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U Gotta Shake Something (yes, again) I realize many a thread has been created in this songs honor, but I've read thru them all, and there where just a few points/questions I hadn't seen addressed in those previous threads. First, I should have my Loyal Royal card suspended due to the fact I am LATE in discovering this track! WOW! I haven't been able to stop playing it since I realized it was in my Prince iVault collection. STOOPIT MONSTER JAM!!! I read in one of the other threads that P was a lil tipsy on wine whilst recording this. The orger SquirellGrease said something to the effect of 'Prince needs to get loopy more', and I agree. Full of mistakes, if such a word can be used when describing a jam session, this piece is as loose and fun as I've EVER heard him! That said, I had some questions I was hoping some deeper heads could help clear up... Firstly, I couldn't help but wonder who the DJ announcing the song at the beginning was. Considering the personnel for the song was P, Sheila, Levi, and Eric, I assumed (correctly) it was Eric because of the "White" tone of voice, as bigoted as that may sound. But then I was like 'nah, Eric looks like he would have a cooler, deeper voice. I was wrong/right. HA! I also thought it was pretty dope that this song referenced the term "alternative music" years before it became a catch all phrase to describe a sub-genre of rock music. http://www.princevault.co..._Something Second, I couldn't help think how P must've just got hipped to, or was listening to James White and the Blacks (here with the August Darnell aka Kid Creole remix of "Contort Yourself" http://m.youtube.com/watc...0V3fzHnNw) before hitting record as he accidentally calls out "Jimmy Black and the Whites" before catching himself a couple measures later and calling out "Jimmy White and the Blacks", complete with a "Housequake"-like "DAMN!" after realizing he got it mixed up. Next, is anybody aware of the hangers-on in the studio for this session? I ask because I'm wondering if "the girl over there with the polka-dot dress on" he's referring to is Susannah. If so, was he "dating" Sheila at the time too? Because, I mean, COME ON, that is way too pimpish. And I don't say that to glorify Prince's infidelity, but the dude had balls. Also, in the same vein, who's Sammy? Is that just character made up a la "serve it up Frankie"? Or Alfred on "Cloreen Bacon Skin"? Or Penguin on "Housequake", whom I just found out is an actual stuffed penguin that was laying around Sunset Sound studios. I also love the cues Prince gives his band on this joint. For instance, when he wants Sheila to tap her ride cymbal, he calls out "looks like rain". And again, when he calls out "I wanna hear some red drums" (murder drums, as in kill it?), Sheila drops this redonkulous beat that kills me every time! And when he calls out for Levi 8 measures later, forget about it. Even Prince seems to be incredulous by the funkiness of his own band! Love it! To further prove that point, when stops to tune his guitar, plays a lick, Eric picks it up next measure, then Levi the one after that, and it's almost too much for Prince to take! "Can't nobody fuck with us tonight!" This break was the inspiration for my remix of David Bowie's "Let's Dance". https://soundcloud.com/gn...avid-bowie Shameless self-promotion aside, the humor on this off the chain! "Something for all the White people" still makes me laugh out loud every time I hear it. Again, here's Prince setting pop-culture precedence by insinuating White folks can only be moved by the persuasive power of the electric guitar, beating Dave Chapelle to the punch by damn near 20 years. http://vimeo.com/96159821 Also, in what I think is Prince's only reference to the PMRC hearings, he says "Washington wives, you can't fuck with us". Nice shot, but on a side note, how amazing would it have been if Prince (or a rep from the Purple Camp) actually attended these hearings. Oh well, par for the Purple course. Lastly, I love how P doesn't know what the hell he's gonna rap when he gets to the "I can't make up my mind" part, so decides to "fade the shit out". I swear I can hear him and Levi laughing! Too funny! Anyway, what say you Org? I'm sure I got some shit wrong, so hit me what you got. Peace. | |
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(U are listening 2 W.O.O.L., your alternative music station) If U decide 2 get in a key, it's E-flat Grace (Here's the brand new one by The Flesh, "U Gotta Shake Something") 4 love U gotta shake something, what U got 2 lose? What U got 2 lose? U gotta shake something, what U got 2 lose? U gotta shake something, what U gonna do? Yeah {x2} Blow Eric, huh! Ow! Uh, damn! Jimmy Black & The Whites U gotta shake something, what U gonna do? Yeah Jimmy White & The Blacks Damn! Something Blow Eric, come on, don't stop, say "Uh!" U gotta shake something, uh U gotta.. U gotta.. U gotta.. U gotta shake something (something) If your pants' 2 tight (They're far 2 tight) Shake it with us 2night (Shake it, baby {x3}) Hey, U gotta shake something (something, baby) Ow! U gotta shake (U gotta shake) (If U feel all tight, I feel alright) Go go, huh U gotta shake Drop out the bass U gotta shake Levi, get up, I wanna say, I wanna say "Uh!" U gotta shake something ... uh! U gotta shake something (something) If, ha, if your pants' 2 tight (U gotta shake something ... uh!) Shake it with us 2night (U gotta shake something ... uh!) U gotta shake something {x2} (Baby), U gotta shake something What's the matter, honey, U tired? U gotta shake something, hey! U gotta Levi, stop! Everybody, B-flat, come on U gotta shake something Go back B-flat, come on, I say "Uh!" U're not sexy, get out o' my house Get out o' my house Levi, stop! Everybody, B-flat, come on, say.. U gotta shake something ... uh U gotta shake something B-flat, huh, come on (Uh) I gotta stop and tune the guitar Yeah, ha ha U can't fuck with us 2night U gotta shake something Yeehaw! Go back E-flat, come on, don't... See the girl over there Polka dot dress on, yeah It don't matter, no care I put the.. U got the sexy gown, yeah Can I get up under that dress, honey? Shake something (Hey, come on, wait a minute) U know I feel alright U gotta, gotta shake something 2night, 2night (Shake it then, honey, shake it, good God, huh) U're gonna be alright I won't do U no wrong Eric, blow! Ow! Looka here Looks like rain, come on (Shake) {repeat in BG} Go go, uh U got any old James Brown records? U gotta shake something in here (Sing, ha) U can't fuck with us {x2} Sing Uh, ha, U can't fuck with us {repeat in BG} U gotta shake something U got any old Otis Redding records? U know what I'm talking about Huh, hey! Red drums set up in this ... ow! Drop out the bass, Levi, stop! B-flat, uh (Shake) {repeat in BG} Go go, uh Eric, stop! Uh That's the way 2 say it: Uh! Eric, blow! Uh It's alright Levi? Why'd U stop Levi, why'd U stop, come on, uh! (Shake, shake shake shake) {repeat in BG} I wanna hear some Red drums in here Ow! Jungle love, yeah, when I gotta love, yeah Levi, go go Fellas, uh, U can't fuck with us {repeat in BG} On the 1 1 time, huh {x2} Hold it, stop stop Levi 2 times, huh Ow, good God! (Shake) {repeat in BG} Levi, U know U will have 2 excuse me, we just bought a new car Oh, we just bought a used car Don't laugh U can't fuck with us Something 4 all the white peoples (Shake, shake shake shake) {repeat in BG to the end} What key we in? OK Baby, when we start 2 sweat Baby, U ain't seen nothin' yet I got big ol' biceps and a sexy ass U can't fuck with me, mama, I'll break your glass eye Alright, Sammy, good God Feel the funk U know what I'm talkin' about Sammy (Shake, U gotta shake something) {repeat in BG to the end} U ever seen a black man play guitar with no clothes on? I ain't bullshittin', uh U can't fuck with us Washington wives, U can't fuck with us Sometime, sometime, sometime I can't.. I can't.. I can't make up my mind (I love it) I'll say whatever I want 2 U can't fuck with me, no Ride, honey, ride, honey Levi, stop! Fade this shit out, we gotta 2 get the.. Fade this shit out, come on Cole, shit U can't fuck with us I'm afraid, U know, U can't fuck with us | |
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I recently discovered this gem too. It's been on constant rotation since. Too funky. [Edited 1/10/15 6:33am] |
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As soon as I heard that track around 2000, 2001, it became part of my Friday night ritual and I'd often exercise to it because it goes on and on yet stays fresh to the very end.
I read somewhere it was something they recorded after Prince had a few glasses of wine and was in an extra good mood. It sounds so live I was surprised when I realized it wasn't a track straight from a live boot.
No idea if it's really Eric or not or any of your polka dot related questions. all we know is that he could have had an harem.
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don't have it playing right now, but doesn't he say "crazy"? not "grace". My art book: http://www.lulu.com/spotl...ecomicskid
VIDEO WORK: http://sharadkantpatel.com MUSIC: https://soundcloud.com/ufoclub1977 | |
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Hey Cocorock, I really enjoyed reading your post. I had not heard of this song before so I very much appreciate the description and commentary you provided along with your thoughts on the track. I also enjoyed reading through the lyrics you courteously supplied. My favorite line: "U ever seen a black man play guitar with no clothes on?" That had me crackin' UP when I read it LOL.
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Regarding your question about who is Sammy, I'm thinking Prince must be referring to African-American, Jewish entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr. (dancer, singer, actor--starred in the original Ocean's 11 film in 1960 with the rest of the Rat Pack) who helped break color barriers in entertainment. Davis lost an eye in a car accident in 1954 and had it replaced with a glass eye, which he wore for the rest of his life (1925-1990).
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U can't fuck with me, mama, I'll break your glass eye
Alright, Sammy, good God Feel the funk U know what I'm talkin' about Sammy .
Here's how I interpret the tone and meaning of the above lyrics. Prince, coming off of his massive commercial success and cultural coup with the Purple Rain film and album, and playing a significant role along with Michael Jackson in breaking down the color barriers on radio and MTV in the '80s (waaaaaay back when Music Television actually used to play music videos, and reality show meant turning OFF the TV--sorry, I'm venting), seems to be talking smack here, in a toungue-in-cheek kind of way, to a fellow African-American triple-threat (dancer, singer, actor) not of his generation, but whom he probably felt a great respect for. More likely, I'm reading way too much into the words.
