Teacher, Teacher

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a blast from the past as The Zoo Crew spins "Teacher, Teacher" by Rockpile from their 1980 album Seconds of Pleasure. This infectious new wave track, written by Kenny Pickett and Eddie Phillips of the 1960s psychedelic rock band The Creation, became a moderate hit, peaking at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 31 in Canada. Sung by bassist Nick Lowe, the song features harmonies from guitarists Dave Edmunds and Billy Bremner during the catchy chorus, urging the teacher to "teach me love." Its jangly Rickenbacker guitar break, highlighted by critics like Stewart Mason of AllMusic, gives it a timeless, chiming pop vibe that’s perfect for The Zoo’s retro grooves.

One cool piece of trivia is that "Teacher, Teacher" found a second life in pop culture when it was featured in the opening credits of the 2011 comedy film Bad Teacher, starring Cameron Diaz. The song’s playful energy matched the movie’s cheeky tone, introducing it to a new generation of listeners. Critics have long praised its brilliance, with AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine calling it "infectious" and The Arizona Republic comparing it favorably to Van Halen’s "Hot for Teacher" as one of the top songs about school. The song’s music video also gained traction on MTV, boosting its popularity during the early days of music television. Unfortunately, no specific interviews or social media posts from the band about the song’s creation have surfaced recently, but its enduring appeal speaks for itself.

Rockpile formed in 1976, born from the creative partnership of Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe, who shared a passion for pre-Beatles rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, and power pop. Edmunds, a Welsh guitarist and vocalist, had already made waves with his 1970 hit cover of "I Hear You Knocking," which topped the UK charts. After producing albums for pub rock band Brinsley Schwarz, fronted by Lowe, Edmunds crossed paths with the bassist, sparking a collaboration that would define their careers. The duo, joined by drummer Terry Williams and guitarist Billy Bremner, created Rockpile, named after Edmunds’ 1972 solo album. Their early years were complicated by contractual issues—Edmunds was signed to Swan Song Records, while Lowe was with Stiff Records—leading to solo albums credited to either Edmunds or Lowe, despite the band’s involvement.

By 1980, Rockpile finally released Seconds of Pleasure under their own name on Jake Riviera’s F-Beat Records. The album, recorded at Eden Studios in Chiswick, showcased their pub rock roots and polished power pop sound, with "Teacher, Teacher" as a standout. Despite their talent, the band’s run was short-lived due to creative tensions between Edmunds’ detail-oriented approach and Lowe’s spontaneous style, and they disbanded in 1981. Still, their influence on new wave and pub rock endures, with fans cherishing their one true album and scattered live recordings, like the 2013 Live at Rockpalast release.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds maintain their own official websites, though Rockpile itself doesn’t have one. You can follow Nick Lowe on Facebook and Instagram, where he shares updates about his solo work and occasional nods to his Rockpile days. Dave Edmunds is less active online, but you can find fan-driven content on platforms like Rockpile Fans on Facebook, where enthusiasts share rare photos, live clips, and memories. On X, searching for "Rockpile Teacher Teacher" pulls up fan posts and retro music accounts raving about the song’s catchy hooks. Fan sites like Last.fm also offer detailed discographies and listener comments, keeping the Rockpile spirit alive for The Zoo Crew and all you Zoo Freaks out there!