Jase on Peter Gabriel

- another page from Jase's CD Collection -

Almost everybody has heard the song "Sledgehammer" and could probably tell you that Peter Gabriel sings it. But how many people know that Peter Gabriel is the original lead singer of Genesis? The number is surprisingly few, and I must admit that for many years I had always assumed that Phil Collins was the only lead singer Genesis ever had. (In fact, Phil Collins wasn't even in the original Genesis lineup.)

In 1975, Peter Gabriel left Genesis, the band he helped found while in school, after the album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway was released. Like the early music of Genesis, Peter Gabriel's solo work has been innovative, refreshingly unique, and sometimes challenging. He has the odd distinction of naming his first three solo albums simply Peter Gabriel (which can make for an annoying time in a record store). Peter has explored different music from around the world and even launched his own record company, Real World, to give the music an outlet in western countries. He scored worldwide recognition and success for his 1986 album So, with songs like "Sledgehammer" and "Big Time" and their visually entertaining videos.

In between his albums, Peter Gabriel is a big contributor to movie soundtracks and the work of other musicians. In 1985 he provided backing vocals for former bandmate Phil Collins on the song "Take Me Home".

Here is a word from Peter's official website about his next album:

PG has announced that his (long anticipated) new album will be called 'Up'. After working for more than four years on the 'Up' album and related projects using the 'Up' theme, Gabriel is set to unveil his campaign next year.

In addition to his own album release Gabriel is using the 'Up' title for related projects including 'Up the Amazon', 'Up the Nile' and 'Up the Ganges'.

Gabriel learned that, by coincidence, the group REM is releasing an album by the same title.

"When I first found out about the REM album title I thought that my 'Up' project, which had always been related to rivers, was now going 'Up [a] creek' " says Gabriel. "However, after some reflection and consultation with REM I have decided to keep the name of my album intact. I have been living in an 'Up' world for four years now and have no wish to come down."

Gabriel continued by saying "I have always loved REM's music and respected their commitment to social change as well as really appreciating the support of the Witness human rights program. To find myself sharing a title with them is therefore not a problem."

Mike Mills said "There is no one else we would rather be sharing a title with than our friend Peter Gabriel."

Peter Buck continues, "We first considered calling our album, 'Peter Gabriel's Up', but decided that just 'Up' [was] the way to go. We hope in the future that all bands will also adopt this title in a showing of solidarity."

Michael Stipe added "We love Peter Gabriel and we are honored to have this association - great minds think alike."