Well Shock My Monkey! - My Top Ten Peter Gabriel Songs
May 03 '05
The Bottom Line If you show him round your fruitcage, he'll be your honey bee.
It occurred to me a couple of weeks ago that Peter Gabriel has been making music for over 35 years, approximately 1-2 years longer than I've been on this planet. It was a definite "Blimey" moment. To celebrate that dawning realisation, I thought I'd attempt to try and whittle my gargantuan appreciation for Mr Gabriel down to but a mere 10 of my favourite songs. A job that wasn't the easiest of processes, and was like trying to extract teeth (without the use of painkillers); difficult, and an extremely arduous and painful process. Of course, I decided to limit it to his solo efforts only, or else this would have become a nigh on impossible task, much like trying to decide upon WIlliam Hung's Top Ten Worst songs.. there's far too much material to choose from.
For those that don't know.. Who is this Peter Gabriel chappy?
Well, a long time ago, in a Genesis far far away.....
Whilst attending the rather posh Charterhouse school in Surrey, the young Gabriel formed Genesis along with his friend Tony Banks, the pair got together with fellow students Mike Rutherford and Antony Phillips to make the group complete. A couple of years later, ex Charterhouse student and record producer, Jonathan King (ew- convicted perverts are not cool) heard a few of their demos and aided them with the release of their first single, "The Silent Sun" in 1968. An album followed in the guise of 1969's "From Genesis to Revelation". A total of 5 more albums followed, Peter's last efforts with Genesis were on 1974's epic marvel "The Lamb Lies down on Broadway". A year later he chose to leave the group, and then drummer, Phil Collins, took over.
In 1977, Peter released his first of 4 eponymously (although each has been given secondary titles; "Car", "Scratch", "Melt", "Security") titled albums (there's genius in simplicity) These first 4 albums were an apparent departure from the flamboyant side of progressive rock Peter had dabbled with whilst in Genesis. Peter is probably most famous (or at least more recognisable) for his 1986 massive hit (and accompanying visually impressive video) "Sledgehammer". Of course, music isn't his only pie. His own record label (amongst other things) Realworld has been highly successful, and hosts a plethora of internationally renowned world music artists such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (RIP), Geoffrey Oryema, Afro Celt Sound System, Remmy Ongala, Jean-Philippe Rykiel, Joseph Arthur, and Temple of Sound (to name a few). The Gabriel empire has also involved the world of multimedia, with 1994's CDRom Xplora, and the even more impressive mind bending game "Eve", from 1996. Just to elaborate a little further, Gabriel is also responsible for a whole wealth of excellent critically acclaimed movie scores, from "Birdy" and "Cry Freedom" to "The Last Temptation of Christ" and most recently, "Rabbit Proof Fence".
So here, after careful consideration, are my Top Ten Peter Gabriel songs....
10. With This Love - From "Passion" Score for The Last Temptation of Christ (1989)
How gorgeous is this piece of music? A completely instrumental song dominated by an almost singing oboe. Imagine, if you will, Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" mating with something by Michael Nyman - this would be their offspring. It's quite different to the rest of the score, in that it doesn't really have a distinct Middle Eastern feel, rather more, modern classical. About 10 years ago when I was really into meditation as a form of relaxation, I used to use the entire score as a backdrop, and I always remember feeling at my most relaxed by the time this song came around. Its melodic, sleepy and graceful notes are warm and inviting. It embodies and defines "pretty", but adds extra beauty through tranquility. Oh yeah, the movie's quite good, too.
Scorsese! Scorsese!
Note: There's also a version of this on the same album called "With This Love (Choir)" - a choral version. Which is equally pretty, but not half as tasty.
