Shake Some Action

I found the Flamin’ Groovies through covers by Yo La Tengo and Cracker, two of my favorite bands. I had read about them before then, but they had always been a cult band—more read about than listened to. I had to be reminded to go back and find them again.

My favorite of the two covers is Yo La Tengo’s lovely version of the Groovies’ “You Tore Me Down” from their now classic 1990 covers album Fakebook.

Cracker’s cover of “Shake Some Action,” from the Clueless soundtrack, captures the original’s resignation, but not its desperation or menace or fluidity among these disparate emotions. Rock n’ roll is about sex and what you’ll do to get it. The lust, the longing, raw energy, and betrayal. It’s all here in one pure American power pop anthem. And that opening crystalline guitar riff gets me all tingly inside. It’s the state-side mirror of Keef’s shimmering Gimme Shelter lick. An overture and promise to deliver (almost) every time.

Fave lyrics:

I will find a way To get to you some day. Oh, but I, babe, I’m so afraid I’ll fall, yeah. Now can’t you hear me call? Shake some action’s what I need To let me bust out at full speed. I’m sure that’s all you need To make it all right.