Shake Some Action

"Everyone talks about Rock these days, but the problem is, they forget all about the Roll." - Keith Richards

"There’s a big difference between Rock, and Rock & Roll. I'm a fan of Rock & Roll. Rock, which to me lacks swing, not so much." - Eric Ambel

Back in the very late 90's, I happened to fall in with a band of musical miscreants who went by the dubious moniker of The Trailer Kings. We were a cover band whose music was mostly modern Blues, but with a distinctly ragged Rock edge. We didn't care if anyone danced or not. If we liked a song enough, we played it; often as loud as possible. One of the 3 guitarists in that band had this marvelous little 40 watt Dr. Z amplifier. When he played his Gibson 335 hollowbody thru it, at the right settings, that amp could remove tattoos at 30 feet. So yes, power was valued over finesse, but the groove, and sweet guitar tone, were king. Some of the songs we played the best were by writers of Americana, like Dave Alvin or John Hiatt, who can populate his song/stories with some wonderfully messed up characters. It makes for good storytelling when there's some issues happening.

Another of our favorite musicians was a fellow named Eric Ambel, who often goes by the nickname of 'Roscoe'. In 1994, Eric Ambel released, in the words of another reviewer, "the album Keith Richards should have made". It's called "Loud and Lonesome", and kicks off with a vicious rocker called "Song For The Walls". Our little ensemble never failed to drill that one into the floor. God, that song was fun to play! Guaranteed to shake down any loose ceiling plaster. Have a listen to it, but play it loud or don't bother.

Eric Ambel, rockin' a Jerry Jones 12 thru a Dr. Z.

Now, I told you that story about that song so I can tell you another story about a different song! First of all, if Eric Ambel is a new name to you, then know that he's got some solid musical cred. Before his current duties as producer, bandleader, studio proprietor and bar owner, he was an early member of Joan Jett's Blackhearts, and later, helped form the snarly supergroup, The Yayhoos. Eric was also lead guitarist for Steve Earle's band, The Dukes.

In 2004, Eric launched his own label, Lakeside Lounge Records, to address the long absence of his solo albums from the market. The initial release was "Knucklehead", the first new Eric Ambel album in a decade, and what a fine collection it is.

"Knucklehead" compiles 15 previously unreleased tracks recorded by Ambel over 14 years with a variety of notable collaborators, including Eric's mighty band from the 80's, The Del-Lords. The album also features The Bottle Rockets, Andy York, Warner Hodges, Will Rigby, and Ambel's Yayhoos cohorts Dan Baird, Keith Christopher and Terry Anderson. Steve Earle also contributes a previously unheard song of his, "The Usual Time". Besides "Knucklehead", Eric's label has issued remastered editions of his two previous albums, 1988's "Roscoe's Gang" and 1994's "Loud and Lonesome", with deluxe packaging and extensive liner notes.

One of the highlights of "Knucklehead" is a powerful cover version of what is possibly the best remembered song by The Flamin' Groovies, "Shake Some Action", which was recorded during the last sessions of The Del-Lords, prior to their recent revival. This is smokin' hot stuff and I defy you to resist shakin' your groove thang, because this one goes straight to the hips.

In an exclusive interview with Kool Kovers, Eric talked about "Shake Some Action" and other cover songs, the attitude of groove, touring, and some other musical things of interest.

The Del-Lords in 2013, wreckin' the joint again.

Kool Kovers: I'm surprised that The Del-Lords didn't release "Shake Some Action" themselves. What happened there?

Eric Ambel: The band kind of fell apart after those sessions, so that and a few other good songs like our cover of "Sounds Of Silence" which appeared on the recent "Right For Jerry, Vol. 2" never got released.

KK: In the liner notes of "Knucklehead", you mentioned the phrase "Turn Up and Slow Down". I feel that is a key mindset to making music that rocks hard by allowing space in the rhythm so the groove can breathe.

