Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)

The Zoo Crew is spinning a killer track today, Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me), by Blackberry Smoke from their album Stoned. This song, a cover of The Temptations’ classic, was recorded in a single take on November 6, 2020, at Welcome To 1979 studio in Nashville. The band laid it down live to a vinyl master, with no overdubs, edits, or remixes, capturing the raw energy of their performance. This direct-to-disc method is rare due to its technical challenges—once the recording starts, there’s no stopping until the side is done. Fans have noted the track’s clean, soulful vibe, though some vinyl collectors on Discogs mentioned issues with early pressings, like off-center holes causing tonearm sway. Lead singer Charlie Starr has publicly apologized on social media for these hiccups, promising to make it right for fans. The song’s inclusion on Stoned, a collection of Rolling Stones covers, showcases Blackberry Smoke’s ability to blend Southern rock with soulful Motown roots, giving the track a gritty yet heartfelt spin.

Another tidbit about Just My Imagination comes from its place in Blackberry Smoke’s live performances. Fans on Facebook have shared how the band often weaves this song into their setlists, with Starr’s vocals carrying a raw emotion that echoes the original’s wistful longing. The Stoned album, released as a Record Store Day exclusive in 2021, was a bold move for the band, as they tackled iconic Stones tracks like Tumbling Dice and Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’ alongside this Motown gem. The limited-edition red and black swirl vinyl became a collector’s item, with Blackberry Smoke’s official site hyping its unique recording process. On X, the band posted about the session’s intensity, describing it as a high-stakes, one-shot deal that tested their chops. Zoo Freaks tuning in can feel the band’s passion for honoring the song’s legacy while making it their own.

Blackberry Smoke got their start in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000, when Charlie Starr (vocals/guitar), Paul Jackson (guitar), Richard Turner (bass), and Brit Turner (drums) came together with a shared love for Southern rock, country, and blues. The band’s early days were spent grinding it out in local bars, building a loyal following with their high-energy live shows. Keyboardist Brandon Still joined later, rounding out their signature sound. Their big break came with their 2003 debut album, Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime, which caught the attention of fans and critics alike. Over the years, they’ve released eight studio albums, with their last five charting impressively, thanks to a dedicated fanbase. The band’s ethos—hard work, authenticity, and a nod to their Southern roots—has kept them thriving for over two decades, as noted on their Instagram bio.

The band’s connection with their fans, affectionately called the “Brothers and Sisters,” is a cornerstone of their success. The official website hosts the Smokers Lounge Fan Club, offering exclusive merch, VIP upgrades, and tour news. On Facebook, the Blackberry Smoke Fans group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and others swap stories, share concert photos, and trade vinyl. The band’s X account keeps fans updated on tours, like their 2025 “Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour,” and drops behind-the-scenes tidbits. Their Instagram is packed with live shots and studio glimpses, showing off their road-warrior lifestyle. For more fan-driven content, blackberrysmoke.net is a fan site with tour archives and band history, perfect for diving deeper into their journey.