She Took off My Romeos

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "She Took off My Romeos" by David Lindley from his 1981 debut album El Rayo-X, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to its Tex-Mex-reggae vibe. This track, penned by Bob "Frizz" Fuller, is a standout for its playful narrative and eclectic instrumentation, blending Lindley’s signature slide guitar with a ska-reggae rhythm driven by Ras Baboo on percussion and Ian Wallace on drums. A 1981 Washington Post review describes the song as a mischievous fusion, noting how Lindley takes a cheeky Tex-Mex melody and layers it with reggae beats and surf-inspired organ by Smitty Smith, creating a sound that’s both absurd and irresistible. Fans on The Gear Page forum have shared stories of Lindley’s live performances, with one recalling a Northern California concert where El Rayo-X opened for a hard rock band—possibly Steve Miller—and were booed offstage by an unappreciative crowd, despite their joyous energy. Another fan mentioned catching Lindley at a small Iowa venue, the Maintenance Shop, where the intimate setting amplified the band’s fun, rhythmic interplay.

The song’s quirky charm also shines through in its live renditions, as seen in a YouTube performance from 1981 featuring Lindley alongside Jorge Calderon on bass and Bernie Larsen on guitar. Social media posts from fans on SonicHits reflect ongoing love for the track, with one user tying it to personal memories of cruising in a restored ’55 Mercury, born nine months after their parents’ New Year’s Eve drive—a nod to the song’s playful, seductive undertone. Another fan recounted hearing it in a Miami Vice episode (Season 2, Episode 16), where its upbeat groove perfectly matched a scene’s high-energy vibe. These anecdotes highlight how "She Took off My Romeos" has woven itself into fans’ lives, from live shows to unexpected pop culture moments.

David Lindley’s journey to becoming a musical maverick began in San Marino, California, where he was born on March 21, 1944. Growing up in a music-loving household, Lindley was exposed to his father’s eclectic 78s, featuring Spanish guitarists, Indian sitar players, and Korean folk tunes. By age three, he was plucking at the violin and experimenting with the strings inside the family piano. His early fascination with stringed instruments led to mastery of everything from banjo to bouzouki, earning him the title of “maxi-instrumentalist” in a 2005 Acoustic Guitar magazine feature. Lindley’s professional start came in the 1960s with the folk-rock band Kaleidoscope, but his reputation soared through session work with artists like Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon, and Linda Ronstadt. His distinctive guitar and lap steel work, especially on Browne’s albums like Late for the Sky, showcased his ability to blend rock with folk, blues, and world music influences.

By 1981, after years as a sought-after sideman, Lindley launched his solo career with El Rayo-X, forming the band of the same name to explore a greasy mix of reggae, Cajun, and rock. The album, produced by Browne and Greg Ladanyi, marked his shift from session player to frontman, complete with his trademark loud polyester shirts that became a visual staple of his live shows. Lindley’s official website, davidlindley.com, offers a glimpse into his discography and legacy, though it notes his passing in March 2023. His Facebook page remains active with fan tributes, while Instagram and X accounts share memories and clips of his performances. Fan communities thrive on sites like SonicHits, and the David Lindley Fans Facebook group is a hub for Zoo Freaks and others to swap stories, rare recordings, and appreciation for his genre-defying sound.