Selling England by the Pound is still a roadmap of English culture, progressive rock mastery, and the creative dynamics of Genesis. Released in 1973, it’s become a cornerstone of prog rock, mixing intricate musicianship with vivid storytelling. While the album is celebrated for tracks like “I Know What I Like” and “Firth of Fifth,” there are plenty of fascinating details that even devoted fans might not know. Let’s dig into five lesser-known facts about this iconic record.
1. The Title Came From a Political Slogan
The album’s title was inspired by a Labour Party slogan from the time, which emphasized preserving English identity amidst growing American influence. Peter Gabriel suggested it to underline the band’s exploration of “Englishness” on the record, offering both a critique and celebration of their cultural roots.
2. Gabriel Wrote His Lyrics in Just Two Days
Peter Gabriel managed to write all his lyrical contributions for the album in a whirlwind two-day session. Despite the tight timeline, his vivid storytelling shines through, with references to British supermarkets, cultural icons, and fictional gang wars in tracks like “The Battle of Epping Forest.”
3. A Family Complained About the Noise During Rehearsals
The band rehearsed much of the album at a house in Chessington, where their loud sessions prompted complaints from neighbors. Ironically, this amateurish, impromptu environment added a playful charm to the album’s creative process.
4. Steve Hackett’s Nylon Guitar Was a First for Genesis
“After the Ordeal” marked the first Genesis track to feature Steve Hackett’s nylon-string guitar. While Hackett championed the track’s inclusion, Tony Banks and Peter Gabriel were initially against it, making its presence on the album a rare compromise within the band.
5. The Lawn Mower on the Cover Was Added Later
The iconic album cover, painted by Betty Swanwick, didn’t originally feature a lawn mower. The band asked Swanwick to add one to reference “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe),” a request she fulfilled instead of creating an entirely new painting.
