Because I did remember.
February 15, 2013 12:15 PM Subscribe
In accordance with tradition--dating back all the way to 2007--today is Phil Collins Day. Hitch a ride to 112th Street Beach in Rockaway, and circle your drum.
Previously. Previously-er.
Damn. I'd almost got through the day without knowing this.
posted by quarsan at 12:33 PM on February 15, 2013
posted by quarsan at 12:33 PM on February 15, 2013
Didn't we declare Feb. 15 Benihana Day?
posted by Ad hominem at 12:33 PM on February 15, 2013
posted by Ad hominem at 12:33 PM on February 15, 2013
Now that you mention it, I did feel something coming in the air last night. I thought it was just a meteor, though.
posted by Etrigan at 12:40 PM on February 15, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by Etrigan at 12:40 PM on February 15, 2013 [5 favorites]
Anyway, haters are just jealous that they don't have their own day.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:45 PM on February 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:45 PM on February 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
It's just another day for you and me
... in Paradise.
posted by macadamiaranch at 12:47 PM on February 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
... in Paradise.
posted by macadamiaranch at 12:47 PM on February 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
Let me crank the drum track in the mix today in his honour.
posted by mazola at 12:50 PM on February 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by mazola at 12:50 PM on February 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
"We are talking to Phil Collins' people... But then again, aren't we all?"
posted by Ursula Hitler at 1:02 PM on February 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Ursula Hitler at 1:02 PM on February 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
I used to accuse him of ruining Genesis, but I was wrong. Their demise does not have his fingerprints.
Whether or not I like his solo work, I am by conscience obliged to help clear his name.
posted by kurumi at 1:09 PM on February 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
Whether or not I like his solo work, I am by conscience obliged to help clear his name.
posted by kurumi at 1:09 PM on February 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
To be clear. Big Genesis fan from way back. And I tried, really tried to hang with them once Peter Gabriel split. But the more Phil pushed into the spotlight, the more amusement became bemusement became bewilderment, horror, HATE.
But this is good.
posted by philip-random at 1:10 PM on February 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
But this is good.
posted by philip-random at 1:10 PM on February 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums.Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism.
Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and Against All Odds.
But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist.
posted by Ghostride The Whip at 1:16 PM on February 15, 2013 [4 favorites]
Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and Against All Odds.
But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist.
posted by Ghostride The Whip at 1:16 PM on February 15, 2013 [4 favorites]
(I swear I kind of thought Ghostride was channelling American Psycho too.)
I have a soft spot for Phil, which is largely fueled by nostalgia - I spent my teens mainlining his first three solo albums and the Genesis catalog from Genesis back through to Trick of the Tail, so his voice is a big memory trigger. Seriously, he could be singing "Nessun Dorma" and I'd be all "hey, it's like I'm fifteen again!"
Also - if you think about it, in some way the guy is kind of like the Charlie Brown of the music world. His first big break was as a session drummer on one of the first solo albums by the god-damn Beatles - but George Harrison left his name off the credits until the year 2000 and so he couldn't prove it. When it came to finally taking over for Peter Gabriel in Genesis, he actually wasn't the first choice - the rest of the band was auditioning other singers even though Phil had been taking some of the vocals all along in concerts already. He's had shit luck with relationships. He's a rock star that looks like a banker. And - and actually, this is kinda sad - all he's ever really wanted to do was play drums, but these days he is physically incapable of it, because his back is so fucked up he literally cannot close his grip on one of his hands. And right when he was finally finding an "Act II" for his life - that of being a collector of and scholar of Alamo memorabilia - some nut tries to sue him.
Yeah, he got all poppy and corny in the late 80's - and I have to admit, my fondness for his stuff didn't carry any further than No Jacket Required and I wasn't that crazy about Invisible Touch after all - but go take another listen to Face Value again, or "Mama" or "Turn It On Again," or shit, watch this, and then try to look me in the eye and tell me with a straight face that the dude was just a hack.
(Also - go read or listen to the "Dr. Phil" portion of this episode of This American Life. Dude can also be a really nice guy.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:38 PM on February 15, 2013 [11 favorites]
I have a soft spot for Phil, which is largely fueled by nostalgia - I spent my teens mainlining his first three solo albums and the Genesis catalog from Genesis back through to Trick of the Tail, so his voice is a big memory trigger. Seriously, he could be singing "Nessun Dorma" and I'd be all "hey, it's like I'm fifteen again!"
Also - if you think about it, in some way the guy is kind of like the Charlie Brown of the music world. His first big break was as a session drummer on one of the first solo albums by the god-damn Beatles - but George Harrison left his name off the credits until the year 2000 and so he couldn't prove it. When it came to finally taking over for Peter Gabriel in Genesis, he actually wasn't the first choice - the rest of the band was auditioning other singers even though Phil had been taking some of the vocals all along in concerts already. He's had shit luck with relationships. He's a rock star that looks like a banker. And - and actually, this is kinda sad - all he's ever really wanted to do was play drums, but these days he is physically incapable of it, because his back is so fucked up he literally cannot close his grip on one of his hands. And right when he was finally finding an "Act II" for his life - that of being a collector of and scholar of Alamo memorabilia - some nut tries to sue him.
