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Indie Stars Unironically Heart Phil Collins

1:32 p.m. · September 27, 2010 · by Kali Holloway

There’s nothing like a little distance and time to provide some perspective, and more than twenty years out, it’s getting kind of hard to pretend that Phil Collins is anything short of awesome. That’s an idea that’s been gaining traction for some years, and now we’ve finally passed the annoying point of ironic appreciation and entered an era in which fans are willing to speak openly about Collins as an influence and laud his myriad awesome songs. Among those with good things to say about the former Genesis frontman are some familiar indie rockers – Derek E. Miller of Sleigh Bells, Neon Indian and Anand Wilder of Yeasayer – who all appear in an episode of Norway’s Lydverket titled “Don’t Fight it, Phil it.” Collins, who is also interviewed throughout, is thankful – even if admittedly confused – by the interest in him coming from a whole new crop of musicians.

Also, Useless Fact of the Day: The drowning story Neon Indian mentions as the inspiration for “In the Air Tonight?” It’s actually just an old, false urban legend. Snopes takes it apart here, if you’re interested. [Pitchfork]