[.ca] Shaking The Tree 16 Golden

From 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

Good in the car:
When I think about a "greatest hits" collection I usually think of it in terms of whether or not it has enough "great" songs on it to take it in the car instead of lugging an artist's entire portfolio from house to automobile floorboard and then having to skip through the tracks I don't care for while keeping an eye on the traffic idiots. This one fits the criteria very well. Yeah, it really should have "In Your Eyes" on it and it's hard for me to understand why Peter would leave it out just because of his divorce but, hey, he's got his reasons I guess. It's a GLARING omission, however. But the tracks are not in chronological order, which I like. A hits album doesn't have to be like an episode of "Behind the Music." I'm glad they put in "I don't remember" and "San Jacinto" because they represent Mr. Gabriel's uncommercial side quite well.

For the passing fan, get 'Hit' instead:
With the release of the double-CD, 'Hit' (2003), the 16 golden greats has been superceded as THE BEST collection for the passing or casual fan for two reasons: (1) 'Hit' has 12 tracks that came out in the 1990s and beyond (after 'Shaking the Tree' (1990)), and even the passing fan would be remiss by passing up tunes like "Digging in the Dirt" and "I Grieve". (2) As for earlier material from the 1970s and 1980s, one of PG's biggest hits - "In Your Eyes" - is included on 'Hit' (U.S. version), but is conspicuosly absent from 'Shaking the Tree'. ('Shaking the Tree' does have four other lesser-known tracks not included on 'Hit', the title track, "Mercy Street" from 'So' (1986), "I Have the Touch" from 'Security' (1982), and "Zaar" from the 'Passion' soundtrack (1989). ) At this point in time (2003), 'Shaking the Tree' is a collectible for die-hard PG fans only because: (1) the studio version of the title track featured only on this compilation; and (2) the remix of "I Have the Touch" that differs from the version on 'Security' (1982).

better than the new greatest hits:
Even though its not a double cd, this cd is special for having the song "Shaking the Tree". A must in the Peter Gabriel collection. Downfall of this album is the fact that its outdated. Do yourself a favor and buy this album, Gabriel II, Us, So and Up. You will have a great collection of his best work. If you're a fan buy everything, trust me its worth it.

Nice compilation:
When a lead singer leaves his band and goes solo, he is remembered for the work that he did in that band. This certainly isn't the case for ex-Genesis vocalist Peter Gabriel. Honestly, can anyone name a single song he did with Genesis? Okay, I'll stick to the subject. Though Gabriel's Genesis work pretty much goes unnoticed by everyone, his solo work is nothing short of excellent. This is the best-known hits compilation covering his solo work. Read on for my review of Shaking The Tree - Sixteen Golden Greats. PROS: -Let's say you're the casual Pater Gabriel fan who just wants the three major songs of his that get played on the radio on a regular basis - Sledgehammer, Solsbury Hill, and Big Time. This compilation is for you, because they're all here. -You get an even larger number of underrated gems. -This is an affordable compilation. -The remastering job is very nice. CONS: -WHERE THE HELL IS "IN YOUR EYES"? IT WAS ONE OF HIS BIGGEST SOLO HITS! Its omission is simply unforgivable, and therefore I can not give the compilation a five-star rating. -None of Gabriel's Genesis material is on here. I know this is a solo collection, but his Genesis material needs more recognition! OVERALL: To put it simply, despite minor flaws, THIS is the compilation to own if you're a casual Peter Gabriel fan (I think it might actually be the ONLY one to date). It's doubtful any casual fan will be disappointed with this release.

Almost as good as his 2-disc collection.:
If your looking for the majority of his hits on one cd, then this is what you want. His most popular songs are included, like "Sledgehammer", "Solsbury Hill", "Shock the Monkey", and "Games Without Frontiers". Also there's the fan favorites "I Have the Touch", "Biko", and "Don't Give Up", with "Kate Bush". It's all here and more, and only really missing "In Your Eyes". Fortunately, he has a new 2-disc collection out called "Hit", and that has twice what's here, with songs from "Us" and "Up", and yes, it includes "In Your Eyes". Either collection you choose, it should make you happy, "Big Time".

• 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