New single from what is seemingly the most delayed album ever, Up. It's been what, nine years since Us? First of all, the title: Peter swears that he had no idea that Barry Williams = Greg Brady, and that the name is a generic talk show host a la Jerry Springer. But apparently there was a fake talk show host named Barry Williams from an episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus that pre-dates The Brady Bunch so it's likely not entirely a coincidence. I like the single though it's not great - he has combined the funkiness of "Sledgehammer" with some of the old Genesis-era creepiness. It's more interesting during the verses than the chorus, which feel more slick and over-produced. But is it possible to fiddle with an album for nine years without making it sound overproduced? Great rhythm section, though, and it could signal the return to his first-person characterizations which are usually better than when he's telling us how terrible or wonderful he himself feels nowadays. Anyone else hear it? Anyone else even care? Gabriel's a bit of a guilty pleasure for me, the artist I like the most who has no critical or hipster credibility.
Huge Gabriel fan--oddly, my fave album of his has no lead vocals by him---Passion. As for the single--really odd, at least I think for him. Doesn't sound like anything of his for a long while. The vocals are overdone, the whole electronic overdubbed thing.
Wow I have to find this single I am a huge PG fan. I can't believe you can say that Peter is an artist that has no critical credibility. His songs have introduced many to the rhythms of African and Middle Eastern sounds. He is also credited with such socially important songs like Biko. PG is one of the most important artists of the 80s and I am really glad to see him back.
WXRT in Chicago has been playing this. I'm happy to hear any new Gabriel although, the first few times I heard it, I was preoccupied to know if the song's subject was "THE" Barry Williams. But I will look forward to the CD and a tour. His Secret World tour is still one of the best concerts I've ever seen.
He may be old, but his music is still evolving and great. Can't wait for the album. It will be out in September.