EMI (label)
15 February 2010 (released)
19 February 2010
After a seven year absence, Peter Gabriel is back with his latest project, the first fruits of which is 'Scratch My Back' - a collection of orchestral led covers versions from acts such as Elbow, Lou Reed, Neil Young and David Bowie. The project is a two parter – Gabriel covers loads of songs by some of his heroes, and then these acts in turn create an album of cover versions of Peter Gabriel tracks.
Some tracks work better than others on this album – 'Heroes’ for me is a great stripped back version, as is his version of Elbow’s 'Mirrorball’. Paul Simon’s 'the Boy in The Bubble’, taken from his Graceland album is about as far from the African influenced original as is possible. It’s quite a skill to reinvent a track so dramatically.
One of the most noticeable musical aspects of this album is the fact there are no drums or guitars on here; this enables Gabriel’s unique vocals to really shine through. His vocals are gruffer than his most commercial tracks such as 'Sledgehammer’ but still instantly recognisable. Lead single 'Book of Love’ actually appeared a number of years ago on 'Scrubs’. Perhaps the critical acclaim that followed gave the idea for this album?
Randy Newman’s 'I Think It's Going to Rain Today’ works really well with strong pianos leading the tracks otherwise sombre overtones. Regina Spektor’s 'Apres Moi’ is perhaps the most dramatic track on here, with a very powerful opening, and sharp violins creating a terse track, along with near wailing towards the end – very dramatic .
Some tracks fail to ignite much excitement Neil Young's Philadelphia and Radiohead's 'Street Spirit’ being two examples, the latter is partially due to the fact the base material is not of the highest quality – there must have been better Radiohead tracks to consider?
But overall, as a 'concept album’ it works well; looking forward to the return fixture as well.
