Tobacco Road

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Tobacco Road" by Spooky Tooth, a track from their 1971 album Tobacco Road, which was a reissue of their 1968 debut It's All About. This song, originally written by John D. Loudermilk, is a gritty, bluesy cover that showcases the band's psychedelic rock edge. One piece of trivia about the song comes from its reception in France, where the album reportedly caused a stir among listeners, including one fan who noted it shocked their "classical little world" due to its raw energy and electronic treatments by French composer Pierre Henry. The track's intense stops, starts, and falsetto yells have been described as both catchy and irritating, with one reviewer likening it to "slamming your fingers in a car door over and over" for its relentless, almost chaotic delivery. Despite mixed reviews, the song's inclusion on the reissued album replaced Bob Dylan's "Too Much of Nothing" with a cover of "The Weight," a decision some fans felt was a misstep, as they preferred the original tracklist's vibe.

Another interesting tidbit about "Tobacco Road" is its role in establishing Spooky Tooth's early sound. Produced by Jimmy Miller, who worked with iconic acts like The Rolling Stones and Traffic, the song blends psychedelic pop with soulful harmonies, drawing comparisons to The Beatles and The Beach Boys while capturing American soul influences. Fans on platforms like Prog Archives have noted that the album, including this track, marked a shift from the band's earlier incarnation as Art, highlighting Gary Wright's songwriting prowess. However, some reviews suggest the song's dramatic vocals and harpsichord use make it sound a bit dated compared to the darker, heavier tones of their later work like Spooky Two. The track helped build Spooky Tooth's fanbase in America, particularly after tours promoted by Bill Graham at venues like San Francisco's Fillmore West.

Spooky Tooth began in Carlisle, England, in 1967, evolving from the band Art, which itself was a rebranding of The V.I.P.'s. Four members of Art—guitarist Luther Grosvenor, vocalist Mike Harrison, drummer Mike Kellie, and bassist Greg Ridley—formed the core of Spooky Tooth after Art's dissolution. They were joined by American keyboardist/vocalist Gary Wright, introduced by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who saw potential in blending their British blues roots with Wright's innovative organ and piano work. This lineup debuted with It's All About in 1968, setting the stage for their unique sound that mixed blues, psychedelic, and early progressive rock elements. The band's early years were marked by constant lineup changes and experimental shifts, but their initial success came from Wright's songwriting and the vocal interplay between Harrison and Wright, which gave tracks like "Tobacco Road" their distinctive edge.

While Spooky Tooth does not have an official website or active social media presence today, fans can explore their legacy through various platforms. The band’s music and history are well-documented on AllMusic and Discogs, which offer detailed discographies and reviews. For fan communities, Prog Archives serves as a hub for enthusiasts, featuring reviews and discussions about the band’s work, including Tobacco Road. There are no official Facebook or Instagram accounts for Spooky Tooth, and their presence on X is limited to fan posts rather than an official profile. However, fan-driven groups like those on Facebook’s Spooky Tooth Fan Group provide spaces for Zoo Freaks to share memories, discuss tracks like "Tobacco Road," and celebrate the band’s enduring influence in the psychedelic and progressive rock scenes.