Sunshine in the Shade

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with some cool trivia about Sunshine in the Shade by The Fixx from their 1984 album Phantoms, spinning now on THE ZOO! This track is a jittery, new wave gem that captures the band’s knack for blending tense energy with hopeful vibes. According to a 2014 Metro Weekly article, the song is all about “finding hope amongst despair,” with its tight verses building to a cathartic chorus that repeats the title like a mantra. The band crafted it to release tension, starting with a crescendo of keyboards and Jamie West-Oram’s crisp guitar riffs. Fun fact: the song’s video wasn’t their strongest, and MTV barely played it, which might explain why it only hit #69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #37 on the Mainstream Rock Chart. Still, fans on the The Fixx’s official Facebook page often rave about its underrated energy, with one post calling it “the perfect mix of edgy and uplifting” during a 2022 fan poll.

Another tidbit comes from the band’s longtime producer, Rupert Hine, who shaped Phantoms with a collaborative spirit. In a 1984 interview with Creem magazine, guitarist Jamie West-Oram shared that the album’s title, Phantoms, reflected “the way people really feel inside versus the facade they put up.” This theme resonates in Sunshine in the Shade, where Cy Curnin’s lyrics explore personal struggles and resilience, like “catching these self-thrown blows” before finding “sunshine in the shade.” Fans on the Rate Your Music community have praised the track’s quirky keyboard breakdown in the middle, with one user noting it as “a moment that feels like the band just let loose.” The song’s compact 2:26 runtime, as listed on Discogs, packs a punch, making it a favorite for Zoo Crew’s high-energy sets.

Now, let’s rewind to how The Fixx got their start. Formed in London in 1979, the band began as Portraits, founded by college friends Cy Curnin (vocals) and Adam Woods (drums). They placed an ad for bandmates, recruiting keyboardist Rupert Greenall, guitarist Tony McGrail, and bassist Russell Mckenzie, who was later replaced by Charlie Barrett. As Portraits, they released two singles for Ariola Records, Little Women (1979) and Hazards In The Home (1980), but struggled to break through. By 1980, McGrail left, and Jamie West-Oram joined on guitar, bringing a sharper edge. The band renamed themselves The Fix and signed with 101 Records, dropping their first single, Lost Planes, in 1981, which got some BBC radio play. Their big break came when MCA Records signed them, but only after insisting on a name tweak to The Fixx to avoid any drug-related connotations.

The Fixx’s early years were marked by lineup changes. After recording their debut album, Shuttered Room (1982), Barrett left, and Alfie Agius briefly took over on bass before Dan K. Brown joined during the sessions for their breakthrough album, Reach the Beach (1983). That album, with hits like One Thing Leads to Another, hit #8 on the Billboard 200 and went double platinum. The Fixx’s mix of new wave, post-punk, and rock, paired with Curnin’s distinctive vocals, made them MTV staples. Over the years, they’ve released 11 studio albums, with their latest, Every Five Seconds (2022), showing they’re still rocking. Fans on the The Fixx’s Instagram often post about their live shows, with one commenting, “Cy’s voice is timeless!”

Stay connected with The Fixx through their official website, where you can sign up for tour updates and new music news. Follow them on Facebook (63,000+ likes), Instagram (@thefixxmusic), and X (@thefixx) for behind-the-scenes content and fan interactions. Zoo Freaks can also join the The Fixx Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group where fans share concert pics and debate favorite tracks. For more fan-driven content, check out Rate Your Music or Discogs, where collectors trade rare vinyl like Phantoms. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew!