Having completed Rule Britannia he returned to work on his 1984 project. The album is divided into four sections opening with the four minute “Prelude ‘84” and ending with the shorter “Anthem 1984”. Sandwiched between are the two central sections of the work.
“1984 Part One” clocks in at just over nineteen minutes whilst “1984 Part Two” measures up at fifteen and half. Anthony sums up the response to the album by saying, ‘many thought I’d deserted my acoustic roots and gone barmy; others notably in Italy and the US loved it.’
True enough you either like synth based albums typical of the era or you don't. Either way this one does contain some sweeping classically based movements that are compellingly attractive.
The bonus disc is made up of alternative mixes and early demos. Included in among them is the six part "Rule Britannia Suite", and the excellent "Ascension".
In summary, all three of these re-releases do justice, at long last, to the work and career of Anthony Phillips. Despite always being referred back to his time in Genesis and the reasons for his departure Anthony has subsequently carved out an impressive career in his own right.
Certainly, The Geese And The Ghost sits nicely alongside his former band’s early work. The additional contributions of Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford emphasize the point.
Meanwhile Wise After The Event sees him reluctantly tackling vocals, whilst 1984 captures him take a huge gamble by producing a synthesizer work that contains many classical inspired gems within its sprawling ambition.
Voiceprint have done an excellent job in releasing all three with high quality bonus material, artwork, and biographical album notes from all involved in the various projects including of course the man himself.
For more information please follow the links above and call into Anthony Phillips' official website for details of his ongoing remarkable career.
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