"The year has just begun, and already the first knockout by an unknown band from out of left field has arrived.
Taking their name from the wonderful Flamin' Groovies song of the same name, Seattle's Shake Some Action! has created something wonderful all its own.
The quintet has pulled its influences from all over the map. One can detect echoes of 1980s Australian band the Hoodoo Gurus, Oasis at its least pompous and most invigorating, the jangling rush of Teenage Fanclub, and yes, the Flamin' Groovies during that band's mid-1970s British Invasion fixation.
It sounds derivative on paper, but it all flows fluently through the band's capable hands into an effortless, cohesive whole right from the start. The opening "Sound of Your Mind" showcases everything SSA does well -- a killer tune, dynamic guitars, James Hall's powerful Robyn Hitchcock-on-steroids vocals, a brief, blazing solo -- and brings it all together in just over two minutes.
The La's would have loved to have had "Without You" as the follow up to "There She Goes"; it has a similar soaring quality. Lyrics lamenting lost innocence and the pitfalls of growing older are nothing new, but "Complicated" shows that they can still have poignancy when served up with ringing guitars and a melody you'll have trouble getting out of your head.
Add stinging rockers such as "Damaged" and "What You Want Me to Do," and the result is an album alive with the simple joys of guitar-based, hook-filled rock 'n' roll at its least affected -- and most affecting. FOUR STARS" - Sam Gnerre, the Daily Breeze. |
"Some people say it's wrong to love power pop. Rock music shouldn't be catchy and melodic, they say, it should be screeching and rebellious. They're wrong. Completely. Anyone who has popped in Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend or Elvis Costello & the Attraction's Armed Forces knows better. This rock captures more heart than any noise rock could hope to in any 15 minute distorted epic.
Power pop is the realm where Shake Some Action! exist: finely crafted songs you can dance to with a bittersweet edge that make them perfect for any guy or gal who likes to rock but has, you know, feelings. Yay for feelings!
For those of you who linger in the Pacific Northwest, Shake Some Action! is actually a new incarnation of The Jeunes, and a lot of what you hear is the child of former frontman James Hall. He comes across as part Poster Children, part Stone Roses, and part aforementioned Matthew Sweet. Most of Shake Some Action! songs have an undeniable catchiness without being overtly cheesy or poppy (yeah, we're not talking John Mayer or Jack Johnson territory here). The album itself is almost entirely Hall taking on all the instruments (with help from David Bos on the guitar), but it has a cohesive sound that speaks volumes for a "new act" like Shake Some Action!
Opening track "Sound of Your Mind" sounds like a lost track from Teenage Fanclub's classic Bandwagonesque, with rich guitars overlain over more guitars all leading into the vocal harmonies of the chorus. It's exactly the type of song you want to lead an album such as this: loaded with pop sensibility but also a bit of bittersweet regret and topped with lots and lots of guitars. "Complicated" continues the trend with more of a Matthew Sweet feel and tone as Hall sings "How did it get so complicated/yesterday was so easy." Something about the combination of regret and vocal harmonies that is hard to explain, but feels so right. Things slow down a bit on "Orange Peel" and "Wasting Time," songs that feel like something from the long-lost Gigolo Aunts (everybody remembers them, right?). "Wasting Time" is especially strong, with a touch of 60's organ, horns and tapped rhythms that make it possibly the most fully realized song on Shake Some Action!, at least melodically, almost veering into Roy Orbison territory.
However, the real strength for Shake Some Action! is the rock, and the pinnacles are probably "Damaged," "What You Want Me To Do," and "Someone Else's Friend". They're full of hooks and dripping with vocal and instrumental harmonies that would make The La's blush. "Someone Else's Friend" might be the most satisfying song on the album, writhing back and forth from a pure power pop gem to a more restrained power ballad. "Damaged" is a more Springsteen-like in its take, asking "I've been wondering/how'd you end up so damaged?" over pure late 70's/early 80's guitar, almost bordering of being U2-like in their tonality. However, "What You Want Me To Do" is destined to be the crowd number live, right down to the barely audible countdown at the beginning — this takes the Shake Some Action! sound to the streets, crashing the guitars and driving the drums into a nearly perfect power pop gem, right down to the bass solo criss-crossed with guitars. I couldn't think of a better way to close out the disc.
