Phil Collins
(Genre: 80′s Pop-rock) Today during a group meeting, I heard a questionable story about the popular Phil Collins song “In the Air Tonight“; the story was that some friends of Collins told him about a man they knew who watched a young boy drown in a lake without doing anything to save him. Disgusted, Collins invited the man to one of his concerts, giving him a front row seat, he sang “In the Air Tonight” directly to him, with a spot light on him the entire time. As a result, the man committed suicide the next day.
Out of a general curiosity, I looked for a confirmation on this story, turns out it was no more than a falsehood. While there are a number of stories floating around about different drowning scenarios, this particular song is actually about Collins divorce from his wife.
For those of you unfamiliar with Phil Collins, he is known for a number of different acts, from Genesis, to his solo work, filled with stories of heartbreak and love; playing the drums, piano, guitar, and vocals as well as work with a number of animated films from composing OST’s to doing voice work (balto/GTA:VC). It’s always easier for me to pick and choose favorites with older albums for some reasons; off Collins 1998 release “…Hits”, the two absolute must listens are “In the Air Tonight” and “Take a Look at me now.” They both hold a slow, mellow, subtly growing beat, more than capable of curing your heartbreak (Collin’s has experienced his fair share with three divorces).
For an added bonus, check out the Postal Service cover of “Look at me now” titled, “Against All Odds“.
