Top 10 Radiators Songs

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The Radiators formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, in January 1978. The original lineup consisted of keyboardist and vocalist Ed Volker, guitarists Dave Malone and Camile Baudoin, bassist Reggie Scanlan, and drummer Frank Bua Jr. All five members were already active in the local music scene, with some having played together in the band Road Apple before founding The Radiators. Their collective background in R&B, rock, blues, and the unique sounds of New Orleans fueled their signature style, which they called “fish-head music.”

The group gained a strong following through regular gigs at local clubs, building momentum with extended live jams and improvisational performances. In 1980, The Radiators released their independent debut album, Work Done on Premises, which was recorded live at Tipitina’s in New Orleans. This album captured the group’s energetic stage presence and set the tone for their career. They followed up with the 1981 release of Heat Generation, another independent effort that continued to build their fanbase in the Southeast.

After gaining traction through their independent releases and relentless touring, The Radiators signed with Epic Records and issued their major label debut, Law of the Fish, in 1987. The album included “Like Dreamers Do” and “Confidential,” which received airplay on album-oriented rock radio and helped the group reach a national audience. Law of the Fish peaked at number one hundred thirty-nine on the Billboard 200 albums chart and remains one of their most successful studio releases.

Their next album, Zig-Zaggin’ Through Ghostland, arrived in 1989 on Epic Records. This release produced tracks such as “Doctor Doctor” and “Like Dreamers Do,” the latter of which was re-recorded from their previous album. Zig-Zaggin’ Through Ghostland charted at number one hundred twenty-two on the Billboard 200 and at number one on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. The group supported the album with extensive touring, including appearances at major festivals and venues across the United States.

Total Evaporation, released in 1990, became The Radiators’ third and final major label studio album. The album featured the single “Let the Red Wine Flow” and continued the group’s tradition of blending blues, R&B, and swamp rock. Although the band parted ways with Epic Records after this release, they continued to tour and release new music independently.

Throughout their career, The Radiators issued numerous live and studio albums, including Snafu 10-31-’91 (1992), New Dark Ages (1999), and Earth vs. The Radiators: The First 25 (2004), a live double CD and DVD celebrating their twenty-fifth anniversary. The group became known for their marathon live shows, often playing for over three hours, and their ability to blend original material with covers of classic New Orleans R&B and rock songs.

The Radiators’ discography includes Work Done on Premises (1980), Heat Generation (1981), Law of the Fish (1987), Zig-Zaggin’ Through Ghostland (1989), Total Evaporation (1990), Bucket of Fish (1994), New Dark Ages (1999), Dreaming Out Loud (2006), The Radiators: Earth vs. the Radiators: the First 25 (2004), and numerous live recordings. Their albums have been distributed through various labels, including Epic, Croaker, and SCI Fidelity.

The Radiators achieved regional and national recognition but did not receive major mainstream awards. However, they built a devoted following through relentless touring, energetic live shows, and a steady stream of recordings. The group participated in significant cultural events, such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where they became perennial performers.

Members of The Radiators have also contributed to the New Orleans music community outside the band, participating in benefit concerts, charity events, and collaborations with other local artists. After over three decades together, the group announced their retirement in 2011 but have occasionally reunited for special shows and festivals.

Ed Volker, Dave Malone, Camile Baudoin, Reggie Scanlan, and Frank Bua Jr. all contributed to the group’s songwriting and maintained active roles in side projects and the wider musical landscape of New Orleans. Their influence has remained strong among fans of southern rock and jam band music, particularly those drawn to the traditions of the Crescent City.

