by Robert Martin
Sent: Monday, January 11, 1999 10:44 AM
Subject: Face Value

Hello,
Just wanted to let everyone know that today makes it 18 years since the
release of Phil's first solo album, Face Value. Released January 11th
1981, this record began a career that has made this list we are all part
of, possible. IMO this album is still Phil's best work. I have followed
everything he has gone on to do and enjoy each and every record he
makes. Still, it was this album in 1981, that as a 15 year old kid, who
happened to be into AC/DC at the time, went out and bought and was
treated to what I really needed to hear. 

In The Air Tonight being the first I was to hear, wow never heard
anything like this before or since!!! This must Be Love is absolutely
gorgeous, Behind The Lines gave all the old Genesis fans a heartattack
and I loved it! The Roof Is Leaking with it's Eno influences is tells us
Phil can be as eceletic as Pete, if he wishes and Droned follows suit.
Hand In Hand is Phil following his Big Band fantasy, wonder if he'll
ever realize that dream...oh yeah. 

I Missed Again introduced me to Motown and I saluted them!!! You Know
What I Mean to a 15 year old was confusing, too bad I soon learned what
that was all about...Thunder And Lightning was the only thing that could
wake me for school, my mom still reminds me of that. I'm Not Moving
wrapped some really tough lyrics into a bright little pop thang! If
Leaving Me Is Easy is still my favorite Phil ballad. Tommorrow Never
Knows is a better treatment of the Beatles than anything else I've ever
heard, let me know if there are better ones out there. I love this album
and I hope you enjoyed my reflections on it. Hope everyone has a great
day!

cheers,
hih