I Can't Shake You

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew's unleashing some prime Canadian melodic hard rock with Santers' powerhouse opener "I Can't Shake You" from their 1984 album Guitar Alley. Man, this track kicks off the record with a bang—those slick, fluid '80s hard rock riffs that grab you right away, blending catchy AOR hooks with that raw energy that just won't let go. Reviews from back in the day and still today call it one of the standout cuts, a total earworm with Rick Santers' soaring vocals and swirling guitar solos that make it feel like the perfect blend of Foreigner polish and Triumph drive. Produced by Rik Emmett himself, it got solid rotation as a single and video across North American rock stations, proving these Toronto cats knew how to craft tunes that stick like a summer sunset.

Digging into the stories, fans and critics alike rave about how "I Can't Shake You" captures that mid-'80s vibe—high-energy yet melodic, with precise rhythms and inventive leads that shine bright. It's often picked as a favorite alongside gems like "Black Magic" and their fresh take on Free's "All Right Now," turning the whole album into a riff-riddled ride that's underrated but pulses deep in the hearts of those who know. Retro rock lovers on socials keep spinning it, calling it essential '84 magic that should've blasted even higher, but hey, that's the beauty of these hidden treasures we love pulling out for you freaks.

Drifting back to the beginnings, Zoo Freaks, Santers sprouted from the suburban Toronto basements where classically trained brothers Rick Santers—handling lead vocals, guitars, and keys—and Mark Santers on drums and vocals jammed out their progressive melodic dreams. They hooked up with jazz-tinged bassist Rick Lazaroff in 1979, first calling themselves Nouveau Riche before settling on Santers, and hit the local club circuit hard, building that heavy-yet-heartfelt power trio sound. By 1981, they landed with Ready Records and dropped their debut Shot Down in Flames, kicking off a run of melodic hard rock classics that took them from hometown gigs to touring with legends.

If this vibe's calling you deeper, float on over to the official site at santers.com—it's loaded with their full story, remastered discography, and all the good stuff. Rick keeps the connection alive on X at @SANTERSmusic, sharing updates and art from the journey. For that community groove, dive into melodic rock forums and '80s hard rock groups online where fans swap tales and rare spins. Keep the waves coming, freaks—the records are rolling and the spirit's eternal.