Zebra is one of the great underrated bands of the 80's. Randy Jackson (lead vocals, guitars, synthesizers, piano), Felix Hanemann (bass, keyboards, backing vocals) and Guy Gelso (percussion, backing vocals) formed Zebra in 1975 in New Orleans before moving to Long Island. They were originally a cover band, playing rock with a prog rock bent from groups like Led Zeppelin, Yes, and Jethro Tull. The band took the name Zebra after seeing a Vogue magazine cover featuring a model riding a zebra.
It would be eight years from their founding before this eponymously named album would be their debut. Zebra the album would become one of the fastest selling debut albums in Atlantic's catalogue, peaking at number 29. Jackson's high vocals paired with both acoustic and electric guitars, supplemented with synthesizers and special effects would create a commercial success straddling the hard rock and prog rock genres.
Unfortunately, their debut album would also be their high water mark. Zebra would produce a follow-up album which would hit the charts at number 84, then two more which would not chart. Zebra took a brief hiatus in the early 90's, but the power trio would get back together and are still touring as of this podcast.
Rob brings us this album.
Who's Behind the Door
This single hit number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 10 on the US Rock charts. The lyrics question death and what may lie beyond. It starts with an amazing 12-string acoustic riff and ends with an epic space-aged wall of sound. Jackson's high tenor parts are prominent.
When You Get There
This deeper cut takes a humorous approach to infidelity and a one-night stand. “You wake up in the morning and you’re not feeling quite the same. You feel a gentle hand upon you, but you seem to have forgotten her name.”
The La-La Song
This song goes back many years to their touring days. It has a distinctive prog rock feel.
Tell Me What You Want
In our minds, this opening track from the album is reminiscent of the Alan Parson's Project or Def Leppard. Its minor key and angst-filled lyrics depict the struggles a boy has with a girl to whom he gives everything and finds it is not enough.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Maniac by Michael Sembello (from the motion picture “Flashdance”)
This dance movie starring Jennifer Beals hit the screen in 1983.
STAFF PICKS:
Never Gonna Let You Go by Sergio Mendes
Bruce starts off the staff picks with a ballad that Rick Beato calls "the most complex pop song of all time." Originally written in 1982 by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann and recorded by Dionne Warwick, there are 7 key changes by the time the chorus is reached. Sergio Mendes would take this song to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey
Brian brings us the first single off the "Frontiers" album. It is a break-up song written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry while they were on the road. It was inspired by band members going through difficult divorces, and was premiered during the "Escape" tour. The video...well, it leaves something to be desired.
Say What You Will by Fastway
Wayne rocks out with a one-hit wonder from their debut self-titled album. Fastway is a heavy metal band from Britain, and band members have connections to Motorhead and UFO. The name comes from the combination of guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke and bassist Pete Way. Dave King is on lead, and would move on to the Irish band Flogging Molly.
True by Spandau Ballet
Rob's staff pick is a staple of the 80's. PM Dawn sampled this song, and gave the original a second life. The lyrics were written as a tribute to Marvin Gaye - "Listen to Marvin all night long. This is the sound of my soul." This was the 6th biggest selling single of 1983 and Spandau Ballet's biggest hit.
COMEDY TRACK:
Intro to Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
The third Monty Python motion picture “The Meaning of Life” is great just because it had something to offend everyone.
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