I had yet to comment on the glaring absence this year, the continuing wait, the occasional wonder...where is that new album??
Having grown weary of the delay, I will throw one more discussion into the ring. The next time I venture on the subject will be if and when something new plays in my stereo....
For whatever reason, or combination of reasons, there is no indication that a new album has been worked on or is planned. Stunning really. Having newly signed to Sanctuary Records in 2008 under the control of Rick Rubin, who has a reputation for getting down to business and having limited patience for conclusive results, the general consensus pointed to a soon to be arriving album, with good reasoning. Further the fact the band's official web site in early 2009 had for a month or two a full page web greeting proclaiming a new album gave an easy assumption of fruitful anticipation. Nothing has materialized however, save for anniversary releases of old material and two great, but not new, live albums.
Obviously the band profits from the incessant touring, courtesy of ticket and merchandise sales. The aforementioned anniversary and live releases include commissions, and classics such as "Tres Hombres" and "Eliminator" are bound to sell a few copies here and there. No doubt that Sanctuary is taking its cut as well.
I've questioned the reasoning behind seven years without a new record in the face of seemingly ideal conditions. I'm actually tiring of wondering. My theory, until proven otherwise, is a combination of Billy living full time in Los Angeles away from his bandmates, a general apathy as the band grows older to work on their craft, and a reasonable worry or concern that a new release will be greeted with little fanfare from critics or the public. Lynyrd Skynyrd and AC/DC have proved that older bands can still put out pleasing and well received music (Skynyrd has one original member for mercy's sake and their new album still sold well!). Ultimately the main reason is probably apathy; a loss of spark, creativity and desire is evident if you peer just below the surface of the mystique.
No matter. Fourteen albums of original material, 100's of thankfully preserved live recordings, and the endless enjoyment of low down and dirty blues that continues to transcend the powerless constraints of time earns the group a well deserved and well preserved place in the ongoing and infinite chronicle of musical contribution.
Chronicles have chapters. Chapters have endings.
-----
If "Tejas" hasn't gotten a spin from your stereo lately I would suggest you give it a go. Southern Comfort and "Avalon Highway" is a powerful combination, taking you to the western Texas landscape and pinning you under the desert's auburn setting sun. The greatest album of ZZ's catelogue? Something to ponder and discuss in the future....
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Trouble On the Road
A number of recordings have surfaced documenting the 2010 version of ZZ Top. I have also had an opportunity to speak with a number of individuals who have enjoyed a show this year.
Of surprise to many is that the band, despite the fan's probable immense excitement at hearing the tunes, dropped "Thunderbird" and "Francine" from the set list. The reasons for this are speculative at this time. One proposal is that the band doesn't enjoy playing the tunes (doubtful), another is the songs were not well received (really doubtful), or that they would rather play "Got Me Under Pressure" (I pray that's doubtful). The likely reason is the apparent inability for Billy and Dusty to harmonize.
After listening to the shows and discussing eye witness accounts, a prevalent issue appears to be Billy's voice. As most fans know his vocals took a distinct turn in the early to mid 1990's, from a distinct and defined low forceful howl to an increasingly softer, gruff and broken tone. Having been able to sing on key and somewhat melodically until the early 2000's, the past few years has seen a continued decrease in the power and conviction of his vocals. This is not to be unexpected. Voices mature and change over time. Few artists as they age are able to sing at the register and forcefullness of their youth. Several questions present themselves: has he failed to quit habits that increase the wear and tear on one's vocal chords (inhalation of smoke), does he take the time to warm up before shows so as to prevent excessive and unneccesary damage, and has he considered taking instructional therapy and/or lessons in order to learn how to preserve and care for his voice?
Contrary to Billy's experience, Dusty appears to be in good shape. Having of course lost some of his high register ability, his tone is still pleasing to the ear. This makes harmonizing with Billy all the more difficult. There are questions here as well though, to be discussed later.
I do enjoy the character, quality and maturity that Billy's low growl brings. Thankfully it suits ZZ's sound very well, low down and dirty blues. He shouldn't sound like Robert Plant in 1969, he should sound like a true veteran of rock.
This vocal change however does not seem to have gone unnoticed, by the band or the fans. If you have been to a show this year and would like to comment or contact me to discuss please do so, I would love to hear your opinions. I will comment on this matter more as the tour progresses.
**
LET IT BE KNOWN: despite any vocal inadequacy, the band musically is sounding great. Upbeat, tight, focused, electric, hard blues are fitting words to describe the Texas Trio, one of the greatest bands to ever come from the States, 40 years and running.
**
Of surprise to many is that the band, despite the fan's probable immense excitement at hearing the tunes, dropped "Thunderbird" and "Francine" from the set list. The reasons for this are speculative at this time. One proposal is that the band doesn't enjoy playing the tunes (doubtful), another is the songs were not well received (really doubtful), or that they would rather play "Got Me Under Pressure" (I pray that's doubtful). The likely reason is the apparent inability for Billy and Dusty to harmonize.
After listening to the shows and discussing eye witness accounts, a prevalent issue appears to be Billy's voice. As most fans know his vocals took a distinct turn in the early to mid 1990's, from a distinct and defined low forceful howl to an increasingly softer, gruff and broken tone. Having been able to sing on key and somewhat melodically until the early 2000's, the past few years has seen a continued decrease in the power and conviction of his vocals. This is not to be unexpected. Voices mature and change over time. Few artists as they age are able to sing at the register and forcefullness of their youth. Several questions present themselves: has he failed to quit habits that increase the wear and tear on one's vocal chords (inhalation of smoke), does he take the time to warm up before shows so as to prevent excessive and unneccesary damage, and has he considered taking instructional therapy and/or lessons in order to learn how to preserve and care for his voice?
Contrary to Billy's experience, Dusty appears to be in good shape. Having of course lost some of his high register ability, his tone is still pleasing to the ear. This makes harmonizing with Billy all the more difficult. There are questions here as well though, to be discussed later.
I do enjoy the character, quality and maturity that Billy's low growl brings. Thankfully it suits ZZ's sound very well, low down and dirty blues. He shouldn't sound like Robert Plant in 1969, he should sound like a true veteran of rock.
This vocal change however does not seem to have gone unnoticed, by the band or the fans. If you have been to a show this year and would like to comment or contact me to discuss please do so, I would love to hear your opinions. I will comment on this matter more as the tour progresses.
**
LET IT BE KNOWN: despite any vocal inadequacy, the band musically is sounding great. Upbeat, tight, focused, electric, hard blues are fitting words to describe the Texas Trio, one of the greatest bands to ever come from the States, 40 years and running.
**
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Accounts From the Road / Lauging at ZZ Top
A number of fan accounts have come in regarding the new 2010 tour - all positive. Indications of enthusiastic and upbeat shows is great news. The band appears to be rejuvenated and enjoying themselves. Billy's voice seems to start off slowly but then improves; Dusty is as powerful as ever. The inclusion of a number of rare songs and the new cover of "Rock Me Baby" conveys a still burning musical desire - to do more than just the status quo. Let's hope as the tour progresses the group remembers to occasionally change things up, to keep it interesting for both them and the fans. For those reading this and planning on seeing them live this year, try to get within shouting distance and yell "My copy of Mescalero is worn out, I need a new album to listen to!!".
-----
A fellow ZZ Top fan pointed me in the direction of this hilarious website, definitely check it out!!
http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/ZZ_Top
-----
A fellow ZZ Top fan pointed me in the direction of this hilarious website, definitely check it out!!
http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/ZZ_Top
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)