I Got My Eyes On You (Live 2005)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the soulful sounds of "I Got My Eyes On You (Live 2005)" by Arc Angels from their album Living in a Dream for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, captured live at Stubb’s Amphitheatre in Austin, Texas, in March 2005, crackles with raw energy and showcases the band’s signature blues-rock swagger. According to a review on jambands.com, the live performance highlights the dynamic interplay between Doyle Bramhall II and Charlie Sexton, with their “cool swagger and nasty guitars” driving the song’s infectious vibe. The recording captures a moment from the band’s brief reunion, a rare treat for fans, as the group disbanded shortly after their 1992 debut due to internal conflicts.

Digging into the song’s trivia, "I Got My Eyes On You" isn’t explicitly detailed in interviews, but the Living in a Dream album, which includes this live cut, is celebrated for its fidelity to the band’s original sound. A fan on Amazon raved that the live tracks, including this one, are “surprisingly close to the originals,” with pristine sound quality where “each member is heard clearly.” The song itself, with its sultry rhythm and pleading vocals, likely channels the band’s knack for blending Texas blues with heartfelt emotion, a hallmark of their early work. The 2005 Stubb’s performance also inspired some studio sessions, resulting in a bonus disc of new tracks included with the album, hinting at the creative spark that still burned during this reunion.

Arc Angels formed in Austin, Texas, in the early 1990s, rising from the ashes of tragedy after the death of blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1990. The band was a supergroup of sorts, featuring Vaughan’s rhythm section from Double Trouble—drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon—alongside young guitar virtuosos Doyle Bramhall II and Charlie Sexton. According to jambands.com, the group came together as Layton and Shannon sought solace in music, jamming with Bramhall and Sexton at the Austin Rehearsal Complex (hence the “Arc” in their name). Their self-titled debut album in 1992 was a hit, blending blues, rock, and southern soul, but internal struggles led to their breakup a year later. Despite the split, the members kept crossing paths, leading to the 2005 reunion that produced the live recording of "I Got My Eyes On You."

The band’s journey began with each member bringing a rich musical heritage. Doyle Bramhall II, a second-generation bluesman, grew up steeped in Texas music, influenced by his father’s work with legends like Freddie King. Charlie Sexton, a prodigy who’d already toured with Bob Dylan by his teens, brought a fiery, eclectic edge. Layton and Shannon, seasoned by years backing Vaughan, provided a rock-solid foundation. Their chemistry was electric, as noted by a fan on Amazon, who described the “magical musical sparks” between Sexton and Bramhall. Though their time together was brief, Arc Angels left a lasting mark on the blues-rock scene, with their live performances, like the 2005 Stubb’s show, still celebrated by fans.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Arc Angels, check out their official website at arcangelsmusic.com. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates, though their X presence is quieter these days. Fans gather at places like the Arc Angels Fans Facebook group, where devotees share memories and news. While there aren’t many dedicated fan websites, sites like Lyrics.com and RateYourMusic.com offer discographies and fan reviews for deeper dives into the band’s legacy. Keep the Zoo Freak vibes alive and let Arc Angels’ music take you higher!