petergabriel.com

I have been a fan for 35 years since my uncle introduced me to Genesis when I was 10. Peter's influence has shaped my life.my first ever gig was WOMAD 82. His music inspired me to work in UK radio where I not only met him several times but met my husband of 20 years. I have attended over 30 live shows and our teenage son has just told me he's organised tickets for the O2. He's 14! My feelings on this record are distinctly divided in to two parts.before and after hearing the album. Prior to listening I was sceptical of a covers album. I wanted I/O. We went to WOMAD and were underwhelmed by the openers of Boy In The Bubble and The Book of Love. Get the band on and play 'the proper PG songs' etc. I listened to the clips on the podcasts and felt only gloom and doom. Thought twice about the trek to the Dome which I have only visited once in 2000 to see the live 'Ovo' show. Then we received the finished copy. It's amazing. I have cried, laughed and been blown away. Peter's voice has rarely been so emotive, the arrangements are incredible, the flow of the record perfect. What an inspired choice of songs. Who would have thought The Listening Wind could be bettered? This is a very special record and one that needs a little bit of time to appreciate fully. Personally I have yet to succumb to Street Spirit.Peter goes a bit William 'spoken word' Shatner on this and I prefer the original. Having said that I can always break for the bar during the live shows.I will be going both nights.it's that good. I appreciate I am priviliged to have Scratch My Back up front but I wanted to share my enthusiasm and pass it on to any other fans who are a little bit unsure of what to expect. Expect the unexpected . you will not be disappointed.

I like Peter`s minimalistic treatment on "Street Spirit" - reminds me of "The Drop".

Yes, the SMB album is superb. . .I also like PG's interpretation of "Street Spirt". The depth and clarity of Peter's voice on these tracks is simply amazing. . .the musical arrangements and "pureness" of the strings/piano absolutely incredible! Loving every note on SMB and SO looking forward to hearing SMB performed live! There will be tears shed for sure.

Thanks for your review quietsteam. I share your feelings.

I think Strreet Spirit is my favorite track on the album with 'Apres moi'. Great album indeed !

Lovely review Quietsteam,thanks to share with us. I think Peter leads all of us to confront ourselves with mixed feelings,he makes us to reflect,he makes us to think. . . . . .(in my opinion) . . . . and like a cat in the night,ZAC!!! it comes the unexpected. . . . !

Thank you Quietstream :-]

wow thanks Quietstream I was unsure but your review has relieved my anxiety. anyway, peter could NEVER disappoint me

I dont' have listen to the entire version of "street spirit" yet but for what I heard in the podcast, I have to admit that I prefer the original. I think I will make my opinion when I have the CD (monday !!!!! ) I also share your feeling Quietsteam, I am totally sure this record cannot disappoint us just because of the extraordinary emotion that is shown through by Peter. I also cried listening to the flume or my body is a cage (I didn't laugh so far indeed :-] ). There are two reasons in my opinion that can explain this amazing emotion: - first the voice of Peter that is unbelievably sensisitive -secondly, the orchestra and especially the violins and the cello

I would add a third reason Ceridwen: - The lyrics that are also full of emotions and that Peter sings as it was his own words. We have not finished crying!

Goodness I didn't expect so many warm comments after my first ever post. When I used the word 'laugh' I think I meant more of a sly grin/snigger perhaps at the audacity of the intensity of 'Apres Moi' and 'My Body Is A Cage'.particularly the growling of pent up emotion in the latter.and how he successfully pulls it off. My problem at the moment is that if I wake up in the night I have a full orchestra playing these tunes in my head! I must eat less cheese.and drink less red wine!

I just read your review and have to say two things:first you're a lucky person and second I agree with you,especially about his voice. :-]

Well there are some very warm people here on the Moon Quietstream! Glad to hear someone else has this music playing in their head all through the night. I find it helps not to listen to it after about teatime!

SMB opens doors wide and awakes big attention at the listeners. Amazing Beauty which could bring the noise in this world to silence.

I listened once and hated it. twice and i quite liked it, and after 3 times I got to "masterpiece".the power of the heart,the listening wind and heroes are stand outs!

:-]

I first saw Genesis play as support to Van Der Graff Generator and the Groundhogs at Oxford Town Hall in autumn '71 and realised that they were something special.I even booked them for my college Christmas Ball for £125, now that was a bargain! Peter Gabriel's emotive singing and sheer stage presence was always magic and perhaps this recording is the ultimate expression of his talent, although I have a sneeky suspicion that if he were to do what Steve Hackett has done with the CD,'Genesis Revisited' and re-record some of the back catalogue with this sort of interpretation, then we might be even more astonished. I am loving 'My body is a cage' loved the origonal too, but this is so emotive.

You're so lucky Crudges. I never saw Genesis with PG. It must have been an incredible experience.

Welcome to the Moon Crudges and we need a good cheesemaker! Nice story there. :-]