by Mac Cat, Director of Coffee
"Cover me...when I sleep. Cover me...when I breathe..."
About a month ago, I got an e-mail from Mr. Mozo telling me that he's sending over his collection of Peter Gabriel covers, as in, songs recorded by other artists. Great! I thought. Might be worth a listen, even if it's just out of curiosity.
Then he told me how many: about eight cds. Eight?! I didn't realize there were that many artists doing PG songs. (Actually, there are not that many...about 4 for the eight cds were all by singer Jill Parr. More on that later...) So, here I was in a bind...on the one hand, I was curious to listen to how other artists interpret songs of Gabriel (and it's not like Gabriel has released anything new lately, so I have the time). On the other hand, these cds are essentially Gabriel songs not sung by Gabriel. Listening to eight cds of Gabriel covers is like a Disney fan spending two weeks at Disney World while all the E-ticket rides are shut down. It may be not all bad, but it will never be as good as it could be.
But in the interests of journalism, information, and curiosity, I resolved to listen to them all. And I decided to go ahead and listen to that Dream in Red cd that Solsburian Newsbeat Reporter Kari kindly sent me, and which I had been avoiding actually listening to after reading her lukewarm review.
Note: The reviews are deliberately short and sweet (I'll save the long winded tirades when Up is released) and as this is an ongoing project, only the first three cds are reviewed. Once the reviews are written, I hope to post some sound files of some of the more interesting selections. Details to appear on the Solsbury Miscellany when the time comes.
Artist-Album-Song-Year
Souldrivers-Live, rehearsals, & Demos-Sledgehammer-1999
A hard rockin' "bar band" version of "Sledgehammer". Kinda rough, but it works well enough.
Toaster Eddie-Ynajamacia-Classe Daminante, Classe Daminada-1996 (Sledgehammer sample)
3rd Bass-Derelicts of Dialect-Pop Goes The Weasel (Sledgehammer Sample) 1991
Both of these are rap, a genre we're not authorities of. However, at least "Pop Goes the Weasel" has a good groove and both are better than Ovo Rap *shudder*.
Vienna Symphonic Orchestra Project-Classic & Rock-Sledgehammer-1988
All it reads in our notes here is, "WTF?!" So this review is mostly from memory...
The strangest version of Sledgehammer you will ever hear. A full orchestra dominated by strings simulate the "horns" complete with odd electric guitar licks that sound like they were accidentally dropped into the mix. This is punctuated with a classic choir yelping "Sledgehammer" in odd intervals. Not sure what they were trying to do on this one, but it sounds like it would only make sense being played inside the Worlds Hippest Elevator.
The Hamburg Rockband-The Best Ever Rock Covers-Sledgehammer-1996
Various Artists-The Synthesizer Collection-Sledgehammer-1996
Both of these are merely straightforward oversythized instrumental versions of Gabriel's #1 hit.
The Kings Singers-Spirt Voices-In Your Eyes-1998
Ah! The King Singers! We're actually familar with these guys...an acapella group from England that has performed on The Tonight Show several times and they struck us has having a lot of talent. Did it come through here? Well, their style is completely different than the bouncy versions of Beatles songs they've performed before. Their "In Your Eyes" starts out sounding like a Gregorian chat on the verses(and you'll be seeing a lot of Gregorian Chants in these covers, believe it or not) then changing to a more modern choir sound on the chorus. As Spock would say, "Fascinating, Captian."
One Worldband-One World-In Your Eyes-1995
A reggae version, mon! The beat doesn't sound totally out of place, but the lead singer is no Bob Marley.
Various Artists-90's Teen Bands Vs. 80's Teen Movies-In Your Eyes-1999
Ohgodmakeitstoppleasemakeitstopohpleaseohpleaseohpleasemakeitstop!
Ladies and gentlemen, we're only on the first cd and we're already hit with World's Worst Cover of "In Your Eyes." An offkey teen alternative band warbles through this one, putting our previous claim to ruin that there wasn't a IYE version we didn't like.
