Walks Like a Woman

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Walks Like a Woman" by Baton Rouge, a track from their 1990 album Shake Your Soul, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the hard rock vibes. This song, with its catchy riffs and bold lyrics like "Cool eyes, electric thighs," captures the essence of the late '80s hair metal scene. According to a post on X, the song "hit like a sonic slip-n-slide made of leather pants," highlighting its infectious energy and big choruses that defined the era. Fans on Amazon reviews praise the track as one of the standout hits, with one calling it a "temazo" (Spanish for a banger) alongside other favorites like "Doctor" and "Young Hearts." The song's lyrical theme, blending admiration and frustration with a charismatic woman, resonates with the band's raw, unapologetic style, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew's eclectic, high-energy setlist.

While specific interviews about "Walks Like a Woman" are scarce, the album Shake Your Soul is celebrated for its production by Jack Ponti, a notable figure who worked with Bon Jovi. A listing on eBay notes the album's factory-sealed status, underscoring its collectible value among hair metal enthusiasts. Fans on platforms like Lyrics.com have shared how the song's mix of gritty vocals by Kelly Keeling and driving guitar work by Lance Bulen creates a timeless hard rock anthem. The track's enduring appeal is evident in its inclusion in fan discussions on Record Shop X, where it's described as part of an album that "rocks from start to finish" with no filler tracks. For the Zoo Freaks, this song is a blast from the past that still shakes the soul.

Baton Rouge formed in 1986 in Pearl River, Louisiana, originally under the name Voices, then Cheetah, and later Meridian before settling on their final name at the suggestion of Atlantic Records' Ahmet Ertegun, who wanted a nod to their Louisiana roots. The band, initially consisting of Kelly Keeling (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Lance Bulen (vocals), Keith Harrison (bass), and Harold Knappenberger III (drums), relocated to Los Angeles in 1987 to chase their rock dreams. A pivotal moment came when producer David Foster encouraged Keeling to take the frontman role, recognizing his vocal fit for their sound, with Bulen shifting to lead guitar. After signing with MCA Records and producing a demo with Jack Ponti, the band caught the attention of Atlantic Records in 1989, leading to their debut album Shake Your Soul. Despite only moderate chart success (peaking at No. 160 in the U.S.), the band became a cult favorite in the hair metal scene.

After releasing their second album, Lights Out on the Playground, in 1991, Baton Rouge disbanded due to the fading hair metal trend. However, their legacy lives on, with members like Kelly Keeling continuing to perform with acts like Michael Schenker Group and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The band briefly reunited in 2009 for a performance at Rocklahoma, delighting fans. While Baton Rouge does not maintain an official website or active social media accounts, fans can find information on platforms like Facebook, where pages dedicated to the band share updates and nostalgia. There’s no official Instagram or X account, but fan discussions thrive on Facebook groups like "Hair Metal Heaven," where enthusiasts post about the band’s music and era. Fan sites like Lyrics.com also serve as hubs for lyrics and band history, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ love for Baton Rouge alive.