This is an awesome record. You probably know Jay Ferguson for his Thunder Island hit song. But the one I like best of his is Shake Down Cruise. It was produced by Bill Szymczyk. Joe Vitale drums on it - that must be the Eagles - Joe Walsh - Bill Szymczyk connection. It must be because I am a Pieces that I love this Shake Down Cruise tune - the water, the sailing. A dear music pal of mine - the esteemed Radio Dave is know for assembling topical theme compilations disks for friends. If you just had a baby - you'd get 3-CD set with all the "baby" songs on it. Like food? You'd get 4 disks with all the Cheeseburger in Paradise types songs on it. I told him about a live- aboard sailing and SCUBA trip I was going on out of Bimini a few year ago and he gave me the awesome his 5-disk sailing song packet. He's the ultimate expert - but I had to nicely let him know that Shakedown Cruise was missing on that compilation. Not at all a slam at you, Dave - but I thought it was cool of me to know of one that he missed. That just never happens - he's too good. Click the post title for a real nice cover version of this great song.
I'd forgotten about "Shakedown Cruise"! Back in the 70's, Andy & I drove to St. Louis for a Styx concert, at which JF was the opening act. "Thunder Island" was the highlight back then and, as you note, remains the primary hit, so it is good to remember "Shakedown Cruise" as well!
ReplyDeleteSpencer
I was going to say the same thing as Spencer (about the December 1977 concert). I had totally forgot this song until I listened to the cover. You are right, it is a good cover. I'd like to hear the album version -- maybe it's time fro another video blog entry!
ReplyDeleteAndy