The Flamin’ Groovies - Shake Some Action
This week's podcast is a listener's pick and boy are we grateful to have it be Shake Some Action by the Flamin' Groovies. Shake Some Action is nothing short of a power pop masterpiece. With its British Invasion vibe, it's hard to believe it came from 1976. There a bunch of great covers, including one that goes back to 1914. But it's the originals where the band shines. The songs are full of hooks and great harmonies, that will make you want to dance or sing a long at the the top of your lungs while you're driving down the road. The title track is power pop royalty. The Flamin' Groovies are a remarkable band that are critics darlings, but for some reason mostly unheard by the record-buying public. Join us as we dig into the story of the band, and discuss this remarkable set of songs, on one of the best albums of 70s.
Recommended this episode: Splitsville Presents: The Complete Pet Soul by Splitsville.
THINGS WE DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE
The original incarnation of the Flamin’ Groovies was formed in 1965, and known as the Chosen Few (pictured).
The Flamin’ Groovies circa 1968. Pictured (L to R): Tim Lynch, Roy Loney, George Alexander, Danny Mihm, and Cyril Jordan.
In 1967, the Flamin’ Groovies did something pretty unusual for the time - they recorded and released 2,000 copies of a 10 inch E.P. themselves called Sneakers. It’s comprised of all original material.
In 1970, when Bill Graham decided to to stop managing the Fillmore West Auditorium to focus on the Carousel Ballroom downtown, the Flamin’ Groovies and their manager rented it as a rehearsal hall. They then took over the management. They called it The New Old Fillmore and would book acts and they would act as the house band, hosting weekly “dances” that soon became the hot ticket in town.
In the early 1970’s, the Flamin’ Groovies were signed to the Unite Artists label in the UK. One of the reasons for moving the band was the opportunity to work with Dave Edmunds (pictured) at Rockfield Studios.
In 1972, they moved to the UK to work with Edmunds on an album to be called Bucket of Brains.
The Flamin’ Groovies and Dave Edmunds crica 1978. Pictured (L to R) Chris Wilson, Mike Wilhelm, Cyril Jordan, Dave Edmunds, Dave Wright & George Alexander.
Photo by Paul Slattery
Their first single from their session with Edmunds was “Slow Death,” a four minute anti-drug song. While it reached #1 in Switzerland was popular all over the Europe, it was banned by the BBC in England because of lyrics mentioned morphine. As a result, it failed to chart in the U.K.
Here is footage of the band performing the song at the Marquee Club in 1973 in London.
Regardless of the reason, the failure of “Slow Death” to chart n the UK, in addition to three other singles released bu United Artist, resulted in the label cancelling the remainder of the session and terminating the band’s contract.
The band had pushed for "Shake Some Action" and "You Tore Me Down" to be issued as singles, but the label chose other songs. One reason was United Artist thought the original cut of "Shake Some Action," at almost five minutes, was too long. Edmunds produced a version slightly speeding the song up and so making it almost 30 seconds shorter, but the label turned this version down as well. Cyril Jordan produced a version that was only about three-and-a-half minutes long, and used it to shop for a new label. That version ultimately ended up on the LP of the same name.
You can listen to the original slower speed version below.
