"On My Own" by Peach Union

 

      Hi friends! Tonight, the Dial explores a late ‘90s pop nugget that quickly peeked its head into the top 40, looked around, then darted back into obscurity. ‘Tis a shame too, because it’s a great tune that deserves to be heard by a wider audience, and that’s where the Dial comes in. So without further ado, I present… “On My Own” by Peach Union!

“Baby… No, it’s not that I don’t care. Maybe… It’s a change in atmosphere.”

Drawing inspiration from various 1960s pop styles, such as Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound”, and the influence of female blue-eyed soul singers like Dusty Springfield, “On My Own” is a confident acknowledgment that time to one’s self is necessary at the conclusion of a romantic relationship, in order to heal, reflect, and grow.

Barely squeaking into the Top 40 at a lowly #39 in 1998, “On My Own” was Peach Union’s only “hit” single in America. Quite surprisingly, it charted even lower in their native UK, settling for a disappointing #69.

“And I’ve seen the signs I know, that it’s right for me to go, I’m on my way”

Formed under their original band name of “Peach” in Europe, but marketed as “Peach Union” in the U.S., the group is comprised of Pascal Gabriel, Paul Statham, and Lisa Lamb, all of whom were established songwriters prior to forming the group. However, the name of one of the bandmates caused me some confusion initially.

When I picked up the On My Own CD single, I noticed that a “P. Gabriel” was listed as a co-author. Naturally, I assumed this was PETER Gabriel, as if On My Own was either a remake of, or perhaps, featured a sample of a Peter Gabriel tune, since it was pretty obvious he was not a member of the band. I also theorized that maybe the man behind “Sledgehammer” had supported the band somehow, either as a producer or songwriter, to help them get a start in the music biz.

Eventually I purchased the entire Audiopeach LP, (which was to be their only album release before breaking up), and the liner notes inside made it clear that the “P” in “P. Gabriel” stood for Pascal, not Peter. Boy, did I feel silly! There was no connection at all to the man who used to sing in concert under the guise of “The Slipperman”. (that’s a little 70’s era Genesis shout out for you there…)

“Baby… you could say that it’s unfair. Maybe… I’ve got nothing left to share.”

Featured on the soundtrack to the film “Sliding Doors”, two different videos exist for the song. The UK video is a visual treat, as the setting is a black & white 1950’s styled home, assaulted with wild splashes of Day-Glo colored food, clothes, and household items. It’s also worth mentioning that Lisa herself is quite the treat for the eyes here, as she plays the role of a fed up housewife breaking out of her suburban monotony. The US video is more story driven as Lisa causes a disturbance at a casino, then leads the pursuing casino agents in her red Mercedes, and later, on a little Vespa scooter.

Because I’m feeling generous, I’m offering both videos here. You’re welcome.

“So when you think of yesterday, remember all the things we said.

And through the course of history, I hope you’ll still remember me”.

Give ‘em both a look-see, and send a comment my way as to which video you prefer. I already know you’ll dig the song itself!

“And there can’t be no other way. There’s nothing left for us to say.

I’ve got to see this through alone. I’ve got to do this, on my own.”