Peter Gabriel – Solsbury Hill Then And Now
Whether or not you personal Peter Gabriel albums or not, you are most likely familiar with his music, and Solsbury Hill is 1 of his most recognized songs. The original version of this song came out on his debut solo album back in 1977 and it nonetheless gets a considerable quantity of radio airplay to this day. Occasionally, it even turns up in film soundtracks as nicely. As a loyal Peter Gabriel fan, I’ve been accustomed to hearing that cherished original version for about 35 years. Nicely, now there is a remake of this and numerous other songs on the New Blood album. Has it breathed new life into a musical legacy? The answer is a definite perhaps.
When the original version of Solsbury Hill came out back in 1977, it brought joy and hope to those of us who despaired when Peter Gabriel left Genesis. Peter embarked on a musical odyssey and Solsbury Hill was the invitation to join the expedition. With 12-string guitars in so a lot of early Genesis’ music, hearing that familiar instrument helped make the transition a smooth a single for fans like me accustomed to Peter Gabriel’s vocals in a prog rock context. That jangly 12-string weaving in and out of percussion and a pounding bass drum has lifted my spirits all through my adult life. It is timeless!
So, when I heard that Peter Gabriel released a new album with orchestral arrangements, I quickly believed of Scratch My Back, which is the one particular album of his that I did not acquire. I knew that the new album was Peter’s personal material this time, but there had been no new songs, so I was skeptical. Then, I saw his look on David Letterman and watched the whole concert on the net. That sealed the deal and I went out and picked up the deluxe edition of New Blood.
To compare the two, the orchestral version of Solsbury Hill on the New Blood album is around the very same length and tempo as the 1977 version. If you have observed Peter Gabriel on tour, you know the instrumentation ordinarily contains drums, guitars, bass, and keyboards. It really is the piano on the New Blood version of Solsbury Hill that ties it back to the 1977 version by way of the reside version. Strings and woodwinds deliver the framework for Peter’s vocal. His voice, a bit raspy but nevertheless warm, has a bit of push and pull against the beat to present tension. Whereas the 1977 version has an underpinning of drums and percussion all through, the New Blood Orchestra percussion enters late in the song. Just after the final verse, the new version also builds for a grand ending just as the old version does. But, this time It is with a complete orchestra rather of with electric guitars.
As for my own preference, I like the old 1977 version improved and perhaps that is just for the reason that I’ve lived with it for so extended. But, this New Blood edition is increasing on me. Like the song says, “I will show a further me.” You have shown us a further you Peter, and thank you for performing it!
Carlton Walker is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who writes, produces, and releases music independently. For a totally free download of his newest single, go to http://www.carltonwalker.net/sp1.
