The Nineties - Part One

Much is made about ZZ Top in the 1980's. The mysterious men with the long beards, the classic cars and the pretty ladies. Composers of brilliant pop/rock, "Sharp Dressed Man", "Legs", "Sleeping Bag" and "Rough Boy". Platinum albums, monster tours.

Much is made about ZZ Top in the 1970's. Young, tough Texas blues. Southern rock, southern sounds. "Just Got Paid", "La Grange", "Tush" and "Fool For Your Stockings". Bringing Texas to the people, World Wide style.

What about the 1990's? Where is the nostalgia? Where is the fond look back? A decade in which the band faded from the mainstream conscience, ZZ Top continued working hard, releasing four albums and undertaking tour upon tour. Let's look at the highlights:

1990 - Recycler - much criticized for it's "ironic" title, which was not an intended pun by the band, the trio seemed to struggle with the type of sound to commit towards. One of the first tracks to be recorded, "Doubleback", sounded like mid-80's Top, complete with keyboards and pop vocal hooks. Subsequent recordings however would be more traditional, yet did suffer from being over polished and produced, resulting in a flat sound. "My Head's In Mississippi" is a monster, one of the best tracks of the decade, and perfectly combines the Texas blues of the early days and modern pop of the recent past. The accompanying tour was well received and featured a longer set list and show duration than anything in the prior 10 years. A wide selection of Recycler tracks were played, and the album (platinum) and tour both proved to be highly successful.

1992 - Greatest Hits - ZZ Top recorded two new tracks for this greatest hits package, "Gun Love" and "Viva Las Vegas". I have read average to favorable reviews for "Gun Love" but personally I find the song to be a lackluster composition from the band. Lacking any evidence of dedication and feeling the song is surprisingly empty in its delivery. "Viva Las Vegas" on the other hand is a tune I greatly enjoy. Interestingly, in opposition to the attempt to return to a more traditional sound ala Recycler, "Viva" is one of the most synthesized tunes in the catalogue. Featuring various artificial sound effects it somehow comes together to form a satisfying experience for the listener. Of course, due to his undying love for Elvis lead vocals are delivered by Dusty, who does a terrific job.

1993 - ZZ Top plays at the Harley Davidson 90th Anniversary in Milwaukee, WI. One of only a handful of shows performed that year, the concert featured a number of noteworthy and unique songs. Both "Gun Love" and "Viva Las Vegas" from the recent Greatest Hits were performed. "Arrested For Driving While Blind" was played for the last time to date, and "I Loved a Woman" was played for the first time in 10 years. Classic hits "Francene" and "Mexican Blackbird" were brought back, as well as the long absent "She Loves My Automobile". Dusty sang the rarity "Blue Monday" and the usual closing track "Tush" transitioned into one of the most bizarre renditions the group has ever played, a spaced out and riff heavy performance of the "Beverly Hillbillies" TV theme song, complete with vocals. Got to be heard to be believed.