I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism. Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and Against All Odds. But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist. This is Sussudio, a great, great song, a personal favorite.
I do like him, but I never thought of his music being that deep. I'll have to listen to those songs again. Do you really think the music is that intelligent? Or are you reading too much into it?
Pre-InvisibleTouch, and some solo stuff, yes. Not nearly as much as you do, apparently. Peter Gabriel ftw.
Do you like Huey Lewis and The News? Their early work was a little too new wave for my tastes, but when Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far much more bitter, cynical sense of humor. In '87, Huey released this, Fore, their most accomplished album. I think their undisputed masterpiece is "Hip to be Square", a song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity, and the importance of trends, it's also a personal statement about the band itself.
Did you know that Whitney Houston's debut LP, called simply Whitney Houston had 4 number one singles on it? Did you know that? It's hard to choose a favorite among so many great tracks, but "The Greatest Love of All" is one of the best, most powerful songs ever written about self-preservation, dignity. Its universal message crosses all boundaries and instills one with the hope that it's not too late to better ourselves. Since, Elizabeth, it's impossible in this world we live in to empathize with others, we can always empathize with ourselves. It's an important message, crucial really. And it's beautifully stated on the album.
I like several songs from Collins and several from Genesis. I think the songs from Genesis have much deeper musical structure. I think his solo stuff, though more formulaic, has more catchy melodies.
Man he's way too old school for me, going back to elementary. He was ok back then, but the again I liked anything back in elementary.
Actually he's a hero of mine. The music he's created over the years, I don't really listen to it ... but the fact that he's making it, I respect that.
I'm not a huge fan but I have an appreciation for Genesis and Phil Collin's contribution to music. They were inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and deserve to be there. Of course, Rush should have been in before them but that's another story. lol. Phil Collins said he was an arrogant prick all those years during the peak periods. I think it caused a lot of friction between him and whomever he worked with...or else why would he say that?
Huey's too black sounding for me. Anyways you'll have to excuse me. I have a lunch meeting with Cliff Huxtable at the Four Seasons in 20 minutes.