is back!!
Great episode! I’ve loved this album ever since I first heard it in 1979. As usual, the crew each gave an insightful analysis of each track. It’s funny that most people I’ve ever talked to about SEBtP over the years end up saying the same thing about The Battle of Epping Forest being great instrumentally and very clever vocally but overkill when taken together. I wil say that I found it odd that no one mentions Phil’s drumming which, while always great, is truly spectacular on this album. Also, having Steve Hackett’s commentary was quite special, so kudos for giving us that!
FYI: undinal = of or related to an undine, which is a water nymph, especially the kind that sing songs that urge sailors on.
Tony Banks was interviewed by Rick Wakeman just before Christmas and he they discussed Firth of Fifth. Tony said the problem with the intro was because he couldn’t take a full-sized piano on the SEBTP tour, he had to adjust the intro slightly. Unfortunately at a concert at Drury Lane, he forgot and when he got to near the end of the intro, he realised he had run out of keys and he just stopped!
His parents apparently were in the audience and afterwards his father commented he thought that halt was deliberate so Tony could take a bow after the intro!
Finally caught up and have listened to all episode of TTG.
This was probably the THIRD Genesis album I ever heard (after Genesis Live and Seconds Out). It remains, for me, the greatest of all Genesis albums. They were at the top of their game when it came to progressive songwriting and performance.
And I don’t care what you all say… Battle of Epping Forest is an epic tune in all senses of the word.
Disappointed to discover that I’m caught up and you are way behind on new episodes. Hope all is well and that you can get back on track. You still have so much Genesis to discuss!
Thanks, James! We just released our From Genesis to Revelation episode, and hope to have at least 2 more for you before the end of the year. 🙂
Yes, you are right about Epping Forest!