No Souvenirs

The Zoo Crew is spinning "No Souvenirs" by Melissa Etheridge from her 1989 album Brave and Crazy, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track, the second single from the album, has a cool backstory. Etheridge wrote "No Souvenirs" before her debut album but held it back because its original intro was too similar to "Bring Me Some Water". The song captures a fleeting love affair, with lyrics about a phone call made after a breakup, reflecting on a relationship that left nothing behind. It peaked at number 95 on the US Billboard Hot 100 but found more love internationally, hitting number 30 in Australia and number four in Canada, making it her highest-charting single there until 1996.

Another tidbit comes from a fan’s perspective shared in a 2024 Limelight Magazine article. The writer, Jay Roberts, describes how Melissa Etheridge’s music, especially from Brave and Crazy, sparked a deep fandom. Roberts joined a fantasy football league with other Etheridge fans, collected rare demos, and attended six concerts, including one where Aerosmith’s Joe Perry joined her on stage for an AC/DC cover. This shows how "No Souvenirs," as the album’s opener, helped cement Etheridge’s connection with her passionate fanbase. In a 2020 X post, Etheridge herself celebrated the album’s 30th anniversary, highlighting "No Souvenirs" as a fan favorite alongside tracks like "You Can Sleep While I Drive" and "Skin Deep."

Melissa Etheridge got her start in Leavenworth, Kansas, where she was born on May 29, 1961. She picked up the guitar at eight and began writing songs soon after, playing in local bands during her teens. After high school, she headed to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music but left after a year to pursue her career. Etheridge moved to Los Angeles, performing in clubs and bars, where her raw, emotive voice caught the attention of Island Records’ Chris Blackwell. Rumor has it that U2’s Bono was present at the club gig that led to her signing. Her 1988 self-titled debut album, with hits like "Bring Me Some Water", became an underground success, earning her a Grammy nomination and setting the stage for Brave and Crazy.

You can keep up with Melissa Etheridge through her official website, where fans can join the Etheridge Nation community for exclusive content and pre-sale tickets. She’s active on social media, sharing updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also connect through communities like the Etheridge Nation Facebook group, a hub for Zoo Freaks and others to discuss her music, share concert experiences, and celebrate her work. Another fan site, Melissa Etheridge’s official site, offers a space to explore her discography and tour dates, keeping the vibe alive for her dedicated following.