Grapthar's Song of the Day: Flamin' Groovies - 'Shake Some Action'

I discovered in high school, and who have been a longtime favorite of mine, though I sometimes find myself sort of forgetting about them, then rediscovering them every few years, and always loving them. They were originally formed in 1965, by Cyril Jordan and Roy Loney, though after a few releases, in 1971, Loney left the group, and was replaced by Chris Wilson. The band's sound also shifted at this point from '60s blues-influenced rock and roll to a more power-pop style, specifically a British-influenced power-pop sound. The band was signed in 1972, but only released a few sparse singles before 1976, when they would release Shake Some Action, widely considered the most influential album, and sign to Sire Records. They had a few more releases in the late '70s, then some line-up changes, and continued until an official break up happened in 1991. (Source - Wikipedia, Flamin' Groovies)

Shake Some Action and has itself become a power-pop anthem, and one of the most seminal tunes from that era and genre. At the time, the album didn't perform too well in US Charts, only reaching #142, as the US wasn't really over the '70s stadium rock trend entirely yet. However, in England, punk was just beginning to emerge, and they were much more receptive to the 'throwback' sort of sound; harkening back to when rock and roll was simpler, smaller, and often more in-your-face with the attitude. Though the song does have ideas that come from that era, particularly the vocals and the harmony parts that acompany them, the guitar parts remind me much more of something from the late '70s or early '80s, particularly in tone. The song is constantly driving, and is absolutely an ear-worm, so if you want something you'll be singing to yourself in the shower, and humming at work, this is the tune for you.