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Peter Gabriel — I Have The Touch
Album: Phenomenon Soundtrack
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2245









Released: 1997
Length: 5:04
Plays (last 30 days): 1
The time I like is the rush hour, 'cause I like the rush
The pushing of the people - I like it all so much
Such a mass of motion - do not know where it goes
I move with the movement and ... I have the touch

I'm waiting for ignition, I'm looking for a spark
Any chance collision and I light up in the dark
There you stand before me, all that fur and all that hair
Oh, do I dare ... I have the touch

Wanting contact
I'm wanting contact
I'm wanting contact with you
Shake those hands, shake those hands
Give me the thing I understand
Shake those hands, shake those hands
Shake those hands, shake those hands

Any social occasion, it's hello, how do you do
All those introductions, I never miss my cue
So before a question, so before a doubt
My hand moves out and ... I have the touch

Wanting contact
I'm wanting contact
I'm wanting contact with you
Shake those hands, shake those hands
Give me the thing I understand
Shake those hands, shake those hands

Pull my chin, stroke my hair, scratch my nose, hug my knees
Try drink, food, cigarette, tension will not ease
I tap my fingers, fold my arms, breathe in deep, cross my legs
Shrug my shoulders, stretch my back - but nothing seems
to please

I need contact
I need contact
Nothing seems to please
I need contact
Comments (277)add comment
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

is this poorly recorded or a few tracks missing?
...just read about the amazing rhythm section and I'm thinking "is it my ears ? I haven't adjusted the system so am wondering.



Yeah.... that snare is a bit in-your-face on my system.... (M-Audio studio monitors, Cambridge 12" sub.)
is this poorly recorded or a few tracks missing?
...just read about the amazing rhythm section and I'm thinking "is it my ears ? I haven't adjusted the system so am wondering.
Time to add some fresh tracks to the playlist from his new I/O album William!
 ziakut wrote:

I'm not very familiar with this version. I think I like the original PG has done a bit more. Either way, I respect what PG does with cadence, melody and rhythm. It's unique in many ways.



i like the original version much better for some reason. but, interesting. 
He needs contact! Dear God, give this man some contact!!
 memoryboxer wrote:


Can't say it "ruined it for me" but yeah, put me off my stride looking up to see that.



then I remembered "Pulp Fiction."
 jerund wrote:

Absolutely.  I saw his bassist Tony Levin (also of King Crimson, Liquid Tension Exp etc etc etc) yesterday talking about his new photo book, which has a lot of tour photos of PG.  True gentleman and world class bassist.  And I hear he was in a session with Peter in recent weeks.  


Saw the Stick Men a couple of weeks ago - right there at the stage in a small club in Toronto - 2nd time!.  Just amazes me....arguably the best bassist (stick man) in the world and I can talk to him and he's just so humble!
 MrStatenIsle wrote:

Killer rhythm section! 


Absolutely.  I saw his bassist Tony Levin (also of King Crimson, Liquid Tension Exp etc etc etc) yesterday talking about his new photo book, which has a lot of tour photos of PG.  True gentleman and world class bassist.  And I hear he was in a session with Peter in recent weeks.  
GREAT!!!
 MrStatenIsle wrote:

Killer rhythm section! 


Manu Katché ?
You should hear this song live!
 memoryboxer wrote:


Can't say it "ruined it for me" but yeah, put me off my stride looking up to see that.


Go with the flow!
I love this song in all its versions. This one is definitely my favorite.
 jonahboo wrote:
In these COVID-19 times....."shake those hands"......has a new meaning, with social distancing in place
 

I'WANTING CONTACT!
This version is quite inferior to the original. Not so clear where it fails, but I only knew the original Peter Gabriel album, which was a breakthrough and mesmerizing piece of art. This has tried to improve on perfection, and as is usually the case in these instances, falls flat.
I don't know that anyone's spoken up about the fact that this remix is by Robbie Robertson! Is it "as good" as the original?  No, but it's not trying to be.  It's trying to be something different and unique than the original, which it succeeds at. 

The original's a solid 10 and this is a solid 8!
R.I.P Mrs. T
"Shake those hands," just make sure you've washed them first. And after.
                                                                                                                            –2020 diary entry
In these COVID-19 times....."shake those hands"......has a new meaning, with social distancing in place
 tonyinnj wrote:

Travolta could make a hundred "good" films and it still wouldn't make up for
Battlefield Earth (from the El Ron Hubbard hovel...;-)

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
 
I read the Battlefield Earth and the Mission to Earth decology about 30 years ago. I thought they were funny and entertaining. The movie took itself too seriously.
 wferrier wrote:
Who'd a thunk it that Travolta could of made a film as good as this, but there it is.

