Phil Collins, appearing on desert island discs many years ago, when people listened to what he had to say in the world of music, named ‘Down River’ as one of his favourite songs of all time. And it is so easy to see why. Unusually kicking off Side 2 when you would expect it on Side 1 it is a stunning song. But in some ways it is simply an extension to the strength of output which runs throughout Side 1.
I don’t like cross comparisons. Music should stand as an output of a band or individual in its own right. Good or bad. But if you want a hint as to what to expect here, there is more than a tip to a one man, slowed down Doors. Background music this, and you miss so much, and it’s undoubtedly best left to one side if you feel a little morose, but that’s not to say it isn’t uplifting if you do pay it attention. Because, if nothing else, it shows the might of what one man can achieve at the outset of a career that wasn’t long lived. Perhaps music execs didn’t get it, but when you recall some of the stuff committed to vinyl across the 70’s, there surely was room for more from this man.
I would find it difficult to place it as far back as the 60’s, organ apart. It could have been written anytime through the 70’s. It’s music for the intellectual – strange to believe he was American. It wouldn’t survive 5 minutes today in the land of the current POTUS.Phil Collins, appearing on desert island discs many years ago, when people listened to what he had to say in the world of music, named ‘Down River’ as one of his favourite songs of all time. And it is so easy to see why. Unusually kicking off Side 2 when you would expect it on Side 1 it is a stunning song. But in some ways it is simply an extension to the strength of output which runs throughout Side 1.I don’t like cross comparisons. Music should stand as an output of a band or individual in its own right. Good or bad. But if you want a hint as to what to expect here, there is more than a tip to a one man, slowed down Doors. Background music this, and you miss so much, and it’s undoubtedly best left to one side if you feel a little morose, but that’s not to say it isn’t uplifting if you do pay it attention. Because, if nothing else, it shows the might of what one man can achieve at the outset of a career that wasn’t long lived. Perhaps music execs didn’t get it, but when you recall some of the stuff committed to vinyl across the 70’s, there surely was room for more from this man.I would find it difficult to place it as far back as the 60’s, organ apart. It could have been written anytime through the 70’s. It’s music for the intellectual – strange to believe he was American. It wouldn’t survive 5 minutes today in the land of the current POTUS.