Yeah, he got all poppy and corny in the late 80's - and I have to admit, my fondness for his stuff didn't carry any further than No Jacket Required and I wasn't that crazy about Invisible Touch after all - but go take another listen to Face Value again, or "Mama" or "Turn It On Again," or shit, watch this, and then try to look me in the eye and tell me with a straight face that the dude was just a hack.
(Also - go read or listen to the "Dr. Phil" portion of this episode of This American Life. Dude can also be a really nice guy.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:38 PM on February 15, 2013 [11 favorites]
if you think about it, in some way the guy is kind of like the Charlie Brown of the music world...
in that his head would make a perfect model for a jack o'lantern?
posted by Atom Eyes at 1:58 PM on February 15, 2013
in that his head would make a perfect model for a jack o'lantern?
posted by Atom Eyes at 1:58 PM on February 15, 2013
Hooray Phil Collins!
Am I the only one that loves the guy--whether in Genesis or solo? Well then, I'll stand alone and proudly.
I like his voice, and most of his lyrics are thoughtful and well done. Even on the just-for-fun stuff, he's fun to watch.
...but go take another listen to Face Value again, or "Mama" or "Turn It On Again," or shit, watch this yt , and then try to look me in the eye and tell me with a straight face that the dude was just a hack.
Yes! As a drummer he was magnificent. As far as vocals, even his not so great work is fine to listen to as background--and 85% of it is great AFAIC
He's a rock star that looks like a banker.
I think he's cute now as compared to his younger days. Guess I just like bald old coots with round heads and expressive, mobile faces.
posted by BlueHorse at 2:01 PM on February 15, 2013 [3 favorites]
Am I the only one that loves the guy--whether in Genesis or solo? Well then, I'll stand alone and proudly.
I like his voice, and most of his lyrics are thoughtful and well done. Even on the just-for-fun stuff, he's fun to watch.
...but go take another listen to Face Value again, or "Mama" or "Turn It On Again," or shit, watch this yt , and then try to look me in the eye and tell me with a straight face that the dude was just a hack.
Yes! As a drummer he was magnificent. As far as vocals, even his not so great work is fine to listen to as background--and 85% of it is great AFAIC
He's a rock star that looks like a banker.
I think he's cute now as compared to his younger days. Guess I just like bald old coots with round heads and expressive, mobile faces.
posted by BlueHorse at 2:01 PM on February 15, 2013 [3 favorites]
Am I the only one that loves the guy--whether in Genesis or solo? Well then, I'll stand alone and proudly.
You are not alone. I was sort of reflexively dismissive of Phil for years until I heard Wind & Wuthering and I suddenly realized, holy shit, Phil Collins is awesome. It was sort of a watershed moment for me with regard to questioning my own received aesthetic values, and W&W remains one of my favorite albums of all time.
He is/was a fantastic live performer, too. I saw him with Genesis in 2008, right before he started having problems with his hands, and I feel damned fortunate to have seen him play with them while he still could.
posted by prize bull octorok at 2:19 PM on February 15, 2013
You are not alone. I was sort of reflexively dismissive of Phil for years until I heard Wind & Wuthering and I suddenly realized, holy shit, Phil Collins is awesome. It was sort of a watershed moment for me with regard to questioning my own received aesthetic values, and W&W remains one of my favorite albums of all time.
He is/was a fantastic live performer, too. I saw him with Genesis in 2008, right before he started having problems with his hands, and I feel damned fortunate to have seen him play with them while he still could.
posted by prize bull octorok at 2:19 PM on February 15, 2013
Do we really need another Gotye thread?
posted by Charlemagne In Sweatpants at 6:10 PM on February 15, 2013
posted by Charlemagne In Sweatpants at 6:10 PM on February 15, 2013
....Is it weird that ever since writing this, that the more I think about it the more I really do want to hear Phil Collins take on Nessun Dorma just to see what it would actually be like?
(I mean, maybe it'd be rough, but I bet no one expected this take on it.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:31 PM on February 15, 2013
(I mean, maybe it'd be rough, but I bet no one expected this take on it.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:31 PM on February 15, 2013
Disappointed, I thought you meant this Phil Collins (Warning: swearing, burping, drinking, smoking, and dirty burgers).
posted by BozoBurgerBonanza at 7:10 PM on February 15, 2013
posted by BozoBurgerBonanza at 7:10 PM on February 15, 2013
i didn't mind phil collins until he ruined that supremes song - ick
posted by pyramid termite at 10:19 AM on March 3, 2013
posted by pyramid termite at 10:19 AM on March 3, 2013
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posted by philip-random at 12:32 PM on February 15, 2013 [1 favorite]