Grand Funk - Shinin' On [86]

Title: Grand Funk - Shinin' On
Year/Genre/Sub-Genre/City: 1974, Hard Rock, Arena Rock, Flint, Michigan 10/26
Matrix #: SWAE-11278 (Capitol)
Condition: EX (LM) | Members: Mark F (48' - ), Don B (48' - ), Mel S (51' - ), Craig F (48' - ) | Producer: Todd Rundgren
Cultural Facts: [86]

1. The Bassist from 96 Tears: Before Grand Funk, bassist Mel Schacher played with ? and the Mysterians, the Michigan garage band behind "96 Tears." He joined Flint natives Mark Farner and Don Brewer in 1968, and his huge, distorted bass tone became a big part of the band's sound.
2. A Song Written for the Babysitter: "The Loco-Motion," the No. 1 single from this album, was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, who first had their babysitter, Eva Boyd, sing it. As Little Eva she took it to No. 1 in 1962, and Grand Funk took it back to No. 1 twelve years later, one of the rare songs to top the chart for two different artists.
3. Faster Than the Beatles: In 1971 Grand Funk sold out New York's Shea Stadium in about 72 hours, beating the Beatles' sales pace at the same ballpark. Critics hated them, but fans packed stadiums anyway, and by the time they made this record with Todd Rundgren they were one of the biggest touring acts in America.