Southbound Train

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Southbound Train" by Tangier from their 1989 album Four Winds, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this bluesy hard rock anthem. One piece of trivia about the song comes from a 2014 review on Papyblues, which describes "Southbound Train" as having a "well-squared rock" vibe with a steady, binary drumbeat, evoking a classic, road-tripping energy that fits perfectly with its lyrics about rolling to the "Promised Land." The song’s catchy key change, as noted in a Rate Your Music review, makes it an absolute sing-along anthem, tailor-made for the huge arenas Tangier dreamed of filling, even if they never quite reached that level of fame. While specific interviews or social media posts from the band about the song are scarce, a Decibel Geek article from 2017 recalls how the album, including "Southbound Train," captured the band’s raw, ZZ Top-inspired swagger, with fans at the time shouting along to its infectious chorus during live shows in Philadelphia clubs.

Tangier’s journey began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1984, founded by songwriter and guitarist Doug Gordon. According to their bio on Sleaze Roxx, the band cut their teeth in the same vibrant club scene as contemporaries like Cinderella, who later gave Tangier a boost by inviting them to open during their second major tour. The original lineup featured Bill Mattson on vocals, Doug Gordon and Rocco Mazzella on guitars, Mike Kost on bass, and Mark Hopkins on drums. Their self-titled debut album in 1985, released on a small label, didn’t make waves, prompting Gordon to put the band on hiatus to rethink their sound and lineup. By 1989, with new members Gari Saint (guitar), Garry Nutt (bass), and Bobby Bender (drums), Tangier signed with ATCO Records and released Four Winds, produced by veteran Andy Johns. This album, including hits like "On the Line" and "Southbound Train," showcased a shift to a bluesier, southern-tinged hard rock style, drawing comparisons to Whitesnake and Led Zeppelin, as noted on Last.fm.

Unfortunately, Tangier’s official online presence is limited, as the band dissolved in 1992 and has not maintained active official channels. There is no official website or verified social media accounts for Tangier on Facebook, Instagram, or X. However, fans can connect through unofficial channels. A notable fan hub is the Tangier Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, rare photos, and discussions about the band’s music. Additionally, Heavy Harmonies serves as a fan-driven discography site that catalogs Tangier’s releases, including Four Winds, and encourages submissions to keep the band’s legacy alive. These fan communities keep the spirit of Tangier’s music burning for the Zoo Freaks tuning in to the Zoo Crew’s spin of "Southbound Train."