Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
4 stars out of 4
Peter's Gabriel's first solo album, better known as the "Car" album,
was originally released in 1977. After an enormously successful stint
with Genesis, Gabriel felt it was time to move on and explore all
of his diverse musical taste rather than stay in the more strict musical
confines of a group.
Featuring the guitar work of Robert Fripp, and the incomparable Tony
Levin playing tuba and bass, his first solo outing features progressive-rock,
pop, jazz, and flat out rockers. Peter also shows his adeptness on
vocals, keyboard, flute and recorder.
This is the first in a series of comprehensive remastered efforts
by Geffen Records (A subsidiary of the Universal Music Group) of Gabriel's
entire catalog. The artist was involved first hand with every step of the process.
"Solsbury Hill," now a FM radio staple, was Peter's first big hit
on his maiden solo flight. The tightly woven melodic tune had everyone
in the world humming, and it proved without a doubt that Gabriel had
what it took to be a huge success with or without Genesis. The quirky
"Excuse Me" would be one of the indelible stamps that would identify
Gabriel's many different sounds in years to come. Although the song
was different than what people had become accustomed to hearing him
sing, it was easy to get used to. Gabriel continued to be the consummate
varied showman as he was with his former group by offering a marvelous
cross-section of material for his faithful followers. "Modern Love"
was a great rocker while "Here Comes The Flood" was an intense rocking
prog-rock multi-instrumental affair with layer upon layer of stellar
musicianship that anyone could enjoy and identify with. This was another
show stopper that he would rely on for many years to stir the audience.
Actually, every song on the album is outstanding.
This is awe-inspiring debut that would start a trend of excellence
that continues to this day.
Songs:
1. Moridbund The Burgermeister
2. Solsbury Hill
3. Modern Love
4. Excuse Me
5. Humdrum
6. Slowburn
7. Waiting For The Big One
8. Down The Dolce Vita
9. Here Comes The Flood
Credits:
Kate Bush - Vocals
Phil Collins - Drums
Peter Gabriel - Flute, Drums, Keyboards, Recorder, Vocals, Voices
Peter Hammill - Vocals
The London Symphony Orchestra - Orchestra
Steve Hunter - Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar, Pedal Steel, Guitar (Electric),
Guitar (Rhythm), Guitar (Steel)
Jimmy Maelen - Synthesizer, Percussion, Vocals
Todd Cochrane - Keyboards
Roy Bittan - Keyboards
Tim Capello - Saxophone
Josef Chirowski - Keyboards, Vocals
Ekome Dance Company - Drums
John Ellis - Guitar, Vocals
Larry Fast - Synthesizer, Programming
Robert Fripp - Banjo, Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Classical)
Jill Gabriel - Vocals
John Giblin - Bass
David Gregory - Guitar, Vocals
Roberto Laneri - Saxophone
Tony Levin - Bass, Tuba, Leader, Vocals
David Lord - Synthesizer, Keyboards
Jerry Marotta - Drums, Vocals
Sid McGinnis - Guitar, Vocals
Dick Morrissey - Saxophone
Paul Weller - Guitar
Morris Pert - Percussion
David Rhodes - Guitar, Vocals
Allan Schwartzberg - Drums
Dick Wagner - Guitar, Vocals (bckgr)
|