EA: It was Lou Whitney who said "Turn Up and Slow Down" at the sessions. Another great phrase to hear right before you start a song is one that Dan Zanes would say when I was recording with him; "Keep It Sexy".

KK: Hopefully, "Shake Some Action" is one of your favorite covers that you've done. What are some others that you liked? Any that you haven't done yet that you want to do?

EA: I've always loved doing covers with all the bands I've been in. The Yayhoos, and Dan Baird in particular, were, and are great at doing unique covers. Our versions of "Dancing Queen" by Abba, and "Roam" by the B-52’s are stand out examples. At one point in the 90’s, I was so Iggy obsessed that I was doing 3 of his songs in my set regularly. "Open Up & Bleed" is a fantastic song that may have never really been realized fully by The Stooges.

KK: Are there any tour plans for The Del-Lords, or yourself with any band, for 2014?

EA: The Del-Lords hope to do some playing in 2014. It’s very daunting scheduling gigs with all of my producing; Scott (Kempner) living in California and Frank’s obligations with Cracker, but we hope to get out there.

KK: And just because I'm curious, what is the lyric to "Song For The Walls" all about?

EA: Kevin Salem and I wrote that song. I had the music and Kevin came over and the lyrics came in a flash. You can take them any way you want. The title says most of it.

The Flamin' Groovies in the 70's.

Regarding the original version of "Shake Some Action", it was the title song of the 4th album by The Flamin' Groovies, an American band founded in San Francisco way back in 1965, by Ron Greco, Cyril Jordan and Roy Loney. Their first album, 1969's "Supersnazz", featured a 1950's Rock 'n Roll style mixed with other more melodic songs that foresaw the Power Pop movement of the 70's, predating bands like The Raspberries and Cheap Trick. In 1971, Roy Loney left the band and was replaced by singer and guitarist Chris Wilson, who, along with Cyril Jordan, began to move the group in a more overtly Pop direction. Between 1971 and 1976, little was heard of the group except their 1972 anti-drug single "Slow Death", which was co-written by Loney. But eventually, they teamed up with Welsh guitar and production wizard Dave Edmunds, and recorded their now-classic album, "Shake Some Action".

As you listen to this, I'm sure you'll an increase in the 'busyness' of the rhythm section. One main difference is that there's 8th notes on the Hi-Hat here, while on Eric Ambel's recording, it's quarters. That simple contrast can be where 'groove' lives or dies. Don't get me wrong, the Groovies' version rocks alright, and it's great, but Ambel's recording swings, and swings hard. To me, it's just another example of how less can indeed, be more.

There's plenty of music by The Flamin' Groovies available, new and used, both at Amazon and your local well-curated music emporium. Thing is, there's enough redundant releases out there on multiple record labels that it gets a bit confusing. So, if the band is new to you, I will recommend this excellent single disc anthology from Sire Records that, although long out of print, is still comfortably affordable, especially used. If you simply must have something even more collectable and price isn't a concern for you, there's "The Complete Sire Recordings". If you can do that one, then I wish I had your problems.

In the case of active independent musicians, I will always recommend that you buy direct from them whenever possible. Why? Mostly so they can get paid for their music as best as possible by eliminating 3rd party involvement. The music of Eric Ambel can easily be found at Amazon, but Eric has a store on his website, so I'd look there first. For those who prefer digital music, Eric has a page on the always reliable and highly recommended Bandcamp website. If you're curious about Eric's other bands like The Del-Lords or The Yayhoos, and you should be, their respective websites have plenty of info for you.

For you musician types, especially those back east, who are looking to get some recording or mixing done by someone who knows his craft, you can contact Eric at Cowboy Technical Services in Brooklyn, New York. Bring your A game.

Kool Kovers would like to extend a hearty "Thank You!" to Eric Ambel for his most cordial participation in the writing of this feature article. You rock in a mighty manner, Sir. All 3's on the Z!