The Crush of Love

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "The Crush of Love" by Joe Satriani from his 1988 EP Dreaming #11. This track is a fan favorite, known for its soulful wah-wah melody dedicated to Satriani’s wife, Rubina. The song hit No. 6 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1990. Fun fact: the vinyl release of Dreaming #11 has a hidden gem—when held to light, it’s translucent gray, and the matrix runout is etched with “JOE LOVES RUBINA,” a sweet nod to his wife. Fans on Amazon rave about its warm, moody vibe, with one calling it “one of Joe’s most playable songs” for guitarists. A 2024 post from Satriani’s X account celebrated the EP’s 36th anniversary, inviting fans to share memories of its four tracks, showing the song’s lasting love among listeners.

Another cool story comes from Satriani’s time touring with Mick Jagger in 1988, right after Surfing With the Alien. Jagger’s advice to “just be yourself” on stage shaped Satriani’s approach to live performances, which you can feel in the raw energy of the three live tracks on Dreaming #11, recorded at the California Theater in San Diego. The studio track "The Crush of Love" was originally crafted for a Guitar Player magazine flexi-disk, but its popularity led to its inclusion on the EP. Fans on Discogs note the live tracks, like “Ice Nine” and “Memories,” showcase Satriani’s fiery stage presence, with bassist Stu Hamm and drummer Jonathan Mover adding serious groove. Even Satriani’s 10-year-old daughter became a fan, as one Amazon reviewer shared, proving the song’s cross-generational appeal.

Joe Satriani, born July 15, 1956, in Westbury, New York, kicked off his musical journey at 14, inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s death in 1970. He quit everything else to master the guitar, starting with his sister’s folk guitar and later studying under jazz musicians Lennie Tristano and Billy Bauer. After enrolling at Five Towns College, he began teaching guitar, mentoring future stars like Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, and Larry LaLonde. In 1978, Satriani moved to Berkeley, California, gigging with local bands and teaching more students, including Charlie Hunter and Kevin Cadogan. His big break came with his 1986 self-released debut album, followed by 1987’s Surfing With the Alien, which made him a star as the bestselling instrumental rock guitarist, with over 10 million albums sold and 15 Grammy nominations.

Stay connected with Joe Satriani through his official website, where you can dive into his discography and tour dates. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and fan interactions. For more fan love, check out Joe Satriani Universe, a community hub for fans worldwide. You can also join the Joe Satriani Fan Group on Facebook to share your passion with fellow Zoo Freaks who dig Satch’s cosmic riffs.