Peter Gabriel

Shaking The Tree

Fairly Accurate Solo Career Representation

Review Score:

(8/10)
A respectable compilation of Gabeirl's best works. I like hit anthologies not so much because the songs included have sold the best or have achieved a Top 10 status, but more they better represent the long-term aspirations and recognition of the public listener majority. Of course, not all compilation versions are the same nor unfortunately does each release suit every artist/group listener taste. In my opinion, 16 Golden Greats itself has almost all of Gabriel's best tune selections - SOLSBURY HILL, SLEDGEHAMMER, RED RAIN, GAMES WITHOUT FRONTIERS, SHOCK THE MONKEY and BIG TIME.

Although some song cuts have been shortened or altered, Geffen probably intended to give listeners some form of variety to the original song versions. As a single disc, the standard 80 min. CD maximum had pretty much been optimized. Probably better they felt to include more reduced song versions than less songs of longer initial arrangement. Because a single hit disc is what they first decided, that was the time-play dilemma they no doubt confronted. Mr. Gabriel himself must also have had some impact or say as to the final release CD format.

That put aside, the popular hits most all again are here. Sadly of course, as most other reviewers also have brought to attention, IN YOUR EYES was inappropriately omitted. This I guess only marks the fact that company/stores, with few exception, never will or can give up their basic ground ruling(s) "You make available everything consumers desire and they won't purchase anything more again... In order for us to make a profit, people must buy their wants and pay for their needs." Nonetheless, a significant overview/introduction of Gabriel's best accomplished recordings and an integral part to any diversified CD collection.

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