PETER GABRIEL Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Peter Gabriel's third self-titled album, often referred to as Melt, marks a significant artistic leap for the musician. Released in 1980, this groundbreaking record is notable for its innovative integration of electronic effects and the revolutionary gated drum sound developed with Phil Collins and engineer Hugh Padgham. The album's cover art, a melting portrait of Gabriel by Hipgnosis, adds to its striking visual identity. Co-produced by Gabriel and Steve Lillywhite, Melt showcases a unique blend of influences, notably African rhythms and experimental soundscapes. Opening with the eerie 'Intruder', the album establishes a dark and unsettling atmosphere that persists throughout. Tracks like 'No Self Control' and 'I Don't Remember' feature dynamic arrangements, with the latter providing one of the album's most memorable hooks. The politically charged 'Biko' serves as a poignant anthem for anti-apartheid activism, encapsulating Gabriel's deep engagement with global issues. Not only did the album achieve commercial success, topping charts in the UK, but it also solidified Gabriel's identity as a solo artist, paving the way for future explorations in music technology. This reissue on 180-gram vinyl brings the album's rich textures and intricate sound design back to life, allowing listeners to experience its emotional depth and musical innovation anew. Melt remains a powerful example to Gabriel's vision and a landmark in progressive music.

Review: This is the ultimate version of Peter Gabriel;'s long awaited new album I/O. It comes across all formats - four vinyl, two CDs, a Blue Ray and even includes a booklet. The album finds him reasserts his voice and compositional skill, delivering a profound and life-affirming new message. Embracing a Wattsian speck-of-dust existential theme, lead cuts like the title track turn the thought of "I'm just a part of everything" into a motif, while also touching on themes of injustice, surveillance and the roots of terrorism. Elsewhere it is packed with plenty of moments of vocal beauty and gravity, with Gabriel's iconic song writing abilities front and centre as he tackles a rich array of tough provoking subjects. A welcome return.

Review: Peter Gabriel's i/o is an album that took shape over a fairly long period of time and it involves a wide and long list of cast members. It is packed with plenty of moments of vocal beauty and gravity, with Gabriel's iconic song writing abilities front and centre as he tackles a rich array of tough provoking subjects that confront us all. Moods range from hopefully and optimistic, to more gloomy and despondent with top contributions from Richard Russell, pianist Tom Cawley, trumpeters Josh Shpak and Paolo Fresu, cellist Linnea Olsson and keyboard player Don E.

Review: Peter Gabriel's return to the limelight is demarcated by i/o, the latest 12-track album on which he reasserts his voice and compositional skill, delivering a profound and life-affirming new message. Embracing a Wattsian speck-of-dust existential theme, lead cuts like the title track turn the thought of "I'm just a part of everything" into a motif, while also touching on themes of injustice, surveillance and the roots of terrorism. But While reflective, the mood is never despondent; i/o is musically adventurous, often joyous and ultimately full of hope, topped off as it is, by the rousingly optimistic closing song, 'Live and Let Live'. Note that this is the Bright Side Mix of the album: i/o is not simply a collection of a dozen songs. All 12 tracks are subject to two stereo mixes: the Bright-Side Mix, handled by Mark 'Spike' Stent, and the Dark-Side Mix, as reshaped by Tchad Blake; an embrace of today's ambivalent mood.

Review: Ever the musical maverick and sonic innovator, Peter Gabriel is serving up his bold and adventurous new album in several different formats with several different sub headings. This is the Dark Side Mix version on double heavyweight vinyl. It is packed with plenty of moments of vocal beauty and gravity, with Gabriel's iconic song writing abilities front and centre as he tackles a rich array of tough provoking subjects. Next to the man himself, plenty of guests on the full oringal version bring their own touch of class including Richard Russell, pianist Tom Cawley, trumpeters Josh Shpak and Paolo Fresu and cellist Linnea Olsson amongst many more.

Notes: Live performance by English singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel. Filmed at London's O2 Arena in 2013, Peter performs a selection of his classic hits including 'Solsbury Hill', 'Sledgehammer' and 'Don't Give Up'. The film also includes interview footage with the man himself as he reflects on his long and prolific career.

Region code: B