The Headless Horsemen "Can't Help But Shake" 1987

These were 4 talented young gentlemen out of the ashes of such legendary bands as the Tryfles and Fuzztones. There was no way stopping the Horseman as they did gallop into th ears of unsuspecting world. They all didclaim a united influence of such great combos as the Who, Kinks and Yardbirds. So be preparedas these Horsemen not only want your head, but also your body and your soul. An absolutely much underrated band, who left us an incredible psychedelic document…...From about 1984 till 1986, the major bands on the NY garage scene had no problem headlining the big places. By early 1987, however, most of those bands had dissolved, rarely played, or had relocated. Although The Headless Horsemen never got to headline the kinds of venues that guitarist Elan Portnoy had with The Fuzztones, they were one of the New York scene's top bands from about '86 until the early 90s or so. The Horsemen were four extremely talented musicians joining forces: Peter Stuart was a monster on the bass; Dave Ari (who'd played a bit with his brother, Justin Love/Justin Trouble) was admirable behind the kit, Elan was a phenomenal lead guitarist, and Chris Cush was one of the best rhythm guitarists you could hope to find.
I don't know the truth of the following story, but since she gets a co-writing credit, I'm thinking Elan's then-girlfriend was telling me the real story behind this title. It seems she was on a subway one day when a little boy was jumping around, despite his mom's desperate attempts to corral him. When the exasperated mother told him once again to stop, he replied, "But Mama, I just can't help but shake." The song itself begins with its signature riff chiming in. That intro was enough to set crowds into a frenzy at their live shows. The guitar solo shows that Elan was at least as good as he was in The Fuzztones. The band's vocals also helped quite a bit here, especially when they bring it down. In essence, this was quite the dance floor favorite and you'll likely understand that the moment you hear it. Don't stop with the single, get the whole debut LP, as there's some wonderful material on it.
Elan would briefly play with his brother in The Lone Wolves, then get together with his girlfriend to form The Roamin' Numerals. Chris and Peter went on to form The Bitter Hearts (named, I believe, for a song Peter had written while in The Tryfles). Dave joined up with The Devil Dogs for awhile, then went on to play in a group with his wife. - from:
http://www.powerandvolume.com/ScenesAndZines/garage80s.htm

traxfromwax:
1. Can't Help But Shake 2. Bitter Heart 3. Just Yesterday 4. Her Only Friend 5. I See The Truth 6. It's All Away 7. Same Old Thing 8. Not Today 9. Any Port In A Storm 10. She Knows Who 11. Mojo Item 12. Gotta Be Cool 13. See You Again