I Know What You're Sayin' (KZEW Broadcast Live 1975)

The song "I Know What You're Sayin'" by Shotgun, performed live on the KZEW Broadcast in 1975, is a gritty, groove-laden track that captures the raw energy of Dallas’ mid-70s rock scene. Featured on the album Dallasian Rock, this song showcases the band’s ability to blend hard rock with boogie rhythms, drawing comparisons to Grand Funk Railroad and Deep Purple. According to a retrospective review on Plain and Fancy, the live rendition of this track, recorded at KZEW FM in 1976, highlights guitarist John Michael Soria’s scalding riffs and solos, making it a standout for its infectious energy and tight performance. The song’s lyrics, credited to drummer Guy Houston and Soria, reflect a conversational swagger, resonating with the Zoo Freaks’ free-spirited vibe. Though no specific interviews or social media posts from the band directly discuss this track, its inclusion in the 1976 live broadcast underscores its role as a fan favorite during Shotgun’s peak, often played to raucous club crowds across Dallas.

Shotgun’s origins trace back to the early 1970s in Dallas, Texas, where drummer Guy Houston and guitarist John Michael Soria formed the core of the band. Joined by vocalist Billy Metcalf, keyboardist Russ Skarsten, and a rotating lineup of bassists—Hugh Coleman, Bill Randolf, and Charlie Stephens—the band quickly built a reputation on the local club circuit. As detailed on johnkatsmc5, Shotgun’s sound was shaped by the era’s hard rock and southern boogie influences, channeling bands like Led Zeppelin and the James Gang. Their relentless gigging and appearances on KZEW’s Homegrown show helped them amass a loyal following, though mainstream success remained elusive. By the late 1970s, despite recording in top Dallas studios, the band transitioned into VIZION, which released an album in 1980 featuring Jan Houston on vocals. In 2006, singer Chelsey Austin collaborated with Guy Houston to release Shotgun Revisited, a remixed collection of the band’s classic tracks, available on CDBaby.

Fans of Shotgun can explore the band’s legacy through their official Bandcamp page, which serves as the primary hub for digital downloads of their music, including tracks from Dallasian Rock. While the band does not maintain active social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, or X, their music continues to be celebrated by niche communities. The blog johnkatsmc5 is a treasure trove for fans, offering detailed posts about the band’s discography and history. Additionally, Plain and Fancy provides in-depth reviews and track-by-track analysis, fostering a space for enthusiasts to discuss Shotgun’s contributions to Texas rock. No dedicated Facebook groups for Shotgun were found, but fans often share memories of the band’s club days in broader classic rock communities online.