Marseilles

The song Marseilles by Angel City, featured on their 1978 album Face to Face, is a standout track that captures the raw energy of the Australian rock scene. According to a 2023 review on Subjective Sounds, Marseilles is described as a “killer rock and roll tune” that showcases the band’s ability to deliver catchy melodies with hard-hitting instrumentation. The song’s lyrics, as noted on Genius, paint a vivid picture of a romanticized French adventure, with lines like “Bought me a box of French cigars / Bought me a black beret,” evoking a sense of wanderlust and rebellion. In a 2010 interview with musicologist Ian McFarlane, cited in Wikipedia, the band highlighted how the Face to Face album, including tracks like Marseilles, marked a “watershed” moment, blending punk and metal influences that resonated with their growing fanbase. Fans on platforms like Last.fm have praised the song’s driving rhythm and its ability to capture the band’s theatrical live energy, making it a staple for Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO.

Marseilles also holds a special place in the band’s live performances. During their exhaustive touring in the late 1970s, as documented by Ed Nimmervoll on the Howlspace website, the band’s lead singer, Doc Neeson, was known for his manic stage presence, which brought songs like Marseilles to life. A fan story shared on the official Angels Facebook page in 2020 recounted a 1978 Sydney gig where Neeson leaped into the crowd during the song’s guitar solo, creating a chaotic, unforgettable moment for attendees. The track’s production, co-helmed by the band and Mark Opitz, was lauded for its raw power, with Opitz later noting in a 2018 Wikipedia entry that the album’s sound was a deliberate push to capture the band’s live intensity. For the Zoo Crew, spinning Marseilles is a nod to this high-octane era of rock, perfect for their hippie DJ vibe and the eclectic tastes of their Zoo Freak listeners.

Angel City, known in Australia as The Angels, began their journey in Adelaide in 1974, formed by brothers Rick and John Brewster. According to their official website, the band started as a pub rock outfit, playing covers and original songs in local bars. Their early gigs, as detailed in a Wikipedia bio, were fueled by a desire to channel the raw energy of bands like AC/DC while carving out their own punk-infused sound. By 1976, they released their debut single, Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again, which laid the groundwork for their breakthrough with Face to Face. The band’s theatrical flair, led by frontman Doc Neeson, earned them a loyal following, with their relentless touring schedule building a “generation of loyal fans,” as noted by Nimmervoll. Their evolution from pub stages to national stardom was marked by a commitment to high-energy performances, a trait that still defines their legacy.

Fans can connect with Angel City through their official website, which offers tour updates and merch, or follow their Facebook page for news and fan interactions. Their Instagram account shares throwback photos and live performance clips, while their X profile keeps Zoo Freaks in the loop with real-time updates. For deeper fan engagement, the Angels Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant community where supporters share memories, rare photos, and concert experiences. Additionally, the fan-run site Last.fm provides a space for listeners to explore the band’s discography and connect over tracks like Marseilles. The Zoo Crew’s choice to spin this song ties perfectly into the band’s enduring appeal, bridging their 1970s roots with the free-spirited vibe of THE ZOO’s audience.