Shake Some Action!'s self-titled album is a strong debut from Hall and the gang. While it might not be the most original indie rock disc to come out, it doesn't hold anything back for its 37 minute run time and what it does, it does well. There is nothing wrong with rock for rock's sake and that is what Shake Some Action! offers to the listening public: something to dance to, even if you think you're too cool to dance to it." - Erik Gonzalez, Three Imaginary Girls |
"In 1966 Swinging London was in full bloom and the whole world seemed to be grooving to the Beatles’ pre-psychedelic masterpiece “Revolver.” Now at that time bands like the Beatles, the Nice, the Small Faces, etc. were referred to as “pop bands” because they were, well popular. Before the split between pop bands and rock bands occurred there existed a brief moment in the history of rock and roll where experimentation coupled with obvious hooks and impressive 2 and 3 part melodies made music so vibrant, exciting and….popular.
Shake Some Action, the brainchild of Australian singer-songwriter James Hall reminds me of that slice of summer. With sweet multi-layered vocals, chiming Rickenbacher guitars and hooks a plenty, Shake Some Action is an album that requires a few listens before its intricacies and melodic treats become well ingrained in your brain. Have a listen to “I Can See Where This Is Going” or “Without You” for a perfect example of this great pop sensibility. Gorgeous multi-tracked vocals match perfectly with an instantly hummable melody that you will have a hard time shaking. And “Damaged” and “You’ve Got it Made” are what I would readily refer to as hard pop nuggets.
A very impressive debut and available now. Check out their MySpace page for more songs to listen to and enjoy the trip back in time to when pop songcraft was less “American Idol” and more “Paperback Writer.” Good stuff." - the Rock and Roll Report |
"Ever wanted to hop into a time machine, travel back to the 1960's--when pop legends like the Beatles and the Who ruled the airwaves--and blast some catchy tune on the radio of your daddy's convertible while speeding to the beach to play volleyball in the sand?
Me too.
In lieu of an actual time machine, however, might I suggest the self-titled debut from Shake Some Action, whose fusion of pop and punk puts you right back in that convertible--this time with a skull and crossbones painted on the side. With James Hall at lead guitar, you can expect the same quality that put the Jeunes on the map. Sure, the band doesn't entirely avoid the stereotypical pitfalls of most pop music, and you can't help but notice a few instances of uninspired instrumentals and cliche lyrics (they actually rhyme "she followed me" with "it's meant to be." Oy). They make up for it, though, with edgy, gravel on sandpaper vocals and a few, dare I say, wicked guitar solos. By track six, "Without You," I've brushed my disdain for pop music aside and the stars align as Hall's beat up voice fuses with the sickly sweet lyrics and edgy, yet oddly harmonious instrumentals to create something that, for lack of a better phrase, kicks ass. Think the La's meet Bob Dylan, have a love child and teach him to play guitar.
The verdict: I may not know how to "shake some action," but, as the last song on the album begins to play, by golly I'm shaking something." - Danielle Rollins, the Wig Fits All Heads. |
| "Named after the classic Flamin’ Groovies song, this Seattle band led by Australian-born James Hall rose from the ashes of the Jeunes. Their debut album is a remarkably well-crafted set of jangly power pop packed with rich harmonies and indelible hooks reminiscent of Hoodoo Gurus, the La’s and other pop greats." - Don Yates, KEXP 90.3 FM Music Director |
| "You gotta love the name! And they live up to it! BIG TIME! The brainchild of Australian singer/songwriter James Hall (who sounds like Dave Faulkner of The Hoodoo Gurus at times), former frontman of the Jeunes . . . Very Brit-Pop leaning and bursting with jangly and crunchy guitars! A brilliant debut! GREAT!!!" - Kool Kat Musik |
| "simply a great powerpop album" - Seattle Powerpop Blog |
"The name says it all folks. If a band names themselves after a classic Flamin' Groovies track, they better deliver the goods. Shake Some Action! do and bring a perfect hybrid of jangled-up pop delight that brings to mind not only the Groovies, but mid/late 80`s jangle faves like The La`s, Gigolo Aunts, The Mighty Lemon Drops, Robyn Hitchcock & The Egyptians and Matthew Sweet. . . Extremely Highly Recommended!!!"- Bruce Brodeen, Not Lame
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"If the phrase "Shake Some Action!" sounds familiar to the power poppers out there, it's because it's the name of the classic track by the seminal power pop band The Flamin' Groovies. Shake Some Action! is the brainchild of James Hall, born in Australia, based in Seattle, and late of The Jeunes. Aside from the obvious Flamin' Groovies influence, this is classic British-flavored late 70s/early 80s sounding power pop, sounding as if it should have been released on Stiff Records. Hall's voice is perfect for the sound, recalling Ian Dury as well as Ian Brown.
