<font color='#000000'>If you're an old time Peter Gabriel Fan, than 'Up' is what you have waited for the past 10-years Peter Gabriel has been semi-dormant.
Peter Gabriel's latest release, 'Up' is a Masterpiece. Not only did Peter write all the music and lyrics on the CD, he produced each track with the exception of 'I Grieve' and 'The Drop.'
Inside the CD folder, Peter explains how it took him years to produce this CD. When you listen to the layers of music, vocals, and rhythm that are in almost every song, it's easy to understand why. The complexities and dynamics of the songs are such that a quick production would not have done justice to the layers, upon layers of music that blend and change in such a balance as that produced into this CD.
This CD revives some of Peter Gabriel's old style developed on his very first CD. The first track, 'Darkness,' is as rugged, old style Peter Gabriel as you can get. It begins with powerful guitars and processed, almost wicked sounding vocals that are not only reminiscent of older Gabriel tunes, but includes a touch of King Crimson style. Just when you think the song hit it's high; it slams you with more and then out of nowhere, it brings you down with a mellow touch of Peter and his Keyboard. 'Darkness' is a roller coaster ride for the deepest Gabriel fans. It takes 'Digging in the Dirt' to a whole new level.
All I can say is that if you are a Peter Gabriel Fan, just go out and buy this CD today. As a huge Gabriel Fan, I eagerly listened to each track expecting and awaiting the homerun song. You know, the one that will top the charts and help record sales, as did 'Shock The Monkey', 'Steam', 'Kiss That Frog' and the likes. Not that there's anything wrong with any of those songs, as I completely love them, but they're tailored more for the average, part time Fan. Instead, Gabriel does not seem to have approached this album just to sell on the charts, but instead, he uses it as a form of expession. The lyrics and music are so deep and meaningful that is shows Peter Gabriel ha something to say since his last release 10-years ago. I can't help but believe that Gabriel must have also set forth to satisfy his long term, old time Fans that he enlisted with 'Games Without Frontiers.'
The missing homerun song is likely to mean you won't hear much of 'Up' on the Radio, but that's OK with me. I chose to purchase the CD and now I can listen to it any time I want, which will be at least once a day.
The music on this new release draws from every style of Peter Gabriel since his early Genesis days. He leaves nothing out, except the flute. I still don't understand why Peter hasn't played flute on any of his music since he left Genesis.
As for the audio quality, it is above average for a two channel CD. There are times where the high frequencies seem a bit harsh and muttered together, but the bass and mids are solid and well blended. It?s worthy of playing on a hi-fi system and not limited only to your car audio system as are Creed CD's.
Through special reasearching and contacts, Audioholics has confirmed that 'Up' will be released in SACD, DVD-Audio and other competing formats. It's likely to be as soon as November 2002, but can be as late as Early 2003. In this time frame, Gabriel's record label will also be releasing some of his earlier works, like 'Us' and others, on these formats as well.
Being a huge fan, I could not wait that long. I'm completely satisfied with 'Up,' and glad I ran off and purchased it on CD on Tuesday, September 24th, the day it was released, even though I know there are other formats pending. I can now patiently wait for the new/improved release and get to know the new songs in the mean time.
Hats off to Peter Gabriel for creating one of his best works of art since he left Genesis. As I stated earlier, this CD is a Masterpiece written for his Fans, not just the record lable.
Thanks Peter Gabriel, for giving me something to listen to again.
Happy Listening
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