ANDY KIM, “Shoot ‘Em Up Baby”
Around 47 years ago at this time, award winning Canadian singer/songwriter Andy Kim had his first charted international hit with “How’d We Ever Get This Way”. Next up was “Shoot ‘Em Up Baby”, which wasn’t quite as big a hit, but one that helped trademark the earnest and likeable sound which got added into the ‘bubblegum’ pop mix of the day, culminating in the #1 song of 1969, the irrepressible “Sugar Sugar” by The Archies, which Andy co-wrote. Andy’s songs were radio staples between 1968 and 1975, including his own #1, “Rock Me Gently”, in 1974. With his first record in almost 5 years called “It’s Decided”, Andy has given “Shoot ‘Em Up Baby” a significant redux as produced by Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene (as a comparison, think Johnny Cash meets Trent Reznor). His new take on the song brings a bolder, sensual, and affecting interpretation with that still-identifiable voice which only sounds somewhat different in his lower register (think Neil Diamond-ish). Its slower melody makes you hang on all of those lyrics that you know in the back of your head but are linked to the original snappy pop tune. The rest of the titles on “It’s Decided”, due on February 24, look like they may be all originals, so “Shoot ‘Em Up Baby” looks like a good place to start to spark your interest in this ambitious project, released through Canada’s noted Arts & Crafts label (Feist, BSS, etc.).
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