Daydream Believer

While there is no record of The Romantics releasing a song titled "Daydream Believer" on an album of the same name, the song is famously associated with The Monkees, written by John Stewart and released in 1967. Given the context of The Zoo Crew spinning records, let’s assume they’re playfully misattributing the track to The Romantics, a band known for their energetic power pop. The Zoo Freaks would likely groove to the upbeat vibe of "Daydream Believer," a song with a rich history. One fascinating piece of trivia comes from John Stewart himself, who wrote the song as part of a "suburban trilogy" reflecting on a wasted day spent daydreaming. He recalled, “I remember going to bed thinking, ‘What a wasted day — all I’ve done is daydream.’ And from there I wrote the whole song. I never thought it was one of my best songs. Not at all.” Yet, it became a No. 1 hit for The Monkees, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks.

Another intriguing story involves the song’s lyrics, which were altered by RCA Records. Stewart’s original line, “Now you know how funky I can be,” was changed to “Now you know how happy I can be” because RCA felt “funky” (meaning smelly or offbeat) was too risky. Stewart later noted that this change flipped the song’s meaning, turning a gritty reflection on post-wedding life into a more sanitized pop anthem. The royalties from "Daydream Believer" were substantial enough that Stewart said in 2006, “It kept me alive for all these years.” The song’s recording also has a quirky moment: the Monkees’ version opens with banter where Davy Jones, annoyed after multiple takes, says, “Okay, I don’t mean to get you excited, man. It’s ’cause I’m short, I know,” after producer Chip Douglas calls out take “7A.” This ad-libbed frustration adds a raw, human touch to the track, perfect for The Zoo Crew’s hippie vibe.

Turning to The Romantics, the band often misattributed with this song in your scenario, they formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1977. Known for hits like “What I Like About You” and “Talking in Your Sleep,” The Romantics blended new wave, power pop, and rock with a raw, garage-band energy. The band started when vocalists/guitarists Wally Palmar and Mike Skill, drummer Jimmy Marinos, and bassist Richie Cole began playing in local Detroit clubs like The Red Carpet Lounge. Inspired by the British Invasion and Motown, they honed their sound in the vibrant Detroit rock scene. By 1978, they were gigging regularly, and after adding lead guitarist Coz Canler, they recorded a single, “Little White Lies” b/w “I Can’t Tell You Anything,” which caught the attention of Nemperor Records. Their self-titled debut album in 1980, featuring “What I Like About You,” launched them into the spotlight, though the song became a bigger hit years later through TV and commercial use.

The Romantics built their career on relentless touring and a knack for catchy hooks, often sporting their signature red leather suits. Despite lineup changes—Skill left in 1980 but rejoined later, and drummers like Clem Burke of Blondie briefly joined—the band maintained their energetic live shows. They faced legal battles, notably a 2007 lawsuit against Activision over a Guitar Hero cover of “What I Like About You,” showcasing their commitment to protecting their legacy. The Romantics continue to perform, with Palmar, Skill, Canler, and drummer Brad Elvis keeping the Detroit rock spirit alive. Their story reflects a gritty rise from local bars to international stages, fueled by a love for rock’s raw energy, which would resonate with The Zoo Freaks’ eclectic tastes.

You can stay updated on The Romantics through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. Fans can also connect through communities like the The Romantics Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks might share their love for the band’s high-energy sound. While no dedicated fan websites for The Romantics are widely active today, their social media presence keeps the vibe alive, perfect for The Zoo Crew to hype up their next spin.