9. Digging in the Dirt - From "Us" (1992)
The brilliantly schizophrenic, yet incredibly sexy "Digging in the Dirt" is an absolute favourite. As I've said before (whilst reviewing "Us") the song is almost like someone having a rhetorical conversation with themselves, shifting their emotions between anger and sorrow, which is echoed quite accurately in the music. One half is full of anger and power, with the other half being rather more subdued, almost pleading. The song is thick and juicy, giving it an almost "moist earth" feel. In fact, you can almost see the protagonist scrappling around in the damp soil, trying to dig up their demons. One thing is certain, this song generates a hell of a lot of heat. Still my favourite single from "Us".
Favourite line(s);
Don't talk back,
just drive the car,
SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
I know what you are!
The more I look, the more I find,
as I close on in, I get so blind.
I feel it in my head, I feel it in my toes,
I feel it in my sex, that's the place it goes
Well they do say masturbation causes blindness.
8. Games without Frontiers - From "PG3" (1980)
An absolute classic, of course it's going to be in my Top Ten.
During the 70s and early 80s, there used to be a European kids gameshow called "It's A Knockout", in which adults from different countries would dress up in silly costumes and frolic about on an obstacle course, with each contestant representing their own country. This song was Peter's response to said gameshow, which he felt was rather childish. These silly adults all competing against eachother, basically going, "Yeah! Ours is the best country! Yeah!". Kind of losing the overall point that it was supposed to be a kids show in the name of fun, but many lost the plot and turned it into a competition for geographical greatness. This scathing response from Peter is dripping in irony, and mocking the stupidity of those that took the show far too seriously.
Musically speaking, it's an instantly memorable song. It's wonderfully tuneful, encompassing those simple, yet cheerful whistles. And who can forget that opening (and continuing at various points) refrain of "She's so Popular"? See, it's actually, "Jeux sans frontieres", but the former is the common misconception that's almost grown into a long standing joke. You can thank Kate Bush for providing the vocals behind that line. It's worth noting that the song was edited from the original form, that contained the line; "Whistling tunes we p!ss on the goons in the jungle", the radio friendly version being; "Whistling tunes we're kissing baboons in the jungle".
It's a song I associate very closely with my childhood.
Favourite line(s);
Jane plays with Willy,
Willy is happy again
(from a juvenile perspective)
7. I Grieve - From "Up" (2002)
If you've ever seen the Cage/Ryan film, "City of Angels", you'll be aware of this song. Particularly since it's played at quite a significant moment within the film.
They say that when you lose someone you love, it's very hard to put into words exactly how you are feeling. Let alone move on. I think with this song, Peter deals with that in quite a unique way. His interpretation of emotions and thoughts at having lost a loved one are somewhat jovial in places, yet somehow quite appropriate, but never trivialised. And for the most part, he's pretty accurate. The first 5 minutes of the song concerns itself with the more introspective side at human reaction to death, with moody atmospheric music to boot. It's sullen and almost depressed. The remaining 2 and a half minutes or so switches to an upbeat and jaunty, almost bouncy even, alternative reaction (to death). Underlining "Life carries on".
Favourite line(s);
This flesh and bone,
is just the way that you were tied in,
now there's noone home,
I grieve, for you
6. "Washing of the Water" - From "Us" (1992)
The lonely and despairing "Washing of the Water" is possibly the most beautiful thing on "Us". A continuing percussion loop is what dominates the song, musically speaking, with the rest of it being sparsely populated by some synths, wind and brass instruments with varying degrees of loudness along the way. Peter sings quite nakedly (vocally, that is, I don't mean in the nude). The lament of a man in pain, with suffering and insomnia in abundance. An almost tragic song, that pleads and weeps, all forlorn. Bless its little cotton socks.
Favourite line(s);
So deep, so wide,
will you take me on your back for a ride?
If I should fall,
would you swallow me deep inside?
River, show me how to float
5. Shock The Monkey - From "PG4" (1982)
Possibly one of Pete's more obvious pop songs, with its fast paced momentum and innate catchiness. The song has an almost playful nature. With its almost synthetic sounding musical arrangements, it's typical of early 80s sound. I particularly always liked the occasional breaks that pop up along the way, that include a sequence of rather menacing "shock!"s from Peter. There have been many theories as to what this song is actually about. From animal experimentation, to technology gone mad, the state of the human condition and jealousy. However, it has to be said that my favourite theory thus far, is that it's actually about Peter having shock therapy on his penis to make it bigger.
