In another dimension far, far away, Roy Loney is a major star, a musician respected for both his seminal efforts and his continuing commitment to the cause. His tenure with the Flamin’ Groovies, a band that helped bridge the divide between ‘60s Brit rock and its retro revival, ought to have assured him enduring homage as a tireless champion of all things tagged rock ‘n’ roll. Too bad then that Loney can’t get his due closer to home. Nearly 30 years after recording his first solo album, Loney still has to eke out attention as best he can. His latest offering, ironically titled Shake It or Leave It, finds him making another bid for long-overdue recognition while reinforcing his mantra as a sort of musical everyman. He shifts his stance adroitly, veering from ‘50s style rockabilly (“Big Time Love,” “Raw Deal,” “Looking For The Body”) and unabashed rockers (“Hey! Now,” “Baby Du Jour”) to bluesy struts (“Don’t Like Nothin’”) and dense psychedelia (“Subterranean Waterfalls”). Not surprisingly, Loney does have his admirers (Jack White and Little Steven among the more prominent) and here, at least two - Scott McCaughey and Bobby Sutliff - add their talents to his backing band. Another in a long series of solid sets from this veteran journeyman, Shake It or Leave It shows Loney isn’t content to simply sit still.
--Lee Zimmerman
