Since the beginning the band has seemingly had at least one quintessential "blues" track per record. Whether this one an album pattern is intentional or a coincidence is anyone's guess. But it's held steady.
Sure enough, on the first record, aptly titled "ZZ Top's First Album", the group brought to the table the monster track "Just Got Back From Baby's". Heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix (one of Billy's highest held guitar idols) both lyrically and melodically, the track reflects a musical maturity and posture that transcends the age of its composers. Dripping with soul and southern influence, it still stands as one of the greatest tracks the group has ever laid down. Often in the shadow of "Brown Sugar", the song is deserving of more attention from both the casual and die hard fan.
Taking note of the previously discussed "remixes" of all the London records (sans "Deguello") the currently available CD version features extensive reverb and echo. Interestingly this is the only song that I have a slight preference for the remixed version. To me it just sounds more bluesy. This is at the expense of some of the soul that is conveyed in the original, "dry" mix.
Similar to the one blues song an album, ZZ would generally play one blues song a concert (save for 1994's Antenna tour, which had a mini blues set). "Just Got Back From Baby's" would become a staple of the groups early live repertoire, not to be replaced until Fandango's "Blue Jean Blues" in 1975. Often stretched to over 7 minutes in length, the song would feature some of the most fluent and dazzling guitar playing that has ever traveled through an amp.
Having been replaced in 1975 the song would not be heard again until 1994's Antenna tour. While brought down to a more standard length of just under 5 minutes, it would again showcase the style and grace of Billy's guitar playing that we all know and love.
Next up: "Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell".
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