Formed in 1989 as Machines of Loving Grace (named for a Richard Brautigan poem), the original lineup consisted of Scott Benzel (vocals), Stuart Kupers (guitar and bass), and Mike Fisher (keyboards), with Brad Kemp (drums) added shortly thereafter.
Mammoth Records released their demo as the band's label debut without any rerecording in 1991. Their self-titled album Machines of Loving Grace was followed by two EP singles- Rite of Shiva and 1992's Burn Like Brilliant Trash which featured Trent Reznor remixes.
Two years later, the band released Concentration. It continued their signature sound, but was more refined in the combination of beat- and bass-heavy riffs, with hard edged guitar. With the release of two videos, the band was able to get national-level MTV airplay, and join in the industrial rock wave that was ushered in by Nine Inch Nails.
1994 saw a new song by the band, Golgotha Tenement Blues featured on the soundtrack to The Crow.
In 1995, Machines of Loving Grace released their third album, Gilt. This record was marked by an increased guitar presence. New band members included David Suycott (formerly of Stabbing Westward and Spies Who Surf) on drums, Ray Riendeau (bass) and Tom Coffen (guitar).
The song Richest Junkie Still Alive was included on the soundtrack to Hackers. The song Tryst was released on the ill-fated MegaMan Soundtrack. Furthermore, various mixes of three of their songs—Perfect Tan, Butterfly Wings, and Lilith/Eve—were featured on the '95 horror Devour. Butterfly Wings was also featured on the television show Due South, in the episodes Chicago Holiday and Flashback.
In 1997, the band was working on a new record, but before it was completed the band broke up. This was precipitated by trouble at the label, and Benzel's desire to work on other projects, among other reasons. A new album was to be called Love Scenes at the Slave Market, but after a fruitless search for a label (Mammoth was in the process of being sold), the project was abandoned.
As of 2006, Benzel is involved with an electronic band called Soulo. Mike Fisher is currently with Amish Rake Fight.
In 2008, Butterfly Wings from 1993's Concentration was featured on the soundtrack of the motion picture Punisher: War Zone.
Previous Members:
Scott Benzel: vocals (1989-1997)
Stuart Kupers: guitar and bass (1989-1995)
Mike Fisher: keyboards (1989-1995)
Brad Kemp: drums (1989-1995)
Ray Riendeau: bass (1995-1997)
David Suycott: drums (1995-1997)
Kevin Doc Sullivan: keyboards (1995-1997)
Discography:
Studio Albums
1991 - Machines of Loving Grace
1993 - Concentration
1995 - Gilt
Remix EPs
1991 - Rite of Shiva
1992 - Burn Like Brilliant Trash
Singles
1991-1992
-- X-Insurrection
-- Rite of Shiva
-- Burn Like Brilliant Trash
1993
-- Perfect Tan (Bikini Atoll)
-- Butterfly Wings
-- If I Should Explode
1994
-- Golgotha Tenement Blues
1995-1996
-- Richest Junkie Still Alive
-- Suicide King
Shake
Machines of Loving Grace Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shake like the fire in me
I lost my mind
Shake on a handshake deal
Sit back and watch them steal
I lost my mind
The newborn serpent speaks
Lost my lost my mind
Shake 'em down to where the fire of hell surrounds
And we've destroyed the underground
Because we're trying to find that sound
Shake like the junkie sleeps
Shake like the fire in me
I lost my mind
I got me a handshake deal
I bend down and I learn to kneel
I lost my mind
Shake em down to where the fire surrounds
And we've destroyed the underground
Because we're looking to find that sound
America in overdrive
America O.D.
America never fucking meant that much to me
With its handshake massacre of porn queen dreams
Meet the man that feeds the fire that fuels the salt machine
The opening lines of "Shake" suggest a state of being that is both vulnerable and raw, as the experience of a newborn could be said to be. The image of the singer shaking like a newborn in sleep is especially striking because it incorporates both the sense of tremor and the idea of being physically helpless. This is juxtaposed with the second line, where the singer describes shaking like fire, which connotes something aggressive and uncontrollable. The dichotomy between these two states of being - vulnerable and fierce - is highlighted in the chorus, which emphasizes the loss of the singer's mind.
In the second verse, the singer uses the phrase "handshake deal" to suggest a kind of informal agreement or arrangement, one that may not be entirely trustworthy. The line "Sit back and watch them steal" reinforces the sense of betrayal or corruption that is hinted at here. The chorus repeats the same lines as before, with the added detail that the singer is automatically triggered in times of danger, which suggests a heightened sense of vigilance or paranoia.
The final verse of the song provides a broader commentary on American culture, with references to "America in overdrive" and "America O.D." The image of the "handshake massacre of porn queen dreams" is especially resonant, as it suggests a violent and exploitative underbelly to the American dream. The singer seems to suggest that they have lost faith in the country or its values, as they declare that it "never fucking meant that much to me." Overall, "Shake" is a powerful and evocative song that raises questions about identity, trust, and the human ability to withstand adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Shake like the newborn sleep
Tremble like the peaceful and innocent sleep of a newborn baby, indicating a sense of vulnerability and fragility.
Shake like the fire in me
Shake with the intensity of the fire that burns fiercely within one's soul.
I lost my mind
The singer is expressing a state of confusion or madness, suggesting that their grip on reality is tenuous.
Shake on a handshake deal
Tremble with the uncertainty and lack of trust that comes with making a deal with just a handshake, rather than a written agreement.
Sit back and watch them steal
Instead of taking action or standing up for themselves, the artist is resigned to watching others take advantage of them and steal from them.
Automatically triggered in times of danger
A reflexive response to danger, suggesting a fight or flight instinct that kicks in without conscious thought.
The newborn serpent speaks
A reference to the Garden of Eden story, where the serpent (often depicted as a symbol of evil) tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. The line could suggest a warning or temptation that comes unexpectedly from a seemingly innocent source.
Shake 'em down to where the fire of hell surrounds
An aggressive stance, suggesting a desire to take control and force others into submission with the threat of hellish punishment.
And we've destroyed the underground
The artist is part of a movement or rebellion that seeks to overthrow the existing order and create something new in its place (the underground could refer to anything from the music industry to society at large).
Because we're trying to find that sound
Despite the destruction and chaos that is being wrought, there is a sense of purpose and direction to the artist's actions - they are seeking to find something of value, whether that be a literal sound or something more abstract.
Shake like the junkie sleeps
Tremble with the restless, feverish energy of a drug addict who is desperate for their next fix.
I got me a handshake deal
The artist has made a deal with someone (presumably of questionable character) that is not legally binding and could lead to trouble down the line.
I bend down and I learn to kneel
The singer is submitting to the will of another, acknowledging their authority or power over them.
America in overdrive
A commentary on the frenetic pace of American society, with its emphasis on productivity and consumption.
America O.D.
A reference to drug overdose, suggesting that America is addicted to something (the singer could be implying that this addiction is to consumerism or power).
America never fucking meant that much to me
The artist is expressing disillusionment or dissatisfaction with America, implying that they do not share the same values or ideals as the mainstream culture.
With its handshake massacre of porn queen dreams
A critique of the entertainment industry and its exploitation of women, especially those who are seen as sexual objects rather than human beings.
Meet the man that feeds the fire that fuels the salt machine
Introducing a person who is responsible for perpetuating the vicious cycle of greed and exploitation that drives society forward, and suggesting that they are motivated by a desire for power or money.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Y, ARMANDO CHRISTIAN PEREZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind