What I Like About You

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "What I Like About You" by The Romantics, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks bouncing with its raw energy. This 1979 power pop anthem, released as the lead single from the band’s self-titled debut album, didn’t initially light up the charts, peaking at a modest #49 on the Billboard Hot 100. But its legacy grew massive, thanks to heavy MTV rotation in the early '80s and a Budweiser commercial that cemented its status as a rock classic. The song’s iconic guitar riff, crafted by Mike Skill, was inspired by the simplicity of '50s rock, drawing from tracks like Van Morrison’s "Gloria" and The Kingsmen’s "Louie, Louie." Drummer Jimmy Marinos’ lead vocals and the "Hey, uh-huh-huh" refrain, influenced by The Yardbirds and Chuck Berry, give it that irresistible sing-along vibe. Fun fact: the band recorded it in just three weeks at Coconuts Recording Studio in Miami Beach, and the music video was shot at the University of Michigan Dearborn’s recreational center.

Here’s a wild story from the song’s afterlife: in 2007, The Romantics sued Activision over a cover of the song in Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s, claiming the version was too close to the original and could confuse fans into thinking the band endorsed it. The lawsuit, filed after the band discovered their former management licensed the song without their approval, was dismissed in 2008 when a judge ruled Activision had secured proper rights. On the social media front, posts on X from @landofthe80s over the years (2020-2023) celebrate the song’s enduring appeal, noting its release with the debut album on January 4, 1980, and its status as a staple of '80s music nostalgia. Covers by artists like Michael Morales, Lillix, and 5 Seconds of Summer, plus its use in the WB show What I Like About You, show its cross-generational pull.

The Romantics kicked off their journey in Detroit, Michigan, on Valentine’s Day 1977, born from the gritty heart of a city steeped in rock and roll. Four working-class guys—Wally Palmar (vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica), Mike Skill (lead guitar, vocals), Rich Cole (bass, backing vocals), and Jimmy Marinos (drums, vocals)—came together, fueled by influences like 1950s rock, Motown R&B, and the raw energy of Detroit’s MC5 and The Stooges, plus the British Invasion’s pop sensibilities. They honed their sound playing dives like Boston’s Rathskeller and New York’s CBGB, building a cult following. Their first single, "Little White Lies," dropped in 1978 on Spider Records, followed by a deal with Nemperor Records after a standout show at Hurrahs. By 1979, they were in Miami recording their debut album with producer Pete Solley, blending power pop and new wave into a sound that was both retro and fresh. Despite lineup changes over the years, including Skill’s brief exit and Marinos’ departure in 1984, the band’s kept rocking, still touring and recording, with Skill now based in Portland running a Pro Tools studio.

Stay connected with The Romantics through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and throwbacks to their '80s heyday. Fans can dive deeper at the official website, romanticsdetroit.com, which has all the latest on their music and shows. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the fandom, check out the The Romantics Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group where fans swap stories, rare photos, and love for the band’s timeless tunes. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, The Romantics’ high-energy sound and Detroit spirit keep the party going.