Something Happened on the Way to Heaven

I have to admit that I wasn't a huge Phil Collins/Genesis fan in the 80s, but there were a couple of songs that sparked my attention back then.  Now that I am older, I can certainly appreciate his music and unyielding talent.  He is a true master of the musical craft.

So, something happened on the way to heaven, and the story unfolds through the lyrics.  Actually, it's quite simple -- he had a love, lost her, and now he wants her back.  How many times can he say he's sorry?!  Well, just a couple, and we hear it in the chorus -- which is also where Phil Collins is supported by the harmonies of his back-up singers.  Ah yes, the back-up singers...  Back in the day, many stars broke onto the scene via that route.  There certainly was no shame in that gig, because it either led to a solo career or the simple joy of joining forces with great singers day after day.  In addition to the supporting vocalists in this song, there is an amazing brass section that I just could not miss as an instrumentalist myself.  Wow.  That is some terrific trumpet and a really tight section.  Blows my mind that they make it seem so easy...  And speaking of easy, the intro of this song sounds quite similar to "Easy Lover," giving you the feeling that something of epic proportions is about to happen.  Will it be Phil Collins flying in on a plane with Phillip Bailey like in the "Easy Lover" video?  No, but it is something better -- song writing of epic proportions with a dynamite instrumental and vocal ensemble to support Mr. Collins.  Kudos big time here.   I don't quite get the whole dog thing in the video, although s/he is pretty cute.  I think the live performance element in the video would have been just fine by itself, but maybe something happened on the way to production, and the dog's role was born.  I'm not sure, but I certainly am curious...

Couldn't help thinking of Rowlf when the dog played the piano in this video.

Easy Lover

Finally, Friday....ah....  It's the day I have been waiting for all week!  Time to celebrate, and what better way to do that than with an up tempo '80s classic?  I was thinking of a particular song by Toto, and then I did some browsing on the internet, ultimately finding the song "Easy Lover" by Phil Collins and Philip Bailey.  This was written in 1984, so it is perfect!  I forgot how much fun this song is--and the video as well.  If you watch the video, it begins with  Phil and Philip (wow, I just noticed they have the same name) riding up in a helicopter.  The opening synthesizer line kind of goes with the helicopter controls engaging, so it all sort of syncs up so to say.  Then, the two are in the studio, rehearsing and recording the song.  It looks like they are having so much fun, and I especially like the part where they are working in this "swap the mic" dance move.  But, it is not as funny as the segment where it looks like Philip Bailey is showing Phil Collins some of his classic Earth, Wind, and Fire dance moves.  Awesome! 

I can remember this song from back in the day, and I admit that I didn't pay too much attention to the lyrics.  I remember "she's an easy lover, she'll get a hold on you believe it," but that was about it.  I actually remember the opening keyboard lick more than the lyrics.  So, I looked at the lyrics this evening.  Yeah, I kind of remember now: "She's an easy lover, she'll get a hold on you believe it, she's like no other, before you know it you'll be on your knees..."  Aha!  That is pretty interesting.  And then it gets better: "She's an easy lover, she'll take your heart but you won't feel it, she's like no other, and I'm just trying to make you see."  Ouch!  She'll take your heart but you won't feel it?  That is heavy.  Reminds me of "Maneater" by Hall and Oates or "Evil Woman" by the Electric Light Orchestra.  The difference with this tune is that it is kind of upbeat and happy--so much so that you don't realize the words are telling you this woman will rip your heart out!  Ah...love...and heartbreak.  Well, the woman is an easy lover, so I guess it all makes sense.  Whatever the case, the song is well-written, and both of the Philip/Phils harmonize amazingly.  Philip Bailey has that awesome "falsetto" type voice, and coupled with Phil Collins, it is just a terrific song.  They could be singing about anything, and it would be terrific.  Enjoy!