Life for the Taking

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Life for the Taking" by Eddie Money, a high-energy track from his 1978 album of the same name, perfect for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song kicks off the album with a gritty, late-70s hard rock vibe, showcasing Money’s signature blend of R&B and rock. Fans on platforms like Amazon praise its raw energy, with one reviewer noting it feels more like Bad Company than Money’s typical power pop hits. The track was written during Money’s relentless tour schedule, often crafted in hotel rooms or during sound checks, reflecting his road-warrior lifestyle at the time. A 2019 post from Money’s official X account celebrated the album’s 40th anniversary, asking fans for their favorite tracks and sparking replies highlighting “Life for the Taking” for its soaring musicianship and killer guitar work by Jimmy Lyon.

Another tidbit about the song comes from fan discussions on Reddit, where a user shared how the album’s stellar mix and recording quality blew them away on their first listen, driving a lifelong pursuit of high-fidelity sound. Reviewers on music blogs compare the song’s vibe to Southern Rock or Paul Rodgers’ work with Bad Company, suggesting it revealed a harder edge to Money than his more famous pop hits like “Two Tickets to Paradise.” The album itself was a conscious push to broaden Money’s audience, blending pop and dance elements, though “Life for the Taking” leans firmly into rock with its driving rhythm and bold vocals. Fans on Facebook often share memories of cranking this track, with some calling it a hidden gem that captures Money’s raw, unpolished style before he leaned more into pop.

Eddie Money, born Edward Joseph Mahoney on March 21, 1949, in New York City, kicked off his career in an unexpected way. Growing up in a family of Irish Catholic descent, he initially followed his grandfather, father, and brother into the New York City Police Department, working as a trainee at 18. But the strict rules—especially the ban on long hair—clashed with his love for music. By 1968, he ditched the badge, moved to Berkeley, California, and adopted the stage name Eddie Money, a playful nod to his perpetually broke state. In Berkeley, he studied with vocal coach Judy Davis and dove into the local music scene, inspired by rockers like David Bowie and Van Morrison. His big break came when rock impresario Bill Graham spotted him, leading to a deal with Columbia Records and his 1977 debut album, which spawned hits like “Baby Hold On.”

Money’s journey wasn’t without bumps. A 1980 overdose on a synthetic barbiturate, mistaken for cocaine, left him with a permanent limp after damaging his sciatic nerve. Yet, his grit kept him going, and he became a staple of 70s and 80s rock with eleven Top 40 hits. Fans can connect with his legacy on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, though posts have slowed since his passing in 2019. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, fan communities thrive on platforms like the Eddie Money Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees share stories, rare photos, and tributes. Websites like AllMusic also offer deep dives into his discography, perfect for discovering more tracks to spin at THE ZOO.