PETER GABRIEL 2 [AKA: SCRATCH]

In 1978, one year after his debut, Peter Gabriel released his second solo album, another eponymous title following Gabriel's trend of treating them like they were some sort of periodical. Many fans just refer to this album as Peter Gabriel II or Scratch (from the cover which shows Gabriel scratching through a photograph of himself). Again, he has an all-star cast in his band, most of the same personnel that appeared on his first album. This time, King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp produced the album. His influence is apparent and most notable on the song Exposure which makes use of his legendary Frippertronics technique.

The music on this album is a bit darker than on his debut, but for the most part is very similar. It exhibits some progressive tendencies, but is virtually completely devoid of any influences from his former prog band, Genesis. Instead, they fit more into the pop/art rock mold and probably the best comparable would be David Bowie. There is a good mix of rock styles, ranging from the energetic (On the Air, Animal Magic), to the ambient (White Shadow, Exposure), to just plain stupid (D.I.Y., Flotsam and Jetsam). Overall, it's a mixed bag, somewhat less developed than his debut, and sometimes seeming to lack direction.

Still, it's an enjoyable listen. I often find I like this style of music that feels like an artsy kind of rock just barely touching what I consider progressive. Gabriel still has the voice. It's just a little weird hearing it here instead of on masterpiece songs like Supper's Ready. Three stars for a good, but unessential release. If you're looking for more Genesis, you won't find it here.