Some Like It Hot

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious beats of "Some Like It Hot" by The Power Station, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks grooving! This 1985 hit, the lead single from the band’s self-titled debut album, was a showcase for the powerhouse drumming of Tony Thompson. In a 2012 interview with The A.V. Club, bassist John Taylor shared how he and guitarist Andy Taylor crafted the song’s demo with the title in mind, inspired by the 1959 Marilyn Monroe film. Flying to Nassau, Bahamas, where vocalist Robert Palmer lived, John played the demo and pitched the idea. Palmer’s immediate response—“And some sweat when the heat is on”—became the song’s iconic hook, sealing its lyrical direction. The track peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four in Australia, cementing its place as a dance-rock anthem.

The music video for "Some Like It Hot", directed by Peter Heath, is a visual trip with an animated sequence of a dancing woman and Palmer performing as a priest on a blue, cactus-filled set. The video featured transgender British model Caroline Cossey (also known as Tula), who later posed for Playboy in 1991. Standing at six feet tall, she towered over the band, often seen reclining in the clip. Posts on X, like one from @JakeRudh in March 2024, celebrate the song’s release on February 4, 1985, highlighting its enduring appeal. Another X post from @AugustusBeau in April 2025 recounts a humorous anecdote: the Taylor brothers had a long list of collaborators planned, but Palmer’s stellar performance on “Some Like It Hot” convinced them to make him the sole lead for the entire album. The song’s recording at The Power Station studio in New York City, where the band got its name, added a layer of meta-coolness, as Palmer noted its “non-stop party” vibe in his Addictions: Volume 1 liner notes.

The Power Station was a supergroup born in 1984 from a mix of rock and funk royalty. John Taylor and Andy Taylor, both from Duran Duran, teamed up with Tony Thompson of Chic, whose Nile Rodgers-inspired grooves were legendary. Robert Palmer, a solo artist known for hits like "Addicted to Love," brought his soulful vocals to the mix. The band formed during a break from Duran Duran’s hectic schedule, with John and Andy craving a raw, rhythm-driven project. They connected with Thompson through their mutual admiration for Chic’s sound, and Palmer was brought in after impressing with his vocal prowess. Their debut album, recorded in 1984 and released in 1985, was a hit, driven by “Some Like It Hot” and a cover of T. Rex’s "Bang a Gong (Get It On)." Though Palmer left before the 1985 tour, replaced by Michael Des Barres, the band reunited with Palmer in 1996 for Living in Fear before disbanding for good.

Fans can dive into The Power Station’s legacy through their official channels, though the band, inactive since the 1990s, doesn’t maintain active social media. Check out Robert Palmer’s official website for insights into his solo career, which intertwined with the band’s story. For social media, explore Robert Palmer’s Facebook and Instagram, which post tributes and throwbacks. On X, the handle @robertpalmer_ shares updates about Palmer’s music. Fans of Duran Duran can follow their Facebook, Instagram, and X for occasional Power Station nods, given John and Andy’s roots. Fan communities thrive online—join the Power Station Fan Group on Facebook for discussions and rare photos. The Duran Duran Wiki also offers a fan-curated deep dive into the band’s history, perfect for Zoo Freaks craving more trivia.