CONGO

"Congo" was the first single to be taken from the post Collins era "Calling all stations" album. Lead vocals are thus in the hands of Ray Wilson, previously of Stiltskin. The song is certainly commercially orientated, but the tribal rhythms and apparently banal lyric's did little to attract those who still purchased singles to the new music of this old band, and the release only briefly entered the UK top 30.

As had quickly become the custom for single releases, the various formats offered different additional tracks. The CD version has an extract from the magnificent "Home by the sea", presumably taken from a studio rehearsal for the then forthcoming tour. This is of passing interest only, since the definitive versions featuring Phil Collins were already available in studio and live format. Also included is a PC multi-media section with the promotional video for the single, and interviews with the three band members.

Ironically, it is the cassette version which is greater interest though. Although the title track is an edited version, here we have two other tracks which were omitted from "Calling all stations", and are otherwise unavailable. "Papa he said" is slightly reminiscent of "I can't dance", the funky backbeat suiting Wilson's style of delivery, but the song itself was left off the album for all too obvious reasons. "Banjo man" does indeed feature that instrument, but the overall sound is prosaic, with Wilson's vocals once again being the dominant feature.

These two (thankfully) rare tracks only serve to emphasise how desperate Rutherford and in particular Banks were becoming to rekindle the formula for a hit single. The philosophy here is clearly keep is as simple as possible, and it will sell in vast quantities. Unfortunately, in the process they completely forgot that you still have to come up with a decent tune.

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