UP

Much better than ' Us'. 'Up' delivers a fine set of songs as usual in Gabriel's conceptual way. Up being ,moving on from mortality and as we assume going...Up! Essentially a dark, moody, sombre set beginning with the abrasive ' darkness' . 'Growing up' follows and this is by far the most riveting body moving song on the album. Sky Blue is next and is truly beautiful using the Blind boys of Alabama on vocals. 'I grieve' for me the saddest but most poignant track on Up. This song was used in the movie ' City of Angels' a good few years prior to Up's release.' The Barry Williams Show' is a rip off of Jerry Spinger and shock TV. Why people hate this track God only knows.Remember ' get em out by Friday' and ' Harold the Barrel' or ' Counting out Time'? Much in the same vein and good to see PG have some fun for a change. The album ends on a high note with ' The Drop' recorded with warts and all. It is an exceptional song! Well PG reckons he has enough material for five more albums. I hope that will be over a span of 20 years not 50. Why? Cos time is not on his side :-) and the world is a better place with his contributions. 4 1/2 Stars