# 10 – Confidential

We open this fun list of Radiators songs with the smoking track “Confidential.” This is the most commercially successful single from The Radiators’ 1989 album Zig‑Zaggin’ Through Ghostland, recorded at Southlake Studios in New Orleans and produced by Rodney Mills. The complete lineup on the album features Ed Volker (keyboards, vocals), Dave Malone (guitar, vocals), Camile Baudoin (guitar, vocals), Reggie Scanlan (bass), Frank Bua Jr. (drums), and Glenn Sears on percussion. Issued by Epic Records, Zig‑Zaggin’ Through Ghostland became the band’s highest-charting album, reaching number 122 on the Billboard 200, and “Confidential” rose to number 8 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

# 9 – Nail Your Heart to Mine

“Nail Your Heart to Mine” is featured on The Radiators’ 1981 album Heat Generation, which was independently released following their debut. Recorded live at their early performances in New Orleans, the album captures the band’s original lineup: Ed Volker (keyboards, vocals), Dave Malone (guitar, vocals), Camile Baudoin (guitar, vocals), Reggie Scanlan (bass), and Frank Bua Jr. (drums). Heat Generation includes “Nail Your Heart to Mine” among its selection of early compositions, reflecting the group’s roots in local R&B and rock before their major-label signing. The album laid the groundwork for their subsequent national release Law of the Fish. I love the bass line on this one.

# 8 – Hard Core

This is where it all began, to quote the Allman Brothers album. “Hard Core” is a live track included on The Radiators’ debut album Work Done on Premises, recorded during a May 9, 1980 performance at Tipitina’s nightclub in New Orleans. The album was independently released on their Croaker Records label and produced by Bill Cat in collaboration with the band. The lineup performing on the track consists of Camile Baudoin (guitars and vocals), Dave Malone (guitars and vocals), Ed Volker (percussion, piano, horn and vocals), Reggie Scanlan (bass), and Frank Bua Jr. (drums). The 1980 double LP captured the raw live energy of the original Radiators’ performances, and “Hard Core”—credited to the entire band—runs approximately 5:22, exemplifying their swamp-rock style and improvisational approach.

# 7 – Dreaming Out Loud

“Dreaming Out Loud” is the title track from The Radiators’ 2006 album released on Radz Records in the United States. This is a great slow-to-mid-tempo tune that really hits home. The song, running 6:19, features Ed Volker on vocals and keyboards, Dave Malone on vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, baritone guitar, banjo, E-Bow, and mandolin, Camile Baudoin on guitar, Reggie Scanlan on bass, and Frank Bua on drums. Michael Skinkus plays percussion on this track.

# 6 – Love Is A Tangle

One can clearly hear the sound of the late 1980s throughout this recording. The microphones and instruments are all bathed in that late ’80s tone, a time when CDs were defining just how good a studio recording could sound .“Love Is a Tangle” was originally released in 1987 on their Law of the Fish album.

# 5 – Little Paradise

This one has such a joyous, happy groove—it just makes me feel so good every time I hear it. It’s like the vibe you get when listening to the Grateful Dead or even Jimmy Buffett. It just has that feel. This is a later release by the band, as it was issued in 1994 on the Bucket of Fish album.

# 4 – Falling Through The Bottom Line

This great Radiators track opens up with a chord progression very reminiscent of the James Bond theme. I know you can hear it. It’s just done so well. This was released back in 2001.

# 3 – This Wagon’s Gonna Role

I love the way this one opens with the piano ripping through those eight notes in an almost punk-like fashion. One can hear so many different styles of music that fuel this fantastic band. This was released on their landmark album Law of the Fish.

# 2 – Zig-Zaggin’ Through Ghostland

“Zig-Zaggin’ Through Ghostland,” the title track of The Radiators’ 1989 studio album, was released on Epic Records and recorded at Southlake Studios in New Orleans. The album was produced and engineered by Rodney Mills, with the lineup featuring Ed Volker (keyboards, vocals), Dave Malone (guitar, vocals), Camile Baudoin (guitar, vocals), Reggie Scanlan (bass), Frank Bua Jr. (drums), and Glenn Sears on percussion. Zig‑Zaggin’ Through Ghostland reached number 122 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking the band’s highest-charting record.

# 1 – Doctor Doctor

“Doctor Doctor” appears on The Radiators’ Law of the Fish, recorded in 1987 at Southlake Studios in New Orleans and produced by Rodney Mills. The album features Ed Volker on keyboards and vocals, Dave Malone and Camile Baudoin on guitars and vocals, Reggie Scanlan on bass, and Frank Bua Jr. on drums. Law of the Fish was released by Epic Records and reached number one hundred thirty-nine on the Billboard 200 chart.