That Is Why

The Zoo Crew is spinning "That Is Why" by Jellyfish from their debut album Bellybutton, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this power pop gem. One juicy tidbit about the song comes from the band’s own reflections: Andy Sturmer, the lead vocalist and drummer, penned "That Is Why" with a slick R&B-meets-rock vibe, blending soulful rhythms with the band’s signature Beatles-esque harmonies. In a review from Rate Your Music, a critic noted its "appealingly slick feel," highlighting how Jellyfish used R&B elements to craft a catchy, bittersweet pop-rock track. The song’s lush production, featuring layered vocals and crisp instrumentation, showcases the band’s knack for intricate arrangements, which was a hallmark of their sound. Interestingly, the Bellybutton recording sessions were tense, with Sturmer and keyboardist Roger Manning Jr. frequently clashing over creative decisions, as mentioned in a uDiscover Music article. Despite these challenges, "That Is Why" emerged as a standout, embodying the band’s ambitious vision.

Another cool story about "That Is Why" ties to its place in Jellyfish’s live performances. During a 1993 concert, Andy Sturmer introduced their hit "Baby’s Coming Back" with a humorous quip about bathroom tiles, as noted on TV Tropes, showing the band’s playful stage presence. While "That Is Why" wasn’t explicitly mentioned in this context, it was part of the Bellybutton setlist that wowed audiences with its infectious energy. The song’s music video, part of the Gone Jellyfishin' VHS release, also got heavy MTV rotation alongside tracks like "The King Is Half-Undressed," which was nominated for Best Art Direction at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards. Fans on Reddit’s vinyl community still rave about how Bellybutton, including "That Is Why," felt like a revelation in 1990, standing out against the rising grunge wave with its vibrant, retro-inspired sound.

Jellyfish got their start in San Francisco in 1989, born from the ashes of the alternative rock band Beatnik Beatch. Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning Jr., who met in high school and bonded over a love for jazz, post-punk, and British pop, were the driving forces. As detailed on Wikipedia, both had been part of Beatnik Beatch, with Sturmer as the drummer and singer and Manning on keyboards. After leaving that band, they recruited guitarist Jason Falkner, formerly of the Paisley Underground group The Three O’Clock, and Manning’s brother Chris on bass to form Jellyfish. Their shared passion for intricate harmonies—drawn from influences like The Beatles, Queen, and The Beach Boys—shaped their unique sound. Manning’s jazz schooling, as he shared in a Wikipedia quote, helped him analyze vocal arrangements from acts like The Carpenters and apply them to Jellyfish’s music. The band signed with Charisma Records after a bidding war, and their debut Bellybutton, released in 1990, earned critical acclaim for its hook-laden, retro-modern pop, though it only peaked at No. 124 on the Billboard 200.

While Jellyfish disbanded in 1994, their influence lingers in power pop and beyond, inspiring acts like Ben Folds Five and Fountains of Wayne. Unfortunately, Jellyfish doesn’t have an active official website or social media presence, as the band has been inactive for decades. However, Roger Joseph Manning Jr. maintains an Instagram account where he occasionally shares updates about his solo work and Jellyfish-related nostalgia. Andy Sturmer, known for being more reclusive, doesn’t have public social media, but he’s been active in music, writing for artists like Puffy AmiYumi. Fans can connect through unofficial channels like the Jellyfish Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant group where enthusiasts share rare photos, vinyl finds, and memories. Another fan hub is JellyfishMusic.com, a fan-run site with discography details and archived interviews. For those digging deeper, the Reddit Music community has threads celebrating Jellyfish’s cult status, perfect for Zoo Freaks looking to join the conversation.