The mind boggles.
Favourite line(s);
Wheels keep turning,
Something's burning,
Don't like it but I guess I'm learning,
Shock! - watch the monkey get hurt, monkey
Keeping in mind the penis theory. Ow.
4. Family Snapshot - From "PG3" (1980)
Gabriel based this song loosely on a book called "An Assassins Diary", which was written by Arthur Bremmer, the bloke who shot Governor George Wallace in 1972. I suppose it could also be misconstrued as being sang through the eyes (not literally, coz that would be weird) of Lee Harvey Oswald. However, Gabriel doesn't subscribe to the "Lone Gunman" theory, so it wouldn't make sense. The basic idea is, it's someone who is craving attention (and fame) via a big gesture, though the person is (obviously) mentally a wee bit fleepers. The song is musically dramatic in places, lots of guitars, brass and drums-a-thumping. Though, to emulate the image of the lonely child cowering in the dark, switches towards the end to sparse piano. I suppose it has a lot of levels. It's a personal favourite of mine because I like the varying intensity in the music, and the narrative, which suggests human vulnerability.
Favourite line(s);
Lonely boy hiding behind the front door,
Friends have all gone home.
There's my toy gun on the floor
3. Biko - From "PG3" (1980)
A beautiful and epic song for, and about, the antiapartheid activist, Steve Biko, who was brutally murdered in his prison cell in South Africa in 1977. It opens with some excellent African choral chanting, incorporating some typically African influenced drumming, with bagpipes playing in the distance. A piercing, yet quiet scream fills your ears, before Peter begins his lyrical journey through his fitting tribute to Steve Biko. Peter also provided some of the music featured on the score of the Richard Attenborough movie, "Cry Freedom", a movie incorporating one man's friendship with Biko (played by Denzel Washington in the movie) during the last months of his life.
The song is both moving and compelling, and possibly one of the best biographical songs I've ever heard. I would wager few Peter Gabriel fans would argue with that. The song is almost 7 minutes long, each second filled to the brim with wonderfully composed instrumentation, each one doing something slightly different. As well as the choral chants and harmonies that are interestingly varied from start to finish.
Favourite line(s);
You can blow out a candle,
but you can't blow out a fire
2. Mercy Street - From "So" (1986)
Another biographical song here, this time it's dedicated to the "confessional poet", Anne Sexton, who committed suicide in 1974. With the title of the song actually being taken from her posthumous 1976 works, "45 Mercy Street". This is possibly, for me anyway, Peter's most musically deep song. But with the depth comes clarity. It's almost like a calm, crystal clear ocean, vast and deep, yet visible for miles down, gentle waves lapping at your boat. If that makes any sense whatsoever. The lyrics are pertinent to the life and works of Anne Sexton, as seen through Gabriel's own vision. Employing his own unique way of telling a story via a serious of cleverly constructed prose and poetry. It's obvious to see why Gabriel liked Sexton so much, since he himself has more than a passing interest in human emotion/interaction from a "confessional", sometimes shocking, perspective. And this song encompasses that quite brilliantly.
Favourite line(s);
There in the midst of it
so alive and alone,
words support like bone,
dreaming of Mercy Street,
where you're inside out
1. Here comes the flood - From "Shaking the Tree" (1990) / "Hit" (2003)
There was no deliberation about what would be number one, this song more or less secured its place on the throne the first time I heard it. Possibly the song with the simplest arrangement on the entire list. But as I've said, there's genius in simplicity, and it doesn't get much better than this. The entire song consists of a sparse, yet beautifully effective piano, accompanied by a woeful voiced Peter. It's a song that compels you to listen to its wonderfully descriptive narrative. It meanders its way through varying degrees of intensity; from quiet, lost and contemplative, to slightly louder, leaning on raw emotion and hopeful. Originally, this song had been a much more fuller affair, a proper song with lots of instruments, and that version of the song featured on "PG1". Whilst I like that version, it's this one, the completely broken down, dissected, almost primitive version of the song that wins.
