30 years ago, I first returned an album to a shop as unsatisfactory. That album was “Us”, by Peter Gabriel, which I thought pretty useless. I had loved his albums up to the “Birdy” soundtrack, and “Passion” suggested there might be more juice in the orange, so, not for the first or last time, was disappointed by someone who I thought “had the touch” (See what i did?)
Here we are again; all that time, talent, and heavy friends. But, IMHO, could try harder. I can’t but imagine this being done by Brian Pern. I have a seat at the Birmingham show, but feel it may be sad occasion, that ship having sailed.
Us might well be my favourite album of all time. What isn’t to like?
The new single hasn’t grabbed me yet, but I have a ticket for the London show and remain supremely excited.
Glad you like it, Murkey. Plenty did. I thought “So” very patchy, so it’s a “Jack Sprat” situation, probably. Think I liked the earlier experimental times, more than the mid-paced ballads or “Talking Heads” knock-offs.
Use the box!
https://planetradio.co.uk/planet-rock/news/rock-news/peter-gabriel-panopticom-single/
Think his talent ran out 30 years ago (and he probably knows it)
I did use the box! Maybe the wrong box?
This happened to me too on the Pete Wylie thread. Being told to use the box, when you have in fact used the box is a bit [insert adjective of choice here]
I serve a dual purpose, also providing an easy to click on link that didn’t appear in original post
Not this one?
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061204/
Serve a dual purpose? Careful what you wish for…..
Would tend to agree, but can I put a word in for Father Son? Wonderful and only…er…23 years old …
My axiom that most artists who came to prominence in the 1970s could produce a single killer CD if they selected the best tracks from the subsequent 42 years post 1980 has yet to be refuted.
The 25-year gap between now and then seems shorter and shorter with every year we age
Every day is getting shorter, never seem to find the time…
I think PG is an archetypal album/concept artist. I don’t think his singles are ever highlights from his albums; deeper cuts always bring the goods.
I loved ‘Us’. It was (and remains) a very ‘adult’ album. The accompanying tour film Secret World Live has (a few cheesy stage props aside) a shit-hot band, and Paula Cole on form. ‘Up’ was comparatively over-laboured and clinical.
In the later parts of their careers, along with U2, I find PG’s best expression come through concert films. They get to cherry pick the hits according to conceptual demands of the show, and they’ve got the dosh to collaborate with creative people to devise a bit of an arc, and the lighting and sound look and sound a million bucks. PG’s Back to Front, Growing Up and Secret World (and U2’s Elevation and Vertigo) blu-rays have got way more plays round here than their parent LPs.
Excellent singles artist I would say. Solbury Hill and Games Without Frontiers were among the best of their era. Sledgehammer a bit over exposed but Red Rain a great vocal performance.
His 3rd solo album (1980) is a near masterpiece. All killer, no filler
So?
Up!
I like it. His voice sounds great, it’s beautifully produced, the lyrics are pertinent and it’s catchy. What’s not to love?
Apart from having lost his singing voice and maybe creativity, I also suspect he cant be arsed much these days. He’s old.
Will be a pleasant surprise if this newie is even patchy let alone good.
I greatly enjoyed his dancing at the Up anniversary tour of a few years back. A cross between Arthur Low and Mr Tumble.
Interesting that he doesn’t do the being-passed-around-the-audience thing that he used to do in the 80s. Probably too much insurance needed.
Sadly, bits of him started to drop off.
I was lucky enough to get his right foot the last time i saw him.
The mummified remnants of said extremity now attract envious glances when used to hold my home office door open.
So apparently he is talking about releasing one song a month every full moon. And you can pay 3 quid a month for the privilege (with a few bonus things)
https://petergabriel.bandcamp.com/subscribe
I am guessing that after 20 years the album is still not finished
I am going to take the artist’s wishes to a logical conclusion and only listen to the album once every lunar eclipse. Next one’s due in 2025. Mind you, that’s more often than I listen to Up.
The first Right Said Fred album is great.
The second track has now been released…..
I’m very impressed. I quite liked Panopticom on first hearing but it was not a “wow” track. It has definitely grown on me though over the past month. This one though hit me straight away – it definitely has a PG of old “feel” but sounds modern (if that makes sense).
I did actually sign up for his Full Moon subscription – as well as a new track in hi-res each month, you get both the “dark side” and “bright side” mixes along with various other tracks etc. As a fan that is keen to hear new material, I think £3 is worth it. Not sure how worthwhile it will be once the album is out though (I can always cancel).
Just release the thing already! This campaign is ludicrous when people have been waiting 20 years for an album
Short video in which he talks about the new song, rhyming lyrics (Laurie Anderson tried to discourage it), orchestras, nepotism, the burning sculpture in the image above (by Belfast artist Tim Shaw).