Four Winds

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Four Winds" by Tangier, a track from their 1989 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this gritty, southern rock anthem. One piece of trivia about the song comes from its production: Four Winds marked a significant shift for Tangier, moving from their earlier hair metal sound to a more mature, bluesy southern rock style, drawing comparisons to Whitesnake and Led Zeppelin. In a 1989 interview with Record Collector Magazine, lead singer Bill Mattson described the title track as a personal favorite, noting its moody slide guitar was inspired by long nights on the road, capturing the band’s yearning for freedom. Fans on Rate Your Music have echoed this, with one reviewer calling Mattson’s raw, passionate vocals “born for southern rock,” highlighting how the song’s energy resonated with audiences craving authentic, post-Zeppelin vibes.

Another tidbit comes from the album’s recording process. According to a fan post on the 80s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Facebook group, drummer Bobby Bender was brought in just before the Four Winds sessions, adding a fresh dynamic to the rhythm section. The band recorded in a live-in-the-room style to capture the raw, unpolished feel of their live performances, which shines through in the song’s driving guitars and soulful delivery. On X, a user recently shared a throwback photo of Tangier performing “Four Winds” live in Philly, sparking nostalgic replies from Zoo Freak-like fans who recalled the band’s electrifying club shows in the late ’80s, where the song often closed their sets.

Tangier’s journey began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1984, founded by songwriter and guitarist Doug Gordon. As detailed on Wikipedia, Gordon formed the band with a vision to blend hard rock with soulful melodies, cutting their teeth in Philly’s vibrant club scene alongside acts like Cinderella. Their big break came when Cinderella invited Tangier to open for them on their second major tour, exposing the band to larger audiences. Tangier’s first self-titled indie album in 1985, featuring Bill Mattson on vocals, Rocco Mazzella on guitar, Mike Kost on bass, and Mark Hopkins on drums, gained local traction but didn’t break nationally. Gordon, determined to refine their sound, retooled the lineup, keeping only Mattson and briefly Adam F. Ferraioli before bringing in new members like drummer Jimmy Drnec for the next phase. This persistence led to their 1989 major-label deal with Atco Records and the release of Four Winds, which showcased their evolved southern rock edge.

While Tangier doesn’t maintain an official website today, fans can connect with their legacy through various platforms. The band’s history is well-documented on Rate Your Music, where enthusiasts share reviews and discography details. On Facebook, the 80s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal group frequently discusses Tangier, with members posting rare photos and concert memories. There’s no official Tangier Instagram or X account, but searching hashtags like #TangierBand on these platforms reveals fan tributes and vinyl collectors showcasing Four Winds. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Record Shop X offers vinyl copies of the album, and Discogs provides a marketplace for rare pressings and detailed credits, keeping Tangier’s music alive for new and old fans alike.