The Junko Shakers
Lace Up Yer Boots, It’s The Junko Shakers
Released MAY 10th 2024
Reviewed 14th September 2024 by Jack Brown.
Members Ben Gun - Gary Gun - Mitch Ratcliffe - Sam La'Penn
Formed in 2015, Hailing from the vibrant music scene of the United Kingdom, The Junco Shakers are a soulful and electrifying rhythm and blues band that captivates audiences with their energetic performances and infectious melodies. With their unique blend of traditional blues, rockabilly, and soul, this four-piece ensemble has carved out a niche for themselves, rekindling the spirit of the golden era of rhythm and blues.
Track by tack
Rock Island Line;
the album opens with a Skiffle classic. The early classic version was by Leadbelly, but the most well-known version to UK, & probably U.S., audiences is the 1954 recording by Lonnie Donegan, a chart hit top ten, a top ten hit on both sides of the pond in 1956. A great train-effect harmonica starts off the Shakers version, which takes the form of a fun sing-along version. They also adlib a couple other songs, notably Lonnie’s Cumberland Gap, a UK no.1 in 1957, copies only available on 78rpm. The bluesy guitar playing is spot on & you do get the feeling of chugging along a railway track in the early decades of the 20th century.
Body Vandal;
a band original? A fun song with a catchy chorus. Theres something in the water that makes him want to be her body vandal, I’ll leave you to imagine what that means.
Can’t Be Satisfied;
Faithful reading of the Muddy Waters 1948 Blues classic, & Muddy’s breakthrough record to boot, again released originally on a shellac 78. The guitar work is impressive, you get the feeling the band really know their Blues. It’s a fave Blues track of mine & their version doesn’t disappoint.
Glad When You’re Dead;
This is a rather welcome addition. The old Louis Prima classic. The lead-singer has a really gravelly, with hints of Heavy Metal, voice on the entire album. This really suits this track. His vocal delivery gives the song an air of menace that reflect the nature of the lyrics. The Louis Prima version was much more cheery, which has a charm of it’s own. But come on, the guy’s wishing someone dead for drinking his booze & shagging his wife, you want some tension. Towards the end, it feels as though the singer’s going insane just thinking about the guy he wishes to be six ft under. The opening reminds me a little of George Formby, which believe it or not is a compliment. It's fun.
One More Drink;
Another band original? Really fun lyrics on this drinking song, ever a stable of the Blues genre. He’s too minutes late to get home to his wife, but he insists on one more for the road. The preacher’s gonna save his soul from the demon drink, after he’s had one more. His throat was dry, his eyes hurt, but he’s still wanting more. We’ve all been there haven’t we. That was rhetorical.
Diggin,
Another enjoyable Skiffle number. The Washboard Sam number became Lonnie’s second single release on Decca. Strangely this track failed to chart. It didn’t help the BBC banned it; I’m assuming they found the lyrics suggestive. Either that or they thought the promotion of potatoes constituted advertising. There was also a good version, produced by Joe Meek, cut in around 1965 by Heinz. The band start off in a slow Blues, then increase the tempo. It’s a different approach, but of course Blues is open to interpretation. It really works & is good fun.
Kansas City.
So many songs called Kansas City. The Shakers seem to base their version on the Wilbert Harrison 1959 Billboard no.1. their version takes on a slow Blues feel. A long introduction fooled me into thinking it was an instrumental take. But eventually the vocal comes in. it’s passionate & fun. You can tell throughout the band are having an absolute ball making this music, & the vocalists are loving every minute.
Walkin The Dog;
A Stax track by Ruthus Thomas is the next to get the Shakers treatment. I like the lyric change from 50 cents to 50 pence. Their version has a cool laid-back feel, still with the gravelly vocals this track has a more Blues-Rock feel...
Midnight Special.
Another song associated with Leadbelly, & covered by Lonnie. This has a great mixture of Skiffle fun, with a hint of more modern sounds. The metal-like vocals give this, & many other tracks, a unique feel all of their own. The harmonica playing, & base plucking, is top notch too.
Set Em Up.
Great harmonica starts out another fun Blues track. Great guitar solo. The lyrics describe a man insisting the other pays for drinks as it’s their round. Again, we’ve all been there, there’s always one who doesn’t want to pay, always forgetting or going to the toilet when it’s their turn to buy. I can understand his frustrations, he’s wearing Goochie shoes, dodging income tax, but I can’t buy a pint of Fosters. The chorus is really catchy, this one will play really well live. A fave track on the album for me.
You Gotta Move;
Another classic Blues & Gospel to close out the album. A traditional Spiritual. The song came popular with Blues audiences via Mississippi’s Fred McDowell. The most famous versions however must be by The Rolling Stones. A live track on 1970s Get Ye Ya Yas Out, & a featured track on the classic 1971 Sticky Fingers album. The band stay faithful to the Stones version. The Blues feel is perfect, the shouty vocals give the song a real sense of urgency, while still managing to keep that laid-back Blues vibe. Probably the highlight of the album for me, so a great way to close proceedings. The vocalist even has a touch of Mick Jagger on this one. Again, the guitars & Harmonica are enjoyable, up to the final guitar note. Throughout the whole album I’ve enjoying the shouty backing vocals.
Summary
This was a real fun listen. The vocals won’t appeal to everyone, but anyone who’s a fan of Blues &/or Skiffle should check this band out & see what they think. A great mix of styles, with some curve balls thrown in for the song selection. A fun listen.
Bio
The Junco Shakers have honed their craft to perfection, drawing inspiration from legendary blues icons such as Muddy Waters, Lonnie Donegan, and Big Joe Turner. Their music reflects the raw power and emotional depth of these blues greats while infusing it with a contemporary edge that keeps audiences on their feet.
The Junco Shakers have been tearing up stages across the UK, captivating audiences with their irresistible live performances. Their tight-knit musicianship and magnetic chemistry are evident as they effortlessly weave between heart-wrenching blues ballads and foot-stomping rockabilly numbers. Whether they're playing at intimate venues or commanding larger festival stages, The Junco Shakers never fail to leave a lasting impression on their audience.
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