Archie Bell and the Drells’ 1968 hit “Tighten Up” is one of a long line of American popular songs built around a dance. There are few lyrics beyond Bell’s cajoling the band and the dancers (you!). He does claim at the beginning of the song that “we dance just about as good as we walk,” which is a pretty transporting possibility when you think about it. Apparently, Bell fought in Vietnam while the song was climbing the charts, and could only come back to tour with the band after having been shot in the leg. That’s some rich irony to live, and sing. In these “tough economic times,” we need his simple, easy-to-follow advice… and all the better if it comes with some heavy Texas soul music… Bon appetite…
