No Time To Lose

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "No Time To Lose" by The Tarney/Spencer Band from their 1979 album Run For Your Life, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this nostalgic vibe! This song has a fascinating backstory that makes it a gem for vinyl collectors and rock enthusiasts. Originally released as the lead single, it climbed to No. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, but its real moment came in 1981 when MTV’s early days gave its music video some airplay, pushing the reissued single to No. 74. Fans on platforms like Reddit have shared stories of hunting for the album in record stores, with one user recalling how it got “decent airplay in Tucson” but was nearly impossible to find. The album itself is a collector’s dream, with the U.S. version featuring four different cover variants—each with the title in red, green, silver, or gold—while the UK edition sports a striking image of a stiletto-clad leg dodging a red car.

Another tidbit that’s got the Zoo Crew buzzing is the recording process for Run For Your Life. The album was laid down in Los Angeles, with Alan Tarney and Trevor Spencer staying with their Aussie pals John and Pat Farrar during the sessions. According to Amazon reviews, Tarney wielded a Gibson Les Paul to craft those hooky melodies, while Spencer’s drumming was described as “immaculate throughout.” Fans have raved about the Swedish label Tone Arm’s 2008 CD reissue, which included four bonus tracks like a cover of The Everly Brothers’ “Cathy’s Clown.” One reviewer on Amazon called it a “long-lost classic,” comparing its introspective pop-rock vibe to late ’70s Fleetwood Mac, especially tracks like “A Heart Will Break Tonight” and “A Far Better Man.” The Zoo Freaks are eating up these stories, and it’s no wonder why this track keeps resurfacing in classic rock circles.

The Tarney/Spencer Band’s journey started with two Aussies, Alan Tarney and Trevor Spencer, who met in Adelaide as part of the band The Hurricanes. Their musical paths took them to London in the late 1960s, where they joined forces with Terry Britten to form Quartet, releasing two singles on Decca in 1969 and 1970. Though Quartet’s album went unreleased, the duo’s session work kept them busy, backing artists like Cliff Richard and Olivia Newton-John. By 1975, Tarney and Spencer formed their own act, dropping their debut album Tarney and Spencer in 1976 on Bradley’s label. Their big break came with a 10-album deal from A&M Records, leading to Three’s a Crowd in 1978 and the fan-favorite Run For Your Life in 1979. After the band dissolved, Tarney became a powerhouse producer for acts like a-ha and Cliff Richard, while Spencer returned to Australia to co-found Sh-Boom studios.

Tracking down official online presence for The Tarney/Spencer Band is tricky since they disbanded in 1979, and no official website or active social media accounts exist under their name. Alan Tarney, however, has a sparse digital footprint, with some of his production work referenced on sites like Discogs. Trevor Spencer’s contributions are similarly archived on platforms like Last.fm, which notes their 383 listeners and 2,049 plays. For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with fellow fans, there’s no dedicated fan website or Facebook group, but communities on Rate Your Music and Pulse Music Board keep the band’s legacy alive with discussions and reviews. The lack of official Facebook, Instagram, or X accounts doesn’t stop the Zoo Crew from cranking up “No Time To Lose” and celebrating this underrated classic!