This song was originally on Peter Gabriel's 1986 album, So, and peaked at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100. Our commentary about our humble cover version lies beneath.
Steve: This one was chosen for us by fate. We were having lunch at the Angry Pepper (one of our go-to spots) and we decided that we would cover whatever came on the jukebox after our food arrived. We nervously sat through a few songs that we thought were impossible, and when we got our food, this came on! I wasn't sure how we'd do, but I think this one came out quite nicely! Pete nailed the vocal, and Rich put his signature guitar delay sound to good use. We got Alan to put down a few trumpet and flugelhorn notes as the icing on the cake. I had great fun pulling out nearly every percussion instrument that I own to create what I hope sounds like a world music rhythm section.
Rich: Yes, this is the one we dared ourselves to record when we heard it as we were out to lunch. Not out to lunch in our usual sense, but actual lunch. Great job by Steve on drums and percussion (and backing vocals), while Pete puts in a very cool, and earnest, vocal performance. Peter Gabriel will definitely be snapping along to this version when he hears it. Either that, or he'll curse us “Big Time.” See what I did there? No? Anyways, time for a fresh beverage. Who's ready for another?
Peter: Why I agree to these random song-generation contests is beyond me; hunger mixed with beer, I assume. However, in the end Steve did some masterful editing and pulls this pretty complex opus together. I remember doing a scratch take and wondering if I'd ever be able to do the lyrics justice, but practice makes decency at times, especially after my vocal cords survived until a new recording weekend. Rich uses the delay guitar technique to superb effect, and Alan weaved in his stellar horn work to tie it all together. Steve's percussion is also right on point and has a world music vibe that slaps!
From Audio Dropouts, Volume 1, released September 15, 2023
Peter Preston: Lead Vocals
Steve Davis: Bass, Backing Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion
Rich Marcil: Guitars, Omaha
Special Guest, Alan Stegeman: Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Listen on Spotify! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6D3qzai5QJv9W1PnrwCkIn?si=ac3c9f66e84b49f9
Listen on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxn4_QBoHqU
Purchase on Bandcamp! https://zenfusebox.bandcamp.com/track/in-your-eyes