Friday 5th December

I know what the popular consensus is – he is boring, one of the pop aristocracy and an old grump.  All too true, but remember he once was part of Genesis, who were one of the most brilliant progressive bands of the early seventies.  When Peter Gabriel (who many think was THE creative genius of the band) and Steve Hackett (guitarist extraordinaire) left the band Phil stepped off the drum stool and took on lead vocals and took Genesis to new and far more popular heights.  Genesis were (and still are) a unique band in that there have never been any real spats between them; even when Peter and Steve left it was on the most cordial of terms and not because of “musical differences”.

For me, Phil’s reputation relies more than anything else on one album, his first solo effort “Face Value”  which is incredible.  It was a break-up album and featured some heart-rending songs like “If Leaving Me is Easy” but it is the incredible production which really sets it apart.  The drums have never sounded so good, especially on “In The Air” where, when they come in, it takes your breath away.  Phil went on to a brilliant solo career, while still managing to carry on in Genesis.  I bought a few of his albums hoping that he would re-create the feel of “Face Value” but he never quite achieved it again.  He did produce a very good album “Going Back” a few years ago, where he faithfully recreates a whole batch of sixties Motown classics such as “Papa was a Rolling Stone” and “Jimmy Mack” but honestly what was the point – the originals did the job brilliantly and he adds nothing original to them.  So, a guarded welcome into Catherine’s Hall of Fame for the Artful Dodger himself.