The only misstep on this album was covering Randy Newman. Sorry, it’s not that interesting a song. It reminds me of Gabriel’s more pedestrian work. And “book of love” – ah, for those who like their PG happy, it’s fine. But it’s the darker stuff that makes my day.

There are some home runs here. My mouth dropped open – literally – at Gabriel’s cover of “apres moi.” A stunner. It reminds me of the feeling when I finally “got” his work on “Passion.” Wow.
The same for “my body is a cage.” Just wow.

I haven’t heard all of “mirrorball,” and “flume,” and but what each of these songs brings is the classic Gabriel theme of hope against alienation. I’m less enthused by what I’ve heard of “philadelphia” and “boy in the bubble.” The talking heads cover is great, tho, and I agree it surpasses the original.

The other track worth mentioning is Radiohead’s street spirit. It reminds me, coincidentally, of my feelings toward “Wallflower” at first listen: “eh.” It is not as accessible as Radiohead’s original, but like a lot of difficult PG material, it gets better and better with each turn. And as Wallflower is now one of my all-time PG songs, i suspect this one will grow on me.

Odd as it is to say, this is a tremendously original album. To take modern classics, imbue them with, of all things, string arrangements, and still come out with something that is edgy and provocative, is quite an accomplishment.