Favourite line(s);
When the flood calls,
You have no home, you have no walls,
In the thunder crash,
You're a thousand minds, within a flash.
Don't be afraid to cry at what you see,
The actors gone, there's only you and me.
And if we break before the dawn,
They'll use up what we used to be.
(Obligatory) Honourable mentions (AKA 11 - 13)
11. Excuse Me - From "PG1" (1977)
I still think this is the funniest song from Peter's solo career. It never, ever, fails to amuse me. It opens barbershop quartet style, before musically launching into a rather jaunty tune, dominated by a rather silly tuba. With Peter's almost sarcastically woeful "Excuuuuuuuse Meeeee"s heading each verse, sort of "Excuse me? Can you help me? Thanks. Now buggeroff, I want to be alone". Right at the end he says "The end", which is nice of him. Oh, and there's a couple of invitations to call him in Alaska.
Favourite line(s);
Excuuuuuuuuse me,
You're wearing out my joie de vie,
Grabbing those good years again
I want to be alone
12. In Your Eyes - From "So" (1986)
Quite an uplifting song, in fact, it's the type of song that would appear right at the end of a romantic movie (possibly a romantic comedy) as the credits roll (Aye, I know it featured on the soundtrack to "Say Anything") Yeah, I can almost see the image of a giddy Sandra Bullock being swept up into the arms Hugh Grant .. Hold on, I have seen that in "Two weeks Notice". No matter, the same image works here. Then this song plays out while the credits roll and the image lingers, and you sit there with a silly grin on your face with your heart all a flutter. Anyway, I digress.. "In Your Eyes" is a love song, but without the schmaltz. Peter basically describes what it's like to be in love. For real. With added backing vocals from Youssou N'Dour towards the end that are absolutely superb.
Favourite line(s);
Without a noise,
without my pride,
I reach out from the inside
In your eyes,
the light the heat,
In your eyes,
I am complete.
Aww.
13. Red Rain - From "So" (1986)
I always found this song so visually pleasing, listening to the lyrics and building images in my mind's eye. A rather dramatic song, musically, sang with an aching intensity. Peter based the song loosely around a dream he'd had, but ultimately the song pertains to hurt being repressed, until eventually it builds and builds, culminating in an outburst of emotion. The atmosphere of the music is thick and fantastically layered.
Favourite line(s);
I come to you, defences down,
with the trust of a child
*********************
I could have gone on longer, but thought ending there was satisfactory. Since #14 was going to be "Lay Your Hands on Me" from 1982's "PG4", but there was an embarrassing story that went along with that involving me, a bed and dislocated bones. Besides, I think the number 13 gets far too much negative attention, so I stuck at 13 songs. I think the reason I like Peter Gabriel so much, is his obvious passion for his art, which is demonstrated in a gentle, often crazy, yet intelligent way. Plus, he seems to have got better with the more hair he's lost. He takes his time when writing new material, instead of laying down and putting out the first abstract thoughts that come into his head. Safe to say, he's got me cooking (I'm a hard boiled egg). Whilst he's not to everyone's taste, it's quite amazing how many fans he does actually have, though, Peter Gabriel fans often seem to be strangely closeted, and then you attend a live show and everyone in the world ever seems to be there. However, I won't rest peacefully until I've heard the elusive Hare Krishna version of "Sledgehammer". Overall, he's recorded an excellent string of albums throughout his 28 year solo career (although, 2000's "OVO: The Millennium Show" was a little bit dodgy in part), I'd be hard pressed to give any of his studio albums proper, less than 5 stars.
Cheers.
All lyrics copyright Peter Gabriel.
Places to go:
www.petergabriel.com
www.realworld.co.uk
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