You’re No Good

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "You’re No Good" by Lee Aaron from her killer album Diamond Baby Blues! This track is a gritty cover of a song originally penned by Clint Ballard Jr. and first recorded by Dee Dee Warwick in 1963, later made famous by artists like Linda Ronstadt and the Swinging Blue Jeans. Lee Aaron’s version, released in 2018, brings a bluesy hard-rock edge that’s perfect for our free-spirited vibes. Fun fact: the song sits at track 11 on the album, which blends seven covers with five originals, showcasing Aaron’s knack for reimagining classics. Reviewers have noted that her take on "You’re No Good" feels like a nod to the soulful renditions by Dusty Springfield, but with a cleaner, less gritty polish that some fans felt could’ve used a bit more rawness to truly shine.

Diving into the album’s creation, Lee Aaron worked closely with guitarist Sean Kelly, who flew in from Toronto to film videos for tracks like “American High” and “I’m a Woman” at a Surrey studio. While there’s no specific video for "You’re No Good", the album’s title track video, shot and posted on leeaaron.com, captures the band’s live energy. In a 2018 interview with Music Life Magazine, Aaron shared her passion for authentic music-making, emphasizing her philosophy of using real instruments and minimal overdubs to keep the human element alive. This approach shines through in "You’re No Good", where her vocals—described as having a whiskey-rasp grit—deliver a powerful, soulful punch that makes this cover a standout for the Zoo Crew’s playlist.

Now, let’s rewind to how Lee Aaron, born Karen Lynn Greening on July 21, 1962, in Belleville, Ontario, kicked off her legendary career. Singing in school musicals by age five, she was already a star in the making. Her family moved to Winnipeg when she was two, and later back to Ontario, where she studied voice and piano as a teen. At 15, Aaron joined a local rock band in the Toronto suburbs, initially playing saxophone and keys before stepping up as lead singer by 17. Discovered by a talent agent right after high school, she teamed up with Canadian rock veterans from bands like MOXY and SANTERS. By 19, she’d written and recorded her debut album, The Lee Aaron Project, in 1982, launching her into the spotlight. Her 1984 album Metal Queen cemented her as a trailblazer for women in Canada’s male-dominated rock scene, with the title track becoming an anthem that still resonates with Zoo Freaks today.

Despite early challenges, including sexist marketing she later called “painful and embarrassing” in a 2018 interview, Aaron’s resilience shone through. Her 1989 album Bodyrock was hailed by Chart magazine as one of the most influential Canadian albums of the ‘80s, inspiring artists like Avril Lavigne and Alanis Morissette. Over her 35-plus-year career, she’s explored hard rock, blues, and even jazz, proving her versatility while staying true to her roots. Living in South Surrey with her husband, drummer John Cody, and their two kids, Aaron continues to rock stages worldwide, from Wacken Open Air to the Kitchener Blues Festival, as noted in a BraveWords post.

Stay connected with Lee Aaron through her official website, where you can check out videos, tour dates, and her full discography. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, from new releases to behind-the-scenes moments. Zoo Freaks can also join the Lee Aaron Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community sharing love for her music, or visit fan sites like Metal-Rules.com for reviews and news. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep rocking with Lee Aaron!