You Ain’t Like You Used to Be

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "You Ain’t Like You Used to Be" by Mike Morgan & The Crawl from their 1991 album Mighty Fine Dancin’. This song, a standout on the album, captures the raw energy of Texas blues with its driving rhythm and soulful harmonica, courtesy of Lee McBee. Fans on platforms like Amazon have raved about the track’s ability to get listeners moving, with one reviewer calling it part of “the gold standard for jump blues” that’s impossible not to dance to. The song’s lyrical hook, paired with Morgan’s versatile guitar riffs, sticks in your mind, as noted by a fan review that praised its memorable quality. Zoo Freaks are likely bobbing their heads to this one, as it’s a perfect fit for the station’s eclectic vibe.

While specific stories about the creation of "You Ain’t Like You Used to Be" are scarce, the album Mighty Fine Dancin’ was recorded in December 1990 at Ultrasonic Studios in New Orleans, with additional bonus tracks cut in 1992, as noted on Discogs. The collaboration between Mike Morgan and Lee McBee was electric, with McBee’s rich vocals and harmonica complementing Morgan’s guitar prowess. A fan on SonicHits reminisced about jamming with Morgan in 2019, suggesting the song evokes nostalgia for carefree days cruising in “an old beatup Chevy.” The track’s infectious energy has made it a favorite among blues enthusiasts, with AllMusic giving the album high praise for its gritty, danceable sound.

Mike Morgan, born November 30, 1959, in Dallas, Texas, kicked off his musical journey in Hillsboro, where he grew up. As a kid, he picked up the guitar and initially leaned into rock music, but by 1985, he’d fallen hard for blues and blues-rock. Moving back to Dallas in 1986, he teamed up with vocalist Darrell Nulisch to form The Crawl, named after a Lonnie Brooks tune. Their early gigs around Dallas and Fort Worth built a solid local rep, as detailed on the band’s bio page. When Nulisch left in 1989, Morgan brought in Kansas City’s Lee McBee, whose soulful voice and harmonica skills took the band to new heights. Their 1990 debut album, Raw & Ready, launched them onto national and international stages, with performances at festivals like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

You can keep up with Mike Morgan & The Crawl on their official website, mikemorganandthecrawl.com, where you’ll find tour dates and bio details. They’re active on Facebook, sharing updates about gigs and new releases, like their 2022 album with M.C. Records. Their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of performances, while their X account keeps fans in the loop with quick updates. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, check out the Mike Morgan & The Crawl Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories and discuss the band’s music. While no standalone fan websites popped up, platforms like SonicHits host fan comments and song discussions, perfect for diving deeper into the band’s legacy.