Mean Streak

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as we spin "Mean Streak" by Y&T from their 1983 album of the same name! This track is a certified banger, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share. According to fan discussions on Reddit, the song’s killer riff and bad-ass energy make it one of the standout tracks of the ‘80s hair metal scene. Fans have raved about its catchy hook, with one commenter noting it’s a shame Y&T didn’t hit the big time like Whitesnake, calling frontman Dave Meniketti one of the most underrated guitarists and singers ever. The music video, directed by Michael Miner, adds a glamorous twist, opening with a woman in a fur coat stepping out of a car and entering a mansion where the band rocks out, as described on IMDb. On Discogs, collectors geek out over the vinyl pressings, with some noting a quirky slow note at the start of the track on certain editions, sparking debates about whether it’s a pressing flaw or intentional flair.

Digging deeper, Amazon reviews reveal the album’s production by Chris Tsangarides, a legend who worked with Thin Lizzy and Tygers of Pan Tang, gave "Mean Streak" its polished yet raw edge. One fan shared a vivid memory of catching Y&T live at Marriott’s Great America in the summer of ’83, where they debuted "Hang ‘Em High" and "Straight Thru The Heart" before the album dropped, hyping the crowd for the title track’s radio-friendly yet gritty vibe. The song’s lyrics, available on Lyrics.com, paint a story of a high-maintenance lover with a “mean streak,” with lines like “She just wanna buy buy buy,” which some fans on SongMeanings speculate might hint at a femdom dynamic. The track’s enduring appeal is clear from its heavy rotation on VH1 Classic, cementing its place in hard rock history.

Now, let’s rewind to how Y&T got their start, straight from their bio on yandtrocks.com. Hailing from Oakland, California, the band formed in 1972 as Yesterday & Today, named after a Beatles album spinning on drummer Leonard Haze’s turntable. The original lineup—Haze on drums, Wayne Stitzer on piano, Bob Gardner on bass, and Dave Meniketti on vocals and guitar—jammed cover tunes until Meniketti’s arrival sparked their creative fire. By 1974, after Stitzer left and Phil Kennemore joined on bass, with Joey Alves replacing Gardner on guitar, they started writing original material. Their big break came when they caught the eye of London Records’ president during a gig supporting Queen on the Night at the Opera tour. After two albums under London, the label ditched rock, leaving their second album, Struck Down, dead in the water, as Meniketti recalled in interviews. A new deal with A&M Records in 1980 prompted the name change to Y&T, inspired by fans chanting “Y&T, Y&T” at encores.

The band’s early ‘80s albums, Earthshaker and Black Tiger, earned critical acclaim but struggled for mainstream U.S. success, though they built a massive following in Europe and Japan, touring with giants like AC/DC and Ozzy Osbourne. Their persistence paid off with 1985’s “Summertime Girls,” their biggest hit, peaking at No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100. Y&T has sold over 4 million albums worldwide, and despite the passing of Haze, Kennemore, and Alves, Meniketti keeps the legacy alive with current members John Nymann, Mike Vanderhule, and Aaron Leigh. Lars Ulrich of Metallica even credits a 1980 Y&T club show as his inspiration to become a musician, as mentioned in the documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Y&T on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For the ultimate fan experience, check out the Y&T Facemelting Fanpages for photos, discography, and more. Join the Y&T Fan Group on Facebook to connect with fellow diehards swapping stories and vinyl finds. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!