Peter Gabriel, “Scratch My Back”

Peter Gabriel, former frontman of Genesis, released “Scratch My Back” this week. The original concept for the album was for Gabriel to release his covers of different musicians, and those musicians would cover a song by Gabriel on the second part of the album, “Scratch My Back” and “I’ll Scratch Yours.” The concept didn’t pan out as planned, and only a few artists scratched back. David Bowie, who wrote the first track, “Heroes,” alongside Brian Eno has already formally declined reciprocating a cover of one of Gabriel’s songs; Eno will be working on a cover instead. Gabriel takes the uplifting and inspiring song and turns it into a sad, sullen sap of a song. During the song, Gabriel sounds like he is actually crying or has completely lost his voice and turned it into a quiet whimpering, reminiscent of an over-exasperated reading from William Shatner. Gabriel chose a great track list including: “Flume” by Bon Iver, “Listening Wind” by Talking Heads, “The Book of Love” by The Magnetic Fields, “Philadelphia” by Neil Young and “Street Spirit (Fade Out)” by Radiohead — Unfortunately the compilation would be much better as a playlist by the original artists rather than sung by Gabriel.

The Ruby Suns, “Fight Softly”

“Fight Softly” is the newest release from Sub Pop Records. The Ruby Suns, hailing from New Zealand, have a ‘90s dance sound mixed with an island beat. Track four, “Cranberry,” has a whirlwind of transitions. The band is definitely tailoring off the synth-pop, indie rock, dance popularity of MGMT, with slight elements of Islands.

Artist vs. Poet, “Favorite Fix”

Artist vs. Poet sounds exactly like Something Corporate without the piano. “Favorite Fix” is their debut album. The band could be considered the female version of Paramore, and their album was produced by Paramore’s album producer, Mike Green. The band biography states, “There is something on this album for everyone, and I mean that,” but this album may just be a soundtrack for the newest MTV reality show and your 14-year-old sister.

Other Releases:

Madonna, “Revolver” — Vinyl Single
Groove Armada, “Black Light”
Blake Shelton, “Hillbilly Bone”

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Heather Collins | Staff Reporter