Tag: zz top (Page 1 of 2)

I love the concept of half live and half studio albums, and I’m surprised more bands don’t do this. My favourite ZZ period is the mid-to-late seventies, when they were a smoking live act and were experimenting with sounds and grooves which eventually led them to Eliminator.

Side one of this album was recorded one hot sweaty night in New Orleans – I think in ’75.  A mixture of originals and blues/rock n roll covers, it’s as raw and as groovin’ you’d expect ZZ to be. But it’s Side 2 that really draws your attention with all killer originals, that today, the band play a lot of live.

Nasty Dogs And Funky Kings has a killer riff and groove, and a bass line to die for. Blue Jean Blues is a real slow blues with a crystal clear production, and you gotta love Billy G’s tone. Balinese is one of those Tex Mex delights that only ZZ do – a great groove and vibe! Mexican Blackbird is the odd track on the album, mainly because of Billy’s vocal, and there is some cool slide playing. The last two tracks are stone cold classics. Heard It On The X has a killer simple riff and groove and busy beat- superb stuff! The album closes out with Tush – a great heavy boogie that I’m sure you’ve all heard of. A lot of other bands borrowed it as well. Check out Motörhead’s No Class. I love this album, as I do most mid-period ZZ Top.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

RIP Dusty Hill!!! It’s super sad news and he held the bottom end so tight in this band.

This is the band’s 6th album and quite possibly their best. This album was released after the band went into exile after the Taking Texas To The People tour, which was not that great of a success. When they returned, the image that we know and love today was born. This is still the lil old band from Texas, but they are experimenting with sounds and tones – especially with the guitars, as lost of effects are used to create moods. I Thank You highlights this perfectly, as the opening guitar riff and tone is a joy and sets up the whole album. She’s My Automobile is old school ZZ paying homage to their Texas blues roots. I’m Bad I’m Nationwide is a mix of the old and new. The old being the main sound and chorus, but the new is the killer middle eight, and the ending with Dusty and Frank holding down a funky groove while Billy G lays the sauce on the top. Killer!!! One of the best ZZ Top tunes of all time is next with Fool For Your Stockings. This is blues – but not as we know it Jim. We get the lonesome guitar and the simple bass and beat. and then that funky simple riff with that awesome dirty vocal. It’s worth the price of the album just for the instrumental section. Manic Mechanic closes out Side 1, and the experimenting is in full flow both with guitar and vocals. Great track!

Side 2 starts out with Dust My Broom, a great version of the old Robert Johnson tune. Lowdown In The Street has a dual lead vocal from Dusty and Billy and a short sharp burst blues done Texas style. Hi Fi Mama has Dusty on lead with a burst of boogie – complete with horns. Another favourite ZZ tune is next with Cheap Sunglasses. Man, this song is freaking awesome! What a stunning riff and groove. This is my favourite ZZ tune – such a dirty funky track. Great vocal, superb guitar, and killer rhythm. The album closes with Esther Be The One, which I think is as close as the band get to a love song – although maybe not. Step away from Eliminator and come down to the real ZZ Top.

I love this album and it gets a 10/10 from The Grooveman.