Blowing Up Detroit

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the electrifying track "Blowing Up Detroit" by Charlie Sexton from his 1989 self-titled album, delighting their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, a high-energy rock number, showcases Sexton's signature guitar riffs and vivid storytelling. According to SonicHits, the lyrics paint a cinematic scene with lines like "Hong Kong Bomber / Got me under fire / Crawl her jungle / Sneak up behind her," evoking a gritty, almost noir-like atmosphere. Though not as commercially successful as his earlier hit "Beat's So Lonely," the track has a cult following, with fans on Discogs praising its raw edge and Sexton's vocal delivery. In a 1989 interview snippet found on thezoorocks.com, Sexton described the song as a "fever dream of urban chaos," inspired by late-night drives and the pulsating energy of city life. A recent Reddit post from 2024 recounts a fan meeting Sexton in New York, noting his enthusiasm when discussing his older tracks like "Blowing Up Detroit," suggesting he still holds the song close to his heart.

Charlie Sexton’s journey into music began as a prodigy in Austin, Texas, where he was born on August 11, 1968, in San Antonio. At age four, he and his mother moved to Austin, a city teeming with musical venues like the Armadillo World Headquarters and Antone’s Blues Club, as noted on Wikipedia. His parents’ divorce left his mother with a choice: leave young Charlie with a babysitter or take him to clubs. He chose the clubs, immersing himself in blues and rock. By age 10, he was playing in a blues band, and at 13, he toured with Texas legend Joe Ely. Austin icon W.C. Clark, the "Godfather of Austin Blues," taught Charlie and his brother Will guitar, shaping their skills. By 15, Sexton was recording with heavyweights like Keith Richards and Bob Dylan, who later endorsed him in the liner notes of his Biograph album, saying, “I’d like to see Charlie Sexton become a big star.” Signed to MCA Records at 16, Sexton released his debut album Pictures for Pleasure in 1985, with the Top 20 hit "Beat's So Lonely," cementing his status as a teen idol, as described by the Los Angeles Times.

Fans can stay updated on Charlie Sexton’s official website, which lists tour dates and projects. His Facebook page, with over 15,000 followers, shares performance updates and nostalgic photos, while his Instagram offers glimpses into his gigs and studio work, though he’s less active there. Sexton isn’t personally active on X, but fans discuss his music in communities like the r/bobdylan subreddit. Devoted supporters gather in the Charlie Sexton Fans Facebook group, where they swap rare clips and concert stories. For a deep dive into his discography, Rate Your Music offers fan-driven reviews and rankings, celebrating Sexton’s enduring influence in rock and blues.

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the electrifying track "Blowing Up Detroit" by Charlie Sexton from his 1989 self-titled album, delighting their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, a high-energy rock number, showcases Sexton's signature guitar riffs and vivid storytelling. According to SonicHits, the lyrics paint a cinematic scene with lines like "Hong Kong Bomber / Got me under fire / Crawl her jungle / Sneak up behind her," evoking a gritty, almost noir-like atmosphere. Though not as commercially successful as his earlier hit "Beat's So Lonely," the track has a cult following, with fans on Discogs praising its raw edge and Sexton's vocal delivery. In a 1989 interview snippet found on thezoorocks.com, Sexton described the song as a "fever dream of urban chaos," inspired by late-night drives and the pulsating energy of city life. A recent Reddit post from 2024 recounts a fan meeting Sexton in New York, noting his enthusiasm when discussing his older tracks like "Blowing Up Detroit," suggesting he still holds the song close to his heart.

Charlie Sexton’s journey into music began as a prodigy in Austin, Texas, where he was born on August 11, 1968, in San Antonio. At age four, he and his mother moved to Austin, a city teeming with musical venues like the Armadillo World Headquarters and Antone’s Blues Club, as noted on Wikipedia. His parents’ divorce left his mother with a choice: leave young Charlie with a babysitter or take him to clubs. He chose the clubs, immersing himself in blues and rock. By age 10, he was playing in a blues band, and at 13, he toured with Texas legend Joe Ely. Austin icon W.C. Clark, the "Godfather of Austin Blues," taught Charlie and his brother Will guitar, shaping their skills. By 15, Sexton was recording with heavyweights like Keith Richards and Bob Dylan, who later endorsed him in the liner notes of his Biograph album, saying, “I’d like to see Charlie Sexton become a big star.” Signed to MCA Records at 16, Sexton released his debut album Pictures for Pleasure in 1985, with the Top 20 hit "Beat's So Lonely," cementing his status as a teen idol, as described by the Los Angeles Times.

Fans can stay updated on Charlie Sexton’s official website, which lists tour dates and projects. His Facebook page, with over 15,000 followers, shares performance updates and nostalgic photos, while his Instagram offers glimpses into his gigs and studio work, though he’s less active there. Sexton isn’t personally active on X, but fans discuss his music in communities like the r/bobdylan subreddit. Devoted supporters gather in the Charlie Sexton Fans Facebook group, where they swap rare clips and concert stories. For a deep dive into his discography, Rate Your Music offers fan-driven reviews and rankings, celebrating Sexton’s enduring influence in rock and blues.