Watusi Rodeo

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride as the Zoo Crew spins "Watusi Rodeo" by Guadalcanal Diary from their album Walking in the Shadow of the Big Man. This quirky jangle pop anthem is packed with eccentric charm, blending punk humor with a Southern twist. The song’s lyrics, penned by frontman Murray Attaway, paint a surreal picture of cowboys herding water buffaloes in the Congo, complete with pygmies and rhinos. According to a 2021 post on PowerPop blog, Attaway once shared that the song’s absurd imagery was inspired by his love for blending Western motifs with exotic, almost fantastical settings, creating a playful narrative that’s both catchy and bizarre. Fans on Reddit have noted its cowpunk vibe, with one user calling it “a hidden gem of ‘80s college radio that deserves more love.” The music video, directed by Warren Chilton, adds to the song’s offbeat allure, featuring road trip footage from the band’s travels across cities like Atlanta, Nashville, and Memphis, as documented on IMDb.

Another tidbit comes from a fan’s comment on PowerPop, where they recalled meeting Attaway and bassist Rhett Crowe, describing them as “super approachable” and eager to chat about the song’s origins. Crowe, now a massage therapist, reportedly said the band aimed to capture the energy of their live shows, where “Watusi Rodeo” was a frequent closer due to its infectious rhythm. The song’s eclectic mix of jangle and country elements, as highlighted in a 2021 post on The Fat Angel Sings, reflects the band’s ability to bounce between styles, setting them apart from their Athens, Georgia, contemporaries like R.E.M. Despite its cult status, some fans on social media have jokingly warned that the song’s culturally insensitive lyrics might raise eyebrows today, though they were meant as tongue-in-cheek satire in the ‘80s.

Guadalcanal Diary kicked off their journey in 1981 in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, far from the hip Athens scene they were often associated with. Murray Attaway and Jeff Walls, high school friends who’d played in a punk band called Strictly American, formed the core of the group. They initially called their new project Emergency Broadcast System, but the name evolved into Guadalcanal Diary, inspired by a 1943 war memoir. Rhett Crowe, a housemate of Attaway’s who was learning bass under Walls’ guidance, joined the lineup. Drummer John Poe, a multi-instrumentalist who’d worked with Walls before, came on board just before their first gig when their original drummer bailed, as noted in their Amazon bio. The band quickly built a following with relentless gigging in Atlanta and Athens, blending melodic jangle pop with a rhythmic edge and literate, spiritual lyrics.

Their big break came in 1983 with the release of the Watusi Rodeo EP on Atlanta’s Entertainment On Disc label, though the song “Watusi Rodeo” itself debuted on their 1984 full-length album Walking in the Shadow of the Big Man, produced by Don Dixon for DB Records. Critics and college radio embraced the album’s moody yet vibrant exploration of faith and Southern life, leading to a deal with Elektra Records in 1985. Despite comparisons to R.E.M., Guadalcanal Diary carved their own niche, as detailed on Discogs. The band disbanded in 1989 but reunited briefly in 1997 and 2011 for events like Athfest, celebrating their 30th anniversary. Sadly, Jeff Walls passed away in 2019 from a rare pulmonary disease, as mentioned in a Fat Angel Sings post.

While Guadalcanal Diary doesn’t maintain an official website, fans can connect with their legacy through social media and fan communities. Check out their Facebook page for updates and nostalgic posts. Their Instagram shares throwback photos and clips, keeping the jangle pop spirit alive. On X, the band’s account occasionally posts about their music and reunions. For deeper dives, join the Guadalcanal Diary Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and rare tracks. The fan-run site Jittery White Guy Music also offers reviews and reflections on the band’s discography, perfect for discovering more about their underrated catalog.