Cannonball

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Cannonball" by Supertramp, a track from their 1985 album Brother Where You Bound, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to its infectious energy. This song, written and sung by keyboardist Rick Davies, is notable for being composed entirely in the chord of G minor, a deliberate creative challenge Davies undertook to see if it could be done. In a French radio interview, Davies revealed that the song’s lyrics, which express feelings of betrayal and frustration, were inspired by a negative experience with a concert promoter, though he refrained from naming the individual. Lines like “I’m washing my hands of you / How could you be so untrue” capture the raw emotion of being let down by someone trusted. Contrary to popular belief, the song is not about the departure of former bandmate Roger Hodgson, who left the band before the album’s release.

Another intriguing tidbit about "Cannonball" is its crossover success, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number nine on the dance charts in July 1985, making it Supertramp’s last US Top 40 hit to date. The track’s extended instrumental intro and its brass section’s nod to the jazz tune Topsy near the fade-out add a distinctive flair, showcasing the band’s progressive rock roots blended with a danceable groove. The 12-inch single release included a 10-minute instrumental version on the B-side, a treat for fans craving more of the song’s jazzy, driving energy. Posts on X have highlighted the song’s significance, with one user noting in April 2024 that it was a Top 30 hit for the band, underscoring its commercial impact during a transitional period for Supertramp.

Supertramp began in London in 1969, initially under the name Daddy, before renaming themselves in 1970. Founded by Rick Davies (vocals, keyboards) and Roger Hodgson (vocals, keyboards, guitars), the band was born out of Davies’ ambition to create a sophisticated pop-rock sound, backed by Dutch millionaire Stanley August Miesegaes, who provided financial support. Their early years were marked by struggle, with their first two albums, Supertramp (1970) and Indelibly Stamped (1971), failing to gain traction. The band’s fortunes changed with a lineup overhaul in 1973, bringing in Dougie Thomson (bass), Bob Siebenberg (drums), and John Helliwell (saxophone), forming the classic lineup that would define their sound. Their breakthrough came with the 1974 album Crime of the Century, which reached number one in the UK and introduced their signature blend of progressive rock, pop, and jazz influences, driven by Davies’ bluesy vocals and Hodgson’s falsetto.

The band’s music evolved over the years, with hits like “The Logical Song” and “Breakfast in America” cementing their global success in the late 1970s. After Hodgson’s departure in 1983, Davies steered Supertramp toward a jazz and R&B-inflected sound, as heard on Brother Where You Bound. Despite lineup changes and periods of inactivity, Supertramp’s legacy endures, with occasional tours and a dedicated fanbase. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, and Instagram. The band’s presence on X offers updates and fan interactions. For deeper engagement, fans can explore communities like the Supertramp Fan Club on Facebook or visit fan sites such as Prog Archives for detailed discographies and reviews.