I'm not afraid to point out I have been wrong thousands upon thousands of times, and in this instance I hope I am. It would appear that perhaps the band is working on structuring and recording some songs under the guidance of Rick Rubin after all.
Check out the "Totally Unofficial ZZ Top Tour Blog", which is a fantastic source of news, for a breakdown of some recent tweets from Mr. Rubin: http://zztopeurope2007.blogspot.com/
The band finished up their short stint with Tom Petty on 09/26 in Phoenix. There is an approx three week gap before they head off to Europe for a short tour. It's interesting in that the band appears to be visiting majory metropolitan sites only, having already hit some of the smaller cities over the summer. A breakdown of the European tour itinerary is on the official web site: http://www.zztop.com/index.php?module=tour
It is indeed exciting that the band will be playing two shows in Russia, the first visit to the country in the band's history. It would be truly awesome if someone manages to record one or both of the shows, but the logistics involved make it doubtful.
The main question concerns if the band can maintain focus and come back into the studio in November to finish what they have apparently started. Having worked quickly in the past it is possible things could be wrapped up by early December and perhaps we'll have some new tunes to jam to in the Spring of 2011. One can hope.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
New Record? Don't Bet On It
A slew of news reports have come out recently indicating that ZZ will be returning to the studio to record a new album, which will be released by the end of the year. Billy is quoted as indicating they will be working on the album following their short stint with Tom Petty. He also makes mention of working directly with Rick Rubin during the recording process.
Multiple issues with this bit of "news". Billy was also recently quoted in an interview advising that they had a long way to go, having no names or titles for songs and needing to get into the studio but finding it harder than it should be. Secondly, none of the articles mention the fact that ZZ is scheduled to return to Europe beginning October 14th after touring with Petty for a series of shows through the end of October. Third, the band has been touring non-stop since late April, and I would imagine are rather tired and in need of a break from the road and each other.
The only thing that makes me believe the band would be in a hurry to get into the studio is the influence of Mr. Rubin. Having signed the band to a contract several years ago, he has yet to have an opportunity to work his magic and rekindle the spark and shine of ZZ. Most likely he would like an album to be recorded as soon as possible, both to show his continuing relevance and abilities and to make a return on his investment.
Ultimately the fact that Billy has chosen to permanently live in California and indulge in his own activities when not on the road, and that Frank and Dusty continue to reside in the Houston vicinity creates a difficult hurdle to overcome. I just don't think the group has any motivation, outside of Rubin, to record again. As long as people keep coming to the shows and the band enjoys the road, why should they return to the studio? Besides, all members have indicated that working in the studio is not an enjoyable activity. I'm guessing that the only albums they really enjoyed working on are ZZ Top's First Album through Tejas, and then likely Rhythmeen. People generally don't do what they don't want to unless they are compelled, like perhaps from a recording contract.
Most likely the recent news reports are just continued soundbites that the band formulates to create press coverage and word of mouth, in this case probably intended to attact attention to their tour with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (who apparently enjoy working together in the studio and just put out another new album).
Dusty was quoted in 2005 stating that the band would be returning to the studio after that summer's tour. That was five years ago. Seriously, five years ago. It's been said every year since.
I will believe it when I see, hear and touch the "new" album. Until then...where's my copy of Mescalero?
http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2010/09/zz-top-working-on-new-album-with-rick-rubin-black.html
http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/zz-top-0916/
Multiple issues with this bit of "news". Billy was also recently quoted in an interview advising that they had a long way to go, having no names or titles for songs and needing to get into the studio but finding it harder than it should be. Secondly, none of the articles mention the fact that ZZ is scheduled to return to Europe beginning October 14th after touring with Petty for a series of shows through the end of October. Third, the band has been touring non-stop since late April, and I would imagine are rather tired and in need of a break from the road and each other.
The only thing that makes me believe the band would be in a hurry to get into the studio is the influence of Mr. Rubin. Having signed the band to a contract several years ago, he has yet to have an opportunity to work his magic and rekindle the spark and shine of ZZ. Most likely he would like an album to be recorded as soon as possible, both to show his continuing relevance and abilities and to make a return on his investment.