We notice that there is no listing for a specific band. This is because if Gabriel found out who these guys are and what they did to his song, he'd find them and whip their sorry asses, human rights laws be damned.
Nancy Wilson-Live At McCabe's Guitar Shop-In Your Eyes (Live)-1999
Not bad (but then we heard this after the above song, so...) Kinda folksy like McLaughlin's version. She messes with the lyrics a bit, something we found common on these covers. She sings, "no matter which way I choose." Instead of "No matter which way I go..."
Diane Reeves-Bridges-In Your Eyes-1999
Modern blues...kinda soothing, if you're not against the idea of IYE sounding "soothing."
Jeffery Gaines-Headmasters of Mine-In Your Eyes (Live in Philedelphia)-1992
Okay, this is the one we've known about and get a lot of e-mails from folks wanting more information as this version gets substantial airplay. It's an acoustic live version by Jefferey Gaines and one of the best versions of IYEs so far. Jeffery sings it like he means it. The only version as good is...
Tim Mahoney-Live-In Your Eyes (Live)-1997
This version is as good as Gaines', perhaps a bit better as Tim sings the longer live version of IYE with the "Accepting all I've done and said..."
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Jermain Dupri & NAS-I've Got to Have It (Instrumental, Sledgehammer sample)-2000
Typical Hip-Hop method of repeat sample three thousand times. Yawn.
Manu Dbango-Wakafrika-Biko-1994
Strangly upbeat, but still true to source, with African singers doing a unique "Biko" chat at the beginning.
Amorphous Androgynous-Tales of Ephidrina-Fat Cat-1993
We couldn't figure out which Gabriel song they were supposed to be covering. Let's move on then...
Coal Chamber-Shock the Monkey (Gorilla Mix)-1999
Appropriately renamed mix as it does sound "heavier" than the radio version of this cover by Coal Chamber and Ozzy Osborne. Eerie and dark, but not as intense as PG's original, and they don't try to do that cool falsetto of "Shock the monkey!" near the end.
Schrodinger's Cat-Big Beat Accapella-In Your Eyes-1999
This acapella group tries hard to get Youssou's part down, one of the few IYE cover bands that attempts this. The lead is so-so, but the voice instrumentation is pretty good.
James Last-Hansimania-Games Without Frontiers-1981
Boring instrumental with none of the energy of the original.
Jon Thomas-Sledgehammer (club mix)-1996
"" (radio version)-1996
"" (club version)-1986
Jon tries to sound soulful, but instead his voice sounds pinched and it's rather annoying.
Jeffery Gaines-Scares Me More-In Your Eyes (Live)-1992
Very similar to the Gaines' version on the first cd, but with a quieter audience.
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Saga-The Works-Solsbury Hill-1991
Pretty true to the original.
Different World-Different World-Solsbury Hill-1990
This one has a weird mandolin solo at the end...
Daryl Braithwaite-Edge-I Don't Remember-1988
Various Artists-The Craft-I Have the Touch-1996
While not listed, we know the group called Heather Nova performed this one. The music is lively and true to the original, but the singers voice is too wispy for this type of song.
Primus-Rhinoplasty-The Family and the Fishing Net-1998
Love 'em or hate 'em , Primus is a pretty original band. This version of "The Family..." has got some "oophf" but loses something in the fact that (1) I can't make out the lyrics here (2) this is not one of my favorite Gabriel songs in the first place.
Primus-Miscellaneous Debris-Intruder-1992
Cool, weird...very Primus-y:) The Primus makes Intruder sounds pretty darn evil and scary, which is a plus for this cover.
The John Tesh Project-Sax All Night-Red Rain-1998
Good arranging, and Boney James plays a mean sax, but it still comes off as sounding like hip Musak.
Delerium-Karma-Lamentation-1997
Finally, something from Passion! Slightly more sparse than the original, but otherwise it sounds rather similar to the original. Near the end we hear some Gregorian style chants come in.
