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Owen Gray – Shook Shimmy & Shake – The Anthology - TJDD188
One of the greats, Owen certainly was a Jamaican Soul singer and this album covers the perion from the late 50’s to nearly 1980, the first 20 (and key years) of his career. Covering all nuances and trends of Ja music starting with the Fats Domino style jumpin’ R’n’B . %0 tracks on this double CD set and barely a dud track as we amble through his career.
Early on very US influenced but carving out a niche and style all of his own which to me became prominent in the Golden Age of Soul years about 1965 onwards with striong cuts like Girl I want you, the title track Shook Shimmy and Shake, and some US Soul covers. On some of these tracks there was not a hint of Jamaica. This soul side enable him to fit perfectly into the emerging rocksteady which merged his soulfulness with the Jamaican style and cup up with some stunning tracks like I’m so lonely (particularly), and Always.
As we approached 1980 and into the reggae arena Owen was more prolific, but not necessarily always with the same quality. That said there are some crackin cuts to be found No more for example. The following phase through to about 1974 was quite nice but pretty uninspiring before a move to a more conscious side, where picking up with Bunny Lee, he received great acclaim for this move. Free Up Jah Jah Children, I man nah run and Lonely People being the pick of the bunch
Owen Gray: Shook, Shimmy & Shake: The Anthology (TJDDD188)
Format: Double CD album Released: Jun 21 2004 Availability: Not in stock: order for despatch in 3 to 14 days Price: £13.99
While Owen Gray's music has featured on countless compilations over the years, until now a thorough career over-view has not been forthcoming. This collection makes up for lost time and features recordings spanning almost 20 years - from the singer's earliest R&B and Ska releases, up to his Roots side from the late seventies. Almost all of his best-known recordings from this period are featured, with many appearing on CD for the very first time.
Tracklisting
2-CD SET
DISC 1
Please Don't Let Me Go (& The Caribs) - Listen
Jenny Lee - Listen
I Feel Good - Listen
Cutest Little Woman - Listen
Darling Patricia - Listen
Midnight Track - Listen
She's Gone To Napoli - Listen
Girl I Want You - Listen
Gonna Work Out Fine - Listen
Shook Shimmy And Shake - Listen
You Don't Know Like I Do (& The Sound System) - Listen
Help Me - Listen
Incense - Listen
I'm So Lonely - Listen
Always (& Clancy Collins) - Listen
Sitting In The Park (& Maximum Breed) - Listen
Answer Me, My Love - Listen
I Can't Stop Loving You - Listen
Reggae Dance - Listen
Seven Lonely Days - Listen
(Too Experienced) - Listen
I Really Love You Baby - Listen
It's You I Love - Listen
No More - Listen
Please Don't Take Your Love Away - Listen
DISC 2
Tumbling Dice - Listen
You Poured Sugar On Me - Listen
Guava Jelly - Listen
Bongo Natty - Listen
Let Jah Arise - Listen
Free Up Jah Jah Children - Listen
(Stop) Fussing And Fighting - Listen
Give A Helping Hand - Listen
I Think Of You - Listen
Ribdedim Bam - Listen
(What A) Blazing Fire - Listen
Lonely People - Listen
I Say Super Jaws - Listen
(Hear) The Children A Cry - Listen
(I Love You For) Sentimental Reasons - Listen
I Man Nuh Run - Listen
Natty Children (aka Rasta Children) - Listen
Candida - Listen
(Gimme Gimme) Some Helping Up - Listen
Ain't Got No Money - Listen
Fire In A Trenchtown - Listen
Turning Point - Listen
When I Need You - Listen
Give The Children Food - Listen
The Greatest Love Of All - Listen
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