finetune artist: Hooters

This long-running Philadelphia, USA-based band became well versed in the fickle nature of fame since their formation in 1978. Originally a quintet fusing folk, rock and ska, they spent the early 80s building a formidable live reputation throughout surrounding states. Led by Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian, the Hooters took their name from the distinctive keyboard and harmonica sound that dominated their early recordings. They had several US hits in the mid-80s as MTV exposure took "All You Zombies" (number 58), "And We Danced" (number 21), "Day By Day" (number 18), and "Where Do The Children Go" (number 38) into the Billboard charts. All four were included on their 1985 debut album, which received universally strong reviews. Two more singles, "Johnny B" and "Satellite", failed to break the Top 50, although the latter did become a strong international seller, topping several European lists. On Zig Zag they pursued a more sober direction, with songs such as "Give The Music Back" and "Don't Knock It 'Til You Try It" adding darker shades to their repertoire. However, when the sales of the album were only moderate, a dramatic self-appraisal was undertaken. "We did talk about ending the band, but we came to the conclusion that we still have too much energy.' Out Of Body revealed plenty of the Hooters" customary catchy rock verve, but with a new focus on folk-rock (including the use of a mandolin, violin and accordion). They had also moved to a new label, following Columbia Records' purchase by Sony (which had upset the promotion of their previous album). They also changed producers (Richard Chertoff departing in favour of Steve Earle collaborator Joe Hardy). Multi-instrumentalist Mindy Jostyn (formerly part of Donald Fagen's New Rock 'N' Soul Revue) was also added as a sixth member. Despite a revitalized sound, the Hooters failed to regain the commercial ground lost in the early 90s, and the band returned to session playing. Most in-demand was Hyman who worked with Sophie B. Hawkins, Willie Nelson, Johnny Clegg, and Cyndi Lauper. He worked with Bazilian on Joan Osborne's debut Relish, including the transatlantic hit single "One Of Us".

Listen to Hooters at Finetune.

And We Danced
All You Zombies
Day By Day
Johnny B
500 Miles