Call It a Spade

The Zoo Crew is spinning the gritty, blues-infused rock anthem "Call It a Spade" by Monster Truck from their debut album Furiosity, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to its raw energy. This track, a standout on the 2013 release, is a dirty, boogie-driven blues tune that channels the spirit of classic rock with a modern edge. According to a review from Unsung Melody, the song features the album’s best breakdown, with a kick drum, tambourine, and clapping that create an irresistible rhythm, evoking the style of the legendary Rory Gallagher. The infectious groove and soulful delivery make it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s hippie vibe, pulling listeners into its swampy, foot-stomping flow.

Digging into the song’s trivia, "Call It a Spade" is noted for its nod to classic influences like ZZ Top, with a boogie reminiscent of their hit "La Grange," though it carves its own path with Monster Truck’s signature heft. In a 2013 PlanetMosh review, the track is described as a shuffle in the style of Bo Diddley, showcasing the band’s ability to blend retro rock with their full-throttle approach. While specific interviews about the song are scarce, guitarist Jeremy Widerman shared in an Unsung Melody interview around the album’s release that the band aimed to create music that’s unapologetically raw and fun, a mantra that shines through in the track’s no-nonsense attitude. The song’s placement on Furiosity, nestled between the heavy "The Giant" and the soulful closer "My Love Is True," highlights its role as a bridge between the album’s intense and mellow moments.

Monster Truck formed in Hamilton, Ontario, in 2009, born out of a shared love for hard rock, blues, and the unpolished spirit of bands like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. The lineup—Jon Harvey (bass, lead vocals), Jeremy Widerman (guitar, vocals), Brandon Bliss (organ, vocals), and Steve Kiely (drums, vocals)—came together organically, jamming in local scenes before their chemistry ignited something bigger. Their 2011 EP, The Brown EP, was a breakout, with the single "Seven Seas Blues" climbing the Canadian rock charts, earning them a Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2013. Signing with Dine Alone Records, they channeled their live energy into Furiosity, which propelled them onto stages with heavyweights like Slash and Alice in Chains, cementing their reputation as a powerhouse act.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Monster Truck’s official website is the hub for tour dates, merch, and news. You can catch their latest updates on Facebook, where they share tour photos and fan interactions, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses of their road life. On X, they keep it real with quick updates and fan shoutouts. Fans have also carved out spaces like the Monster Truck Fans Facebook group, a lively community swapping stories, concert pics, and love for the band’s riff-heavy sound. While no major fan websites dominate, the band’s social presence and dedicated groups keep the Monster Truck spirit alive for fans worldwide.