July 28th, 2003

TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW, WELL THERE'S JUST AN EMPTY SPACE: 

THE TRUTH ABOUT PHIL COLLINS FANDOM

Tonight I found myself on a patio of a local pub with a bunch of people that I didn't really know that well.  I hate those awkward sort of nights because you are not sure if you're supposed to talk too much or talk too little.  As we all drank beer and I listened to everyone talk lively around me, the sounds of Phil Collin's mid 1980's hit "Sussudio" cracked through the night. One of the girls, whose name I could not remember, spoke up to announce that she "loved" Phil Collins. Loved Phil Collins?  Is it possible?  I began to wonder to myself if Phil Collins is the type of singer that anyone can really "love."

Let me explain....

Now there is nothing wrong with Phil Collins. I'd be a liar if I didn't admit that I even kind of like Phil Collins myself.  He's done a number of rather good songs over the years - "Easy Lover", "Invisible Touch", "Don't Lose my Number", "Against All Odds", "I Wish I Would Rain Down",  "Another Day in Paradise."  These are all great songs. There is no denying that Phil Collins is a good singer/songwriter. However, Phil Collins is, any way you look at it, one of the most mediocre artists in the music world. See, people "like" Phil Collins but nobody "loves" Phil Collins.

Okay.  You say you want some proof?  You're upset that I'm picking on poor Phil Collins?  Well, when was the last time you walked down the street and saw someone wearing a Phil Collins concert t-shirt? How many homes have you gone into and seen a Phil Collins poster on the wall - or even a picture of him anywhere in someone's home? Who do you know that h