Back On The Streets

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Back On The Streets" by Junkyard from their 1991 album Sixes, Sevens & Nines, firing up the Zoo Freaks in the audience. This track, a hard-hitting anthem of streetwise swagger, kicks off the album with an adrenaline-charged riff that Underground Record Shop called an "adrenaline-pumping hymn." It’s a song that embodies Junkyard’s raw, unpolished energy, blending hard rock with a punk edge. In a 2019 Sleaze Roxx post commemorating the album’s 28th anniversary, the band reflected on how producer Ed Stasium, known for his work with The Ramones and Motörhead, gave the album a "heavier, more pure/punk sound" compared to their debut. The choice of "Back On The Streets" as the opener was strategic, with Sleaze Roxx noting it would’ve been a logical single to capture the band’s gritty essence, though the label pushed "All The Time In The World" instead, which hit #24 on Billboard’s US Main Rock charts.

One juicy piece of trivia about "Back On The Streets" comes from its production vibe. The album, including this track, was crafted during a time when Junkyard was touring with heavyweights like Lynyrd Skynyrd. The music video for another single, "Misery Loves Company," was shot on that tour, but "Back On The Streets" carries the same road-worn, rebellious spirit. Rate Your Music describes it as a "run-of-the-mill" hard rock opener, but fans argue its straightforward riffage and David Roach’s sneering vocals make it a quintessential Junkyard banger. The song’s lyrics about living fast and free resonate with the band’s image as a group of musical outlaws, a theme that runs through their catalog. The Junkyard Facebook page often shares nostalgic posts about the Sixes, Sevens & Nines era, with fans chiming in about how tracks like "Back On The Streets" still get them pumped decades later.

Junkyard formed in Los Angeles in the late 1980s, born out of the city’s gritty underbelly as a reaction to the glitzy hair metal scene. According to their bio on Amazon, the band’s roots lie in punk, with key members like guitarist Brian Baker, formerly of Minor Threat and Dag Nasty, and guitarist Chris Gates, ex-Big Boys, bringing a hardcore edge to their sound. Frontman David Roach, bassist Clay Anthony, and drummer Patrick Muzingo rounded out the original lineup, later joined by guitarist Max Gottlieb and drummer Johnny Hell before solidifying with Baker. Tired of the pay-to-play Hollywood clubs, they carved out a niche playing dives like Raji’s and Club Lingerie, cultivating a biker-bar vibe that mixed Southern rock, blues, and metal. Their raw demos caught the ear of Geffen Records, leading to a deal in 1988 and their self-titled debut in 1989, produced by Tom Werman. Though not chart-toppers, their loyal fanbase kept them rocking, with Sixes, Sevens & Nines showcasing a leaner sound despite label struggles and lineup changes.

Today, Junkyard remains active, with their official website junkyardblooze.com serving as a hub for tour dates, merch, and news. You can catch up with them on social media via their Facebook, where they post throwbacks and tour updates, or their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots. Their X account keeps the conversation going with fans, often sharing gritty memes and music snippets. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Junkyard Official Fan Group on Facebook is a lively spot where fans swap stories, post rare photos, and celebrate the band’s legacy. While no major fan websites dominate, sites like Sleaze Roxx and Rate Your Music host active discussions about Junkyard’s discography, with "Back On The Streets" often hailed as a standout for its raw, street-level attitude.