From the Greenhouse

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "From the Greenhouse" by Crack the Sky, a track from their 1989 album of the same name, for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, a standout on the album, carries a haunting vibe with its socio-political lyrics wrapped in a sound that echoes Pink Floyd's "Have a Cigar." A fun story from Prog Archives recalls how, when the song hit the airwaves, it got so much play on a Boston AOR station that fans flooded a local record store looking for "the new Pink Floyd album." The store’s manager had to put up a sign saying "Not Pink Floyd" to clarify it was Crack the Sky. The track’s environmental theme, a concept about degradation, started as a solo project by frontman John Palumbo before the band shaped it into a full album.

Another tidbit comes from listener reactions on Amazon Music reviews, where a fan shared a quirky interpretation, suggesting the song’s title refers to "unborn children in their mother’s womb," tying it to apocalyptic themes like the rapture. While not confirmed by the band, this shows how the song’s cryptic lyrics spark wild theories. The album marked a reunion of sorts, with guitarist Rick Witkowski and drummer Joe D’Amico returning alongside keyboardist Vince DePaul, though D’Amico stuck to backup vocals. Critics, like those at Rate Your Music, note the song’s glossy ‘80s production and heavy synth use, but praise its strong songwriting, calling it a high point of the album.

Crack the Sky kicked off in the early 1970s in Weirton, West Virginia, when John Palumbo and Rick Witkowski started jamming together. Their unique blend of progressive rock, sharp lyrics, and theatrical flair caught the ear of Lifesong Records, leading to their self-titled debut in 1975. Often compared to acts like Genesis or Steely Dan, they built a cult following, especially in Baltimore, where they became local legends. Despite critical acclaim, mainstream success eluded them, partly due to label struggles, but their loyal fanbase kept them going through lineup changes and hiatuses. The band’s quirky, edgy style shines through in their official biography, All Things Crack, which details their 50-year journey based on hundreds of interviews.

You can dive deeper into Crack the Sky’s world at their official website, crackthesky.net, where you’ll find news, tour dates, merch, and photos. They’re active on social media too—check out their Facebook for updates and fan chatter, their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots, and their X account for quick quips and show announcements. Fans gather at places like the Crack The Sky Fans Facebook Group, a lively spot for Zoo Freaks and others to swap stories, share rare tracks, and plan meetups at shows.