I keep trying to write something substantive here, but all I can come up with is "this record's rad!" I love this era of Gabriel's work. "Melt" might be my fave (and what's with self-titling 4 records in a row?), but this isn't far behind.
Great to find another fan of "Scratch" ! Yeah, "Melt" is a fantastic record. Focused set of songs, the Phil Collins no cymbal compressed drum sound thing, Kate Bush cameo, what more can you ask for?
I've read that the self-titled thing was supposed to emulate a magazine, where each issue has new content, but the magazine is a constant.
Do you think that, because of his prog rock history with Genesis, fans expected "focused" records from Gabriel because, in general, prog rock is a VERY focused genre?
Let me ask this in a different way since I'm not a big prog rock guy but have started to appreciate Gabriel: Is there such thing as a GOOD "unfocused" prog rock album?
BTW, you can thank Mr. Kevin Alexander for turning me on to your Substack. You've got a new Subscriber!
Hey, Brad, welcome aboard! Always good to meet another midwesterner. Thanks for reading and and taking the time to comment.
The question you pose is an interesting one. Obviously a lot of prog albums were built around a concept or a narrative, but many strike me as simply a collection of compositions, often with the express attempt to feature all members of the band and their various talents. 'Fragile' is a prime example, as is pretty much any ELP album. 'Brain Salad Surgery' Side One is all over the map stylistically.
I think that at heart, Gabriel is a singer/songwriter. Whatever musical style, whatever technology is layered on top of the songs, he could perform the vast majority with a stripped down presentation and they would retain their impact.
I keep trying to write something substantive here, but all I can come up with is "this record's rad!" I love this era of Gabriel's work. "Melt" might be my fave (and what's with self-titling 4 records in a row?), but this isn't far behind.
Great to find another fan of "Scratch" ! Yeah, "Melt" is a fantastic record. Focused set of songs, the Phil Collins no cymbal compressed drum sound thing, Kate Bush cameo, what more can you ask for?
I've read that the self-titled thing was supposed to emulate a magazine, where each issue has new content, but the magazine is a constant.
Interesting! I'd never heard that, but it makes total sense.
Really enjoying Daryl Hall’s “Sacred Songs” album, too! What a treat!
Great stuff here, Marshall!
Do you think that, because of his prog rock history with Genesis, fans expected "focused" records from Gabriel because, in general, prog rock is a VERY focused genre?
Let me ask this in a different way since I'm not a big prog rock guy but have started to appreciate Gabriel: Is there such thing as a GOOD "unfocused" prog rock album?
BTW, you can thank Mr. Kevin Alexander for turning me on to your Substack. You've got a new Subscriber!
Hey, Brad, welcome aboard! Always good to meet another midwesterner. Thanks for reading and and taking the time to comment.
The question you pose is an interesting one. Obviously a lot of prog albums were built around a concept or a narrative, but many strike me as simply a collection of compositions, often with the express attempt to feature all members of the band and their various talents. 'Fragile' is a prime example, as is pretty much any ELP album. 'Brain Salad Surgery' Side One is all over the map stylistically.
I think that at heart, Gabriel is a singer/songwriter. Whatever musical style, whatever technology is layered on top of the songs, he could perform the vast majority with a stripped down presentation and they would retain their impact.