Peter Gabriel - Scratch My Back
Review by Jack Foley
TO SAY that the new album from Peter Gabriel is eagerly anticipated is something of an under-statement. Fortunately, he doesn’t disappoint his long-standing fanbase.
Admittedly, first talk of an LP of cover versions struck a note of concern: why not record something original? But given the heartfelt nature of the Scratch My Back project, and the quality of the selected songs, it’s a churlish criticism.
The album is the first part of a series of song exchanges in which Gabriel and other leading artists reinterpret each other’s songs.
To help craft his recording, Gabriel enlisted former Durutti Column member John Metcalfe, composer, arranger and the expertise of producer Bob Ezrin to put together the 12 songs.
He then decided to perform each track with only orchestral instruments and voice – eschewing the temptation to incorporate guitar or drums.
Hence, the reinterpretations of classic tracks by Radiohead, Neil Young, Bon Iver, Lou Reed, Arcade Fire, Talking Heads and Paul Simon are distinct, individual and unlike the originals whatsoever.
There’s a sombreness, too, which can be a little heavy – but also a beauty that’s hard to deny. Several tracks can bring tears to the eyes if you’re in that kind of mood.
Gabriel’s voice shines throughout… as distinct as ever. But the orchestral arrangements provide a thrilling accompaniment and one can only imagine what they will sound like when played live at the O2 Arena during Gabriel’s forthcoming double of dates.
The album starts with as it means to go on with a subtle, slow-building reinterpretation of David Bowie’s Heroes – a lone string paving the way, gently, almost balletically… before Gabriel’s melancholy, husky tone delivers that memorable line: “I… I wish I could swim, like dolphins… like dolphins can swim.”
It’s beguiling, reflective and deeply atmospheric… much less inspiring than Bowie’s anthemic original; yet somehow achingly beautiful.
Thereafter, there are many moments to savour. His piano dripping rendition of Paul Simon’s The Boy In The Bubble conjuring successfully the imagery inherent in Simon’s songwriting – but given added dramatic impetus by Gabriel’s mournful, respectful tone.
Elbow’s Mirrorball – already an epic and beautiful slow-burner in original form – is given an enchanting make-over with some delicious orchestral arrangements to accompany Gabriel’s husky vocals, while the pianos return in pensive fashion on the subtle Flume.
One of my personal highlights, meanwhile, is Listening Wind… a song that almost recalls the start of Games Without Frontiers, but which provides one of the most definitive showcases of Gabriel’s vocal talents and power to move.
Likewise, his take on Lou Reed’s The Power of the Heart… a valentine to romance that mesmerises. It begins with Gabriel’s vocals set against a piano, before strings and horns gradually usher in a grander backdrop. But it’s never over-played and really quite intimate.
Arcade Fire’s My Body Is A Cage arguably rates as the album’s pinnacle – a six minute, slow-building epic that demands close attention and yields great rewards. The slow layering is quietly thrilling.
We could go on… but The Book of Love is another gem, as are Apres Moi and Philadelphia.
The only dud note, curiously, is Gabriel’s take on Radiohead’s Street Spirit (Fade Out), which he gets completely wrong… and which frustratingly ends the album on a wretched note.
But prior to that, Scratch My Back is an absolute treat that shouldn’t be missed.
Download picks: Heroes, The Boy In The Bubble, Listening Wind, The Power of the Heart, My Body Is A Cage, The Book of Love, Philadelphia
Track listing: