Sanctuary Records Group – Trojan

Back to Sanctuary/ Castle Music Review Menu - reviewed

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.

Add to your basket

 

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

 

 

 

 

Visitors: