I'm always sheepish to say it out loud, but he's one of my favorites. More experimental than he gets credit for (Brand X, early Genesis, other bands he's drummed with on one-offs) and his sense of horn-driven joyful arrangements works well for me. There's a sentimental/life factor too, having grown up on his music. But I listen to him all the time.
Collins' physical decline has shaken me. Such a funny, bright guy. Although I haven't forgiven him for "Against All Odds." i would like those 2 hours back.
Wow! I'm going to be showing The Immediate Family documentary in class today. I was undecided about which part to show but today's post has confirmed it: Lee Sklar and Phil playing in the '80s, for sure!
I worried for a second he was gone. Nice to give Collins his flowers now. He was of course exhaustingly ubiquitous for a minute there. But a lot of great singles and a wildly innovative drum sound. That's far better than most.
From time to time, back in my music retail days, I would hold the occasional “Early Frightening Genesis” festival, which entailed playing some of the albums before Selling England By The Pound. The following exchange would inevitably occur: Customer: “Who’s this you’re playing?” Me: “Genesis.” C: “Really? Who’s singing?” M: “Peter Gabriel.” C: “Really? I thought Phil Collins was the singer for Genesis.” M: “Back then he was only the drummer.” C: “Phil Collins plays the drums?” True story.
There's a "This American Life" episode where the woman storyteller, who is going through a bad breakup and listening to Against ALl Odds on repeat, calls him up and they discuss love. Phil couldn't be nicer.
Act 1 at this link: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/339/break-up
And loved seeing him drum in person with Genesis in the 70s and 80s.
I never understood the vitriol towards Phil Collins. Not only has he made some of the best music of the last 50 years but he seems like a genuinely nice person, at least publicly. It's very sad to see the toll his health issues have taken on him. And I very much love Against All Odds, the song and the movie. Loved him on the Miami Vice episode he did as well. I think playing both Live Aids via the Concord is one of the most bad ass rock star things of all time. He's a legend in my book.
I'm always sheepish to say it out loud, but he's one of my favorites. More experimental than he gets credit for (Brand X, early Genesis, other bands he's drummed with on one-offs) and his sense of horn-driven joyful arrangements works well for me. There's a sentimental/life factor too, having grown up on his music. But I listen to him all the time.
ReplyDeleteCollins' physical decline has shaken me. Such a funny, bright guy. Although I haven't forgiven him for "Against All Odds." i would like those 2 hours back.
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm going to be showing The Immediate Family documentary in class today. I was undecided about which part to show but today's post has confirmed it: Lee Sklar and Phil playing in the '80s, for sure!
ReplyDeleteI worried for a second he was gone. Nice to give Collins his flowers now. He was of course exhaustingly ubiquitous for a minute there. But a lot of great singles and a wildly innovative drum sound. That's far better than most.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the "Against All Odds" note above, I NEEDED that laugh today, thank you.
ReplyDeleteFrom time to time, back in my music retail days, I would hold the occasional “Early Frightening Genesis” festival, which entailed playing some of the albums before Selling England By The Pound. The following exchange would inevitably occur:
ReplyDeleteCustomer: “Who’s this you’re playing?”
Me: “Genesis.”
C: “Really? Who’s singing?”
M: “Peter Gabriel.”
C: “Really? I thought Phil Collins was the singer for Genesis.”
M: “Back then he was only the drummer.”
C: “Phil Collins plays the drums?”
True story.
I had that exact same exchange at work about 12 years ago
DeleteMy fave Phil Collins — his drum break in Howard Jones’ “No One is to Blame.”
ReplyDeleteThe drumming on Watcher of the Skies sets the pulse so perfectly. Phil is one hell of a player.
ReplyDelete- Paul in JP
There's a "This American Life" episode where the woman storyteller, who is going through a bad breakup and listening to Against ALl Odds on repeat, calls him up and they discuss love. Phil couldn't be nicer.
ReplyDeleteAct 1 at this link: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/339/break-up
And loved seeing him drum in person with Genesis in the 70s and 80s.
I never understood the vitriol towards Phil Collins. Not only has he made some of the best music of the last 50 years but he seems like a genuinely nice person, at least publicly. It's very sad to see the toll his health issues have taken on him. And I very much love Against All Odds, the song and the movie. Loved him on the Miami Vice episode he did as well. I think playing both Live Aids via the Concord is one of the most bad ass rock star things of all time. He's a legend in my book.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. A major talent with a few missteps along the way, which is something you can say about everyone. People like to hate.
DeleteIf Phil Collins is good enough for Brian Eno (Another Green World) then he's good enough for me.
ReplyDelete