Cocktail Queen (Don’t She Love to Rock and Roll)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "Cocktail Queen (Don’t She Love to Rock and Roll)" by Taxxi, from their 1982 album States of Emergency, for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, a staple of early '80s AOR rock, captures the wild energy of a charismatic party girl who lives for the night and the beat. One piece of trivia comes from a 2009 blog post on Rock God Cred, which calls "Cocktail Queen" a "lost radio gem" that surprisingly got airplay in its day, highlighting its simple yet catchy structure with "6 or 8 chords, a steady drum beat, and a gentle humming baseline." The song’s charm lies in its straightforward rock vibe, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s retro-loving audience.

Another tidbit about "Cocktail Queen" surfaces from its early MTV exposure. According to a YouTube upload of the music video, the track was a classic from MTV’s nascent days, showcasing Taxxi’s ability to blend new wave and rock with a visual flair that hooked viewers. The video’s simplicity complemented the song’s raw energy, making it a favorite for fans craving that '80s nostalgia. While specific interviews or social media posts from the band about the song are scarce, the track’s inclusion on States of Emergency, which also spawned the hit "I’m Leaving," underscores its role in Taxxi’s brief but vibrant moment in the rock spotlight.

Taxxi, the English rock band behind "Cocktail Queen," began their journey in the late 1970s in London. Scottish-born singer and guitarist David Cumming, keyboardist Colin Payne, and drummer Jeffrey Nead formed the core of the group, driven by a shared passion for blending AOR rock with new wave influences. As noted on Wikipedia, their big break came through an association with Kit Lambert, a legendary producer known for his work with The Who. Lambert helped them record demos, which led to a deal with Fantasy Records in Berkeley. After relocating to the U.S., they released their debut album, Day for Night, in 1980, but it was States of Emergency in 1982 that brought them modest fame, with tracks like "Cocktail Queen" and "I’m Leaving" earning rock radio and MTV airplay.

Though Taxxi’s official online presence is limited today, fans can connect with their legacy through various platforms. Their music is referenced on sites like Apple Music, but no official band website exists. For social media, there’s no verified Facebook or Instagram account for Taxxi, reflecting their post-'80s dissolution. On X, mentions of Taxxi are mostly fan-driven or retrospective, with no active band account. Fan communities are also sparse, but the 80s Rock Fans Facebook group occasionally discusses Taxxi alongside other AOR acts. For deeper dives, Rate Your Music offers fan reviews and tracklists, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ love for Taxxi’s sound alive.