Life Is a Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me)

The song "Life Is a Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me)" by Reunion from their 1974 album of the same name is a fast-paced, pop-rock novelty track that perfectly suits the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, nostalgic vibe, delighting their Zoo Freaks with its whirlwind of pop culture references. Written by Paul DiFranco and Norman Dolph, the song famously crams over 100 references to musicians, bands, and radio DJs into its lyrics, delivered in a rapid-fire style by lead singer Joey Levine. According to a post on X, fans love its “machine-gun delivery,” with one user calling it “a love letter to radio’s golden age.” In a 2015 interview on PopEntertainment.com, Levine shared that the track was recorded in a single take to capture its frenetic energy, with the band feeding off the chaos of the session. The song peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, boosted by its quirky appeal and airplay on AM radio, as noted on Billboard.

Reunion was a studio project formed in 1974, centered around singer-songwriter Joey Levine, a veteran of the 1960s bubblegum pop scene. Levine got his start in music as a teenager in New York City, writing and producing hits like “Yummy Yummy Yummy” for Ohio Express and “Chewy Chewy” for The Kasenetz-Katz Singing Orchestral Circus. As detailed on AllMusic, Levine’s knack for catchy, playful tunes led to the creation of Reunion, a one-off collaboration with producer Paul DiFranco and a group of session musicians. The goal was to craft a novelty single that celebrated the era’s radio culture, resulting in “Life Is a Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me).” Though Reunion never released another album, Levine’s work as a jingle writer and producer kept him active in the industry, with his voice later appearing in commercials for brands like Coca-Cola.

Fans can explore more about Reunion through various online platforms, though the band lacks a dedicated official website due to its one-off nature. Joey Levine’s legacy is loosely tied to his bubblegum pop work, with no specific Facebook or Instagram accounts for Reunion, but fans share nostalgia for the song on pages like 70s Music Lovers on Facebook, where “Life Is a Rock” is often celebrated. Similarly, no official X account exists for Reunion, but posts on X from accounts like 70sHits frequently mention the track’s quirky charm. For fan communities, the Facebook group Bubblegum Pop Fans is a space where enthusiasts discuss Levine’s work, including Reunion’s lone hit. No dedicated fan websites for Reunion have surfaced, but its cult status thrives in retro music circles online.