Richard Stoltzman-Visions-With This Hope-1995
Artwork-Ergo Vivamus-Spiele Ohne Grenzen-1994
EC Scott-Materpiece-Sledgehammer-2000
Weird Al Yankovic-Polka Party!-Polka Party!-1986
We were well aware of this one. What can I say? It's Sledgehammer peformed as a polka. Weird Al does a pretty good job playing the horn part on his accordian.
The Pioneer Creek Gang-Slammin' Sports Jams Vol 2-Sledgehammer-1998
Guitarist Magazine CD June 97-Sledgehammer (breakdown)-1997
"" (Backing Track)-1997
A guitar expert explains and demonstrates the different guitar parts on Sledgehammer. Even for non-musicians this may be of intererest, as you realize how complex all the different guitar rhythms are.
Walter & Linda Saveli-Rockvoluzione-Don't Give Up-1996
Well, this song started out okay, but it got cut off after the first verse.
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Storyville-Bluest Eyes-Mercy Street-1993
Ze Bruno-Big Circle-Mercy Street-2000
Christy Baron-Steppin'-Mercy Street-2000
Gliscapoli-Everything Must Change-Mercy Street-1998
Miriam-Miriam-Mercy Street-1999
Al Di Meola-Winter Nights-Mercy Street-1999
Project Lo-Black Canvas-Mercy Street-1998
Black Uhuru-Mystical Truth-Mercy Street-1992
"" (Vocal Dub)-1993
The John Tesh Project-Sax by the Fire-Mercy Street-1998
Various Artists-Streams-Don't Give Up-1999
Red Pitropaolisferra (?!)-The Tales of Doctor 3-Don't Give Up/Tale Seven-1998
Gregorian-Master of Chant-Don't Give Up/Gregorian Variation
Amanda-Andra-Mercy Street-1998
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Glass Moon-Glass Moon-Solsbury Hill 1980
Bette Midler-Art or Bust-Here Comes the Flood (live) 1984
Midler definitely has a lot of talent, but her Broadway leanings don't really do anything for this song. She sounds like she's trying too hard, and the song loses some of it's seriousness with all of her theatrical over-emoting. (And you thought the version on Car was overblown...)
The London Symphony Orchestra-Classic Rock Countdown-Don't Give Up-1987
Joan Baez-Recently-Biko-1988
Sarah McLachlan-Steaming-Solsbury Hill (live)-1989
With her melancholy voice, she adds a little bit of "twang" to this version, and it makes for a good cover.
Various Artists-Peace Together-Games Without Frontiers
Herbie Hancock-The New Standard-Mercy Street-1996
We actually heard this version a long time ago. On the one hand, it's hardly recognizable as "Mercy Street", but on the other hand, it's real good jazz and you can tell Mr. Hancock put a lot of effort and talent into this jazz cover. We like it, but others we know who have heard it claim it's sacrelidge to have fast bongo drums on this particular song. Whatever...
