Find Your Way Back

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Find Your Way Back" by Jefferson Starship from their 1981 album Modern Times, a track that captures the band's heavier rock edge during a pivotal era. This song, which hit No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, was a standout for its driving guitar riffs and emotive vocals. Guitarist Craig Chaquico, who wrote the song, later reimagined it for his 1995 Grammy-nominated solo album Acoustic Planet, transforming it into an acoustic instrumental. He described the process as a chance to explore "different textures" with organic instruments, moving away from the original's big rock production. Lead singer Mickey Thomas, in a separate interview, admitted he was initially hesitant to join the band, coming from a blues and soul background with Elvin Bishop's "Fooled Around and Fell in Love." He noted that the fusion of his style with Jefferson Starship's created something "original," which shines through in the song's dynamic energy.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song's music video, one of the first promotional videos by Jefferson Starship, reflecting their embrace of the MTV era. The album Modern Times also marked the return of Grace Slick, who had been absent for three years. Though she only provided background vocals on some tracks and a duet on "Stranger," her presence added a nostalgic nod to the band's Jefferson Airplane roots. Fans on Reddit have praised the song's craftsmanship, with some highlighting the harmony leads by Chaquico and Pete Sears, as well as Paul Kantner's use of a B.C. Rich 10-string guitar. The album's cover art, often described as fantastic, also became a talking point among fans, adding to its cultural footprint.

Jefferson Starship's origins trace back to the dissolution of Jefferson Airplane, a seminal 1960s San Francisco psychedelic rock band known for hits like "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit." Founded in 1974 by Paul Kantner and Grace Slick, the band evolved from Kantner's 1970 concept album Blows Against the Empire, credited to "Paul Kantner/Jefferson Starship" and featuring an ad hoc group including David Crosby, Jerry Garcia, and Slick. The official Jefferson Starship lineup, which included David Freiberg, Craig Chaquico, John Barbata, Pete Sears, and Papa John Creach, debuted with the 1974 album Dragon Fly. Their 1975 release Red Octopus, featuring Marty Balin's "Miracles," topped the Billboard 200 and went double-platinum, cementing their status as a mainstream rock powerhouse. Despite numerous lineup changes and shifts in musical direction, the band maintained a strong presence through the 1970s and 1980s, earning three platinum and eight gold records.

Jefferson Starship remains active, with a legacy carried forward by David Freiberg and current members like Cathy Richardson and Jude Gold. Their official website, jeffersonstarship.com, offers updates on tours and new music, including their 2020 album Mother of the Sun. Fans can connect via their Facebook page, Instagram, and X account, where they share performance clips and band news. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, fan communities thrive on platforms like Facebook's Jefferson Starship Fan Club, where enthusiasts discuss the band's history and share memorabilia. Websites like AllMusic and Discogs also serve as hubs for discography details and vinyl collecting, keeping the band's legacy alive for fans worldwide.