The Loco-Motion

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with The Zoo Crew as they spin "The Loco-Motion" by Grand Funk Railroad from their 1974 album Shinin’ On. This track, a cover of the 1962 pop classic by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, became an unexpected hit for the band, topping the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in May 1974. In a Songfacts interview, drummer Don Brewer shared that the song wasn’t originally planned for the album. While working in the studio with producer Todd Rundgren, guitarist Mark Farner playfully started singing, “Everybody’s doing a brand new dance now,” sparking laughter and a spontaneous decision to record it. Rundgren envisioned it as a party anthem, inspired by The Beach Boys’ “Barbara Ann,” with layered harmonies, heavy drums, and amplified handclaps to create a massive, celebratory sound. The band even sent someone to New York to fetch the lyrics, turning a tongue-in-cheek moment into a chart-topping smash.

Another fun tidbit comes from the song’s recording process. Rundgren’s production gave it a hard rock edge, blending Grand Funk’s swagger with the song’s danceable roots. Fans on X have echoed this vibe, with one user, @ravenwing5996, posting in April 2025 that while Little Eva’s original was great, Grand Funk’s version was the best, capturing its raw energy. John Lennon himself praised the track in a 1974 interview, calling it “a great record,” a nod that thrilled the band. However, not all critics were on board—Village Voice’s Nick Catucci later called it “embarrassing” in the 2004 Rolling Stone Album Guide. Despite mixed reviews, the song’s success was undeniable, also hitting number 1 in Canada and number 5 in Australia, proving its universal appeal.

Grand Funk Railroad started in Flint, Michigan, in 1969, born from the ashes of local bands and a shared love for gritty rock and soul. Mark Farner (vocals, guitar), Don Brewer (drums, vocals), and Mel Schacher (bass) came together after Farner and Brewer played in Terry Knight and the Pack, while Schacher honed his chops with ? and the Mysterians. Named after the Grand Trunk Railroad, a railway running through their hometown, the trio quickly built a reputation for high-energy live shows. Their big break came when they played the Atlanta Pop Festival in 1969, catching the eye of Capitol Records. By 1970, they were selling out arenas, including breaking The Beatles’ Shea Stadium attendance record in 1971. Despite critical skepticism, their raw, crowd-pleasing style—fueled by hits like “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)” and later “We’re an American Band”—made them a fan favorite.

The band’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. After early success, they faced creative slumps, but hiring Todd Rundgren as producer in 1973 revitalized their sound, leading to two number 1 singles: “We’re an American Band” and “The Loco-Motion.” Grand Funk disbanded in 1976 but reunited in the 1990s, continuing to tour with some lineup changes. Fans can connect with them on their official website, Facebook, and Instagram. While their official X presence is minimal, fans keep the spirit alive on platforms like the Grand Funk Railroad Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees share memories, bootlegs, and tour stories. For more fan-driven content, check out Rock Reflections, a site with detailed write-ups on tracks like “The Loco-Motion.” So, Zoo Freaks, keep shinin’ on and do the Loco-Motion with The Zoo Crew!