Here’s Phil Collins – At “Face Value!”
Most music fans know Phil Collins for many reasons: massive hit songs like “In The Air Tonight”, “Against All Odds” and of course the classic “Su-Su-Susdio”.
This legendary performer was the drummer for the band Genesis, but it was the breakup of his marriage that turned him into a solo Artist as well…
Amazon Prime has an incredible series called “Classic Albums”, which reunites performers with Musicians, Producers and Engineers to take a close look at the writing and production of a classic album.
The program uncovers the process of Phil Collins’ first solo album, “Face Value.”
It includes several previously unseen performances as well as rare home movies and archive of the studio sessions where Phil Collins worked closely with Producer Hugh Padgham aw well as several members of the Earth, Wind & Fire horn section – who hilariously admit they had never heard of the band Genesis!
You find out why Collins made a solo album – his fellow Genesis band members told him the songs were so personal that he shouldn’t try to make them fit the band – and this show takes an amazingly candid look at the songs, featuring the classic ‘In The Air Tonight,’ ‘Behind The Lines,’ ‘Please Don’t Ask,’ ‘I Missed Again’ and ‘This Must Be Love.’
Here’s a trailer for this episode:
What makes the show so compelling is that Collins really digs into the stories about the making of the album.
There are also terrific stories from Musicians hired to work on the album…members of the horn section of EWF have hilarious stories about doubting whether Collins knew what he was doing, but since he was paying top dollar, they gave him a chance – and came to love working with him!
It’s also fascinating because Collins is so honest during it…at times choking up as he discusses the incredibly personal songs on the album – they were his attempt to salvage his marriage…and he’s also really funny, as when he discusses the gut-wrenching ballad “If Leave Me Is Easy” – take a listen as he tries to lighten the mood as he describes a song that was written about the failure of his marriage:
Of course, the most iconic song form the album, and perhaps of Phil’s entire career, is on here as well: “In The Air Tonight.”
Here’s a terrific live performance of the song from the 1990 Knebworth Festival – and watch for the moment when Phil, while singing the song, goes back to his drum kit for THAT MOMENT when he blasts the drums!
What an incredible, timeless song! This is a great TV show on Amazon – I also watched one with Tom Petty that was riveting as well.
By the way, Phil never set out to be a lead singer:
That’s Phil the drummer on the right of the photo of Genesis…their story is fascinating as well, and here’s a sneak peek at a terrific documentary about the band:
This all leads me to Kelly Clarkson, because why not?
THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW — Episode 4088 — Pictured: Kelly Clarkson — (Photo by: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal)
This is Kelly doing a cover version of the Phil Collins song “I Wish It Would Rain Down” – and you have to listen to hear Kelly hit a note so high and perfect that it will make it rain down on you!
Kelly Clarkson and her band Y’all perform a powerful cover of “I Wish It Would Rain Down” by Phil Collins in her latest #Kellyoke:
Kelly sings a new #Kellyoke to start every episode of her show – and recently, she did a powerful tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King.
That performance was powerful and inspiring, just as some of Kelly’s most recent #Kellyoke cover songs have meant to do the same.
She’s been on a roll with inspiring songs that speak to tour times. You can click here to see her performance of Kasey Musgraves’ “Rainbow” and more:
If you like these stories, why not sign up to receive emails whenever I post? It’s easy to do, I DO NOT collect any information about you at all, there are absolutely NO ads of any kind, just stories about movies, music, books, food, travel and pop culture…
You can sign up by clicking on my blog here and see the note on the right!
Let me know your favorite Phil Collins song – and if you liked this, please share unsocial media!
Categories: 70's Music, Art, Books / Media, Classic Rock, documentary films, kelly clarkson, Memoirs, Music, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities, TV Show
johnrieber 
This looks wonderful, John. Who doesn’t like Phil Collins and his music? And backstories are what fans love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, and he is really candid in the show…tearing up at times to discuss what was going on in his personal life as he wrote eat songs…thanks for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love a genuine, personal touch.
LikeLike
Fabulous group (Genesis) and Phil was an amazing solo artist. Who can’t feel the pain of “You’re No Son of MIne?” “Mama” is one of my favorites. Kelly is sure one versatile performer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, those songs you mention are really honest and powerful, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Phil Collins, John, a very talented man. Kelly’s cover versions are all fabulous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a long time fan of Phil Collins. A couple of his kids lived in Vancouver and he came to see them often. It seemed that his fame never went to his head. Kelly does a great job, once again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Genesis and Phil are emotionally connected to my whole family. I cannot separate my 20s without them. I will search and watch Axs. I love that channel. I hear Genesis is going to go on tour soon. Maybe I heard that from you?
LikeLike
There was a time when I think every house in Britain had a copy of Collin’s first solo album. He still has a huge fanbase here, but I don’t really follow him much these days. I actually have no idea what he has done over that last five years or so, to be honest. He is usually good value on a chat show though, and has a lot of stories from the ‘old days’.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
one of my old favorite bands. I met them once when I was a cocktail waitress and they were staying at my hotel prior to their concert, the band hung out quietly in the bar, and Phil stayed in his room. I’d love to see this.
LikeLike