Mind Bender

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy track "Mind Bender" by Stillwater, a Southern rock gem from their 1977 self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging the vibes. This song, which peaked at #46 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1978, tells the tale of a mystical talking guitar discovered in a pawn shop, brought to life with a Heil talk box effect popularized by Peter Frampton and Joe Walsh. The idea for "Mind Bender" came from producer Buddy Buie during a late-night session, who suggested to guitarist Rob Walker that they write about a guitar with a voice of its own—an outlandish concept that Walker initially found bizarre but quickly embraced, resulting in some of the strangest lyrics ever to hit the pop charts. The song’s bluesy strut and triple-guitar attack, courtesy of Mike Causey, Bobby Golden, and Walker, made it a standout, though its promotional run was hampered by a Spinal Tap-esque mishap when some singles were mistakenly labeled "Arte Stillwater" due to a label misprint.

Another quirky tidbit about "Mind Bender" comes from its ties to Southern rock’s heyday. Stillwater, signed to Capricorn Records, toured with heavyweights like the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the song’s moderate success in 1978 had folks thinking they could fill the void left by Skynyrd’s tragic plane crash. A 1976 performance of the track was captured by the BBC for its Old Grey Whistle Test series at Uncle Sam’s during Macon, Georgia’s Peach Blossom Festival, showcasing their raw energy to a global audience. Social media posts on platforms like Reddit’s TheTikiHut in 2024 have seen fans rediscover the track, with users like u/teardrinker praising the band’s ability to “cook” and celebrating its bluesy, talk-box-infused charm. The song’s legacy also got a boost from confusion with Cameron Crowe’s fictional band in Almost Famous, leading Crowe to clear the name’s use with the real Stillwater after they approved his script.

Stillwater’s story began in Warner Robins, Georgia, in 1973, when a group of young musicians—Mike Causey (guitar), Bobby Golden (guitar, vocals), Rob Walker (guitar), Jimmy Hall (vocals, percussion, not to be confused with Wet Willie’s singer), Allison Scarborough (bass, vocals), Bob Spearman (keyboards, vocals), and Sebie Lacey (drums)—came together with a shared love for Southern rock and folk. Formed during the genre’s golden era, they honed their craft in local clubs, building a reputation for their triple-guitar sound and tight harmonies. By 1976, they caught the attention of Capricorn Records’ Phil Walden, who signed them after they turned down a deal from Atlantic Records to stay true to their Southern roots. Their debut album, Stillwater, released in 1977, showcased their eclectic influences, from acoustic fingerpicking to Boz Scaggs-inspired R&B, with "Mind Bender" as the breakout single. Despite the promise, Capricorn’s bankruptcy in 1979 derailed their momentum, leading to their breakup in 1982. They later reformed in 1997 with drummer David Heck, releasing Runnin’ Free in 1998 and playing sporadic live shows.

Tracking down Stillwater’s online presence is a bit like chasing a ghost from the ’70s, as the band hasn’t maintained an active digital footprint. There’s no official website or verified social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, or X for the band itself, reflecting their reclusive status since their heyday. However, fans keep the flame alive through unofficial channels. The TheTikiHut Reddit community occasionally shares their music, and YouTube uploads like a 1977 HQ version of "Mind Bender" on the platform keep their sound circulating. Fan-driven pages on Last.fm and AllMusic provide detailed bios and discographies, while Genius offers lyrics and annotations for "Mind Bender." No dedicated Facebook groups for Stillwater fans appear to exist, but Southern rock enthusiasts often mention them in broader communities like those for the Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd. For the Zoo Freaks craving more, these fan sites and archival posts are the best way to relive Stillwater’s brief but fiery run.