So what's so bad about Phil Collins anyway?

So what's so bad about Phil Collins anyway? - Part 1 of 3

Posted over 2 years ago

The mention of Phil Collins triggers some extreme reactions these days. Actually, I love the guy and I'm unashamedly a fan. Some of his recent material isn't up to the high standards he set at the start of his career, but there was a time when he could do no wrong. Powering Genesis to worldwide popularity in the 80s at the height of his own solo career, when he had string of number 1 hit singles from a collection of albums that everyone seemed to own. He played drums both sides of the Atlantic during Live Aid - at the time his Concorde trip in the middle to get from Wembley to Philadelphia was one of the ingredients that made the day a success, although these days he'd probably be criticised for contributing to Global Warming.His sound and songs captured part of the slick and moody time of the 80s. A prime example is the first episode of Miami Vice, which used "In the Air tonight" for a memorable sequence leading up to a gunfight:

This one sequence explains all of what Miami Vice was going to be about, with Collins' music setting the tone perfectly. It's so great that Collins, the producer, leaves the real drums out completely until that great break. I wonder when he might be fashionable again? See you in parts 2 and 3.

Comments (8)

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mktackabery says great post David. I always liked Phil. That miked drum sound defined the 80s for me in a lot of ways. Phil is also special to me because of a dear friend of mine who was a huge Phil fan. I have fond memories of driving up to Pilot Mountain in King, NC, to go rappelling with him. Robin would drive about 90 miles an hour around hairpin turns in his Jeep blaring Phil and Genesis tunes. When we got up there, Robin would rappel down Pilot Mountain upside down and backwards. Phil's music always seemed to fit my friend's spirit somehow. I guess people criticize Collins because he was unabashedly commercial. He pretty much went the opposite way - when punk was hot, he wore a suit and tie - and it worked for him, he made a pile of money, and I guess that just annoyed everybody who didn't.

Permalink posted 06/10/2007
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moovyphreak says If I'm not mistaken, Genesis is reuniting for a tour this year. I've never been a huge Phil Collins fan, but I enjoy some of his classics.

Permalink posted 06/10/2007
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Groon says I will preface this comment by saying that I don't hate Phil. I have some albums, even saw him live many years ago, and I think that Both Sides is great album, especially considering he played all the instruments on it! However, I do have a problem with him: He refuses to acknowledge the style that got him started in the first place. Or rather, he refuses to admit he was part of a scene he now finds revolting. I am, of course, talking about old Gabriel-era Genesis and their placement in the progressive rock category. After Steve Hackett left and Genesis went more and more commercial, Phil gave many interviews where he basically bashed the whole progressive rock scene, calling contemporaries like Yes and Pink Floyd "dinosaurs", while refusing to acknowledge Genesis' own placement in that same genre. I guess for many fans of older Genesis it was a stab in the back. They even pretty much stopped doign the older material at all in favor of the more commercial music. I should say I can completelty understand their shift to the style that made them superstars. And I don't begrudge them this, or call them "sell outs" or anything. I just wish Phil would acknowledge where he came from, musically speaking, instead of trying to hide it from his newer fans. So what if it wasn't commercial? It was great music!

Permalink posted 06/10/2007
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david terrar says mktackabery - Cheers! I like the sound of your friend Robin. I do hate that commercial label - it's generally stuck on by people who envy the success. If you listen to the guy speaking he's a musician first, playing the music he enjoys, which is why he experimented with an album like Both Sides, rather than doing what the record execs wanted. When he got the chance to write music for a Disney cartoon, my guess is he saw that as a musical challenge rather than dollars and and an oscar opportunity (although he did have all of those divorces to pay for). moovyphreak - Cool and Yep - 20 date tour around Europe to start with. Grroon - I've not read all the interviews like you. I have heard him say he was a different person/drummer back then and that makes it difficult to play the old stuff. On the new tour the plan to do material from 1973 onwards including In The Cage and Los Endos. They have rehearsed Musical Box and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, but I'm not convinced either will be in the set. In any case I'd argue that Domino Part 2 is in the spirit of that older material.

Permalink posted 06/10/2007
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Jonh Ingham says Whatever the public think, when such talented producers as Pharrell, Timbaland and Wyclef Jean say what a huge talent Phil is and influence he was, then I'll take their opinion. I think Quincy Jones gave him props in the day as well. The first singles were fabulous for mixing innovative ideas with commercial sheen - the drums on 'Against All Odds' are awesome. And as you point out, for a drummer to hold back the drums until halfway through the song is cool (and a little perverse!). For me it got a bit safe after awhile.

Permalink posted 06/11/2007
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david terrar says Jonh - Thanks for reminding us about the influence he had on other producers and remixers. I agree the drums are awesome on those two and many others. I could actually just happily listen to the guy tuning his kit (which I did before one gig long ago!). And on the safe side - yes, I think he must have been told on "Dance in to the Light" to try and go back and recreate some of his earlier success, and it got a bit samey thereafter.

Permalink posted 06/11/2007
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Jonh Ingham says There must come a point where the money coming in is an overwhelming, serious temptation. Because it all might evaporate tomorrow, right? Oh to have such a problem.

Permalink posted 06/11/2007
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david terrar says Hehe - yep!

Permalink posted 06/11/2007