(She's) Sexy and 17 (Live Broadcast 1983)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the rockabilly classic "(She's) Sexy and 17 (Live Broadcast 1983)" by Stray Cats from the UnConcert Series album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging the vibe. This song, originally released in July 1983 as the lead single from Rant N' Rave with the Stray Cats, became the band's third and final top 10 hit, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart for one week. A fun piece of trivia: the music video, directed by Ian Leech, featured actress Amelia Kinkade alongside the band, adding a playful visual flair to the song’s rebellious teen spirit. However, not everyone was a fan—some critics, like those at humanizingthevacuum, found the song’s 1950s tropes and self-conscious lyrics a bit "queasy," though they acknowledged its catchy, cynical appeal that hooked both kids and their parents in 1983.

Delving into the song’s backstory, Brian Setzer, the band’s frontman, has spoken about how the Stray Cats aimed to blend the raw energy of 1950s rockabilly with a modern punk edge. In a 2022 interview with The Hype Magazine, drummer Slim Jim Phantom shared that the band’s early days were about capturing the “rock solid yet loose” rhythm that defined their sound, and "(She's) Sexy and 17" exemplified this with its infectious beat and Setzer’s twangy Gretsch guitar. Social media posts on platforms like X often highlight the song’s chart success, with users like @JustRockContent noting its Billboard achievements in a December 2024 post. Fans on Reddit’s 80smusic community have also praised the track’s nostalgic vibe, with some calling it a perfect snapshot of the early MTV era, though debates persist about its lyrical content, with one commenter defending Setzer’s youthful exuberance, noting he was barely out of his teens when the band formed.

The Stray Cats’ origin story is as gritty as their music. Formed in 1979 in Massapequa, Long Island, the trio—guitarist/vocalist Brian Setzer, double bassist Lee Rocker, and drummer Slim Jim Phantom—started playing under names like the Tomcats and Bryan and the Tom Cats. Setzer later explained in interviews that they switched names to trick club owners into booking them for consecutive nights, always keeping “Cats” in the title so fans would recognize them. Inspired by 1950s Sun Records artists like Eddie Cochran and Carl Perkins, they honed their sound in New York venues like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City. Hearing about a Teddy Boy revival in England, they moved to the UK in 1980, where they sparked a rockabilly resurgence, blending vintage sounds with punk attitude. Their visual style—pompadours, drape jackets, and tattoos—set them apart, as noted on their official site, straycats.com.

Despite their success, the band faced challenges. By 1984, personal and musical tensions led Setzer to disband the group, a decision he later called “silly” in a 2012 reflection, regretting breaking up at their peak. They’ve since reunited multiple times, including a 2018 Las Vegas show and a 2019 album, 40, to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Fans can connect with the band on their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and throwback photos. For deeper fan engagement, check out the Stray Cats Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community sharing stories, photos, and love for the band’s enduring legacy. Whether you’re a Zoo Freak or a longtime rockabilly devotee, the Stray Cats’ raw energy keeps the party alive.