Shaking the Tree-Remast [Limited Edition]

This CD showcases the incredible changes in Gabriel's musical spectrum of styles ranging from the sunny acoustic pop of "Solsbury Hill" to disturbing classics like "I Don't Remember" and "Games Without Frontiers" to more commercial but highly innovative and sophisticated pop like the ever so funny "Sledgehammer" and "Big Time". There aren't any songs from the PG 2: Scratch album on this collection and it's a shame as it contains a song or two from that album that deserved to make it one here and it's a highly underrated gem that is almost forgotten by most fans. On the other hand, it would sound completely out of place with the rest of the album to put any "PG 2" songs on it because of their raw production compared to the much more polished nature of all of his latter albums. Oh Well. I say go and get that album. Fans of most of the songs on this collection might be thrown off by "PG 2" though but it's worth checking out.

Many fans of complained about "In Your Eyes" being excluded from this collection. In a way, I can agree with them as it is truly one of the best and most intelligent songs that Peter has ever done in his career and is one of his most popular ballads today but the fact that it was mainly written for his then wife and that the marriage disintegrated shortly afterwards, he chose not to include it on this collection so thus it's completely forgivable. In a way, I'm glad that it wasn't included as it's more of a platinum great than just a golden great. Also, they probably also kept it off so that the 1986 album "SO" wouldn't go out of print or slide in sales. I am completely content with the omission of that song. Still, it would've been great to have it on here. I'm so glad that they included "Red Rain" on this collection as it's not only my favorite Gabriel song but also one of my all-time favorite songs by any solo artists with it's wash of keyboards and guitars. I can image a severe rainstorm through a red glass window or through red glasses when I listen to this amazing song. When it comes to his album "SO", I don't think that commercial pop can get any better than this. Sadly, no one seems to have learned how to make a truly creative and innovative commercial pop album like Gabriel did with "SO". Some also complain of nothing from "US" being included. HELLO! "US" wasn't even released yet when "STT" came out.

Even if you already have his albums, this CD is definitely worth picking up for the previously unreleased title track and a couple of remixes of his older songs. The title track is probably the most upbeat and joyous song that Gabriel has ever written with a somewhat celebration feel to it and lots of African colors to it and guest vocals from Youssou N'Dour. "Shaking The Tree: 16 Golden Greats" is worth buying just for this song alone. The major note sounds of the title track perfectly transition to the much more melancholy sonic beauty of "Don't Give Up", arguably one of Gabriel's best ballads of his entire career. The two other remixes are also worthy of having. Some might be surprised or even turned off by the 1983 remix of "I Have The Touch" which has a very mechanical touch and much lighter, more metallic beats instead of the booming thundering beats of the original version but I personally love it. The other remix is of "Here Comes The Flood" which is actually a stripped down rerecording of the 1977 original from "PG 1: Car" with just Gabriel and the piano. This is a stunning and beautiful rendition of a gorgeous classic to begin with. All three of these 'new' tracks justify getting this CD even if you already have the albums.

Many might complain about the shortening of some of the songs but with the current storage capacity of 80 minutes on CDs, it would be almost impossible not to so it's also forgivable. The shortening of "Mercy Street" is somewhat jarring in my opinion. The same holds true with "Zaar" from the "Passion: Music For The Last Temptation Of Christ" soundtrack. The one main plus though of this collection is not just the 'new' songs but of the final track "Biko". It was a very smart move to have this disturbing classic put at the ending because I cannot imagine this song not being the closer to any Gabriel album, whether it's one of his 'proper' studio albums or a hits collection.

This collection might somewhat suffer from the excessive clashing or jumping of musical styles from song to song especially that of "I Don't Remember" and "Sledgehammer" and that of but from an overall view, this is a fantastic and essential collection of 16 classics from an extremely creative and phenomenal musician whose style will never be touched in quality for generations to come, if ever. This is one of the best "Hits" collections ever put together. Perhaps it's nearing time for Mr. Gabriel to assemble a second hits CD entitled "Under A Darkening Sun: 16 More Golden Greats" collection to chronicle the 1992-2005 spectrum of his career don't you think? Anyhow, go and buy this CD. It's worth having.