Peter Gabriel - Shock The Monkey (REACTION!)

[@donwest6559]

Genesis didn't have to go out and "look" for a singer when Gabriel left. Collins was already the drummer.

[@lajollascott]

They didn't HAVE to, and yet they did anyway, auditioning dozens of prospective singers before deciding to give their own drummer a chance.

[@NetHazard]

@@lajollascott Absolutely true. They felt they needed a frontman, hard to be a drummer and a frontman, but they did pull it off.

[@brainmove]

Awesome drummer at that. Underrated.

[@NeonBluePastaChef]

Peter and Phil's harmonies were so good.​@@NetHazard

[@eugenemartone7023]

@@brainmoveDid it to himself with the gated concert toms from hell

[@philf4086]

"Something knocked me out the trees, and now I'm on my knees". What a lyric.

[@MM1717mm]

this metal head has been listening to this tune (and others from mr. gabriel) since the early 80s... & dont even get me started how much i love genesis (with and without him) ....

[@bobthebear1246]

AMEN, brother. I became a fan of Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues and Genesis before I became a fan of Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Def Leppard, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Van Halen and Metallica.

[@paulrosenberg4227]

My Peter Gabriel gateway song. Check out the live version of" In Your Eyes". A joyous global music party with some of the most outstanding musicians in the world and probably top 10 live performances ever recorded.

[@chrisstory563]

yeah, the live version with Youssou N'Dour is one the best live version of In Your Eyes.

[@petervermaak6447]

The best live version of in your eyes is from the secret world tour

[@chrisstory563]

@@petervermaak6447 that version is not bad but I think one where he had had Youssou N'Dour on stage with him during the 80's was much better version and my personal favorite.

[@calkelpdiver]

The live version of "In Your Eyes" from the Secret World Live video is great. He has an unknown Paula Cole singing backup and accompaniment on multiple tracks. Peter's duet with Paula on "Don't Give Up" is better than the original with Kate Bush in my opinion. When he sings "Digging In The Dirt" the video is cool as hell. I saw Peter Gabriel with Sting on their tour in 2016. My wife and I fell in love to "In Your Eyes" and finally got to see it live years later. Peter is a master showman.

[@NeonBluePastaChef]

I loved the song, but could not vibe with the rest of the album. I started playing it before naps in the afternoon and wow! Each song is a masterpiece!

[@davebatts4731]

One fact that many overlook, Gabriel was 17 years old when he formed Genesis in 1967. I saw him in concert in 1986 and he was one of the earliest performers to use a wireless headset on stage. The man was a lunatic dancing all over the stage and gave one of the best performances I have ever seen live.

[@rk41gator]

Gabriel is SO creative. I saw him last year on his i/o album tour and he's still got it! His voice was great and so was the show.

[@anthonydandrea2170]

Peter Gabriel is surprisingly soulful in his delivery and influences. I feel like you're responding to the soul in his singing and the funky syncopation in the percussion. Sledgehammer is a straight-up tribute to the Stax soul sound.

[@MayfaireOquinn1210]

"Biko", "Solsbury Hill ", "In Your Eyes" and his duet with Kate Bush, "Don't Give Up" are all brilliant.

[@glennlissner350]

The Timbre in his voice is one of the most unique in pop/rock/art rock. It has depth, soul,...amazing.

[@c.j.7752]

Gabriel is one of those artists that deserves a category all of their own.

[@JohnMacRae23]

Well finally to the tip of the brilliant iceberg that is Peter Gabriel. The "Quirkiness" you keep referring to is Peter's innovative use of the Fairlight synth, which was a revolutionary instrument because of the way it sampled sounds. Peter is an incredible songwriter, and his influence is wide and far, visual, performance and sound.

[@davidmckenzie420]

Peter is an icon in modern music. Amazing talent. Ya gotta SEE his stuff to really appreciate it. Live performances are legendary.

[@flubblert]

Saw him in Chicago 1983 ish. One of the best concerts I've ever seen...... And I've seen a few.

[@piranhakeet]

Games Without Frontiers!

[@Jeff_H_the_Guitarist]

That's one of my favorites!

[@MetalMama-Mimi523]

Oooooo, that's a great one.

[@sadwingsraging3044]

THIS!

[@detroitbrians665]

Yes!

[@mdunawaym]

Definitely!

[@chrisd7047]

The thing you're missing about songs like this is that when Peter Gabriel does it, it isn't cheesy, It's like if a rich person walks around collecting bottle caps, they're not crazy, they're eccentric. Peter Gabriel was known for doing quirky things, so quirky becomes just part of the catalog, just art, especially at the skill level with which he performs it.

[@Johnny_Socko]

When this came out I hadn't heard anything like it. To me it sounded completely modern and new. It got airplay on the traditional Rock stations, but also the Alternative stations, which was quite a feat at the time. And it _never_ reminded me of "Whip It", lol.

[@nancysmith8626]

@@Johnny_Socko Exactly. This song was cutting edge and totally ahead of its time when it came out. The opposite of cheesy - innovative and very listenable at the same time. I never get tired of it, decades later!

[@ryanchitwn]

His songs are stories and he loves to take on a character in his lyrics. There's always a deep meaning you need to find it

[@TheirFinestHour]

I think “Mercy Street” is pure gold. Also “Big Time”. Basically everything on his “So” album is just excellent. One of the best albums of that era.

[@huskerrrrrr2317]

Peter Gabriel is way ahead of his time. His catalogue is GOLD!

[@Summermute7]

I love “Shaking the Tree” by Peter Gabriel. African influence and a song to honor the ladies.

[@danpatmac]

Diggin in the dirt is an absolute banger

[@jenniferwright-mason5959]

Hell yes! That’s my favorite PG song!

[@gruenfels317]

Red Rain, dont give up, in your eyes. 🤩

[@ThePrincepiggy]

Beautiful songs all

[@robspence2276]

All Awesome...great choices!!!

[@donnamcmanus7360]

Peter Gabriel seemed like he was always open to incorporating experimental, eclectic, performance art and world music influences. The video for this song was an attention getter for sure. The 80's music landscape was vast and slightly unhinged😂

[@nicholasbohensky7097]

Brilliant song. Among so many from Peter Gabriel

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

The live version of in your eyes is a masterpiece

[@TahoeNevada]

"Quirky sounds, but played very well" is probably the best description of Peter Gabriel's music ever. Tony Levin, PG's bassist also plays bass in King Crimson. He's a huge influence on Les Claypool.

[@RobertJWaco]

And every other Bass player.

[@Easy_Skanking]

This track had Tony on the Chapman Stick, which might fit their definition of 'quirky'.

[@grilledspaghetti]

There are so many contrary moving parts in this composition. It's a masterpiece, when an instrument joins another to play a unison line it is perceived as a resolution. Oh and Tony Levin on bass ❤

[@DanCareaga]

"Biko" from Peter Gabriel is an absolute Must listen.

[@DesertHomesteader]

This is definitely my favorite Peter Gabriel song. That bass and keyboard combo works so well together. It's funky!

[@adamdodgshon638]

This his from his fourth solo album. All of his first four were just called “Peter Gabriel”. This one blew the lid off his love of world rhythms. Especially the song Rhythm Of The Heat. This album is worth a review on its own. San Jacinto, Kiss Of Life, Wallflower. Great great album

[@ThePrincepiggy]

There’s a darkness to the sounds that give this song its attraction.

[@nancysmith8626]

Well, finally! This song is THE shit. Just a classic, incredible 80s favorite for the ages. I never ever tire of hearing it. You can't NOT love this or not jam hard to it.

[@zimmy4868]

This is a banger. Peter had a knack for catchy songs.

[@WWIIman1942]

I felt the same way as you guys the first time I heard this one. I was honestly kind of put off, and im a huge 80s head. Before i knew it, i was humming the song and craving it, and then by the 2nd listen, i loved it. One of my favorite Peter Gabriel songs. I HIGHLY recommend doing something from the So album. Theres a reason why it was so big. Heres some suggestions: Red Rain Dont Give Up Mercy Street In Your Eyes

[@locustkllr]

Digging in the Dirt

[@reshpeck]

It's the bass that makes the song. Tony Levine is brilliant and you guys are6really going to notice it on Big Time.

[@GasparLewis]

Exactly why they should do that song next, or even "Digging in the Dirt" for a monster two-sided slow jam.

[@reshpeck]

@@GasparLewis I don't think they'll enjoy Digging in the Dirt quite so much. It is a fantastic song though and, in my opinion, the most brilliantly conceived and directed music video ever made

[@johnbehan1526]

Yeah the fretless is a pretty quirky instrument

[@johnladd8421]

one of the best ever imo

[@kennet7837]

Chapman Stick, I think

[@sbkp]

For old Peter Gabriel, I highly recommend his “Plays Live” album. The vibe of those live versions is so freaking cool. Biko, Family Snapshot, San Jacinto, No Self Control… sooooo coooooool

[@debbeadzz3300]

This is my desert island album. And Peter Gabriel is my top fave performer. From this record, Wallflower, The Family and the Fishing Net, San Jacinto, and I Have the Touch ❤❤

[@evelinaguekguezian631]

Solsbury Hill is the story of Peter Gabriel leaving Genesis. One of my all-time favorites. It's hard to get out of your head, but that's okay!.

[@Easy_Skanking]

I love that a song this well liked is in 7/4 instead of the public's favorite 4/4. They mostly have no idea they are grooving in odd time.

