Salutations™!!
I know I’ve talked an awful lot about vinyl and records and all that as of late. I mean, it’s what I am doing; where I’m at right now. My interests are records and food. Records and food. Records and food. It’s my special place.
On vinyl, I have the special 25th Anniversary edition of my favorite album of all time, So from Peter Gabriel. This is the original track listing as it was PG’s intention to have “In Your Eyes” last on the overall album, but the record company moved it in the track listing to the first track of the second side, thus highlighting it as a single. There were a total of five official singles released on the album: “Sledgehammer” (incidentally my favorite song of all time), “Don’t Give Up” (with Kate Bush),”In Your Eyes,” “Big Time” and “Red Rain.” You could have thrown “Mercy Street” in there, too, because it was single-worthy, at least to me.
I don’t think there are any filler or throw-away songs on this album, although many may disagree with me. Each song is telling a story and the musicianship and songwriting on the album is amazing. Tony Levin’s, Bill Laswell’s and Larry Klein’s monster bass sounds and riffs, the synthesizers, the intricate percussion, the ethereal feel of the all-encompassing ambiance. All of it is a masterful soundtrack to the vivid and deep stories that PG and his unique voice convey. I’ve listened to it three times tonight alone (not on vinyl, I’ll admit). I never tire of it. I never want to stop it in the middle (which is odd for me). To me, this is the perfect album from the beginning to the end.
The odd time signatures are something, too. Listen to “This Is the Picture (Excellent Birds)” to see what I’m talking about. Incredible! If you’ve not listened to it before, start to finish, then you’re doing yourself a disservice. Keep an open mind and definitely two open ears. I also recommend that you listen with headphones because there are some panning and movement happening there. Also, if you get to see the Classic Albums video about the album, I highly – HIGHLY – recommend that. If you can’t tell, I love this album. Do I think it’s the greatest album ever? Heck no, but it’s just perfect for me. Thank you, Mr. Gabriel, for giving us such a masterpiece. Do I think it’s the greatest album ever? Heck no, but it’s just perfect for me.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
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“Looking down on empty streets, all she can see are the dreams all made solid; are the dreams made real. All of the buildings, all of the cars were once just a dream in somebody’s head. She pictures the broken glass, pictures the steam. She pictures a soul with no leak at the seams. Let’s take the boat out – wait until darkness. Let’s take the boat out – wait until darkness comes.” – “Mercy Street” (Gabriel)