(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs spinning vinyl at THE ZOO radio station, are cranking up (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding by The Pretty Reckless from their 2022 album Other Worlds for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, a cover of Nick Lowe’s classic made famous by Elvis Costello, got a gritty, soulful makeover by the band. In a 2022 interview with GAMES, BRRRAAAINS & A HEAD-BANGING LIFE, frontwoman Taylor Momsen shared that the band wanted to honor the song’s timeless message while giving it their raw, rock edge. She noted the band’s love for stripping things down, which is why Other Worlds mixes acoustic takes, covers, and reimagined tracks. The song’s inclusion was a nod to their fans’ love for their acoustic performances, a vibe they hadn’t fully captured on record before.

One cool tidbit about the song’s recording came from a YouTube teaser where Momsen mentioned they cut it in a single take to keep its emotional punch raw. The band’s choice to cover this track wasn’t random—it’s a reflection of their eclectic influences, blending punk, grunge, and classic rock. On X, fans lit up when the band dropped the song, with one Zoo Freak posting, “This cover hits like a lightning bolt—peace and love never sounded so badass!” The Pretty Reckless also played this song live at KROQ studios back in 2010, showing it’s been a favorite in their repertoire for years, long before the Other Worlds version.

The Pretty Reckless started in 2009 in New York City, sparked by Taylor Momsen’s shift from acting to music. Known for her role as Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl, Momsen ditched the screen to chase her passion for rock. She teamed up with guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mark Damon, and drummer Jamie Perkins to form the band, blending her love for grunge, classic rock, and punk. Their debut album, Light Me Up (2010), put them on the map with hits like Make Me Wanna Die. Momsen’s raw vocals and no-filter attitude drove their rise, and by 2014, Going to Hell topped the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart. The band’s knack for blending heavy riffs with introspective lyrics has kept them a staple in modern rock.

Today, The Pretty Reckless is still led by Momsen, with Phillips, Damon, and Perkins rounding out the lineup. They’ve toured with giants like Soundgarden and Guns N’ Roses, cementing their cred in the rock world. Fans can catch up with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out fan-driven spaces like the The Pretty Reckless Fans Facebook group, where diehards share concert pics, rare tracks, and love for the band’s rebellious spirit. There’s also The Pretty Reckless Fans website, packed with news, forums, and fan art celebrating the band’s journey.