No Time

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "No Time" by The Guess Who from their iconic 1970 album American Woman, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song has a fascinating backstory. Originally recorded for the band’s 1969 album Canned Wheat, "No Time" was re-recorded for American Woman to create a punchier, radio-friendly version. This newer take became the one fans know best, climbing to No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 in Canada. The re-recording was a deliberate move to capture the band’s evolving hard rock sound, with Randy Bachman’s searing guitar riffs and Burton Cummings’ soulful vocals driving the track’s energy. In a 2017 interview with the Burlington County Times, Cummings shared that the band’s time in the U.S. influenced their music, noting the cultural differences they observed while touring during the Vietnam War era, which subtly shaped songs like "No Time."

Another cool tidbit about "No Time" comes from its production. Produced by Jack Richardson at RCA’s Mid-America Recording Center in Chicago, the song benefited from the band’s growing confidence in the studio. A post on The Guess Who’s X account in April 2025 highlighted the single’s release with "Proper Stranger" as its B-side, emphasizing how the re-recorded version outshone the original in popularity. Fans on the band’s Facebook page often share memories of hearing "No Time" on AM radio, with some recalling its raw, emotional edge as a standout. The song’s lyrics, penned by Bachman and Cummings, reflect a sense of urgency and fleeting romance, which resonated with listeners then and still does today for Zoo Freaks tuning in.

The Guess Who got their start in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1965, evolving from earlier incarnations like Chad Allan and the Reflections. The band, initially led by singer Chad Allan, included Randy Bachman on guitar, Jim Kale on bass, and Garry Peterson on drums. They gained local traction with their 1962 single "Tribute to Buddy Holly" and later scored a hit with their 1965 cover of "Shakin’ All Over" under the name Chad Allan and the Expressions. When Allan left in 1966, Burton Cummings stepped in as lead vocalist and keyboardist, marking a turning point. The Bachman-Cummings songwriting duo fueled the band’s rise, crafting hits like "These Eyes" and "Laughing" before their 1970 breakthrough with American Woman. Their distinctly Canadian identity, blended with British Invasion influences and psychedelic rock, set them apart. Despite financial struggles, like a debt-ridden U.K. tour in 1967, their persistence paid off, making them the first Canadian band to top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with "American Woman."

Fans can connect with The Guess Who through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates, tour info, and throwbacks like the "No Time" single post. The band’s official website offers merch, vinyl reissues, and news about their current lineup, led by drummer Garry Peterson and featuring vocalist Derek Sharp. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Guess Who Fan Club on Facebook is a lively spot where fans swap stories, rare photos, and concert memories. Another fan-driven page, The Guess Who Fans, celebrates the band’s legacy with posts about classic albums and recent shows. These spaces keep the spirit of The Guess Who alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s vinyl spins for their devoted listeners.