One Way Street

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy vibes of "One Way Street" by Elliot Easton, featured on the 2002 album One Way Street: A Tribute to Aerosmith. This track, a cover of Aerosmith’s bluesy rocker from their 1973 debut album, is performed by Easton alongside Dug Pinnick of King’s X on vocals, Jimmy Bain of Rainbow on bass, and Gregg Bissonette of David Lee Roth’s band on drums. The rendition clocks in at 7:05, delivering a raw, extended take on the original with Easton’s melodic guitar work shining through. According to Cleopatra Records, this track was reissued in 2022 as part of Round & Round - A Tribute to Aerosmith, highlighting its enduring appeal among Zoo Freaks and hard rock fans alike. Fun trivia: the song’s gritty energy was praised for capturing Aerosmith’s early, unpolished sound, with one reviewer on Rate Your Music noting it as a standout for its “blues-based” roots, perfect for the hippie DJs’ retro vibe.

While no direct interviews or social media posts from Easton specifically discuss this cover, his approach to music offers context. In a 2019 Guitar World interview, Easton emphasized his love for crafting concise, melodic solos that stand out, a signature heard in his work on “One Way Street.” He explained, “A lot of guitar players… just played some blues rock licks… That’s not what I was about.” This philosophy likely influenced his contribution to the tribute, where his guitar lines add a distinctive flair to the track’s raw energy. The album itself, produced by Bruce Kulick, was lauded for its all-star lineup, with Guitar Nine noting the collaboration of musicians from bands like Motley Crue and Judas Priest, making it a fitting pick for THE ZOO’s eclectic playlist.

Elliot Easton, born Elliot Steinberg on December 18, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, kicked off his musical journey with a deep passion for rock and roll. Growing up in Massapequa, New York, he attended Massapequa High School before studying at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. His left-handed guitar playing, inspired by the likes of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, set him apart early on. Easton’s big break came in 1976 when he co-founded The Cars in Boston with Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr. As the band’s lead guitarist, his melodic solos on hits like “Just What I Needed” helped define their new wave sound, earning them a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Before the tribute album, Easton released a solo album, Change No Change, in 1985, and later joined projects like Creedence Clearwater Revisited and The Empty Hearts, showcasing his versatility.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Easton through his official channels, though he keeps a low profile compared to his Cars days. While no solo official website is listed, fans can follow The Cars’ official website for updates on his legacy. His Facebook page shares occasional posts about gigs and music, while Instagram offers glimpses of his guitar collection and performances. On X, Easton engages with fans, posting about gear and rock history. For fan communities, the Cars Fan Club on Facebook is a lively spot where Zoo Freaks can discuss Easton’s work, including his Aerosmith tribute. Additionally, The Cars Fan Club website provides a hub for devotees, perfect for those tuning into THE ZOO’s hippie DJ spins.