Scarlet: The Old Waldorf August 1979
Liberation Hall, 2024
8/10
Listen to Scarlet: The Old Waldorf August 1979
An outfit spearheaded by the singer/songwriter Fabienne Shine, Shakin’ Street become an underground favorite in San Francisco (their adopted home) in the ‘70s and ‘80s. This recording was captured when they were opening for the Jim Carroll Band and catches the French band very much thriving.
“Solid As A Rock” gets the set off to an energetic start, where Jean-Lou Kalinowski’s hard hitting drums are met with harmonic vocals, as a bouncy spirit unfolds with a proto-punk feel, and “Soul Dealer” follows with gritty melodies that benefit from Shine’s distinct singing amid the buzzing guitars from Ross “The Boss” Friedman and Eric Levi.
Further into the set, “Blues Is The Same” welcomes harmonica to the spirited climate that builds into thickly layered, bluesy ideas and a bit of furiousness, while “Suzie Wong” carries plenty of tuneful, rock’n’roll spirit via the pretty singing and Mike Winter’s rugged bass playing.
Arriving close to the end, “No Compromise” allows the animated rhythm section to shine, as well as Shine’s diverse pipes, and “Vampire Rock” exits with abrasive drums, swirling guitars and a charged mood that showcases the yelped singing.
Although they never did achieve much mainstream success, Shakin’ Street opened for legends like The Damned, Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult. This recording was laid down just before their sophomore album arrived, and it certainly documents Shakin’ Street’s under appreciated take on rock’n’roll.
Travels well with: Lloyds- Attitude Check; The Blasters- Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters