Say It Isn't So

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Say It Isn't So" by The Outfield from their iconic debut album, Play Deep. This track, the lead single from the 1985 album, is a power-pop gem that set the stage for the band's rise to fame. According to a post on Poprock Record, the song's heavy-handed '80s production doesn't overshadow its hooky charm, making it a standout on the album. The song's release was strategic, hitting album-oriented rock (AOR) radio in November 1985 to build momentum for Play Deep, as noted on Wikipedia. It climbed the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart in January 1986, showcasing its early appeal to rock fans before "Your Love" stole the spotlight. Fans on The Outfield's official Facebook page have shared their love for the track, with some calling it a nostalgic reminder of the '80s, especially after the passing of lead singer Tony Lewis in 2020.

Another tidbit comes from Rock and Roll Globe, where a writer describes the song's crisp layers—simple drums, bass, and guitars that build into Tony Lewis's soaring vocals. The track's metallic, almost chrome-like quality, as they put it, gives it a sharp, reflective edge that still resonates. The Outfield Fan Group on Facebook often buzzes with fans sharing memories of hearing "Say It Isn't So" on the radio, with one member recalling how it was the first Outfield song they heard, hooking them instantly. The song also has a demo version from the band's early days as The Baseball Boys, available on a recently released collection of rare tracks, which shows a rawer, jangly take on the tune, as mentioned on Poprock Record. These early recordings highlight the band's versatility, flirting with indie and pop vibes before their polished Play Deep sound.

The Outfield, formed in London's East End, began as a trio under the name The Baseball Boys, a nod to a gang from the cult film The Warriors. The band, consisting of guitarist/songwriter John Spinks, vocalist/bassist Tony Lewis, and drummer Alan Jackman, started playing together in the late '70s as Sirius B, a prog-rock outfit, according to Apple Music. Punk rock's dominance at the time overshadowed their early efforts, but they regrouped in 1984, adopting a power-pop sound influenced by new wave and AOR. Their manager's suggestion led to the name change to The Outfield, despite the band knowing little about baseball, as Spinks humorously admitted in a Wikipedia interview, saying they were "just learning about baseball" when they hit the U.S. Their big break came when Columbia/CBS Records signed them, leading to the recording of Play Deep in 1985 with producer William Wittman. The album's success, driven by hits like "Say It Isn't So" and "Your Love," propelled them to triple-platinum status and tours with Journey and Starship.

The band's journey wasn't without challenges. While they achieved massive success in the U.S., they struggled to gain similar traction in the UK, as noted on Deezer. Spinks, the primary songwriter, and Lewis, with his distinctive voice, were the heart of the band, but the changing musical landscape of the '90s, with grunge overtaking pop-rock, led to a hiatus. They continued to release music, including fan-club exclusives like It Ain't Over... and later albums like Replay in 2011, maintaining a loyal following. Tragically, Spinks passed away in 2014 from liver cancer, and Lewis followed in 2020, marking the end of The Outfield's active years, though their music lives on through releases like Final Innings in 2021, as shared on their official website.

For more Outfield goodness, check out their official social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where fans and the band's team share updates, throwback photos, and news about re-releases like the limited-edition translucent blue vinyl of Play Deep. The Outfield Fan Group on Facebook is a great spot for Zoo Freaks to connect with fellow fans, swap stories, and share rare finds. Another fan hub, Last.fm, offers a community space for discussing the band's discography and legacy. Dive into these platforms to keep the Outfield spirit alive and keep rocking with the Zoo Crew!