Peter Gabriel
Up
(Real World/Virgin)
Putting the cravings of die-hard Genesis fans aside, does the world really need another Peter Gabriel album? It could do with Gabriel's heroic forays into ethnic music, where he has brought musicians with otherwise scant hope of exposure into the commercial realm. It also lays the foundations for a tour, with his live shows - and videos - hopefully as impressive and extravagant as the work that has gone into this album. But wherever he performs, the venue will be packed with Genesis fans. And that's essentially why the world is being presented with another Gabriel album.
As with food, good music takes time. (But try telling that to New Zealand-born Londoner Daniel Bedingfield, who recently topped the charts with a tune crafted in his bedroom with a microphone, computer and a sprinkling of genius.)
Practically a decade in the making, Up follows the philosophy of previous Gabriel output. If not laden with the brooding ruminations on life and death, as in the opening track Darkness, there is the 'just get on with it' message irkingly reminiscent of his 1980s single Don't Give Up.
Today Gabriel still has rock credibility. Voice-wise this comes across over and over on Up and it's pleasing that the Blind Boys of Alabama (whose vocals were recorded in Singapore, where they were performing) feature on two tracks.
The Barry Williams Show surfaces as the most commercial number. Gabriel's penetrating lyrics taking a stab at white trash hate-your-neighbour chat shows such as Jerry Springer in a song which tempers Up's angst-driven tendencies.
Strictly for those who like their sounds big, orchestral, ethnically percussive and vocally deep. Genesis fans: fill your boots Up!
