She Gives Me Love

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "She Gives Me Love" by The Godfathers from their 1989 album More Songs About Love & Hate for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, a hard-hitting rock anthem, kicked off the album with a bang, reaching #8 on the modern rock charts. Its raw energy and Peter Coyne’s gritty vocals capture a mix of devotion and bewilderment, with lyrics like “Don’t claim to understand her, I wonder what she’s doing with me.” Interestingly, the song’s driving rhythm and guitar riffs, courtesy of Kris Dollimore, were part of a polished yet fierce sound shaped by producer Vic Maile, who tragically passed away shortly after the album’s release. Fans on The Godfathers’ Facebook page have shared stories of how this track fueled their late ’80s road trips, with one recalling a 1989 concert where Coyne’s intense stage presence made the song feel like a personal serenade.

Another layer of trivia comes from the album’s UK cover art, which featured a striking image of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, a bold choice that sparked some controversy. For the U.S. market, the cover was swapped for a less provocative band photo, as noted in a yperano.com listing. The song itself, while a standout, was one of three singles from the album that didn’t quite break through commercially despite heavy college radio play. In a fan discussion on the Godfathers Fan Group on Facebook, one member mentioned how “She Gives Me Love” was a staple at London club nights, its primal energy resonating with the post-punk crowd. The track’s production, described as having a “knuckleduster wrapped in a velvet glove” vibe, reflects The Godfathers’ knack for blending raw power with a touch of finesse, a hallmark of their ’80s output.

The Godfathers were born in London in 1985, rising from the ashes of The Sid Presley Experience, founded by brothers Peter Coyne (vocals) and Chris Coyne (bass). Peter, who briefly moonlighted as a music journalist for ZigZag and Record Mirror in the early ’80s, brought a sharp lyrical edge to the band. Joined by Mike Gibson and Kris Dollimore on guitars and George Mazur on drums, they crafted a sound steeped in R&B and punk influences, delivering electrifying live shows that built their reputation. Their early independent singles, produced by Vic Maile and later compiled on Hit by Hit, caught the attention of Epic Records, leading to a deal in 1987. Their debut album Birth, School, Work, Death made waves in the U.S., hitting the Billboard Top 40 in 1988, but More Songs About Love & Hate solidified their cult status with its gritty yet polished take on garage rock.

Fans can stay connected with The Godfathers through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on tours and releases like their 2022 album Alpha Beta Gamma Delta. The Godfathers Fan Group on Facebook is a lively hub for Zoo Freaks and other devotees to swap stories, rare photos, and memories of epic gigs. While no official fan websites stand out, the band’s presence on platforms like Rate Your Music offers a space for fans to rate and review tracks like “She Gives Me Love,” keeping the conversation alive. The Godfathers, still led by Peter Coyne, continue to rock with a new lineup, proving their staying power in the rock ‘n’ roll scene.