 
Travolta could make a hundred "good" films and it still wouldn't make up for
Battlefield Earth (from the El Ron Hubbard hovel...;-)

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
 max_p wrote:
that Travolta album cover just ruined it 4 me
 

Can't say it "ruined it for me" but yeah, put me off my stride looking up to see that.
Killer rhythm section! 
"Phenomenon" was a little cheesy (I still enjoyed it because I need that kind of content once in awhile), but the soundtrack is great.
Both versions are great, stellar song writing and vocal delivery, 9 from your boy
Long Live                                                                                                            Radio Paradise
My rating is                                                                                                           9 - OUTSTANDING        
Image result for jazz hands
This song turned me into a Scientologist. I got better
You have the touch and everything to nail me on my chair and keep me listening to any of your songs in total sideration.
Shingles hurts?
frottage?
Image result for dripping hand water
 Steely_D wrote:
I love to hear alternative versions, but this is amazingly inferior to the original. The drone, arrhythmic guitar just makes it boring.
I realize this is from the "no cymbals" period but, honestly, it would've made the tune more interesting. 

Really great is the German version.
WAKAKKA WAKAKKA 

 
THANKS  Steely_D!!!   WUNDER-BAR    : )
It seems like everyone here feels the original version of the song is better, and I agree. But why did Gabriel make this version? It seems like the vocal track is exactly the same, but they recorded new music for it. Why?
OK but the original is better.
Shingles hurts....
Great song but this version is more pedestrian than the original and yuck Travolta face
 max_p wrote:
that Travolta album cover just ruined it 4 me

 
Agreed. I'm not a big P Gabriel fan, but this song is quite ok...bummer that it went to serve the likes of Travolta.
hmm, I had rated this higher before, but I think I have to agree, the original, and even the live version on Plays Live are both superior to this remix, but it's still PG
 {#Bananapiano}
 kcar wrote:

WHERE IS STINGRAY?!? 

NO CAPSLOCK BELLOWING SINCE SEPTEMBER 17, 2015!

SEND OUT SEARCH AND RESCUE CATS IMMEDIATELY!  

 
He was ELO'ed right away from Radio Paradise.  Thank you, Jeff Lynne.
that Travolta album cover just ruined it 4 me
PSD> doesn't work on my browser ... but the mute button still works. Ahhhhh much better.
I love this version of a great song (The original is better)
Not bad, but the original is better.
I felt the compression waves this morning...5.2 quake
This version is pretty bad compared with the one on "Security".
 kcar wrote:

WHERE IS STINGRAY?!? 

NO CAPSLOCK BELLOWING SINCE SEPTEMBER 17, 2015!

SEND OUT SEARCH AND RESCUE CATS IMMEDIATELY!  

 
He became a Scientologist (and was never seen or heard from again).
 Stingray wrote:

Apropos bingo -

where is ROMEO and his HOTEL?



 
WHERE IS STINGRAY?!? 

NO CAPSLOCK BELLOWING SINCE SEPTEMBER 17, 2015!

SEND OUT SEARCH AND RESCUE CATS IMMEDIATELY!  
Most excellent movie
the song reminds me of my good friend. I have lost.
the best to all 
 Steely_D wrote:
I love to hear alternative versions, but this is amazingly inferior to the original. The drone, arrhythmic guitar just makes it boring.
I realize this is from the "no cymbals" period but, honestly, it would've made the tune more interesting. 

Really great is the German version.
WAKAKKA WAKAKKA 

 
I was just gonna link that. There's something particularly groovy about the german version of the whole album. The sharp edge of the word kontact auf deutsch does something je ne sais quoi for this song. 
 jbunniii wrote:
Would rather hear John Travolta singing.
 
Go and listen to Grease then and leave the proper music to the intelligent!
Would rather hear John Travolta singing.
What on earth is that bird call the keeps repeating at the end of the song?
Love this song, but maybe it's the doc in me hearing this mondegreen:

"Shingles hurts...shingles hurts...shingles hurts...shingles hurts...."

{#Laughing} 
Wow.

That clean guitar at during the coda is flat.

Yikes. 
 Cynaera wrote:
I just laughed myself into tears... Thank you, liser... You're as twisted as I am...
 
miss you so much, Cynaera...

everybody in my alien space craft loves this song...
I love to hear alternative versions, but this is amazingly inferior to the original. The drone, arrhythmic guitar just makes it boring.
I realize this is from the "no cymbals" period but, honestly, it would've made the tune more interesting. 

Really great is the German version.
WAKAKKA WAKAKKA 
I miss this Gabe.
A Hollywood movie in the same breath as a musical genius. Sad.
FFS shake your hands, god knows what pete might do if you don't
Misheard lyrics: Shingles hurts....
 jstrait wrote:
Watered down version....

