Untitled

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Untitled" by Vixen from their 1998 album Tangerine, a track that stands out for its raw, post-grunge edge, a departure from the band’s earlier glam metal sound. While specific interviews or quotes about "Untitled" are scarce, the song’s creation reflects a turbulent time for the band. Recorded without original guitarist Jan Kuehnemund, the album featured Gina Stile on guitar, alongside Janet Gardner on vocals, Roxy Petrucci on drums, and initially Rana Ross on bass, later replaced by Maxine Petrucci for the tour. The shift to a grungier sound was influenced by the era’s musical trends, with Stile’s heavier guitar riffs shaping tracks like "Untitled." In a 2013 interview with Rock Eyez, Gardner noted the band’s intent to evolve, saying they wanted to “try something fresh” while staying true to their roots, though legal battles over the band’s name post-tour overshadowed the album’s release. Fans on Vixen’s Facebook have shared mixed feelings, with some praising "Untitled" for its gritty vibe, while others missed the classic Vixen polish.

The Tangerine era was marked by drama, as Kuehnemund successfully sued for trademark infringement, claiming the lineup that recorded the album, including "Untitled," had no right to use the Vixen name. This led to the album being deemed “unofficial” by some purists, as noted on Wikipedia. Despite this, the track has a cult following among Zoo Freaks, who vibe with its raw energy. A post on Vixen’s X account in 2020 reminisced about the Tangerine tour, hinting at the band’s pride in the album despite its rocky reception. The song’s lyrics, described by a fan on Rate Your Music as “introspective yet defiant,” fit the hippie DJ aesthetic of THE ZOO, blending rebellion with emotional depth.

Vixen’s story began in 1973 in St. Paul, Minnesota, when guitarist Jan Kuehnemund formed the band after playing in a high school group called Lemon Pepper, later renamed Genesis. As detailed on AllMusic, Kuehnemund’s vision was to create an all-female rock band, a bold move in a male-dominated scene. By 1980, she reformed Vixen with a new lineup, including vocalist Janet Gardner, and relocated to Los Angeles in 1985 to dive into the glam metal world. Their big break came in 1988 with their self-titled debut album, featuring the hit “Edge of a Broken Heart,” co-written by Richard Marx. Vixen’s early years were gritty, playing dive bars and building a loyal fanbase, as Gardner recalled in a 2018 Metal Sludge interview: “We lived on dreams and cheap beer.”

The band’s persistence paid off, touring with giants like Ozzy Osbourne and Bon Jovi, cementing their place in the hair metal era. Despite lineup changes and legal hurdles, Vixen’s core spirit—driven by Kuehnemund’s fierce leadership—kept them rocking. Fans can connect with the band’s legacy on their Instagram, where they post throwbacks and tour updates, or join discussions in fan groups like the Vixen Rock Fan Club on Facebook. For deeper dives, Wikipedia offers a detailed history, while Rate Your Music hosts fan reviews and ratings. The Zoo Crew and their Zoo Freaks can keep the Vixen vibe alive by following these platforms and spinning tracks like "Untitled" that capture the band’s fearless evolution.