Must of Got Lost

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Must of Got Lost" by The J. Geils Band, a standout track from their 1974 album Nightmares…and Other Tales From the Vinyl Jungle, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving along. This song, a Peter Wolf and Seth Justman original, became one of the band’s biggest hits, climbing to #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1975. Its raw, R&B-infused rock energy captures the band’s signature gritty sound, with Wolf’s charismatic vocals and Magic Dick’s searing harmonica driving the track. According to a 1974 Rolling Stone review by Tom Dunson, the song was a slight departure from the album’s punchy, satirical vibe, but its catchy melody and heartfelt delivery made it a radio staple. Fans on the J. Geils Band Fan Group on Facebook often share stories of hearing it live, noting how Wolf’s stage antics—like vaulting over microphone stands—amped up the song’s intensity during concerts.

One piece of trivia about "Must of Got Lost" comes from its quadraphonic mix, a rarity for the time. As discussed on the QuadraphonicQuad Forum, the song’s 1974 quad release featured a dynamic soundscape, with J. Geils’ acoustic guitar subtly creeping in from the right rear speaker, creating an immersive experience for audiophiles. Unlike many hits of the era, it avoided overplay burnout, as noted by forum users, keeping it fresh for longtime fans. The song’s lyrics, a mix of street-talk swagger and romantic longing, reflect the band’s knack for blending humor with soul, a trait Wolf honed as a former jive-talking DJ known as "Woofuh Goofuh" on Boston’s WBCN. Posts on The J. Geils Band’s X account occasionally highlight fan covers of the song, showcasing its enduring appeal among Zoo Freak-style vinyl enthusiasts.

The J. Geils Band formed in 1967 in Worcester, Massachusetts, rooted in a shared love for blues, R&B, and rock & roll. Guitarist John "J." Geils, bassist Danny Klein, and harmonica player Richard "Magic Dick" Salwitz started as an acoustic blues trio in the mid-’60s. They went electric in 1967 when drummer Stephen Jo Bladd and vocalist Peter Wolf, fresh from the Boston-based rock band The Hallucinations, joined. Wolf’s deep knowledge of obscure R&B and doo-wop, gained from his DJ days, shaped their early sound. Seth Justman, a keyboardist studying at Boston University, completed the lineup, bringing songwriting chops that paired perfectly with Wolf’s lyrical flair. As detailed on their official Facebook page, the band built a cult following through relentless touring, opening for acts like B.B. King and The Allman Brothers, before signing with Atlantic Records in 1970.

Their debut album, The J. Geils Band, dropped in 1970, blending covers of Motown hits like The Contours’ "First I Look at the Purse" with originals. Their high-energy live shows, fueled by Wolf’s stage charisma and Magic Dick’s innovative harmonica work, earned praise from peers—The Allman Brothers even called them their favorite local band at a 1971 Boston Common gig. By the time Nightmares…and Other Tales From the Vinyl Jungle arrived, the band had refined their mix of greasy R&B and Stones-esque swagger, with "Must of Got Lost" marking a commercial peak. Fans can connect on the band’s Instagram for throwback photos or join discussions on sites like The J. Geils Band.Net, a fan-run blog packed with album deep dives. Though the band dissolved in 1985 after Wolf’s departure, reunions continued until J. Geils’ passing in 2017, and their legacy lives on through the Zoo Crew’s spins and the Freaks’ devotion.