Bittersweet

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Bittersweet" by Hoodoo Gurus from their stellar album Mars Needs Guitars! This track, released in June 1985 on Big Time Records, hit #10 on the Melbourne Record Charts and became a fan favorite. Dave Faulkner, the band’s lead singer and songwriter, shared in a 2000 interview that he aimed to move away from the band’s usual comic narratives with this song, opting for a more direct expression of emotion. He was initially unsure if the band or their audience would embrace "Bittersweet," but he was thrilled to be proven wrong on both counts, as it became one of their standout tracks. The song’s B-side, "Mars Needs Guitars," features lead vocals by guitarist Brad Shepherd and was penned by all five band members at the time, showcasing their collaborative spirit.

Another cool tidbit about "Bittersweet" is its unexpected cover by Courtney Love and her band Hole at the 1999 Big Day Out festival. Love took lead vocals, with Hoodoo Gurus’ Brad Shepherd joining on guitar and backing vocals, creating a unique moment in the song’s history. The track’s lyrics, with lines like “Tears so bittersweet / Kiss my cheeks whenever we meet,” capture a poignant mix of love and loss, resonating with listeners worldwide. Fans on the Hoodoo Gurus Fans Facebook group often share how the song’s raw emotion and jangly guitars make it a timeless anthem for heartbreak and reflection.

Hoodoo Gurus kicked off their journey in Sydney in 1981, born from the ashes of punk and protopunk scenes. Dave Faulkner, fresh from a fallout with his previous band The Legendary Manikins in Perth, teamed up with James Baker (drums) from The Victims and Roddy Radalj (guitar) from The Scientists. Kimble Rendall, formerly of Sydney’s XL Capris, rounded out the initial lineup. The band, originally called Le Hoodoo Gurus, embraced an unorthodox setup with three guitars and no bass, blending pop melodies with punk energy and a love for American trash culture. Their debut single, “Leilani,” released in 1982 on Phantom Records, told a wild tale of a maiden sacrificed to a volcano, setting the stage for their quirky, energetic style.

By the time Mars Needs Guitars dropped in 1985, the band had evolved, with Richard Grossman on bass, Mark Kingsmill on drums, and Brad Shepherd on guitar, joining Faulkner to form the classic lineup. Their sound, a mix of power pop, garage rock, and psychedelia, caught fire in the mid-80s, especially with albums like Blow Your Cool! and Magnum Cum Louder. They gained traction on the U.S. college rock circuit and toured extensively, even opening for The Bangles. Fans can dive deeper into their story on the official Hoodoo Gurus website or connect with fellow Zoo Freaks on social media. Check out their Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. For more fan-driven content, the Hoodoo Gurus Fan Club website and the Hoodoo Gurus Fans Facebook group are great spots to share your love for the band.