"Shake 'Em on Down" is a signature track in the repertoire of Mississippi Hill Country bluesman R. L. Burnside. He recorded the song multiple times throughout his career, with notable versions appearing on albums such as Too Bad Jim (1994), A Ass Pocket of Whiskey (1996), and A Bothered Mind (2004)123.
Musical Style and Performance
- Hill Country Blues:
Burnside’s version of "Shake 'Em on Down" exemplifies the hypnotic, driving rhythms and raw energy of North Mississippi Hill Country blues. Unlike the more chord-driven Delta blues, Burnside’s style relies on repetitive, groove-based guitar riffs, minimal chord changes, and a trance-like feel43. - Band Arrangements:
While Burnside often performed the song solo in his early years, his later recordings—especially with his grandson Cedric Burnside (drums) and Kenny Brown (guitar)—feature a full band sound with stomping beats, stinging slide guitar, and a churning, relentless groove3. The track is often described as a "freight train of a song," capable of locking into a tight groove that could roll on endlessly3. - Live Energy:
In live settings, "Shake 'Em on Down" was a staple opener, setting the tone with its electrifying, propulsive rhythm and Burnside’s gritty vocals3.
Song Origins and Legacy
- Blues Standard:
"Shake 'Em on Down" was originally written and recorded by Bukka White in 1937 and has become a blues standard, covered by many artists. Burnside’s interpretation, however, is distinctive for its stripped-down, rhythmic intensity and his signature vocal delivery4. - Album Appearances:
The song appears on several of Burnside’s key albums, including:- Too Bad Jim (1994)
- A Ass Pocket of Whiskey (1996), recorded with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion1
- A Bothered Mind (2004), his final studio album2
- Critical Reception:
Critics consistently praise Burnside’s version for its authenticity, energy, and the way it turns heartache and hardship into an expression of joy and vitality3.
Conclusion
R. L. Burnside’s "Shake 'Em on Down" is a quintessential example of Hill Country blues—raw, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in tradition, yet delivered with a modern, electrifying edge. Through countless performances and recordings, Burnside made the song his own, ensuring its place as a staple of contemporary blues and a testament to his enduring influence123.
