zen fuse box

Ah! Leah! is the first track on our 2023 covers album, Audio Dropouts, Vol. 1.

We originally released this one as a single back in 2020 as we were working through the production of the full album!  This song was originally released in 1980 by Donnie Iris, on his album "Back on the Streets." The song peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Here's what the guys in ZFB say about our cover version:

Steve: This was our first commissioned work. We were hired by our friend Leah to record this song as the theme for her podcast, which we hope is still going to happen one day! I guess I wasn't paying good enough attention in 1980, because I hadn't heard this song before we started recording it. We recorded this during the height of the Covid shutdowns, and it is one of the few things we recorded completely separately at our own homes. This is also one of the rare tracks not mixed by me at MPQ studio. Rich did a great job putting together our home studio recordings and making it all sound as one. Highlights of the recording for me are the sustained high notes that Pete pulled off at the end, and Rich's spot-on guitar solo, which evokes that early 80's vibe perfectly.

Peter: I don't know why, but for some reason I always thought Donnie Iris was singing "the Omni?" When I found out the true title, I mentioned it to my work colleague, Leah, who had also interviewed me for the first ever Polk State College podcast. That podcast covered the band, and quite flatteringly our tune "I'm the One" is still the theme song for the college's podcast. One thing led to another, and we ended up covering this tune. Steve really adds some background vocal talent on those chorus section and as usual, Rich adds a guitar solo that really ups the ante on this 80's classic!

Rich: This was a socially distanced, height of Covid band collab. Pete mentioned that his friend Leah needed a tune for her podcast and we decided to give this new wave/rock classic the ZFB treatment (but not the usual deranged treatment). I remember Steve being downright giddy about recording the important backing vocals for this - which turned out great! Pete recorded vocals at his home for the first time, and really captured the spirit of the Donnie Iris vocals. And he didn't have to drop a safe on his foot to get those high notes! 

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