PETER GABRIEL CDS 4006 (-77) UK

Although I got larger part of his regular issues and appreciate most of them it's this solo debute and the second I keep returning to. Back then the trials in world music and form experiments that filled some of his later albums were innovative and exciting. The dark atmosphere, odd structures and stretched out themes from the big sellers "Melt" and "Security" are still quite interesting, but even if there are a couple of good songs I now only use them as a trip down memory lane. This remains up-to-date. Forms are sometimes adventurous, but never essential. While some of his later efforts are tied to a particular zeitgeist the melodies and lyrics here have a more timeless quality, making it as good 2014 as thirtyfive years ago. "Solsbury Hill", "Here Comes The Flood", "Modern Love" and "Down The Dolce Vita" still catchy and alluring. Staff included Robert Fripp, US session musicians Tony Levin, Jimmy Maelen, Steve Hunter and synth wiz Larry Fast. Main bulk recorded at Soundstage Toronto, produced by Bob Ezrin. Only downer with this early UK press is the audio. Not all bad, but partly damp and muddy. Early US on ATCO (36-147). First UK had label as shown here and thick matt cover with picture inner. Promo booklets exist. (GYÄ*) (CÄX*)