Some Like It Hot

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track Some Like It Hot by The Power Station, a song that pulses with the raw energy of the 1980s, perfect for the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This 1985 hit, the lead single from the band's self-titled debut album, was a showcase for drummer Tony Thompson’s thunderous beats, designed to highlight his prowess as a former member of Chic. John Taylor, bassist from Duran Duran, shared in a 2012 A.V. Club interview that he flew to Nassau to pitch the song’s demo to Robert Palmer, who instantly crafted the iconic lyric, “And some sweat when the heat is on,” sealing the track’s sultry vibe. The song’s title nods to the 1959 Marilyn Monroe film, adding a layer of pop culture swagger. Peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, it became The Power Station’s biggest hit, with its extended mix noted by fans as a club banger, as mentioned in Songfacts comments.

The music video for Some Like It Hot, directed by Peter Heath, featured transgender model Caroline Cossey (also known as Tula), who later posed for Playboy in 1991. At six feet tall, she towered over the band, often filmed reclining to dramatic effect, as detailed on Songfacts. The song’s cultural reach extended to its use in National Lampoon’s European Vacation and even a Family Guy parody of Return of the Jedi, cementing its place in ’80s nostalgia. Posts on X by user JakeRudh highlight its release on March 4, 1985, as a pivotal moment for the supergroup. Interestingly, Robert Palmer wore the same suit in the video (playing a priest) that he’d worn in a 1976 concert opening for Little Feat, a tidbit he shared in his Video Addictions compilation, per Songfacts.

The Power Station formed in New York City in 1984 during a Duran Duran hiatus, a side project that became a powerhouse. The supergroup united singer Robert Palmer, Chic drummer Tony Thompson, and Duran Duran’s John Taylor (bass) and Andy Taylor (guitar), with Chic’s Bernard Edwards producing and briefly managing. Named after the Power Station studio where they recorded, the band initially planned to feature multiple vocalists but settled on Palmer after his standout performance on a cover of T. Rex’s Get It On (Bang a Gong), as noted in Lyrics.com. Their debut album, driven by the party-fueled, salsa-inflected energy of Some Like It Hot, was a product of their lavish, drug-fueled lifestyle, which John Taylor later admitted made focus challenging, per Wikipedia. Palmer left before the 1985 tour to focus on his solo album Riptide, replaced by Michael Des Barres for a Live Aid performance, but rejoined for a 1996 reunion album, Living in Fear.

Robert Palmer, born in 1949 in Batley, England, began his career in the early 1970s with the band Vinegar Joe before going solo. His soulful voice and genre-blending style—mixing rock, reggae, and R&B—earned him early hits like Every Kinda People. Andy and John Taylor, both hailing from Duran Duran, formed in Birmingham, England, in 1978, and were already global stars by 1984, known for hits like Rio. Tony Thompson, a New York native, rose to fame with Chic’s disco anthems like Le Freak before joining The Power Station. Their combined star power made the band a unique ’80s experiment, as detailed on their official website. Despite their short-lived run, their influence endures among fans.

Fans can connect with The Power Station’s legacy through their official website and social media, including Facebook and Instagram. Their X account offers updates and throwbacks for Zoo Freaks craving more. Fan communities thrive on platforms like The Power Station Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories and rare photos. Other fan sites, such as Duran Duran’s official site (reflecting the Taylors’ roots) and Robert Palmer’s official site, provide additional context and tributes, keeping the band’s spirit alive for new and longtime listeners.