There really aren't any subpar tracks on this disc, but standouts include the opening triumvirate of "Sound of Your Mind", "Complicated" and "I Can See Where This Is Going Now", which can be best described as "punchy power pop". Other highlights include "Not Even Close" which manages to be jaunty and sneering at the same time, "Couldn't Help Yourself", which sounds like a lost La's track, and the absolutely brilliant "Someone Else's Friend", which jangles like there's no tomorrow and boasts an indelible guitar hook." - Absolute Powerpop |
| "Some bands are formed through a labor of love for the genre. James Hall has taken his love and turned it into a damn good pop band in Seattle. Rich jangley guitars and melodic chorus, with a bit more muscle than your average pop band. But trying to catagorize Shake Some Action is not so easy. They have a great Byrdsian guitar sound with a bit of '90s styled song structure. Kinda like Midnight Oil meets The Byrds. "Damaged" and "Couldn't Help Yourself" are great examples of this. Even better is the track "Without You" - a really catchy tune with a little beatle-y background chorus. It reminds me alot of Kenny Howes approach to power pop. So you see these guys are special. The track "Someone else's friend" pulls out all the jangle stops and almost sounds like a Jason Falkner track! The album really delivers the goods." - Powerpopaholic |
"All solid drum beats, jangling guitars and tight melodies, this is a fine piece of brisk power pop. At times coming across as a combination of the Velvet Underground meeting the Small Faces, with just a hint of Manchester's late 80's and early 90's sound thrown in, we have an intriguing combination. And it has to be said a very satisfying one as well.
There are some cracking tracks here. Typifying the sound of this Seattle band are "Complicated", and "Not Even Close", although it is "Damaged" that really stands out as the hook loaded highlight of the album. Another winner is "Couldn't Help Yourself" which sounds like early Oasis - minus the irritating whine! While with "Orange Peel" singer James Hall has taken an eerie Lou Reed sounding walk on the wild side; and finally "What You Want Me To Do" has more of a rockier driven sound making it a great close to the album.
Having created this band out of the ashes of the Jeunes, former front man James Hall can be assured that on the evidence of this collection it was well worth the effort. Power pop-tastic!" - bluesbunny.com |
"Although recently dubbed as the worst town ever for American Idol tryouts, Seattle still has a claim to fame when it comes to the evolution of music. Not only did Seattle drive the nail home in arena rock's coffin, but it was also home to the grunge movement that swung the hammer. Now, however, from the ashes of the self-destructive grunge lifestyle comes Shake Some Action, the brain-child of the musically gifted James Hall.
Hall knows what he can do and how to do it well. That much is obvious after one listen through of his band's self-titled album. Featuring twelve tracks of music completely composed by Hall (though several of his live musicians contribute to tracks on the disk), Shake Some Action is a fun, light, pop-filled album built specifically to generate positive vibes.
"Sound of Your Mind" dictates the rest of the CD with its happy-go-lucky, Beatle-esque feel. Vocal harmony, tight rhythms, and well communicated emotion are all themes that repeat through the album. "Complicated" stirs up 80's pop with a tinge of the Beach Boys as Hall belts out a simple, yet beautifully crafted mix of easy-going vocals and a high melodic lead guitar. Hall's vocals turn husky as he drops a tear of romance on his listeners in the mellower "Orange Peel." Ever mixing it up, Hall lets a tint of blues seep into the pot via "Damaged," a heavier toe-tapping rocker complete with scaling vocal harmonies and a guitar solo.
A loud crash signals the start of the hip beat that comprises the backbone of "Without You," one of the best tunes Hall offers. The songwriter's instrumental control shines in "You've Got it Made" when he drops out the high vocals to allow for an epic instrumental middle that brings to mind images of driving down an endless road in a state of pure bliss.
The last tune on the disk kicks off with a shout of "1,2,3,4!" Hall and co. then rock out for the next two and half minutes, including a tinge of early 90s alternative, a blazing guitar solo and the ever-solid vocal harmonies in each singalong chorus.
As stated before, Hall knows who he is and what he is capable of. It's no surprise that with that in mind, he also knows how to write twelve songs incapable of flaw. If there is anything wrong with this CD, it may be that it's too happy.
Easy-going vocals, chill instrumentals, and an overall feeling of peace make this album a must-own. Regardless of what style of music you like, this album will put you in nirvana. Hall's own words in his last song say, "It's what you want me to do." Well, taking the words from his mouth, buy this album. It's what I want YOU to do." - Erik Williams, Independent Clauses.
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Shake Some Action!
With Go Fever, Clean Prophets, and Black Nite Crash, February 8, 2007, the Comet, Seattle WA
The Comet is a great old bar, a Capitol Hill classic, really. After a post-grunge heyday slump, the grimy Comet has seen a resurgence of late, thanks in no small part to the outstanding booking efforts of local DJ Mama Casserole.
I heart shows at the Comet. Rock on the floor. No lights. No fuss. Just driving rock in the corner at one of the oldest and likely most haunted bars in Seattle. Ahh, if those walls could talk. Especially the ones in the scary bathrooms (I hear the men's room even has a gloryhole!).
Tonight's bill was no exception; Mama carefully paired two Seattle melodic dark-wave faves (the new Shake Some Action! and a reunited Black Nite Crash), with Portland's Go Fever and LA's The Clean Prophets. A fine and dandy Thursday night bill for sure.
Shake Some Action! arose from now-defunct Seattle band the Jeunes. Here's how legend tells it: with the demise of the Jeunes, front-man/gutiar player/songwriter James Hall retreated home to his imaginary fortress, which just so happens to have a recording studio. There he recorded some of the best Jeunes tracks and a bunch of additional pop gems, playing all the instruments on the record (with the exception of a few guitar solos like the ripping one on "Damaged," which guitarist David Bos recorded back in the day in the Jeunes practice space). Hall then released the record under the moniker Shake Some Action! (after the Flamin' Groovies song that, I must confess, I don't know)
And while I'm fessing up: yes, my fella is (and was) in both Shake Some Action! and the Jeunes. This means I've been hearing these songs for years, and when the Jeunes broke up last spring, I was pretty bummed out that I'd never hear them again. Or so I thought! Hearing them performed live now, it felt like what high school reunions are supposed to be — reconnecting with long-lost friends who you've actually thrilled to see. And judging from the peeps I saw at the show, I wasn't the only one to feel that way; loads of the old Jeunes fan-crew were at the Comet, pleased as punch to see the show (Patrick Partington of Pleasurecraft, I'm especially looking your way).
Even crazier still is that now we superfans aren't the only ones who know the songs! KEXP has been playing the heck out of the record, and the nice gathering at the Comet only confirmed that word is catching on. At one point during the song "Not Even Close," the crowd chimed in with the hooky chorus: "Bah bah bah bah bah bah! Bah bah bah bah bah bah!" parts. Tres exciting.
