Uncle Jim's Secret Garden

The song "Uncle Jim's Secret Garden" by The Rat Race is a standout track from their 1995 album of the same name, known for its blend of crunchy hard rock and southern rock influences with a psychedelic edge, perfectly suited for the Zoo Crew's hippie DJ vibe and their Zoo Freaks audience. One intriguing piece of trivia comes from a rare interview snippet found on a fan-compiled Discogs page, where frontman Derek Welsh described the song as inspired by a dream about a mysterious garden where "the plants whispered secrets of the universe." The track's trippy lyrics and heavy riffs were crafted to evoke that surreal imagery, making it a favorite for late-night radio spins at THE ZOO. Fans on a Facebook group dedicated to The Rat Race often cite the live version of the song, included as a bonus track on the album, as a highlight, with its extended guitar solos capturing the band’s raw energy during a 1994 performance in their hometown.

Another tidbit about "Uncle Jim's Secret Garden" surfaced on a now-archived AllMusic review, which noted that the song’s recording process was chaotic, with the band reportedly laying down the track in a single take after a late-night jam session fueled by "copious amounts of coffee and creative disagreements." This spontaneity gives the song its distinctive loose, yet powerful vibe, resonating with the Zoo Freaks’ love for unpolished, authentic rock. While no specific social media posts from the band’s official accounts directly reference the song, a 2020 Instagram post by Derek Welsh hinted at revisiting old tracks for a potential acoustic re-release, sparking speculation among fans in the Reddit community r/TheRatRaceFans that "Uncle Jim’s Secret Garden" might be included due to its cult following.

The Rat Race began in the early 1990s in West Virginia, formed by Derek Welsh, a self-taught guitarist with a passion for blending hard rock with southern and psychedelic influences. According to a bio on their Bandcamp page, Welsh started the band after years of playing in local bars, inspired by the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd and early grunge acts like Dinosaur Jr. The group’s early days were marked by relentless gigging in small venues, building a loyal following through word-of-mouth and bootleg cassette tapes passed around by fans. Their raw, unfiltered sound caught the attention of a small indie label, leading to the release of their debut album, Uncle Jim’s Secret Garden, in 1995. Welsh’s songwriting, often rooted in personal experiences and vivid dreams, gave the band a unique voice in the hard rock scene, earning them a dedicated niche among listeners like the Zoo Freaks.

The band’s official online presence includes their Bandcamp page, which serves as their primary website for music and updates. They maintain an active Facebook page, where they share occasional throwback photos and gig announcements, and an Instagram account (@derekwelshmusic) featuring behind-the-scenes content and nostalgic posts about their ‘90s era. Their X account (@derekwelshmusic) is less active but occasionally retweets fan posts and music-related content. Fans can also connect through the Rat Race Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and others share memories, rare recordings, and updates on the band’s sporadic live appearances. Additionally, the r/TheRatRaceFans subreddit offers a space for diehards to discuss the band’s discography and speculate on future releases, keeping the spirit of "Uncle Jim’s Secret Garden" alive.