She Talks in Stereo

Alright, Zoo Freaks, you're tuned into THE ZOO, where your hippie DJs, the Zoo Crew, are spinning the wildest tracks for your soul! Right now, we’ve got the infectious groove of She Talks in Stereo by Gary Myrick & The Figures from their 1981 album Living In A Movie. This song is a new wave gem with a Texas blues-rock heart, and it’s got some cool stories behind it. Did you know it was featured in the 1983 cult classic Valley Girl, starring a young Nicolas Cage? That’s right—this track helped set the vibe for that quirky, romantic teen flick, landing it in the top 100 songs of the decade on KROQ Radio. The song’s hypnotic rhythm and Myrick’s angular guitar riffs were perfect for capturing the early ’80s LA scene, blending a bit of ska and noirish vibes. In a 2010 interview with Trouser Press, Myrick shared that the song’s energy came from his love for tricky rhythm changes and a slightly ironic, wise-ass outlook, which you can totally hear in those snappy lyrics like “I look in your eyes / You were lookin’ at my face.”

Now, here’s a fun tidbit from the band’s history: when Gary Myrick & The Figures reunited in 2010 for a show at The Roxy in LA, the crowd went wild for She Talks in Stereo. A post on their Facebook page from that time described fans singing along to every word, proving this track’s staying power. Myrick himself once said in a Last.fm bio that the song’s vibe was inspired by the chaotic energy of LA’s club scene, where he’d watch people chase glamour and lose themselves in the nightlife. The 2009 reissue of their debut album included live tracks from the Whisky A Go Go, and let me tell you, Zoo Freaks, those recordings show the Figures were a powerhouse on stage, with Myrick’s knotty guitar leads stealing the show. So, crank up the volume and let this stereo sound wash over you!

Let’s dive into how Gary Myrick got his start, because this guy’s journey is pure rock ‘n’ roll. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Myrick was strumming the guitar and singing by age 10, encouraged by his parents who saw his artistic spark through his early artwork. By 14, he was writing his own songs, and at 18, he formed his first all-original band, Smiley, a glam-pop trio that turned heads in the Dallas scene. According to his bio on his official website, Myrick’s big break came at 20 when he fronted Gary Myrick & Slip of the Wrist, a blues-rock outfit that built a fierce reputation playing five nights a week at the legendary Cellar Club in Dallas-Fort Worth, run by 1950s rockabilly icon Johnny Carol. His raw talent caught the attention of Austin’s Kracker Jack, where he replaced none other than Stevie Ray Vaughan, joining a rhythm section that included Johnny Winter’s former bandmates. After two years in Austin, Myrick headed to Los Angeles, forming Gary Myrick & The Figures and landing a deal with Epic Records, which led to their self-titled debut in 1980 and the hit we’re spinning today.

For all you Zoo Freaks who want to keep up with Gary Myrick, check out his official website for the latest news and tour updates. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram, where he shares throwback photos and new music snippets. On X, Myrick occasionally posts about his gigs and reflections on his career, so give him a follow for some real-time vibes. For fan communities, there’s a dedicated Gary Myrick Fans group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks like you share memories, rare vinyl finds, and love for his music. Plus, check out the fan-run site Last.fm for detailed bios and track discussions. Keep it locked to THE ZOO, and let’s keep the freak flag flying with more killer tunes!