Watch Peter Gabriel - So

Peter Gabriel's "So" is considered one of the greatest albums of all time, and in 2012, a documentary called "Peter Gabriel - So (Classic Album)" was released to celebrate the album's 25th anniversary. The film takes a deep dive into the making of the record, featuring interviews with Gabriel himself, as well as with several of his collaborators and peers.

The documentary begins with the story of how Gabriel acquired the famous Fairlight CMI synthesizer, which was a major part of the "So" sound. Gabriel talks about how he was initially hesitant to use the Fairlight, as he was afraid it would make his music sound cold and robotic. But he eventually realized its potential for creating unique sounds and textures, and it became a key element of his artistic toolkit.

The film also explores some of the inspirations behind the songs on "So", with Gabriel discussing how he drew on a variety of musical styles and cultural influences. For example, he talks about how the song "Red Rain" was inspired by the idea of blood as a life-giving force, and how he used African rhythms and percussion to create a sense of primal energy.

Throughout the documentary, Gabriel is joined by various collaborators and friends, who offer their own insights into the making of "So". Laurie Anderson, for example, discusses the role of technology in shaping the album's sound, while David Fricke talks about the broader cultural context in which the album was released.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the way it delves into the specific recording techniques that were used to create the "So" sound. Gabriel and his team experimented with a variety of unconventional approaches, from recording vocals in a stairwell to using a drum machine as a bass guitar. The result was a sound that was both innovative and deeply emotional, with songs like "Sledgehammer" and "In Your Eyes" becoming instant classics.

Overall, "Peter Gabriel - So (Classic Album)" is a must-see for any music lover, offering a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind one of the most iconic albums of all time. Whether you're a diehard Gabriel fan or simply curious about how great music is made, this documentary is sure to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Peter Gabriel - So is a 2012 music movie with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.