When artists 'cover' themselves it only leads to disaster. Another 'self-cover' disaster was U2's re-recording of 'sweetest thing'.

 
Still a lot better than Heather Nova's version
Rush hour...cuz' I like to rush. 
{#Yell}
 On_The_Beach wrote:

This guy's easier on the eye than Travolta.  ; )

 
Yea, I never noticed before what squinky little eyes Travolta has!


This Phenom soundtrack version is better than the original, IMO.
 Stingray wrote:

Apropos bingo -

where is ROMEO and his HOTEL?

 
Where ever they are, the music which is playing is by far more enjoyable than the painful notes bouncing off your walls, which your horrible taste and judge of sound leaves you with....

Go romeo! 
 jstrait wrote:
Watered down version....

When artists 'cover' themselves it only leads to disaster. Another 'self-cover' disaster was U2's re-recording of 'sweetest thing'.
 
Actually, this isn't a cover - This is a Robbie Robertson-produced remix.  The backing track is new, but the vocals are the originals.  If you want to blame Gabriel for cover difficulties, than you could bring up Scratch My Back.  {#Eh}
I'm not very familiar with this version. I think I like the original PG has done a bit more. Either way, I respect what PG does with cadence, melody and rhythm. It's unique in many ways.
Watered down version....

When artists 'cover' themselves it only leads to disaster. Another 'self-cover' disaster was U2's re-recording of 'sweetest thing'.
 romeotuma wrote:


bingo by jingo... love this song...

 
 

Apropos bingo -

where is ROMEO and his HOTEL?


One of the few silly songs of angel Gabriel!
Daughter and I just watched the ending of this movie this weekend, how coincidental to be hearing the soundtrack version of this song this morning.  Still perfer the Gabriel double live album version...


cheese touch 
 On_The_Beach wrote:

This guy's easier on the eye than Travolta.  ; )

 
This guy's easier on the eye than John Travolta:

it!
Travolta looks like he needs a massage
 1wolfy wrote:
excellent critique. I want to subscribe to your column.  Deadwing wrote:
I actually followed Genesis until Steve Hackett quit. Wind and Wuthering is the last Genesis album I can listen to without feeling embarrassed and looking around to see if anyone has caught me listening to them. I guess they had a decent song or 2 on each album after that (Heathaze from Duke comes to mind, but Banks always transcended Collins' cheese to a certain extent.)

Even from the beginning, Gabriel seemed to be more interested in the actual music and simply collaborating with and learning from other artists. He is into the textures and emotions and symbolism of music, movement, and life.

Collins is terrifically talented but he can't seem to stop sucking the dick of the big kaCHING monster.
 
 
Actually I read somewhere on interview with the group and Banks word was generally was considered the final word on the direction the band took.  I have to agree there pop sounds don't really stand up to the earlier stuff.  But I think part of the why they people think of them as Collins' fronted pop band can be summed up by a comment I heard walking out of their last show in Los Angeles, "why didn't them play susudio?"  I cringed.  
excellent critique. I want to subscribe to your column.  Deadwing wrote:
I actually followed Genesis until Steve Hackett quit. Wind and Wuthering is the last Genesis album I can listen to without feeling embarrassed and looking around to see if anyone has caught me listening to them. I guess they had a decent song or 2 on each album after that (Heathaze from Duke comes to mind, but Banks always transcended Collins' cheese to a certain extent.)

Even from the beginning, Gabriel seemed to be more interested in the actual music and simply collaborating with and learning from other artists. He is into the textures and emotions and symbolism of music, movement, and life.

Collins is terrifically talented but he can't seem to stop sucking the dick of the big kaCHING monster.
 


Hilarious! Cynaera wrote:

I just laughed myself into tears... Thank you, liser... You're as twisted as I am...

 


Great song, but I prefer the original from "Security".   
 ParkerH wrote:
Peter Gabriel is a great artist. That's all there is to it. With this song he instituted a type of connection with his fans that only those who have been to his concerts can fully appreciate. He gives of himself and seeks your participation. It's waaay cool. A brilliant song.
 
you could NOT be more right...

No, no Peter you do not.
yet another Gabriel masterpiece to 10... {#Clap}
yea another pg song.. to rate it 1 
{#Music} "Shingles Hurts!.... Shingles Hurts!". {#Music}

Is shingles even contagious through physical contact?

PG Outstanding. Please photoshop travolta out
 TerryS wrote:


Have to disagree, they blow vuvuselas in South Africa.
 

I think even in South Africa, blowing a vuvusela could get you in trouble. At a minimum it may bite you.

the words of this one are hitting home so much right now.  in the midst of packing up my life on a tiny island where i have been without real, good, affectionate, warm human touch for two years now.  what i want more than ever is just to touch people again and to be touched.  i was literally just sitting here thinking about it and this came on.  in a few words...i need contact. 

i love the way the universe sends us affirmation.  
This is actually a pretty good tune. PG can generally only get away with upbeat tunes because of that caterwailing voice. Of course would be better if he just wrote songs and left the singing to those that did not cause physical pain. {#Stop}
I actually followed Genesis until Steve Hackett quit. Wind and Wuthering is the last Genesis album I can listen to without feeling embarrassed and looking around to see if anyone has caught me listening to them. I guess they had a decent song or 2 on each album after that (Heathaze from Duke comes to mind, but Banks always transcended Collins' cheese to a certain extent.)

Even from the beginning, Gabriel seemed to be more interested in the actual music and simply collaborating with and learning from other artists. He is into the textures and emotions and symbolism of music, movement, and life.

Collins is terrifically talented but he can't seem to stop sucking the dick of the big kaCHING monster.
Amazon does not have the MP3 of this song...  :(

iTunes only has the Karaoke version...  :(  :(

Neil

Peter Gabriel kinda kept his stuff together, but Genesis? Phil Collins? Oy... neither Phil nor the group did an original thing after 1973's "Selling England By The Pound." One of the few bands / artists we could live without forever. The other is Fletwood Mac (post-Bob-Welch) and all of Stevie Nicks.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

This guy's easier on the eye than Travolta.  ; )
 
The only thing bothersome about this song is looking at Travolta while listening to it. This cover is far better and the original one at that!
 yodasan_magoo wrote:

On_The_Beach wrote:
Is that a uvula? ; )




Don't think so, I used to watch Star Trek all the time.  Doesn't look anything like her.
 

Have to disagree, they blow vuvuselas in South Africa.
 EssexTex wrote:
What's up with Travolta's hand in that pic?
 

It's well known that Scientologists can heal with their touch.  They are also very good at child abduction and slave labor.
https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NGVEEWMFL.jpg

This guy's easier on the eye than Travolta.  ; )


 revsully wrote:
Is Peter Gabriel part-owner of Radio Paradise? He's on here at least a couple times a day. Him and Bob Dylan. What gives?
  
{#Rolleyes}
 Three words—listener supported radio.
 vandal wrote:
fail

  

{#Eek} 

 ParkerH wrote:
Peter Gabriel is a great artist. That's all there is to it. With this song he instituted a type of connection with his fans that only those who have been to his concerts can fully appreciate. He gives of himself and seeks your participation. It's waaay cool. A brilliant song.
 
AGREED

I prefer the original mix, that one has the right touch.
Peter Gabriel is a great artist. That's all there is to it. With this song he instituted a type of connection with his fans that only those who have been to his concerts can fully appreciate. He gives of himself and seeks your participation. It's waaay cool. A brilliant song.
This film was just on AMC!! This fit...good song...
I completely forgot about this Robbie Robertson produced remix - Good stuff! 

 yodasan_magoo wrote:
Don't think so, I used to watch Star Trek all the time.  Doesn't look anything like her.
 


 liser wrote:
{#Moon} Shake those hams
 
I just laughed myself into tears... Thank you, liser... You're as twisted as I am...

 On_The_Beach wrote:

Is that a uvula?   ; )

 

Don't think so, I used to watch Star Trek all the time.  Doesn't look anything like her.
 RC_in_Bezerkeley wrote:
This version sucks compared to the original.  As someone said eariler "flat".
 
Agreed.

This version sucks compared to the original.  As someone said eariler "flat".
Thank the FSM for that.

/never can have enough

 
revsully wrote:
Is Peter Gabriel part-owner of Radio Paradise? He's on here at least a couple times a day. Him and Bob Dylan. What gives?
 


 EssexTex wrote:
What's up with Travolta's hand in that pic?
 
Is that a uvula?   ; )

What's up with Travolta's hand in that pic?
Is Peter Gabriel part-owner of Radio Paradise? He's on here at least a couple times a day. Him and Bob Dylan. What gives?
Wow - just clicked on the PG link to see what else of his they are playing here on RP - 51 SONGS!  He certainly is a genius.  Another vote for the original version of this song rather than this flatter one.
 peter_james_bond wrote:

Jackpot! You win the daily double! That is one fine live recording. But did you know he did a little tweaking in the studio after the fact? I wonder how widespread that practice is?
 
I remember that Zappa used to put a note next to songs on his live albums that would go something like: "Overdubs:Lots or Overdubs:Some" and so on.


 pweverka wrote:
Definitely "shingles hurts"
 
AGREEEEEED

 kaybee wrote:
This song is originally from Peter Gabriel's  really excellent Security  album.  I'd love to hear San Jacinto from that album.

 
Good idea! Better if from the Plays Live album...

Good song. Heather Nova does a nice cover of it, on "The Craft" soundtrack.