1993 - At some point during the year the band's manager Bill Ham once again proved his exceeding worth, negotiating a recording contract with RCA reportedly worth approx $35 million. This was an extensive sum, and RCA had to know they were taking at least somewhat of a gamble, banking on a group who's most recent album (Recycler) had failed to move units like its two predecessors. "Recycler" had sold over a million copies, but had not induced the social and pop phenomena like in the past. The band had the immediate task of working on a new album before them.
1994 - January - "Antenna". Focusing on a long felt calling, the album would seek to recreate and reemphasize the musical mentor of the band's youth, the X. "Antenna waves be burning up my radio". Continuing with the hand drawn themes, the album cover displayed tall radio towers, straddling the Rio Grande. "I'm turnin' up the V's on the airwaves". The band have always cited the influences and contributions of Mexican radio, and had payed homage to the frequencies with "Heard It On the X". A good concept, if not completely original.
The results of the album however are somewhat of a mixed bag. Opening with the barn-burner "Pincushion" the record got off to a great start. A full, hard rock sound booming through the speakers greeted the listener and no doubt set to ease the anxiousness and curiosity the longtime fan had felt anticipating the new album, the new sound. This was not a second installment of "ZZ Top lite" as some had labeled "Recycler" to be. The next track, "Breakaway" proved to be a pleasant surprise, a rare mature love song, perhaps the first since "Its So Hard" from the "El Loco" album. Continuing the momentum was "World of Swirl", a rocker with the advantage of Dusty's lead vocals. Ultimately Dusty would sing on three tracks, the most work he had seen since "Tejas". After these first three songs however the record becomes inconsistent, with a number of relatively simply tracks and questionable material on an album of 11 songs from a group who had not committed to the studio in four years. "Antenna Head" however would prove to be a showstopper. In my opinion the best track on the album, the song features extensive and technical cord progressions and harmonics from Billy, reflecting a focus and swagger that had not been seen from the man in some time. Combined with Dusty's gutsy vocals it proves to be an essential part of the band's catalogue.
The Antenna tour proceeded to be the last blockbuster effort, the last extensive stage show. With a larger than life mock car dashboard set up, a complex light show, antennas and power wires running throughout the arenas, and a group of attractive dancing stage girls the shows proved to be quite a thrill to the eyes and ears. Displaying the band's confidence in their latest effort, the show's opened with a quick 1-2-3 punch, courtesy of "World of Swirl", "Pincushion" and "Breakaway". Also played from the new album was "Fuzzbox Voodoo", "PCH" and "Antenna Head". "Cover Your Rig" was played at the first few shows of the tour but quickly dropped. "Rough Boy" was brought back and the chestnut "She Loves My Automobile" was a surprise addition. A mini blues set was included as well, comprising of "Just Got Back from Baby's", "Fool For Your Stockings" and the aforementioned "Rough Boy".
The shows were long for ZZ standards, approaching two hours, and overall the tour proved to be a very satisfying experience for the band and fan alike.
1995 - Very quiet. Not much is known about this year. Anyone care to comment?
Next up: Mean Rhythm
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