Love Stinks

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as we spin "Love Stinks" by The J. Geils Band from their compilation album Best of The J. Geils Band here at THE ZOO! This track, released in 1980, is a raw, tongue-in-cheek anthem about love gone wrong, peaking at #38 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and #15 in Canada. The song’s gritty energy and singalong chorus made it a staple on FM radio and a perfect fit for our free-spirited listeners. Fun fact: the song was inspired by lead singer Peter Wolf’s 1979 divorce from actress Faye Dunaway, giving those lyrics an extra bite of real-life heartache.

Another cool tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: "Love Stinks" has popped up all over pop culture. Adam Sandler belted it out in the 1998 rom-com The Wedding Singer, capturing the heartbreak of his character with that iconic chorus. Joan Jett also rocked a cover for the 1996 film Mr. Wrong, and the song even got a nod in a Full House episode where Jesse and his buddy reminisce about performing a mariachi version in a Mexican cantina. The music video, with its quirky fish-head-handed drummer, was a cable TV gem when it aired alongside oddities like "Fish Heads" in the early days of music video programming.

The song’s new wave synths and doo-wop-style chorus marked a shift for The J. Geils Band, blending their bluesy roots with an '80s pop edge. Fans on Reddit have called it underrated, with one user describing it as a "rousing, carousing bar band singalong" that gets crowds roaring. Peter Wolf himself keeps the song alive, even dropping a bluegrass version on his 2016 solo album A Cure for Loneliness after jamming it with his band during a Bill Monroe-inspired rehearsal. That mix of humor and soul keeps "Love Stinks" a timeless banger for our Zoo Crew playlist.

Now, let’s rewind to how The J. Geils Band got their start. Formed in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1967, the band began as an acoustic blues trio with guitarist J. Geils, bassist Danny Klein, and harmonica player Richard Salwitz (aka Magic Dick). They were originally called The J. Geils Blues Band, but things kicked into high gear when drummer Stephen Jo Bladd and vocalist Peter Wolf, formerly of the rock revivalist band The Hallucinations, joined the crew. Wolf, a high school dropout who honed his jive-talking skills as a DJ on Boston’s WBCN-FM, brought a wild frontman energy that defined their live shows.

Keyboardist Seth Justman hopped on board in 1968, and by 1970, the band had signed with Atlantic Records. Their early gigs opening for legends like B.B. King, The Allman Brothers, and The Byrds built a loyal fanbase, and their debut album, The J. Geils Band, dropped in November 1970. Known for high-energy performances and a mix of blues, R&B, and rock, they became one of America’s top touring acts in the ‘70s. Their sound evolved with albums like Love Stinks and the chart-topping Freeze-Frame, which spawned the #1 hit "Centerfold." Despite breakups and reunions, their legacy lives on, even after J. Geils’ passing in 2017.

Want to stay connected with The J. Geils Band? Check out their official website at jgeilsband.com. You can also follow their vibes on Facebook and X. While their official Instagram hasn’t been active lately, it’s worth a peek for some retro shots. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the fan community, head over to the J. Geils Band Fan Group on Facebook, where fans share memories, photos, and love for the band. Another great spot is jgeilsband.net, a fan site packed with discography details and band history. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!