"The Court" | ||||
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Single by Peter Gabriel | ||||
from the album I/O | ||||
Released |
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Studio |
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Length | 4:20 | |||
Label |
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Songwriter(s) | Peter Gabriel | |||
Producer(s) | Peter Gabriel | |||
Peter Gabriel singles chronology | ||||
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"The Court" is a song by English musician Peter Gabriel. A version of the song mixed by Tchad Blake, titled the "Dark-Side Mix", was released on 5 February 2023.[1] Much like "Panopticom", the single's release date was chosen to coincide with a full moon.[2] The song's "free-form, impressionistic lyric that connected to justice" concerns the balance between the necessity of the legal system and the abuse of power that happens within it.[3] The song was partially inspired by the work of NAMATI, a charity "dedicated to putting the power of law in the hands of people."[2]
Versions of the song entitled the "Bright-Side Mix" (done by Mark "Spike" Stent) and the "In-Side Mix" were released.[4] The single's cover art features the photograph "Lifting the Curse" by Tim Shaw, who created the artwork as a response to a "curse" levied by artists Gilbert & George on the Royal Academy of Arts after the institution refused to showcase their work.[5] Gabriel commented that "This particular image has an unusual story attached, but I just responded to the photograph of this very strange figure that was being ritualistically burnt. The story behind it, I only discovered afterwards."[6]
John Metcalfe and Gabriel came up with the song's orchestral arrangements, which were recorded at British Grove Studios using many members from the New Blood Orchestra.[6]
Personnel
- Peter Gabriel – lead vocals, backing vocals, piano, synthesizer, rhythm programming, orchestral arrangement
- Manu Katché – drums
- Tony Levin – bass guitar
- David Rhodes – guitar, backing vocals
- Brian Eno – synthesizer, percussion
- Katie May – percussion
- Melanie Gabriel – backing vocals
- Richard Chapell – rhythm programming
- Orchestra
- Orchestral arrangement and conducting: John Metcalfe
- Orchestra leader: Everton Nelson
- Violins: Natalia Bonner, Martin Burgess, Louisa Fuller, Richard George, Clare Hayes, Marianne Haynes, Ian Humphries, Charles Mutter, Everton Nelson, Odile Ollagnon, Cathy Thompson, Debbie Widdup
- Violas: Fiona Bonds, Peter Lale, Rachel Roberts, Bruce White
- Cellos: Chris Allen, Ian Burdge, Caroline Dale, William Shofield, Tony Woolard, Chris Worsey
- Double bass: Chris Laurence, Lucy Shaw, Stacey Watton
- Flute: Eliza Marshall
- Trumpet: Andrew Crowley
- Bass trombone: Richard Henry
- Tenor trombone: Tracy Holloway, Andy Wood
- Euphonium: Andy Wood
- Tuba: David Powell
Charts
Chart (2023) | Peak position |
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UK Singles Downloads (OCC)[7] | 59 |
References
- ↑ Benitez-Eves, Tina (6 February 2023). "Peter Gabriel Unveils 'Dark-Side' Version of New Single "The Court"". American Songwriter. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- 1 2 Shutler, Ali (5 February 2023). "Peter Gabriel releases new song "The Court" about "unfair" justice system". NME. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ↑ Young, Andy (5 February 2023). "Peter Gabriel Reveals "The Court" from Upcoming Album i/o". Consequence. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ↑ Rettig, James (5 February 2023). "Peter Gabriel Shares New Song "The Court"". Stereogum. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ↑ "Tim Shaw - Lifting the Curse". timshawsculptor.com. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
- 1 2 "The Court". PeterGabriel.com. 5 February 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ↑ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 June 2023.