A few highlights from the set: "Someone Else's Friend" always makes me think it's a lost track from Sugar's Copper Blue (a desert island favorite of mine), and was killer live. "Sound of Your Mind" sounds like a lost track from Teenage Fanclub's classic Bandwagonesque (or so I read somewhere). Another favorite, "Without You," reminded me of early jangly R.E.M., and "What Do You Want Me to Do" breaks down the agony of an unhealthy sexual tension so deliciously ("You think your duplicity's not showing / I feel my frustration growing / But I don't want to say goodnight to you / So what'dyou want me to do?"). I generally need to play the song at least three times in row when listening to the record because it's so awesome (a feat I sadly couldn't replicate in the live show). - Three Imaginary Girls
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"Out and about in the clubs, I caught Seattle power poppers Shake Some Action! at the Comet last Thursday. They rocked up their sound a bit more than their excellent new debut album, and their harmonies sounded great live. Fronted by former Jeunes frontman James Hall, it shouldn’t be long before these guys start getting a lot of well-deserved attention." - Don Yates, KEXP blog. |
"For much of its opening salvo viz. “Sound of Your Mind,” “Orange Peel” and “Damaged” Shake Some Action comes across as Velvet Underground-era Lou Reed backed by the Byrds (and yes, I know that just about describes Robyn Hitchcock and the Soft Boys!)
With that unerring 12-string Rickenbacker sound jangling right through, Hall’s slightly gritty vocal delivery puts a different spin on the usual powerpop formula." - Kevin Mathews, Bucketful of Brains |
Shake Some Action! Shakes, Jangles and Pops
Anybody that recognizes that Shake Some Action! took their name from the Flamin' Groovies power pop classic will probably not be disappointed by this Seattle-based quartet. Armed with two Rickenbacker guitars and endless harmonies, the group is a bunch of unabashed pop classicists, bringing to mind not just '70s power-pop but the heyday of jangle-pop in the '80s, from the REM ringing of the guitars to the Robyn Hitchcock edge delivery from singer/songwriter James Hall. If the crowd at the EMP stage this afternoon was a little sparse, that's no indication of the quality of the music -- more that guitar-pop like this is more of a niche than folk music these days and it's yet to find a place in a festival like Bumbershoot. And that's a shame, because Shake Some Action! is a welcome reminder of why there were so many bands that sounded like this in the '80s - after all, guitars and harmonies like this always sound so good.
- Stephen Thomas Erlewine, allmusic.com |
| "If you have an exclamation point in your name you better be pretty! god! damn! exciting!, okay? Don't go flaunting that !!! shit and then supply melodic power pop that is more pop than power. But really, that's the only complaint I have about Shake Some Action! Fronted by Jeunes's James Hall, SSA! are self-defined power pop but they're more like Superchunk meets They Might Be Giants. (No telling if they'd be insulted by that or not, but they shouldn't be.) There's humor and fun, there's deep and bright vocals like TMBG, but there's also some pretty solid melodies, guitar solos, and plenty of times to involuntarily get caught up in singing along and/or clapping your hands. There's just no big, loud Boom! Pow! Punch! moments, so maybe they should drop the "!". - Megan Seling, the Stranger. |
"Any band that names themselves after a Flamin’ Groovies song (and not just any Groovies song but my all-time favorite one!) has got to be worth, at the very least, checking out.Well, S.S.A. are more than worth simply checking out, in fact these 12 songs deserve repeated listens. S.S.A. is basically the recording project for an Aussie who landed in Seattle named James Hall.
Hearkening back to masters like The Beatles and The Byrds all the way up to current heroes like Teenage Fanclub, Hall has his head screwed on tight and his influence perfectly in line. What I dig the most is Hall’s occasionally deep croon , it at times (especially on the opening cut “Sound of Your Mind”) sounding slightly like Dave Vanian of The Damned. Check out the cool, grinding “ I Can See Where this is Going Now” , the mod-beat “Damaged”, the Nick Lowe-ish “Without You” (that even spouts off the lyric, “I was so cruel to be kind….”).
Give this a listen folks, Hall is onto something and even though this was recorded by himself he has a band and is ready and willing to play weddings, bar mitzvahs or your local dive. Come on, give him a chance." - daggerzine.com |
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