[@markfeggeler3479]

Great songs to consider from PG are San Jacinto, Kiss of Life, Here Comes the Flood, Digging in the Dirt, or even a Genesis throwback with either Carpet Crawlers or Back in NYC.

[@httr94]

I remember my Gen X dad showing me this and many other songs from his generation when we got our first iPod 20 years ago and were setting his library up. Those are the special moments.

[@maryt2290]

We considered this new wave back in the day, and you didn’t know whether to dance or stare at the video. In Your Eyes is his most iconic song and you may have heard pieces of it, famously in the movie Say Anything.

[@psychicvacuum555]

Man, I'm so glad you guys enjoyed this! I would definitely try out either Games Without Frontiers or Solsbury Hill next! Very different fro ewch other, Peter Gabriel shifted styles a lot but always remained consistently great, I love everything I've heard from his solo career. His early stuff with Genesis is great too! Thanks for covering this song. Cheers 🤘🤘

[@7of9RebelHarborth]

Biko! A must! Peter has a unique voice and that’s why I love listening. Avant-garde! The video to this song is a trip.

[@jedward5155]

6:43 Peter Gabriel is a master songwriter. He has a way of getting to you, even when you think he's not. He's sneaky in that way.

[@myronscott8611]

Let's do so more Peter Gabriel

[@lisemzarate4029]

Art pop is a perfect description, the video gives the song a more sinister feeling Art Of Noise, Closer (to the edge) is another great example of the genre, you might recognize the piece of audio that was sampled for the song Firestarter by The Prodigy ❤

[@robblaber6655]

2 live versions ... "Solbury Hill" and "In your Eyes" too. Sorry about the late add ... I got excited !!!😅

[@scarpad]

Collins was already in Genesis he was the Drummer they just promoted him to singer

[@WarPriest1]

Drummer to singer is not a promotion.

[@ricobonifacio1095]

That world sound is evident in the pop sensibility of this song. The video is really freaky and really compliments the song. Please watch it someday when you get around to it.

[@dampersand]

It's Tony Levin's bass that makes this song for me. (Yes, yes, the instrument is a stick, but the role in the song is bass.)

[@rusbell2981]

One of the greatest bassists of all time

[@johnbehan1526]

That's pretty quirky

[@TheSentinel909]

I love "I don't know why this is working for me"

[@jdpaddon]

Exactly how I felt about it in the 80s! I'm still not sure what I love about it. I just know I love it.

[@georgeglasser8220]

Must watch the official video. It's amazing.

[@HybridCult]

Pete Gabriel is such a genius. Dude knows how to write and make the weirdest sounds work. He used the most advanced sampler at the time (The Fairlight CMI).

[@stephanjonas6425]

The great and unique Tony Levin on Chapman Stick (bass)! He's currently touring with BEAT, the King Crimson tribute with Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, and Danny Carey. Astonishing talent!

[@ashebanow]

Plus he's 78 years old now, and still killing it

[@TheSentinel909]

"it shouldn't sound this good" - love this... honestly that's why this is sick good songwriting and production

[@robblaber6655]

"Steam" is excellent, too ... the video is WILD !!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ❤❤❤

[@stevelandress]

The bass is being played by Tony Levin on the Chapman Stick. A very interesting instrument. Check it out.

[@papersleeves]

Such a stone cold groove 👯🏾‍♂️🕺

[@Fissi0nChips]

Peter Gabriel has some truly excellent songs.

[@MyNameIsBucket]

one of the first albums that was entirely digitally recorded.

[@AddSerious]

Finally, my favorite Peter Gabriel song!

[@nancysmith8626]

Right? Me too!

[@mikefetterman6782]

In 1989-90 MTV, for New Year's eve, had polls for the 80s revealed. The #1 video voted for the 1980s was Sledgehammer, and Sledgehammer TIED with the Eurythmics SWEET DREAMS for SONG OF THE DECADE. I saw Peter in concert in 1994 and he gave a great show for nearly 2 hours.

[@greglamm5986]

I remember this song being all over the radio in 1982. Yes, it sounds very much of its time but it's still a banger.

[@jacobprice8048]

Games Without Frontiers is a banger of a Peter Gabriel song

[@CharlesBryan1]

I put Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush in the same category of highly creative minds in music.

[@tiffanychristen2918]

Why is this working for me?? Ha! That was the BEST! Loved that you enjoyed this song! Brings me back to when I was a teenager 🥰

[@cindyp1033]

The video was fire on MTV 😂

[@DRu.913]

"DON'T LIKE IT BUT I GUESS I'M LEARNIN'!" 🔥🔥Peter sings with so much emotion & oozes charisma

[@grandwazoodebris1015]

Gabriel was a leader or early adopter of a lot of stuff. World music, gated drums, no/few cymbals, Tony Levin bass (how do you describe that), .... Try I Don't Remember and Games Without Frontiers from the previous album Peter Gabriel 3, see where he was in 1980. He refused to name his albums for awhile, I think record label made him call this one Security in US.