Iain Matthews-Pure and Crooked-Mercy Street-1990
Vladmir Cosma-Diva-Voie sans Issue-1990
Stan O'Daffer-Distance-Mercy Street-1996
The Mike Sceptre Singers-It Takes Two-Don't Give Up-1992
Various Artists-La Musica Dell'ania-Don't Give Up-1997
The Shadows-Simply Shadows-Don't Give Up-1987
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The C-Nuts-Blieztkrieg Bop and Other Jazz Mutations-Shock the Monkey-2000
Various Artists-Gag Me With a Spoon-Shock the Monkey-1995
Doctor 3-The Songs Remain the Same-Washing of the Water-1999
Jerry Graneli-Broken Circle-Washing of the Water-1996
The Flirtations-The Flirtations-Wallflower-1990
Taliesin-Anthem-Secret World-1997
The East West Ensemble-Sinai Memories-Jung in Africa-1988
Roberto Laneri-Memories of the Rainforest-Jung in Africa-1994
Bryan Steele Group-Bryan Steele Group-Kiss of Life-1991
Cristiana Raversi-Music From My Room's Window-Here Comes the Flood-1999
Various Artists-Mickey's Sports Songs-I Go Swimming-1996
Martin Simpson-Grinning In Your Face-Township-Biko-1983
The Flirtations-Live Out on the Road-Biko-1992
The Guitar Orchestra-Interpretations-Don't Give Up-1994
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Robert Wyatt-Work in Progress-Biko-1984
Rupert Parker-Solo-1994
Willie Nelson-Across The Borderline-Don't Give Up-1993
The John Tesh Project-Sax by the Fire-Don't Give Up-1994
Various Artists-Pan Pipes Horizons-Don't Give Up-1997
The John Tesh Project-Sax on the Beach-In Your Eyes-1995
Pierre Belmonde-Moods: The Magic of the Pan Pipes-Don't Give Up-1996
The London Starlight Orchestra-Hits for Lovers-Don't Give Up-1987
Jermain Dupri & Nas Feat Monica-Big Momma's House-I've Got to Have It-2000 (Sledgehammer Sample)
Slacker-Scared-Scared (Dylan Rhymes Remix) (Of This Hope Sample)-1997
Patti & the Dep Band-Biko-1986
Coal Chamber-Chamber Music-Shock the Monkey-1999
Robert Fripp-Exposure-Exposure-1979
Tricky-Mission Accomplished (Big Time Sample)-2000
REM-Finest Worksong-Red Rain-1988
Simple Mind-Street Fighting Years-Biko-1989
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Manu DiBango-Biko (radio edit) 1994
"" (remix)-1994
The Brown Derbies-Down Time-In Your Eyes-1994
Out of the Blue-Full Circle-Mercy Street-1995
The Brown Derbies-Down Time-Big Time-1994
The Brown Derbies-Down Time-In Your Eyes(live)-1994
The Brown Derbies-Night Cap-Secret World-1997
Amazin' Blue-Rasing the Bar-Come Talk to Me-2000
The Skidmore Bandersnatchers-A Raging Symposium-Steam-1998
Beelzebubs-id-Sledgehammer-1997
Beelzebubs-Infinity-Washing of the Water-1999
The Chorallaries of MIT-Earshot-Kiss That Frog-1995
"" Mercy Street-1995
Saga-Money Talks-Don't Give Up-2001
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Special Section: Jill Parr
Jill Parr talks about In Your Eyes
In Your Eyes, 1999
In Your Eyes, 1999 (Acoustic mix)
In Your Eyes, 1999 (Chr mix)
In Your Eyes, 1999 (Rock mix)
In Your Eyes, 1999 (Hop Mix Chr/Rhymic Mix)
In Your Eyes, 1999 (Rhythmic mix)
In Your Eyes, 1999 (AC mix with voiceover intro)
In Your Eyes, 1999 (Chr mix with voiceover intro)
In Your Eyes, 1999 (Rock mix with voiceover intro)
Things I Learned Listening to These Covers
1.When listening to PG covers,
don't listen to more than three cds worth in
one sitting. After listening to all of these, I was actually getting
sick of
"In Your Eyes" and "Don't Give Up", and I
never thought I'd ever say that. I
had to listen to hours of REM, TMBG, and Radiohead in order to
recover.
2. If Jill Parr does one more version of "In Your Eyes",
PG should consider
getting a restraining order on her.
3. Some people have gone so far to say that Gabriel simply doesn't have a great voice. Too harsh, too raspy, not smooth and not great vocal proficiency. Of course, I think these people are dead wrong (Well, his voice is raspy, but it sounds so good that way. It's a feature, not a bug. "Like cream poured over gravel.") These covers prove that no matter what anyone thinks of Gabriel's vocal quality, there is no substitute for Gabriel vocal cords. Many of the singers have great harmonizing skill and/or silky smooth voices, but they lack the raw emotion and depth that only Gabriel is able to provide.