Scratch My Back...

Really? A cover album by Peter Gabriel? Wah?!

Yes, it's true. Peter Gabriel just put out an album full of covers, full of the weird and wonderful world that only he can bring to music. Upon first listen to this album 2 words come to mind; haunting and mellow.

Gabriel covers a wide range of artists, from David Bowie and Radiohead, to Paul Simon and Randy Newman. The album will be available in the States in early March, and well worth the price of admission.

Peter opted to do this entire album with Orchestral arrangements only, (arrangements by John Metcalfe) no guitar or drums. This makes the album very quiet compared to a usual P.G. album. Although it does beautifully show off his range, which has faded little since the 80's, when he became famous for it. Although his voice has aged over time, it's aged more in the way of a fine wine; developing subtle overtones that give his voice not only beautiful tone, but a wise, somewhat Fatherly tone.

The one song that is available for download on Peter's website is a song called Flume originally by Bon Iver, and it gives a decent representation of the whole album.
Although this album is a solid effort, this is one of those mood mixes that has a definite time and place. It requires time to sit and absorb the material. You can't really take this one in while chatting with your friends, cleaning the house or driving around. It commands your attention.

Follow the link for the full list of songs on this collection.

My fav, well I love The Arcade Fire, I love Peter Gabriel and I've always loved the song "My Body is a Cage" Gabriel does great justice to Win Butler's haunting and powerful song. He does not bring the same desperation that Win's vocals do, but it's just as powerful in his hands.

So, this is another interesting album by one of the most diverse and creative artists on the modern music scene.