I Can’t Get Next to You

The Zoo Crew is spinning the funky blues rock vibes of I Can’t Get Next to You by Savoy Brown from their 1971 album Street Corner Talking, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track, a cover of the 1969 Temptations hit written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield, got a gritty, slowed-down makeover by Savoy Brown. According to a fan review on Amazon, the band’s take is “slower and harder” than the original, showcasing their knack for blending R&B with their signature blues rock edge. The song was recorded during a marathon 25-hour session, as noted on Discogs, which birthed the entire Street Corner Talking album. That session was a pivotal moment, capturing the band’s new lineup and fresh sound after a major shakeup.

One cool piece of trivia comes from the album’s context: Street Corner Talking marked a turning point for Savoy Brown. After losing key members like Lonesome Dave, Tone Stevens, and Roger Earl—who went on to form Foghat—guitarist Kim Simmonds rebuilt the band with former members of Chicken Shack. This new crew, including vocalist Dave Walker and keyboardist Paul Raymond, brought a funkier, more soulful vibe to tracks like I Can’t Get Next to You. A blogger on Christian’s Music Musings raved about the song’s “dusty stoned out” feel, highlighting how it showcased the band’s bold new direction. The track’s hypnotic groove and Simmonds’ tasty guitar work make it a standout, with fans on eBay still calling it a blues rock gem that brings back memories of the ‘70s.

Savoy Brown got their start in 1965 in London, England, founded by guitarist Kim Simmonds. As detailed on their official website, Simmonds formed the band—originally called the Savoy Brown Blues Band—to play Chicago-style blues, inspired by the American blues label Savoy Records. The “Brown” was added for its plain, everyman vibe, creating a name that was both elegant and grounded. Their early years were marked by relentless gigging in London’s blues scene, and by 1966, they were releasing singles that caught the ear of British blues fans. Though they never hit superstardom in the UK, their non-stop touring in the US during the ‘60s and ‘70s built a loyal following, with hits like their 1969 single Train to Nowhere cracking the Billboard Hot 100, per AllMusic.

Simmonds, the band’s only constant member, kept Savoy Brown alive through decades of lineup changes, releasing over 40 albums, including their 2023 release Blues All Around, even after Simmonds’ passing in 2022. Their official social media keeps the legacy going: you can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather on the Savoy Brown Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and blues rock lovers share memories, rare vinyl finds, and tributes to Simmonds’ enduring influence. While no standalone fan websites popped up in recent searches, the band’s official site and socials are the go-to spots for the latest news and community vibes.