Taken From a News Story…

…concerning two rival gangs fighting over east-end protection rights.

In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we dive into “The Battle of Epping Forest,” one of Genesis's most chaotic, theatrical, and densely packed songs from Selling England by the Pound (1973).

Part satire, part social commentary, and part musical endurance test, “The Battle of Epping Forest” captures Peter Gabriel at his most verbose and Genesis at their most ambitious. We unpack the song's real-world inspiration — turf wars between rival London gangs — and explore how its rapid-fire lyrics, shifting time signatures, and overlapping character voices push progressive rock storytelling to its absolute limits.

This episode looks at why the band later viewed the song as both an achievement and a cautionary tale, and how it represents the extreme end of Genesis's early theatrical era. We also discuss Tony Banks's intricate keyboard work, Steve Hackett's aggressive guitar textures, Phil Collins's precision drumming, and how the song fits into the broader themes of Selling England by the Pound.

Love it or struggle with it, “The Battle of Epping Forest” remains a fascinating snapshot of Genesis at full creative overload — fearless, funny, and bursting at the seams.

#Genesis #BattleOfEppingForest #SellingEnglandByThePound #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #PeterGabriel #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #SteveHackett #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #ClassicRock #70sRock #MusicHistory

The River of Constant Change

In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we explore “Firth of Fifth,” one of Genesis's most iconic and enduring compositions from the 1973 album Selling England by the Pound.

Often cited as a pinnacle of progressive rock, “Firth of Fifth” showcases the band at a creative crossroads — balancing classical influence, emotional restraint, and technical brilliance. We discuss Tony Banks's famous piano introduction, Steve Hackett's soaring guitar solo, and how the song's structure quietly points toward the future of Genesis beyond the Peter Gabriel era.

This episode examines how “Firth of Fifth” helped redefine what progressive rock could be: less about excess, more about atmosphere, melody, and long-form storytelling without a traditional narrative. We also consider why the song became a live staple across multiple eras of the band, even as Genesis evolved into a very different group in the years that followed.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or encountering the track for the first time, this discussion highlights why “Firth of Fifth” remains a cornerstone of Genesis's legacy — and a bridge between the band's past and what was still to come.

#Genesis #FirthOfFifth #SellingEnglandByThePound #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #TonyBanks #SteveHackett #PeterGabriel #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #ClassicRock #70sRock #MusicHistory

Time for Lunch:

In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we take a deep dive into “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe),” one of Genesis's most beloved and accessible songs from the 1973 album Selling England by the Pound.

We explore how this quirky, character-driven track introduced many listeners to Genesis, blending progressive rock complexity with humor, pastoral English imagery, and Peter Gabriel's theatrical storytelling. From the story of Fred the lawnmower man to the song's surprisingly sharp social satire, we unpack what makes “I Know What I Like” such a defining moment in the band's career.

The episode also looks at the song's musical construction, its success as Genesis's first UK hit single, and how it helped bridge the gap between the band's more experimental roots and a wider audience.

Whether you're a longtime Genesis fan or discovering their early work for the first time, this episode offers insight into one of progressive rock's most charming and enduring songs.

#Genesis #IKnowWhatILike #SellingEnglandByThePound #PeterGabriel #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #70sRock #MusicHistory #ConceptAlbums