It’s Not You, It’s Not Me

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy track "It’s Not You, It’s Not Me" by KBC Band, a gem from their 1986 self-titled album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its nostalgic rock energy. This song, the lead single from the album, captures a reflective mood with lyrics about waiting in the rain and watching the world pass by, evoking themes of disillusionment and detachment. Fans on platforms like SonicHits have shared heartfelt stories about the song’s impact, with one recalling being at the band’s debut performance in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, describing it as a magical moment where the music felt like it was “born” before a live audience. Another fan mentioned how the album got them through their first semester of college in 1986, standing out amidst the “horrible dance crap” of the era. The vinyl release of the single came in a unique sleeve designed to look like a FedEx package, cheekily labeled “Arista Express,” with a portfolio folder and a Pete Frame Rock Family Tree poster tracing the band’s Jefferson Airplane roots, adding a collectible flair for fans.

Delving into the song’s trivia, a fan on SonicHits recounted attending a KBC Band concert in New York City, where they met Paul Kantner, Marty Balin, and Jack Casady afterward, securing autographs on a record flat—a cherished memory. The song’s production involved notable names like Jim Gaines and John Boylan, with the latter contributing to tracks like “It’s Not You, It’s Not Me” and “Sayonara.” Interestingly, the album’s vinyl release featured a satirical inner jacket with a road image and a sign reading, “Life is a test. Had this been a real life, you would have been told where to go and what to do,” poking fun at the Emergency Broadcast System messages of the time. Fans have also noted the song’s enduring appeal, with one mentioning on SonicHits how Keith Crossan’s saxophone work added a distinctive layer, while others praised Marty Balin’s vocal delivery, with tributes following his passing, like “Marty is Amazing...RIP.”

KBC Band was formed in 1985 by former Jefferson Airplane members Paul Kantner (guitar and vocals), Marty Balin (vocals and guitar), and Jack Casady (bass), who brought their psychedelic rock legacy to a new project. The trio, already seasoned from their time with Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship, aimed to create something fresh yet rooted in their signature sound. They were joined by Keith Crossan (saxophone, guitar, vocals), Tim Gorman (keyboards, vocals), Mark “Slick” Aguilar (guitar, vocals), and Darrell Verdusco (drums), forming a tight ensemble that blended rock, pop, and AOR elements. The band emerged partly as a reaction to the dissolution of Jefferson Starship, with Kantner and Balin seeking a new creative outlet. Their debut album, KBC Band, was a one-off project, but it left a mark with hits like “America” and “It’s Not You, It’s Not Me,” the former gaining renewed attention post-9/11 for its patriotic undertones.

While KBC Band doesn’t have an official website or active social media accounts due to their brief tenure, fans can explore related content through Jefferson Airplane’s official website and Facebook, which occasionally reference the band’s legacy. There’s no dedicated KBC Band Instagram or X presence, but fans share memories on platforms like Jefferson Airplane and Starship Facebook groups, where discussions about KBC Band’s music and its Airplane connections thrive. Fan websites, such as Rate Your Music, offer discography details and community reviews, while Discogs is a go-to for collectors seeking vinyl and CD releases. These platforms keep the spirit of KBC Band alive for Zoo Freaks and beyond, celebrating the band’s brief but impactful chapter in rock history.