Impressed

Greetings, Zoo Freaks, from your far-out friends at THE ZOO radio station! We're the Zoo Crew, your hippie DJs spinning the grooviest vinyl, and right now, we're vibing to "Impressed" by Charlie Sexton from his debut album Pictures For Pleasure. This track, released in 1985, is a lyrical gem with a cheeky edge, co-written with Tonio K., a mentor and songwriting partner who brought clever wordplay to the mix. The song’s lyrics playfully diss famous romantic couples like Superman and Lois Lane, calling them "losers" while the protagonist declares his love as the real deal, unbothered by others’ standards. It’s a bold statement from a then-17-year-old Texan, and the Tampa Bay Times noted its sharp, sarcastic vibe in 2015, highlighting the first verse’s jab at iconic pairs like Anthony and Cleopatra. The music video, with Sexton’s pompadour and pouty lips, screams ’80s swagger, capturing his heartthrob appeal. Fun fact: "Impressed" was the second single after Beat’s So Lonely but didn’t chart, though fans on Discogs still rave about its fresh sound and memorable hooks, calling it a standout alongside the album’s title track.

Another cool tidbit comes from Sexton’s bond with Tonio K., which began when Sexton was a teen prodigy. Their collaboration on "Impressed" also appeared on Tonio K.’s 1986 album Romeo Unchained, showing their creative synergy. A Reddit post from a fan who met Sexton in 2024 gushes about his charm and mentions his work with Tonio K., hinting at how niche fans still geek out over this partnership. The song’s recording in Los Angeles at Conway Recording Studios added a polished sheen, thanks to producer Keith Forsey, who’d worked with Billy Idol. This glossy production stirred some controversy among Austin locals, who felt Sexton’s raw blues roots got a bit too slick, but Sexton shrugged it off, saying in a 1986 Los Angeles Times interview, “No matter what I do, I’m always going to be from Austin, Tex.” That hometown pride shines through, even in a pop-rock banger like "Impressed."

Now, let’s rewind to how Charlie Sexton kicked off his wild ride in music. Born on August 11, 1968, in San Antonio, Texas, Charles Wayne Sexton was a guitar-slinging prodigy from the jump. At age four, he and his mom moved to Austin, a city pulsing with live music at spots like Armadillo World Headquarters and Antone’s Blues Club. His parents split early, and his mom gave him a choice: stay home with a babysitter or hit the clubs. Young Charlie chose the clubs, soaking up blues and rock vibes. By 10, he was playing in a blues band, and at 13, he toured with Joe Ely. Austin legend W.C. Clark, dubbed the “Godfather of Austin Blues,” taught Charlie and his brother Will Sexton guitar, cementing their skills. At 15, Sexton was jamming with icons like Keith Richards and Bob Dylan, who later praised him in the liner notes of Biograph, saying, “I’d like to see Charlie Sexton become a big star.” Signed to MCA Records at 16, Sexton recorded Pictures For Pleasure in L.A., and its lead single, Beat’s So Lonely, hit the Top 20, making him a teen idol with MTV on blast.

Sexton’s career has been a cosmic journey, from his early days as “Little Charlie” to a respected sideman for David Bowie and Dylan, plus stints with the Arc Angels and his own Charlie Sexton Sextet. He’s also a producer, working with artists like Edie Brickell and Lucinda Williams. His official website, charliesexton.com, keeps fans updated on gigs and projects. You can catch him on social media at his Facebook page and Instagram, though he’s not super active on X himself—fans do share love for him there, like in posts from the r/bobdylan community. For fan vibes, check out the Charlie Sexton Fans Facebook group, where devotees swap stories and rare clips. There’s also Rate Your Music, a fan-driven site with detailed discographies and reviews of Sexton’s work. So, Zoo Freaks, keep spinning with us as we celebrate Charlie Sexton and the timeless groove of "Impressed"!