Peter Gabriel : Scratch My Back :: Review
Peter Gabriel’s new covers album, “Scratch My Back” is his first album since the ironically titled and maudlin cancer infused “Up” released eight years ago. Those expecting a reprieve from the funereal mood that dominated “Up” might be disheartened to know that Gabriel’s mood hasn’t seemed to lighten. The grave atmosphere that dominated “Up” all those years ago has transposed itself to “Scratch My Back.” On “Scratch My Back,” Gabriel covers his contemporaries including Paul Simon, David Bowie and Lou Reed while seemingly reaching out to a newer audience by covering Radiohead, Bon Iver, and Arcade Fire amongst others. Gabriel’s take on these songs features his current mawkish tone with support by either a lone piano or by The Durutti Column.
It’s possible that Gabriel has given himself the emo make-over as each of the songs that comprise “Scratch My Back” has a similarly theatrical and over-the-top feel as the next. Heavy strings dominate the majority of the album to the point where I feel like Bernard Herrmann should be credited for something. When the strings aren’t in bluster, Gabriel will sing the song in a half whisper, which makes it difficult to discern what is being sung. Perhaps I’m half deaf, but Gabriel’s vocals are almost barely audible in tracks like Arcade Fire’s “My Body Is A Cage” and Bon Iver’s “Flume.” When Gabriel’s’ gloom and doom is successful is on the Talking Heads “Listening Wind” which is suitably dramatic. I know I shouldn’t go into any album expecting a party, but I would think that some light should be able to shine through once in a while. “Scratch My Back” is a perfect listen for a rainy, windswept night where there’s a Poe reading somewhere.
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