[@ScottSpenceNoneTheRicher]

Born in 75, Sledgehammer opened the door and my ears to the genius of Peter Gabriel's back catalog, the same way Money for Nothin' did for Dire Straits.

[@nancysmith8626]

That's about right for me, as well.

[@xylogreen]

I'd recommend checking out "Peter Gabriel - Biko - 6/15/1986 - Giants Stadium"

[@adam872]

This was the first Peter Gabriel song I ever heard and that was it for me - hooked. It only got better from there.

[@shirleymongold1201]

I defy anyone to sit still while listening to this song

[@nancysmith8626]

It's impossible, ha.

[@tanis7050]

A timeless song and Tony Levin in this one is the GOAT

[@adventuresofjandk]

His voice = GOAT

[@jamesburns8827]

Sledgehammer. Bass line changed the game. 🔥

[@thelordofhellaz]

I would highly suggest "A Different Drum" from the album Passion, which was the soundtrack for The Last Temptation Of Christ.

[@jameshitt3263]

"Why is this workin' for me?" Exactly. This song is kinda batshit, but it just works so well. The rhythm and percussion really lock in, and his typical great melodies and vocal delivery make it over the top great.

[@jasonmonholland7040]

Sledgehammer, Biko, Solsbury Hill, The Intruder, anything else from So or Peter Gabriel 3 is a banger!

[@manualboyca]

Watching a live version of this song with conventional instruments is another experience- there’s a great live performance from the “So” tour.

[@chrisgraham6187]

I think I felt the same way when I first heard these songs but after 40 years of listening to it, its damn amazing

[@deanknight333]

"He's decorated" That tickled me 😆👍

[@jerzeyguy71]

Not sure if this was a summer song when it came out, but I know I love when this song comes on my car stereo on a nice sunny hot day.. just sounds soo good blasting..

[@ryanwilliams7407]

King gizzard and the lizard wizard Uniquely talented band Motor spirit-metal Inner cell- psychedelic/progressive Oddlife- microtonal Raw feel - southern rock Magma- groovy jazz fusion? All is known- alternative? Don’t sleep on these guys. They don’t fall into any one genre. They’re just a great band.

[@jfg1356]

PG did things before others thought of doing things... he's got a very big brain

[@jkinz12345]

Biko, Mercy Street, and Through The Wire are all fantastic Peter Gabriel songs

[@mpd370]

Bass guitar is killing it.

[@CrashAndBurnProductions]

You called it an 80s template...and thats actually quite true...this song was one of the origins of that 80s sound without a doubt...but this song is the real deal,not one of the many from artists who tried to lift something from it...the music taken at face value may sound odd,even a bit silly...but the song is sung seriously,its that slightly dangerous feel and atmosphere to the lyrics that make it work...

[@cptight88]

This has such a good video. Was very innovative for its time.

[@joecrafted]

Always loved Peter Gabriel’s work. This particular album was when I first got introduced to him, but I went back and bought his previous solo albums. “Biko” is a standout, and an underrated cut is “Family Snapshot”. Was already a big fan of him before “So” was released, but wow what a mega album.

[@hypnotank]

I have the touch - such a killer Gabriel song

[@Satanic.Frog666]

Love the 70s Peter Gabriel music!!

[@ogLogLogLogL]

There was nothing cheesy about Genesis at the time. That shit was mind blowing.

[@CoreyWickramasekera]

Yeah, yall should see the video

[@whiteninja2006]

You should do a video on Sledgehammer regardless. It's a great song with an absolutely killer (and revolutionary at the time!) bass line by Tony Levin. Such a groovy fun song!

[@tonygourdine512]

You should do " Solsbury Hill" live version to get Peter Gabriel performance style, which is part of his genius !!!

[@Sab_MJsMama]

The whole album was great and deserved the accolades. I listened to So on heavy rotation in the 80s and I believe it still holds up.

[@dougwill8850]

Games Without Frontiers by Gabriel is awesome.

[@williamweiss6128]

Security is one of the best lp's in my history. Buy it. PLAY IT LOUD!! No apologies. F the neighbors.

[@mkmstillstackin]

If you guys liked this, you absolutely have to check out the original video too! I remember when my older sister put me onto this when it first came out on MTV. She was in high school. I was in middle school. Before this we were both mostly into R&B, but after hearing this, holly smokes!...We lost our minds and became totally hooked on this and other post-punk/new wave type/synth-pop tunes. I would also highly recommend Gabriel's "I have the touch"!

[@joe3times503]

Xylophone is the instrument you are thinking of George

[@Grumpyoldman666]

This song reminds me of a great 80’s movie that despite it being 40 years old, you enjoy it every time

[@melissabrecosky6520]

I saw him for the first time in concert a year ago in October.