I Should'a had a V-8

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the high-octane track "I Should'a Had a V-8" by Brian Setzer from his 2014 album Rockabilly Riot! All Original for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song is a playful, tongue-in-cheek romp with a comic car theme, drawing inspiration from the likes of Johnny Horton. Its intentionally jokey Sousa-melody and over-the-top delivery make it a standout, though some critics, like those at PopMatters, found it a bit cloying, comparing its energy to the Grease 2 soundtrack. The track incorporates country-western vocal stylings, blending seamlessly with Setzer’s signature rockabilly flair, and was recorded with a raw, live feel—captured in Studio A in Nashville with no overdubs, just one guitar, and the authentic concert vibe, mistakes and all, as noted in an Amazon review.

Diving into the trivia, "I Should'a Had a V-8" tells a story of a guy lamenting his underpowered car, wishing for the speed of a V-8 engine to “get there fast,” as seen in lyrics shared on Stray Cats Collector’s. Setzer’s love for vintage cars and rockabilly culture shines through, with the song’s narrative of stalling at an intersection reflecting the hot-rod lifestyle he’s long embraced. In a 2014 MusicRadar interview, Setzer explained how the album, including this track, was recorded in a historic Nashville studio built by Chet Atkins, with a tight trio of musicians—Mark Winchester on bass, Kevin McKendree on piano, and Noah Levy on drums—who lived with the songs for weeks to nail the authentic vibe. The song’s country-western elements also nod to influences like Marty Robbins, adding a layer of retro charm.

Brian Setzer’s journey to rockabilly stardom began in Massapequa, New York, where he was born on April 10, 1959. As a kid, he started on the euphonium, playing in school jazz bands, but his passion shifted to rock, punk, and rockabilly as he discovered jazz at the Village Vanguard. According to his Wikipedia page, Setzer formed the Tomcats with his brother Gary, which evolved into the iconic Stray Cats when Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom joined. The Stray Cats spearheaded the 1980s rockabilly revival, blending raw energy with 1950s nostalgia, and scored hits like “Stray Cat Strut.” After the band’s initial breakup in 1984, Setzer explored solo ventures, dipping into R&B and blues rock before launching the swing revival with the Brian Setzer Orchestra in the 1990s, earning Grammys for tracks like “Jump, Jive an’ Wail.”

Despite a 2025 announcement on Wikipedia that an autoimmune disease has limited his guitar playing, Setzer’s legacy as a “musician’s musician” endures, with 13 million records sold and an Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award. His influence is celebrated across platforms like briansetzer.com, where fans can find tour updates and discography details. On social media, you can follow him at Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news. Fans also gather at sites like Stray Cats Collector’s for lyrics and memorabilia, and on Facebook groups dedicated to the Stray Cats, where Zoo Freaks can connect over their love for Setzer’s rockabilly riot.