It's Not The Way You Rock

The Zoo Crew is spinning the gritty anthem "It's Not The Way You Rock" by Dirty Looks, a standout track from their 1988 album Cool From The Wire. This song, with its raw energy and sleazy charm, captures the band’s signature hard rock sound, often compared to early AC/DC. One piece of trivia that stands out is its inclusion in the soundtrack for the 1988 teen movie Johnny Be Good, starring Robert Downey Jr. The song’s rebellious vibe and driving rhythm made it a perfect fit for the film’s youthful, defiant energy, giving Dirty Looks a brief moment in the pop culture spotlight. Despite its airplay on MTV and rock radio stations, the single didn’t catapult the band to mainstream fame, but it remains a fan favorite for its unapologetic attitude and catchy hooks.

Another tidbit about "It's Not The Way You Rock" comes from its production by Max Norman, a legendary figure known for working with bands like Ozzy Osbourne and Megadeth. Norman’s touch gave the track a polished yet dangerous edge, blending Henrik Ostergaard’s Bon Scott-esque vocals with searing guitar riffs. Fans on platforms like Rate Your Music praise the song for its “air of danger and mystery,” noting that it evokes the late-night, leather-clad atmosphere of 1980s Los Angeles. While no direct quotes from the band about this specific song have surfaced in recent social media or interviews, the album’s reissue by Rock Candy Records in 2014 sparked renewed interest, with liner notes highlighting the band’s frustration at being overlooked despite their infectious sound.

Dirty Looks was founded by Danish-born vocalist Henrik Ostergaard in the early 1980s in Pennsylvania. Initially a local act, the band honed their craft in the gritty bar scene before relocating to San Francisco to chase bigger dreams. Ostergaard, inspired by the raw power of AC/DC and the swagger of sleaze rock, formed the band with a rotating lineup, eventually solidifying with guitarist Paul Lidel, bassist Jack Pyers, and drummer Gene Barnett for Cool From The Wire. Their early years were marked by independent releases and relentless gigging, building a cult following through sheer persistence. Despite signing with Atlantic Records for their major label debut, commercial success eluded them, partly due to the crowded hair metal scene of the late 1980s. Ostergaard’s distinctive voice and the band’s unpolished authenticity, however, kept them a beloved act among hard rock enthusiasts.

Sadly, Henrik Ostergaard passed away in 2011, marking the end of new Dirty Looks material, but their legacy lives on through fan communities and reissues. The band’s official Facebook page remains active, sharing throwback photos and updates about re-releases, while fans gather in groups like the Dirty Looks Fan Club to swap stories and rare memorabilia. On Instagram, the band’s account posts nostalgic content, including album art and vintage live shots, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive. The X account for Dirty Looks is less active but occasionally shares fan-driven tributes. For the latest on reissues and merch, Rock Candy Records serves as the go-to source, as the band no longer maintains an official website. Fan sites like Rate Your Music also offer detailed discographies and reviews for Zoo Freaks diving deep into the band’s catalog.