Because apparently retirement is just a suggestion, the music industry’s most beloved retirees are back with yet another iteration of their life’s work. This time around, it’s Peter Gabriel’s turn to remind us that the remaster economy remains undefeated. His latest offering is a testament to the fact that nobody truly retires in this industry, they merely wait for the 40th anniversary edition. Or, you know, the next full moon, which seems to be the theme of Peter’s latest release. Music historians are preparing fresh shelves for the box set, because, well, it’s a big one.
The Supporting Cast of Characters
It’s a veritable who’s who of musicians and collaborators on Peter Gabriel’s latest effort. Long-standing band members David Rhodes, Tony Levin, and Manu Katché are all featured on many of the songs, because, you know, they’re not busy enough with their own projects. And why not throw in some other members of the i/o touring band, like Richard Evans, Josh Shpak, and Don E, while we’re at it? The New Blood Orchestra, led by John Metcalfe, also makes an appearance, because who doesn’t love a good orchestra? And, of course, the Soweto Gospel Choir and Swedish all-male choir Oprhei Drängar are also on hand to add some extra vocal oomph. It’s like a musical kitchen sink, and I mean that in the best possible way.
More Mixes Than You Can Shake a Stick At
Now, about those mixes: all 13 tracks come in two stereo mixes, because one is never enough. The Bright-Side mix is handled!!!!! by Mark ‘Spike’ Stent, while the Dark-Side mix is courtesy of Tchad Blake. Except, of course, for the track “Who Are We Talking To?”, which gets its own special mix from Mike Elizondo. And if that’s not enough, there’s also a digital-only Dolby Atmos In-Side mix, shaped by Hans-Martin Buff, who won a Grammy for his work on i/o. Because, you know, three mixes are better than one. Or something. A vinyl pressing plant somewhere just burst into tears at the thought of all those different mixes.
Artistic Expression, Unlimited
As part of the monthly full moon releases (yes, that’s a thing now), Peter Gabriel has invited a range of visual artists to contribute a piece of art to accompany the music. And by “range,” I mean a full-on artistic extravaganza, featuring painting, sculpture, installation, embroidery, weaving, and even co-authoring with spiders. Because, why not? The list of contributing artists is a veritable who’s who of the art world, including Janaina Mello Landini, Tomás Saraceno, Judy Chicago, and many more. The cover shot, meanwhile, is courtesy of renowned photographer Nadav Kander, because someone has to keep things classy around here.
The Farewell Tour Count Continues to Climb
Somewhere, a record label executive felt a disturbance in the royalties, and that can only mean one thing: another deluxe edition has appeared. And with it, the farewell tour count has officially entered scientific notation. Nature is healing, indeed. It’s a never-ending cycle of re-releases, remixes, and reunion tours, and I, for one, can’t get enough of it. Bring on the 50th anniversary edition, I say! The remaster economy may be undefeated, but my wallet is about to take a serious hit.
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
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