The Things (That) I Used to Do

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Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning a killer track tonight, The Things (That) I Used to Do by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble from their iconic album Couldn’t Stand the Weather. This song, originally by Guitar Slim, got a fiery makeover with Stevie’s signature Texas blues grit. One cool tidbit from the recording sessions at the Power Station in New York City in January 1984: the track features a guest appearance by Stevie’s brother, Jimmie Vaughan, who lays down rapid guitar licks between the vocal lines, adding a family spark to the slow-burning blues. Fans on Discogs rave about the song’s raw energy, with one calling it a “smokin’” nod to the 1950s original, proving Stevie’s knack for honoring his influences while making it his own. On Reddit’s blues community, a fan shared how seeing Stevie perform this live in the ‘80s felt like “the music moved through him” with a soulful intensity that left the crowd speechless.

Another gem about this track comes from the Couldn’t Stand the Weather Legacy Edition liner notes, where drummer Chris Layton recalled the band’s intuitive interplay. He and bassist Tommy Shannon weren’t just backing Stevie—they were equals, weaving a tight rhythm section that let Stevie’s “crying, pleading” guitar notes soar. A post on X from a fan account, @historyrock_, called Stevie a “guitar god” for his live rendition of the album’s title track, and the same passion applies to The Things (That) I Used to Do. The song’s slow blues vibe, packed with Stevie’s searing single notes, has been praised on Amazon reviews for capturing “who Vaughan was”—a bluesman pouring his heart out. The Zoo Crew loves how this track blends tradition with Stevie’s electrifying style, and we know you Zoo Freaks are feeling it too!

Let’s dive into how Stevie Ray Vaughan got his start. Born in Dallas, Texas, on October 3, 1954, Stevie picked up the guitar at age seven, inspired by his older brother, Jimmie. According to Britannica, he was hooked early, skipping much of a social life to practice. By his teens, he was gigging in local bands like Brooklyn Underground and Southern Distributor. At 17, he dropped out of high school and moved to Austin in 1972, where he tore up the club circuit. In 1978, he formed Double Trouble with drummer Chris Layton and bassist Jackie Newhouse, later replaced by Tommy Shannon in 1981. Their big break came in 1982 at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where they caught the eye of Jackson Browne, who offered his LA studio for free. That led to their debut album, Texas Flood, released in 1983, which hit #38 on the Billboard 200. Stevie’s bold, overdriven Fender Stratocaster sound became his trademark, and by the time Couldn’t Stand the Weather dropped in 1984, he was a blues-rock titan.

Tragically, Stevie’s career was cut short when he died in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, at age 35. But his legacy lives on through his music and passionate fanbase. You can explore more about him on his official website. Connect with fans on social media via the official Stevie Ray Vaughan Facebook page, Instagram, and X account. For deeper dives, check out fan communities like the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group or the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fan Club website, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over his epic discography and share stories about his legendary live shows. Keep it groovy, and let’s keep those records spinning!

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