Everything About You

"Everything About You" by Ugly Kid Joe is a sarcastic anthem that captured the early '90s shift from glam metal to grunge, blending catchy hooks with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. Written by lead singer Whitfield Crane and guitarist Klaus Eichstadt, the song was inspired by their friend Farrell T. Smith, a notoriously cynical Palo Alto native who seemed to hate everything, from the beach to the weather. Eichstadt crafted the iconic opening line, "I hate the rain and sunny weather," after imagining Smith's complaints, recording the initial demo on a Tascam four-track cassette in 1987. The song sat dormant for four years until the band needed to flesh out their live set, learning it in just an hour. Its inclusion on the 1991 EP As Ugly as They Wanna Be propelled it to global success, hitting number three on the UK Singles Chart and number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100, boosted by its feature in the 1992 film Wayne's World.

The music video for "Everything About You" is a chaotic snapshot of the band's Isla Vista roots, shot on a local beach with a $5,000 budget. Director Thomas Mignone filled the scene with helium-inflated sex dolls, one of which famously broke free, drifting into the sky and reportedly startling pilots landing at a nearby airport. Stray dogs wandered into the shoot, memorably urinating on the drums, adding to the video’s raw, unpolished vibe. The clip’s absurdity resonated with MTV viewers, earning the band a spot at the network’s 1992 Spring Break concert. Crane’s improvised rap outro, a nod to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, was a spontaneous studio addition, reflecting the band’s playful, funk-infused influences. However, the song’s massive success led to backlash, with some dismissing Ugly Kid Joe as a novelty act, a label they resisted by excluding the song from later setlists to focus on heavier material.

Ugly Kid Joe formed in 1989 in Isla Vista, California, when childhood friends Whitfield Crane and Klaus Eichstadt, who bonded over music in Palo Alto, decided to start a band. Crane had moved to Santa Barbara, forming an early group and recording a demo, while Eichstadt, born in Germany, also cut a demo and recruited Crane to sing. Joined by James Lambert, the trio recorded with producer Eric Valentine, another Palo Alto native. By 1991, after lineup changes including the addition of Cordell Crockett on bass and Mark Davis on drums, they signed with Mercury Records. Their name, a parody of glam metal band Pretty Boy Floyd, reflected their irreverent style, blending hard rock, heavy metal, and funk. The EP As Ugly as They Wanna Be became the first EP to go double platinum, cementing their early success before their 1992 debut album America’s Least Wanted.

Fans can connect with Ugly Kid Joe through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. The band’s enduring cult following is evident in fan communities like the Ugly Kid Joe Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memories, discuss albums, and post about live shows. Another fan hub, UglyKidJoe.rocks, offers discography details, band history, and updates on recent releases like their 2022 album Rad Wings of Destiny. These platforms keep the spirit of the Zoo Freaks alive, celebrating the band’s sarcastic edge and infectious energy.