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Afro Celt Sound System — When You're Falling (w/ Peter Gabriel)
Album: Volume 3 - Further In Time
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3944









Released: 1996
Length: 5:02
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Every day, you crawl into the night
A fallen angel, with your wings set alight
When you hit the ground
Everything turns to blue
I can't get through the smoke
That's surrounding you

'Cause when you're falling
I can't tell which way is down
And when you're screaming
Somehow I don't hear a sound
And when you're seeing things
Then your feet don't touch the ground
'Cause when you're falling
I can't tell which way is down

I can see through the clouds
I can walk right through the walls
Hang me off the ceiling
But I can't take the fall
Should I cross the river
When I may get swept away
Out there on the water
You can still see me wave

'Cause when you're falling
I can't tell which way is down
When you're falling
I can't tell which way is down

I can see all those things
My feet don't touch the ground..

'Cause when you're falling
I can't tell which way is down
And when you're screaming
Somehow I don't hear a sound
And when you're seeing things
Then your feet don't touch the ground
'Cause when you're falling
Somehow I can't hear a sound

Somehow I don't hear a sound
Falling...
Comments (324)add comment
Nothing better to start a sunny saturday morning with!
Lovely. 
It's never more than 8 songs before Peter Gabriel shows up. Just an observation, I'm pretty neutral on his music.
not played enough -
RIP - Simon Emmerson (12 March 1956 – 13 March 2023)
Love B
thought I heard Peter!
 RabbitEars wrote:


Why have all the pictures, emojis and GIFs disappeared from the forum? 
I fall down. I get up again.
A quite precise statement of Einstein's Equivalence Principle, which is the foundation of General Relativity,
Played too much ! 
 msmimi13 wrote:
 bctreefarmer w't get done,rote:


and thus this is why the work just doesn't get done.


But Boss, it's not my fault.  Blame PG!
 geonuine wrote:
Afro Celt Sound System is either overplayed or not my cup of tea. I think the latter is true  



Everybody has their own tastes.  Thank you for being polite about it!   
 RabbitEars wrote:


bump
Great video for this track.
 SpencerAR wrote:
For me, this song will NEVER not be a 10!  


Two years later and my opinion remains unchanged.  
Excellent!
 bctreefarmer w't get done,rote:

Somehow this combination of 2, slightly divergent musicians/groups, creates a sound/feeling that makes me stop what I'm doing and just listen. 




and thus this is why the work just doesn't get done.
Somehow this combination of 2, slightly divergent musicians/groups, creates a sound/feeling that makes me stop what I'm doing and just listen. 
 geonuine wrote:
Afro Celt Sound System is either overplayed or not my cup of tea. I think the latter is true  



I agree, but Gabriel elevates it... IMO.
To me, this is Gabriel with ACSS, not the other way around.
Afro Celt Sound System is either overplayed or not my cup of tea. I think the latter is true  
 fredriley wrote:

I'd agree with that. Until RP Peter Gabriel was always associated in my mind with the accursed, execrable, putrid, baroque and overblown crime against popular music that was Genesis. Unlike the pillock Phil Collins, Gabriel has actually improved by orders of magnitude since escaping from that 'group'. Unfortunately, this number shows none of the strengths of Gabriel and the ACSS (which I'm a big, big fan of), and IMO is the weakest record on the CD. Still, he did act as midwife to ACSS so big cred to him for that.


Fred, please confirm... sounds like you might not be fond of Genesis.  Still the case?
I can see through the clowns....
 uksminas wrote:


Everyone! Emergency! Go watch the video The Orangutan and the Hound.
 MJdub wrote:
I'm curious about the lyrics (and language) of the background vocals...anyone know?
 
Seconded. I love singing backup and harmony, and this is driving me nuts.
Does anyone know what the background singers are singing?
yep, still wonderful !
 pixel-pusher wrote:
Love that talking-drum base rhythm! I've seen that in drum circle, and it's so much fun to air-drum it!
 

Love that talking-drum base rhythm! I've seen that in drum circle, and it's so much fun to air-drum it!
 MJdub wrote:
I'm curious about the lyrics (and language) of the background vocals...anyone know?
 

Yes, me too, because I like doing harmonies and BG vocals. Sounds like "simidi sidimiden", but I haven't been able to find anything about it.
Does this come with a vegan option? No seriously, this is an important development in music.
I think this is the Only Afro Celt song I like. I think of it more as a PG tune with AC back up.
 jmkate wrote:
dance break!
 
I know , right?
Hope no one is watching.


 CoYoT51 wrote:
I hate that band... but I like THIS singer.
Please, anybody could tell me how must I do to have the same voice? {#Smile}
Always loved Peter Gabriel...{#Notworthy}Contact Chris Isaak for the location of the crossroads where he got 
Roy Orbison's voice...Gonna cost you tho'...

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
 

I don't know how to play.
Such a great collaboration.
For me, this song will NEVER not be a 10!  
I've liked this every time I've heard it here on RP. Has a nice groove for first thing in the morning. Definitely had me bopping away at my desk.
Sheer auditory delight!
 stegokitty wrote:
Just another PG song with African sound, that sounds like virtually all the other PG songs with African sound.
Meh. 

Except it's not a PG song. This song was written by Simon Emmerson, James McNally, Iarla O'Lionaird, and Martin Russell.
 
I'm curious about the lyrics (and language) of the background vocals...anyone know?
 randyblew wrote:
Great joyous PG - Afro Celt song. The video for this is super fun also.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJYgkBbCbs
 
*bump*
 randyblew wrote:
Great joyous PG - Afro Celt song. The video for this is super fun also.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJYgkBbCbs
 

*bump*

TOTALLY agree on both points!!!
Great joyous PG - Afro Celt song. The video for this is super fun also.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJYgkBbCbs
 rgio wrote:
Sure miss PG....and my youth (not in that order)
 
me too! Secret World Live! one of the best shows ever - & I've seen a ton
dance break!
Aw, I looked at the lyrics and what I thought was "singing" is "seeing things"...

I liked my misunderstanding better. :(
how do you top this?
8 - Most Excellent  to me
This — well, this is something pretty darned special. THAT INFECTIOUS BEAT! Sinnni niss si deebeedoh...sinnni niss si deebeeddoh
Just another PG song with African sound, that sounds like virtually all the other PG songs with African sound.
Meh. 
Imitation of ethnomusic, imitation of emotions, imitation of feeling. 2.
Superb.  Immediate 9 from the Bristol office.
Ah - the Lion King. 
I find this rollicking madness to be joyful. Solid 10.
 1wolfy wrote:
a bit too similar to Biko..or is that intentional
 
 oldsaxon wrote:

really? this is fast and a bit odd. how?

 
The phrasing, meter, and melody of the verses are very similar.  You could sing the lyrics to "Biko" over much of this song.  I imagine it's intentional - it's not very likely that Mr. Gabriel would've forgotten about one of his best-known songs.
 1wolfy wrote:
a bit too similar to Biko..or is that intentional
 
really? this is fast and a bit odd. how?


"Most Excellent" is still a great rating for this tune.
love this song, it's timeless joy!  Sinny niece da dibby do - sinny niece da dibby do!
Just raised the volume...
A big 10.
Damn you Gabriel.  Stop following me around.
get up and dance!  love that flinty voice..{#Angel}
Sure miss PG....and my youth (not in that order)
Looking forward to seeing Peter Gabriel live in May in my home town!!!
Tops!!!!    {#Drummer}
St. Peter
 ambrebalte wrote:
sure better than a hotel room, I'm in your streets, dancing
 

We be dancing in the pews now...  hope you are having a marvelous time right this minute...  love this song...
 
 (former member) wrote:


Everybody screamed at me to turn up the volume, so I did...  we be dancing in the streets...

 
  sure better than a hotel room, I'm in your streets, dancing


Wonderfully upbeat. It seems Peter Gabriel's voice fits any type of music. Pity he makes so little of it.
 unclehud wrote:
PS:  An American equivalent of "dog's bollocks," please?

 
It's the cat's meow!  The bee's knees, baby!  The shiznit!  I guess it's pretty cool!
a bit too similar to Biko..or is that intentional

NICE!
 fredriley wrote:
<...> direct inverse proportion <...>
 
Interesting trick that.

 romeotuma wrote:


Love this song...  we be dancing...

 
 
I like it, but I'm tired of it.

 boober wrote:

I feel like I'm getting a free lesson in the "King's English" when Fred responds.

 
Oh, I very much doubt the aristocracy would speak like that. What you're getting is a bit of working-class dialect and slang.

I hate that band... but I like THIS singer.
Please, anybody could tell me how must I do to have the same voice? {#Smile}
Always loved Peter Gabriel...{#Notworthy}
Can somebody help me? I'm trying to upload my pic onto my info page and it keeps on saying "not a valid jpeg or gif."
I have always like this song in spite of the lead singer.
When it opened I thought he was about to launch into an alternate version of "Biko".
 
"Everday...we hear this song everyday."
 boober wrote:
I feel like I'm getting a free lesson in the "King's English" when Fred responds.
 
"Queen's English."  England/UK ain't got no king at the moment

"I'll just get me coat ..."  <——— fredriley      PS:  An American equivalent of "dog's bollocks," please?

Kiss them for me, Pete


 fredriley wrote:

The volume of Genesis' hits is in direct inverse proportion to the quality of their music. Popular success does not always equal quality. Genesis were, and IMO still are, execrable producers of naff pomprock, and Collins is a grade one tit, albeit a very rich tit. Gabriel has improved by an order of magnitude since leaving Genesis, and the stuff of his that's been played on here is the dog's bollocks. Genesis are the dog's breakfast.

I also have a very soft spot for him for being the midwife in the birth of the highly innovative Afro Celt Sound System, which are some of the most prized CDs in my collection. Saying that, I don't think this particular number plays to either's strengths and is a bit dull compared to other Gabriel and ACSS work, Still worth a 6 from the Nottingham jury, though.

 
I feel like I'm getting a free lesson in the "King's English" when Fred responds.

This song reminds me of something ABBA would do. Not that thats a bad thing...
Love PG and specially his work with African musicians!!!
I loved this song when it first came out.  This version sounds like it's been remixed - the version on my CD is different, and you can hear the other singers much better.
l like this but Peter G. dominates a bit.  I would love to hear the other vocals a bit more.  They are beautifully harmonized.
 fredriley wrote:

The volume of Genesis' hits is in direct inverse proportion to the quality of their music. Popular success does not always equal quality. Genesis were, and IMO still are, execrable producers of naff pomprock, and Collins is a grade one tit, albeit a very rich tit. Gabriel has improved by an order of magnitude since leaving Genesis, and the stuff of his that's been played on here is the dog's bollocks. Genesis are the dog's breakfast.

I also have a very soft spot for him for being the midwife in the birth of the highly innovative Afro Celt Sound System, which are some of the most prized CDs in my collection. Saying that, I don't think this particular number plays to either's strengths and is a bit dull compared to other Gabriel and ACSS work, Still worth a 6 from the Nottingham jury, though.

 
Hey Fred, I'm right with you also.  Both for Peter Gabriel and Afro Celt Sound System.

 That_SOB wrote:

 Thank you for leaving Genesis Mr. P. Gabriel. No doubt had you stayed, Genesis would have sputtered into obscurity. This works, as this way you get a hit about every 8 - 10 years, while Phil and crew went on without you to be quite prolific.... and made a dozen + gold albums. Don't get me wrong Peter,  I like your tunes but absence makes the heart grow fonder...



 

You're right SOB...I never thought of it like that. Come to think of it, he never worked with Britney Spears or Mylie Cyrus either, and look how many hits they made. How incredibly perceptive of you.
 fredriley wrote:

The volume of Genesis' hits is in direct inverse proportion to the quality of their music. Popular success does not always equal quality. Genesis were, and IMO still are, execrable producers of naff pomprock, and Collins is a grade one tit, albeit a very rich tit. Gabriel has improved by an order of magnitude since leaving Genesis, and the stuff of his that's been played on here is the dog's bollocks. Genesis are the dog's breakfast.

I also have a very soft spot for him for being the midwife in the birth of the highly innovative Afro Celt Sound System, which are some of the most prized CDs in my collection. Saying that, I don't think this particular number plays to either's strengths and is a bit dull compared to other Gabriel and ACSS work, Still worth a 6 from the Nottingham jury, though.

 
Well said Fred. I'm 100% with you.

 That_SOB wrote:
 Thank you for leaving Genesis Mr. P. Gabriel. No doubt had you stayed, Genesis would have sputtered into obscurity. This works, as this way you get a hit about every 8 - 10 years, while Phil and crew went on without you to be quite prolific.... and made a dozen + gold albums. Don't get me wrong Peter,  I like your tunes but absence makes the heart grow fonder...
 
The volume of Genesis' hits is in direct inverse proportion to the quality of their music. Popular success does not always equal quality. Genesis were, and IMO still are, execrable producers of naff pomprock, and Collins is a grade one tit, albeit a very rich tit. Gabriel has improved by an order of magnitude since leaving Genesis, and the stuff of his that's been played on here is the dog's bollocks. Genesis are the dog's breakfast.

I also have a very soft spot for him for being the midwife in the birth of the highly innovative Afro Celt Sound System, which are some of the most prized CDs in my collection. Saying that, I don't think this particular number plays to either's strengths and is a bit dull compared to other Gabriel and ACSS work, Still worth a 6 from the Nottingham jury, though.

 teapot wrote:

This song always puts me in a good mood, and I need it now...

 
ME TOO!!!

This song always puts me in a good mood, and I need it now...


Two of my favorites collaborating on a pretty good tune.

Sounds like a sped up Biko in places.



ya do?

 
cochlear wrote:

Romey has a limited repertoire.  But ya gotta love the guy.  {#Rolleyes}
 


this song makes my heart soar......
Sort of Abba-ish in the chorus


Love the wall of sound with the cute little ukulele(?) just peeking through. Symphonic.

Nice segue from Nitin Sawhney
Nice tune!

 Thank you for leaving Genesis Mr. P. Gabriel. No doubt had you stayed, Genesis would have sputtered into obscurity. This works, as this way you get a hit about every 8 - 10 years, while Phil and crew went on without you to be quite prolific.... and made a dozen + gold albums. Don't get me wrong Peter,  I like your tunes but absence makes the heart grow fonder...



Cheery little ditty
 michaelgmitchell wrote:
'romeotuma' ... what-cha think of this one?
 
Romeotuma called, he says this is good for his ears. I say it's good for my soul. PG is my hero! {#Dancingbanana_2}
'romeotuma' ... what-cha think of this one?
 countyman wrote:
ONE per song please.

 
romeotuma wrote:


This great song is soooo good for the ears...
 
 
Romey has a limited repertoire.  But ya gotta love the guy.  {#Rolleyes}

 bizon wrote:

Hear, hear!

Peter Gabriel is known to most as the guy who did Sledgehammer (which is a great tune), but has such a vast, amazing and unfortunately to most, little known catalogue of musical genius. He truly is one of the modern masters and I believe that he will be remembered, respected and studied along with the likes of Mozart.

 
I would have to disagree with that; I think that all of the early Genesis work as well as all of his subsequent solo releases have gotten plenty of airlplay much to mine and others who do not like him's chagrin!{#Headache}

ONE per song please.

 
romeotuma wrote:


This great song is soooo good for the ears...
 


Not a Gabriel fan, but I have always like this song.


Like I said....

 
gjeeg wrote:
This song SOARS. I first heard it in the soundtrack of the IMAX film about extreme human sports.
A bunch of X Heads were dancing in the sky on airboards in free fall - skydancing at 150 mph with cameras up close and rolling. Gabriel singing away. A moment!
 


What a moment it was to hear this blasting in an IMAX theater as soundtrack to a film about human flight.
Very tripped out.
One (only?) of the better ACSS tracks.
don't know why I had this at 7.......most excellent
 Alafia wrote:
I hold very, very few musicians in the same regard as I do Peter Gabriel.
In fact, maybe nobody else...   He is unique in the world.

 
So true!  He is the only live act I care to see before we're both too old....never managed to see him in concert, thus far.