Genesis - SELLING ENGLAND IN MONTREAL (2CD) Compact Disc Double

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, 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 album reached No. 3 in the UK and No. 70 in the US. By this time, Genesis had made little effort to organise their finances and were £150,000 in debt (almost £2,000,000 in 2023 terms). 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; it reached No. 21 following 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. 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.