PETER GABRIEL 2 [AKA: SCRATCH]

Peter Gabriel released his second solo album, also called "Peter Gabriel," in 1978. It was both less expansive and less inspired than its predecessor. Here, PG worked within more compact song structures -- occasionally developing them into pop gems, occasionally exploding them in artsy anti-pop, often crafting them into chunks of prog-pop that are easier to appreciate than enjoy. Despite several worthy tunes, like the radio-ready "On The Air," the catchy "D.I.Y.," and the moving "Mother Of Violence," there is justification for those who believe this second effort is the weakest rock album in PG's generally superb catalog.