#294: So - Peter Gabriel (1986)

What happens when an avant-garde progressive rock icon decides to strip away prog complexities and embrace the soul, pop, and world rhythms of the mid-1980s? On this episode of 300 Favorite Albums, I am joined by filmmaker E.J. Eaton (David Crosby: Remember My Name) to dissect Peter Gabriel’s landmark 1986 release, So. We unravel the unexpected stories behind the album’s legendary tracks—from the ominous, dream-inspired origins of "Red Rain" to the rhythmic, funk-infused powerhouse of "Sledgehammer," and the haunting psychological weight of "We Do What We're Told." Along the way, we explore how session giants like Tony Levin and Manu Katché helped sculpt these monumental soundscapes, and we reveal a surprising connection between David Crosby and Gabriel's later orchestral reimagining of his catalog. There is a deep, emotional core to this record that we have only begun to scratch—listen to the full episode to discover the secrets and artistic risks that still make this masterwork breathe today.So"Red Rain""Sledgew Hammer""Don't Give Up""That Voice Again""In Your Eyes""Mercy Street ""Big Time""We Do What We're Told (Migram's 37)""This is The Picture (Excellent Birds)"Additional Selections:"In Your Eyes" 12" inch extended mix"In Your Eyes (Live) - Bootleg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices