Shaking the Tree: 16 Golden Greats [Original recording remastered]

Amazon.com
Peter Gabriel has never been one to stand on tradition. The former Genesis singer bends and hammers fashionable pop forms to his liking (à la his massive MTV-fueled hit "Sledgehammer") or uses the obligatory soundtrack assignment to explore the world music that has been his obsession for decades (as in "Zaar" from Passion). This 16-track anthology explores the width--and, crucially, depth--of Gabriel's rich post-Genesis music, from the post-prog obliquities of "Solsbury Hill" and "Here Comes the Flood" to the African musical and political concerns of the title track (available only on this collection) and the epic "Biko." But what makes the compilation even more compelling is the way it eschews the chronology of its decade-plus body of music, instead weaving and segueing Gabriel's music into a tapestry of compelling mood and color. It's a rewarding listening experience for fan and novice alike. --Jerry McCulley

Shaking the Tree: 16 Golden Greats,Peter Gabriel,Geffen Records,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Shaking the Tree: 16 Golden Greats [Original recording remastered]

Average customer rating:

Great collection of hit but...
This CD is really awsome!!
I didn't say anything...
Most of the tracks on this one "will shake you " all over
Great music but not a great compilation of Peter Gabriel

Shaking the Tree: 16 Golden Greats
Peter Gabriel
Manufacturer: Geffen Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

So
Turn It On Again: The Hits
Us
Passion
Hit

ASIN: B000065V9S
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Solsbury Hill
I Don't Remember
Sledgehammer
Family Snapshot
Mercy Street
Shaking The Tree
Don't Give Up
San Jacinto
Here Comes The Flood
Red Rain
Games Without Frontiers
Shock The Monkey
I Have The Touch
Big Time
Zaar
Biko

Amazon.com

Peter Gabriel has never been one to stand on tradition. The former Genesis singer bends and hammers fashionable pop forms to his liking (à la his massive MTV-fueled hit "Sledgehammer") or uses the obligatory soundtrack assignment to explore the world music that has been his obsession for decades (as in "Zaar" from Passion). This 16-track anthology explores the width--and, crucially, depth--of Gabriel's rich post-Genesis music, from the post-prog obliquities of "Solsbury Hill" and "Here Comes the Flood" to the African musical and political concerns of the title track (available only on this collection) and the epic "Biko." But what makes the compilation even more compelling is the way it eschews the chronology of its decade-plus body of music, instead weaving and segueing Gabriel's music into a tapestry of compelling mood and color. It's a rewarding listening experience for fan and novice alike. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Great collection of hit but..........2007-03-15

If you are a great fan like me and already have all the cd collection, there's no need for this one. You already have most of it, what is missing is "Shaking the tree"... there is a better version of it on "Secret World Live", a piano version of "Here comes the flood" ... there is a better version on Growing up Live (DVD) what's left is a new mix of "I have the touch" and "Zaar" which is not a memorable song.
Be aware also that some of the songs have been edited to a shorter version.

I would add that the hits are not the best songs of Peter Gabriel, the rest of his material is better. This cd is for completist or for someone who want to own only one cd of the artist (which is a mistake !)

This CD is really awsome!!.......2007-01-18

I love Peter Gabriel's music. This CD is a wonderful collection of his best. I would highly recommend it!!!

I didn't say anything..........2006-07-17

I got no means to show identification
I got no papers show you what I am
You'll have to take me just the way that you find me
What's gone is gone and I do not give a damn
Empty stomach, empty head

Previously, I reviewed Kate Bush's The Whole Story, which I picked up, used, to take with me on my recent trip to China. The other used CD I picked up for the trip was Peter Gabriel's Shaking the Tree - Sixteen Golden Greats. Released between his albums So (which I own on audiotape) and Us, this greatest hits collection thereby focuses on Gabriel's earlier career, and tries to "spread the love" a little evenly between all his early albums...which means that the over-played hit song "In Your Eyes" is missing here. Also missing are a few great hits from the later album Us, including "Digging in the Dirt" and "Steam" (good thing I own Us already).

What is here are a collection of great songs. New favourites for me: "I Don't Remember", "Games Without Frontiers", and "Family Snapshot".

I'm not particularly interested in going back and picking up all of the Peter Gabriel albums that ever were, so this collection fills my need quite well, giving me an overview of Gabriel's early career.

Most of the tracks on this one "will shake you " all over.......2006-02-06

Peter Gabriel as a soloartist is quality all over. This "greatest hits" collection, gives you most of the best. To kick of with Solsbury Hill (Track 1) is a wise choise. There`s an uplifting mood all trough the song. It`s simple in it`s build up, and easy to humm along to. Track 2 , I dont remember im sorry to say to "experimental" in a way. To much "blip blop" synth sound, spread all over, and has to much hit`s and misses. But hey soon we are back in business again with Sledgehammer Track 3. Gabriel voice is clear, and has a great rythm and syntheseisers to follow it. Track 4 Family Snapshot is a slow song, which doesn`t take of in the right direction. It has a form of "talking singing" which sometimes is annoying to listen to. Track 5 Mercy Street is moody and very relaxable to listen to. Track 6 Shaking the tree, with Youssou N Dour on vocal has an "african touch" over it, with what we can call "ethnic rythm and vocal" which realy fits as an whole all trough. Track 7 Don`t give up, is anyway the best Gabriel song on this CD. To bring in Kate Bush on vocal t take`s this
one "heaven above" when it come`s to uplifting musical soulfood for your mind. Mindfood in other words. Im sure this one has cured some depression`s, in a cold cold world.
Track 8 San Jancinto, we are back in the departments of "weird sounds and blip blop", but it`s an ok listen. Track 9 Here come`s the flood is very moody and relaxable, and give
you some "freeze" down your back. Track 10 Red Rain, has
a certain quality, but it`s to much instrument`s fighting for theire place in a way. But the melody is good, and easy to remember.. Track 11 Games without frontiers, is one of the weak tracks. Easily forgotten, sorry to say. Track 12 Shock the monkey. Hey, that`s a another story. This one kicks in gear on the first note, and get`s better and better until the end.. Track 13 I have the touch, it`s to experimental for my sake. I don`t find the touch on this one. Track 14 Big Time
is ok. Track 15 Zaar is a weird one. Very experimental with i think everything you can find on syntheseisers sound at the end of the eightes. It`s sound`s sometimes like an early computer goes mad. Not my cup of tea. Track 16 Biko, he`s back in the jungle, with good lyrics, but soundwise it does`nt stand out. Anyway most of the tracks on this one will you put you in great mood As an introduction to Peter Gabriel for "newcomers" this one has it all.(most of the time).

Great music but not a great compilation of Peter Gabriel.......2006-01-14

Peter Gabriel is in my humble opinion a monument in the rock scene, from his days in Genesis to his solo work. Gabriel has two compilations out on his solo work, this one and 2003's 2 CD "Hit: The Definitive Peter Gabriel" (which is far from definitive).

"Shaking the Tree" (16 tracks, 77 min.) was originally released in 1990 and is now available in remastered sound. But is it a good compilation? Alas, it is not. That said, there is a lot of great music on here. There are 5 tracks from Gabriel's 1986's commercial breakthrough album "So", but "In Your Eyes", a major hit is not on here. Even more troubling is that there is not a single track from 1978's "Peter Gabriel 2": no "On The Air" and no "D.I.Y.", both hits, as minor they were. (As an aside, PG2 was equally ignored entirely for the 2003 "Hit" compilation. I guess Peter doesn't like that album?) For die-hard Gabriel fans (count me one), the reason to own this is the inclusion of "Shaking the Tree", a "Biko"-like song you can't find anywhere but here, and the new recording of "Here Comes the Flood", as a piano-and-vocals only cover, just great.

It is clear to me that the definitive Peter Gabriel "best of" is still to be released. Both this album and 2003's "Hits" have serious flaws. That said, there is no question there is a lot of great music on here. As to "Shaking the Tree": only for die-hard Gabriel fans.

Average customer rating:

Only 2 Channel, and no In Your Eyes!
Fantastic SACD!!!!
Don't get ripped off!
No surround, no hybrid, poor quality SACD
A fabulous tree of classics on one CD!

Shaking the Tree: 16 Golden Greats
Peter Gabriel
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Us
Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition
So
Texas Flood
Passion: The Last Temptation of Christ

ASIN: B000092Q8J
Release Date: 2003-04-29

Tracks:

Solsbury Hill
I Don't Remember
Sledgehammer
Family Snapshot
Mercy Street
Shaking the Tree
Don't Give Up
San Jacinto
Here Comes the Flood
Red Rain
Games Without Frontiers
Shock the Monkey
I Have the Touch
Big Time
Zaar
Biko

Customer Reviews:

Only 2 Channel, and no In Your Eyes!.......2006-06-11

A. How could PG release a greatest hits CD and not include his biggest hit??? 1 Answer comes to mind. Wants to make people have to buy this AND So.

B. How could you release this on SACD, and not remix it for 5.1 surround???

Poor.

Yes, what's on it is good, and the sound is pretty good. If you can get it cheap, buy it, if not, don't waste your money.

Fantastic SACD!!!!.......2006-06-05

This was never advertised as a multi-channel SACD and I am glad that they didn't try to reformat it. The definitive edition of Peter Gabriel's work is all on SACD now and are must-haves for any fan with an SACD player. What many people do not realize about SACD is that the sampling rate is 2.8 MILLION samples-per-second as opposed to a normal CD which is only 44.1 THOUSAND sps. It is as close to an analog stream that you can get.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. If you don't have a good ear for audio and a good stereo system to listen to high-definition audio on then obviously you will not hear the difference. But for Audiophiles? A dream come true.
Don Kelly and Bill Bennett have tin ears and have NO idea what they are talking about.

Don't get ripped off!.......2004-07-20

This is just a re-hash of the stereo CD, it's not "re-mastered" for multi-channel playback. You'd be much happier with Pink Floyd's 30th Anniversary Edition of the album "Dark SIde Of The Moon" or the Eagles "Hotel California" or Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"; these artists took the time and spent the money to do SACD right. Peter Gabriel is just trying to suck more money out of your pocket without any value added in return. Sure it's a slightly better recording than the original CD but certainly not worth buying again.

No surround, no hybrid, poor quality SACD.......2004-07-11

Plays only on sacd players, does not have the 5.1 or 6.1 sound most SACDs have, and if you check around on the internet - the sound is not much better than a regular cd. Funny since 3 (aka Melt), 4 (aka Security) and So sound fine.

Great material - but don't bother. Get the individual albums (except the first two which also sound poor in SACD format).

I guess that is what you get if you come out with the new technology before most other people - it is imperfect at first. A for effort, though.

A fabulous tree of classics on one CD!.......2004-03-29

Although his solo career had been going for only 13 years and five albums at this point, Peter Gabriel put out so many rich and noteworthy songs at this point that it was a worthy idea of putting together a compilation of selected tracks from all but two (PG 2 and Birdy) of his albums from 1977's "Rainy Windshield" album through his 1989 ground shattering soundtrack "Passion: Music For The Last Temptation Of Christ". This collection compiles 15 tracks from his first 13 years of his solo career and a previously unreleased song and crams all of them onto 77 and a half minutes of not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and colorful music unrivalled by most peers. Unlike what most likely most other reviewers may be aware, I wouldn't call this a "best of" nor even a "Greatest Hits" collection even though most of his most popular songs are on here. In fact, I think it was wise not to call it either of these titles and instead call it "16 Golden Greats" which all of the songs are indeed.

There are plenty of reasons to buy this collection even if you already own most of his regular studio albums. This isn't necessarily a cash-in album because not all of the songs are necessarily sound like their album counterparts. Some may be a bit surprised at the dramatically altered version of "I Have the Touch" that is on this CD. The "Hit" album released in 2003 may have replaced this album in many ways but this CD is worth having for the title track "Shaking the Tree". The title track is a really beautiful, uplifting anthem that finds Gabriel moving further into African rhythms and haunting Pygmy voices. I really love this track a lot and justifies getting this album. This song perfectly merges right into the beauty and hopeful heartbreak anthem that is "Don't Give Up".

My favorite of the altered tracks is a beautiful and haunting rendition of "Here Comes The Flood". The original version on his 1977 debut album is a really excellent and powerful rock anthem with an awesome 1970s classic rock tinge to it but also some gospel elements too. This 1990 rendition finds Gabriel right down in front of the piano and microphone and the result is a beautiful and haunting version of an already excellent song. It's really amazing to hear this song in a totally different light but maintaining all of the spirit of the original version. This is a highlight track on this collection. The mellow beauty of HCTF melts away into the coming thunderstorm of a classic that is entitled "Red Rain".

"Red Rain" to me is the single that deserved being on this collection the most of all. This song is just amazing beyond anything that Peter Gabriel has ever done before, or even since then and to me, it is one of the most innovative popular songs that have ever been written. It is a massive rainstorm of washing synthesizers, a highly intense and passionate melody and extraordinary vocals. "Red Rain" may have been categorized under the popular music category but let me tell you, this song is commercial pop music at its absolute best. Who would've guessed that popular music could actually reach such enormous depth of beauty, emotion, drama on such a scale as this song. To me, this song evokes images of a severe thunderstorm especially towards the latter half of the song and the lyrics are just incredible! To me, this is Gabriel's best song of his entire career. Just for an extra note, I actually really dislike that they reversed the order of "Here Comes The Flood" and "Red Raid" on his most recent "Hit" compilation so that HCTF comes after RR and I find it rather jarring in my opinion. That's why I like STT a little more than "Hit".

Many have complained about the questionable omission of the song "In Your Eyes" from this album. I personally can't deny that even I am slightly baffled at the omission of this song but like another reviewer somewhere said, this was a very personal song for him around the time of writing and recording it and that the marriage that inspired this song eventually disintegrated shortly after therefore he had two choices between "Mercy Street" and "In Your Eyes" and he chose the former for this collection. Perhaps another reason he didn't put this song on this collection was to keep "So" from going out of print because of all of it's singles winding up on here. Even without "In Your Eyes" on here, "Shaking The Tree" for what it is, already eclipses more than half of his 1986 masterpiece "So" so I am now content with this album for what it is and I now understand why he omitted the song from here.

This album is a bit jumpy at times and the styles of sounds that are on this album sometimes end up clashing with each other such as when "Solsbury Hill" going right into "I Don't Remember". The version of this track has those infamous guitar riff ending echoing away and instead of fading away into the night, the guitars get louder and louder until it suddenly cuts off into the humor of "Sledgehammer". It's a bit jarring in my opinion. I like the original versions of both tracks but these single versions are good too. The problems with the vastly different styles of this album though are complemented with the closing track "Biko". This is a very disturbing but thought-provoking track that is a tribute to the assassinated South African Civil Rights leader Stephen Biko. The song is very bleak in nature with oddly distorted buzzing guitar riffs and African drums to convey the darkness of that terrible time in history. It was a very smart move to put this track on the last slot because to be honest, I can never imagine "Biko" not being the closing track to any album, regular or compilation album.

Despite the occasional radical changes in styles from track to track in some places, STT is a really well put together collection that showcases a spectacular arc of music unparalleled by peers. I highly recommend getting this album.

Shaking the Tree: 16 Golden Greats
Average customer rating:

Great collection of hit but...

This CD is really awsome!!

I didn't say anything...

Most of the tracks on this one "will shake you " all over

Great music but not a great compilation of Peter Gabriel

Shaking the Tree: 16 Golden Greats
Peter Gabriel
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

So

Turn It On Again: The Hits

Us

Passion

Hit

ASIN: B000065V9T
Release Date: 2002-05-07