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Poplife88 said: I recently discovered this gem too. It's been on constant rotation since. Too funky. [Edited 1/10/15 6:33am]  | |
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Aerogram said: As soon as I heard that track around 2000, 2001, it became part of my Friday night ritual and I'd often exercise to it because it goes on and on yet stays fresh to the very end.
I read somewhere it was something they recorded after Prince had a few glasses of wine and was in an extra good mood. It sounds so live I was surprised when I realized it wasn't a track straight from a live boot.
No idea if it's really Eric or not or any of your polka dot related questions. all we know is that he could have had an harem.
Yeah, the audience overdubs give it that live feel. I've heard it compared to "It's Gonna Be A Beautiful Night", and understandably so. Sheila's drums sound pitched JUST like the drums on IGBABN, it's pretty much the same tempo, and then when you add the overdubs, you pretty much have the blueprint for that SOTT classic. And stop bullshittin'! Prince DID have a harem!  | |
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ufoclub said:
don't have it playing right now, but doesn't he say "crazy"? not "grace". I'll be willing to bet cash money P says "Grace". (see what I just did there?)  It coincides with a couple other tracks where "she" is mentioned, including her own b-side... http://www.princevault.co....php/Grace | |
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Bluu said:
Hey Cocorock, I really enjoyed reading your post. I had not heard of this song before so I very much appreciate the description and commentary you provided along with your thoughts on the track. I also enjoyed reading through the lyrics you courteously supplied. My favorite line: "U ever seen a black man play guitar with no clothes on?" That had me crackin' UP when I read it LOL. . Regarding your question about who is Sammy, I'm thinking Prince must be referring to African-American, Jewish entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr. (dancer, singer, actor--starred in the original Ocean's 11 film in 1960 with the rest of the Rat Pack) who helped break color barriers in entertainment. Davis lost an eye in a car accident in 1954 and had it replaced with a glass eye, which he wore for the rest of his life (1925-1990). . U can't fuck with me, mama, I'll break your glass eye Alright, Sammy, good God Feel the funk U know what I'm talkin' about Sammy . Here's how I interpret the tone and meaning of the above lyrics. Prince, coming off of his massive commercial success and cultural coup with the Purple Rain film and album, and playing a significant role along with Michael Jackson in breaking down the color barriers on radio and MTV in the '80s (waaaaay back when Music Television actually used to play music videos, and reality show meant turning OFF the TV--sorry, I'm venting), seems to be talking smack here, in a toungue-in-cheek kind of way, to a fellow African-American triple-threat (dancer, singer, actor) not of his generation, but whom he probably felt a great respect for. More likely, I'm reading way too much into the words.
 Oh Schnaaps! That could actually make sense with Prince's sick humor! A bit reachy, but I'll take it! | |
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And thanks for reading, Bluu!  | |
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Hi CocoRock
I was late to this one too. This & Databank always get me moving & one play is never enough. Interesting about the stuffed penguin, first time hearing that. I always thought it was Eric playing the DJ , sure I read somewhere it was. I think Bluu is right about Sammy Davis, what with the glass eye & all that. [Edited 1/13/15 23:35pm] "We just let people talk & say whatever they want 2 say. 9 times out of 10, trust me, what's out there now, I wouldn't give nary one of these folks the time of day. That's why I don't say anything back, because there's so much that's wrong" - P, Dec '15 | |
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NinaB said: Hi CocoRock I was late to this one too. This & Databank always get me moving & one play is never enough. Interesting about the stuffed penguin, first time hearing that. I always thought it was Eric playing the DJ , sure I read somewhere it was. I think Bluu is right about Sammy Davis, what with the glass eye & all that. [Edited 1/13/15 23:35pm] YES! These two, along with few other unreleased goodies comprise my "JAM" playlist. | |
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Funny I don't have as much love in my heart for IGABN than I do for this song, but I appreciate it more now than I did back then. These two are basically descendants of DMSR, especially the way he was performing the song live with real horns around that time. The Small Club version of DMSR goes well with YGSS, had a cd with all the major Prince "party" jams performed live, and this song was on it because I didn't realize it was a studio track. | |
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It's okay. Seems like it starts to drag right around 13:34. Prob could use an edit or something. | |
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You are so right that this is an amazing track to get ready to go out with. Just so relaxed and funky, like some party that you just know is going to be awesome and last all night. The track feels so relaxed, so classic Prince, a secret after-party of funk!
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I kinda feel the same way. I used to LOVE IGBABN, but after hearing this as it's predecessor of sorts, it kinda took the wind out the sails for "Beautiful Night". Still one of my faves, but UGSS is killing everything right now. | |
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Fair enough. I think Prince knew it too.
But 13:34 is still pretty good! | |
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Also, for the record, I didn't personally transcribe those lyrics. I neglected to popst the link, but | |
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