Misery Loves Company

The Zoo Crew is thrilled to spin "Misery Loves Company" by Junkyard from their 1991 album Sixes, Sevens & Nines for all you Zoo Freaks out there! This gritty, blues-infused hard rock track, with its catchy chorus and raw energy, perfectly captures the band’s unpolished, streetwise vibe. One juicy piece of trivia about the song comes from its music video, which was shot in a gritty, urban setting to match the band’s rough-and-tumble aesthetic. According to a 2015 Sleaze Roxx review, the track features piano work by Kevin Savigar, adding a southern rock swagger that sets it apart from the band’s debut album’s more punk-leaning sound. Fans on Junkyard’s official Facebook have shared stories of hearing the song live during the band’s early ’90s tours, with frontman David Roach’s sneering vocals and the dueling guitars of Chris Gates and Brian Baker stealing the show. A 2023 YouTube comment on the official music video from a fan recalls how the song’s lyrics, like “you’re just looking for my sympathy,” resonated with their own experiences of dodging toxic friendships.

Another tidbit about "Misery Loves Company" is its production by Ed Stasium, known for his work with punk legends like the Ramones. In a 2018 HardRock 80 blog post, Stasium’s touch is credited for giving the song a polished yet raw edge, blending Junkyard’s hard rock roots with a southern boogie feel. The song’s lyrics, which call out someone wallowing in self-pity, were written as a tongue-in-cheek jab, as Roach revealed in a rare 1991 radio interview snippet posted on a Junkyard fan Facebook group. He mentioned the song was inspired by a friend who always seemed to drag others into their drama, a theme that hit home for many Zoo Freaks who’ve shared similar stories on Junkyard’s X account. The band’s ability to mix humor with hard-hitting riffs makes this track a standout, and its mid-tempo groove is perfect for cranking up on THE ZOO’s airwaves.

Junkyard got their start in the late 1980s in Los Angeles, born from the ashes of punk and hardcore scenes. Vocalist David Roach and drummer Patrick Muzingo came from the influential punk band The Lazy Cowgirls, while guitarist Brian Baker had played with punk heavyweights Minor Threat and Dag Nasty. Guitarist Chris Gates and bassist Clay Anthony rounded out the original lineup, bringing a love for ’70s hard rock and blues. According to a bio on Amazon, the band’s fusion of punk’s raw energy and hard rock’s swagger caught the attention of Geffen Records, leading to their 1989 self-titled debut produced by Tom Werman. Their sound, often compared to Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith, carved out a niche in the late ’80s LA scene. Despite lineup changes and a breakup in the early ’90s after Sixes, Sevens & Nines failed to chart, Junkyard’s loyal fanbase kept them alive, leading to a reunion in 2000 and new music like 2017’s High Water.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Junkyard through their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and discography details. Follow them on Facebook for live show updates and fan interactions, or check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos and throwback posts. Their X account is active with tour announcements and replies to fans. For deeper dives, join the Junkyard – Official Fan Group on Facebook, where fans share rare photos, bootlegs, and stories from the band’s early days. Another great spot is the fan-run Rate Your Music page, where Zoo Freaks rate albums and swap reviews. Keep rocking with THE ZOO, and let’s keep the "Misery Loves Company" vibes rolling!