Ultimately the fact that Billy has chosen to permanently live in California and indulge in his own activities when not on the road, and that Frank and Dusty continue to reside in the Houston vicinity creates a difficult hurdle to overcome. I just don't think the group has any motivation, outside of Rubin, to record again. As long as people keep coming to the shows and the band enjoys the road, why should they return to the studio? Besides, all members have indicated that working in the studio is not an enjoyable activity. I'm guessing that the only albums they really enjoyed working on are ZZ Top's First Album through Tejas, and then likely Rhythmeen. People generally don't do what they don't want to unless they are compelled, like perhaps from a recording contract.
Most likely the recent news reports are just continued soundbites that the band formulates to create press coverage and word of mouth, in this case probably intended to attact attention to their tour with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (who apparently enjoy working together in the studio and just put out another new album).
Dusty was quoted in 2005 stating that the band would be returning to the studio after that summer's tour. That was five years ago. Seriously, five years ago. It's been said every year since.
I will believe it when I see, hear and touch the "new" album. Until then...where's my copy of Mescalero?
http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2010/09/zz-top-working-on-new-album-with-rick-rubin-black.html
http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/zz-top-0916/
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Under Pressure / Looking for Mr. Mark Thomas (zzmark)
I caught ZZ Top in Richmond, VA on Tuesday 09/14/10. Good show, if not predictable. Same set list as the show I caught in Pennsylvania. I will be posting a full review hopefully within the next week. I will mention that Billy seemed particularly more "lubricated" and "relaxed" than normal, resulting in some heavy sighs and difficulty in pronunciation. His guitar playing was unaffected, but the larger than normal delay between the opening act and ZZ's set may be an indication of some pre-show green....
I have updated my trading list to include about 20 new shows. I continue to be very interested, and very grateful, in speaking with other collectors and trading live ZZ Top. Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime with any questions or interest in live ZZ, and of course if you are looking to do a trade.
Family life has proven busy lately hence the minor reduction in the frequency of posts. I anticipate I will be able to dedicate more attention to the blog as autumn commences.
Lastly, does anyone know how I can reach Mark Thomas (zzmark)? An e-mail, website, address or phone number would prove very helpful. Mr. Thomas appears to have an astounding live ZZ collection, most likely the most complete and rare collection in the world, surpassing even that of the reigning Houston king. I would very much like to get in touch with Mr. Thomas so any help you can provide may result in a few free ZZ concerts of your choice.
Texicali...
I have updated my trading list to include about 20 new shows. I continue to be very interested, and very grateful, in speaking with other collectors and trading live ZZ Top. Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime with any questions or interest in live ZZ, and of course if you are looking to do a trade.
Family life has proven busy lately hence the minor reduction in the frequency of posts. I anticipate I will be able to dedicate more attention to the blog as autumn commences.
Lastly, does anyone know how I can reach Mark Thomas (zzmark)? An e-mail, website, address or phone number would prove very helpful. Mr. Thomas appears to have an astounding live ZZ collection, most likely the most complete and rare collection in the world, surpassing even that of the reigning Houston king. I would very much like to get in touch with Mr. Thomas so any help you can provide may result in a few free ZZ concerts of your choice.
Texicali...
Saturday, September 4, 2010
ZZ Top - All quiet on the Texas front
Things have been very quiet as of late. Little to report really. I haven't so much as seen a set list update in almost four weeks. Little news / press coverage as well.
I'm sure things will pick once ZZ starts opening for Tom Petty, however I wish the additional press coverage was due to ZZ's own individual actions and merits vs. opening for another act. No recordings of any concerts have surfaced since the end of the European trek in July - this will likely change with increased attendance and gumption from Petty's fans.
I will be seeing the group for the second and last time this year on September 14 in Richmond, Virginia. As I noted in a previous post the venue is very intimate and should prove to be an excellent conduit for ZZ's hard blues sound. I will include a full report of course.
Progress continues to be made on the Tejas / World Wide Texas chapters. Any input from readers is greatly appreciated.
Also anyone that reads this blog and is coming to the Richmond show please let me know and we can meet up prior to the concert.
Sugar cane...Domino cane...Imperial cane...Yes I can
I'm sure things will pick once ZZ starts opening for Tom Petty, however I wish the additional press coverage was due to ZZ's own individual actions and merits vs. opening for another act. No recordings of any concerts have surfaced since the end of the European trek in July - this will likely change with increased attendance and gumption from Petty's fans.
I will be seeing the group for the second and last time this year on September 14 in Richmond, Virginia. As I noted in a previous post the venue is very intimate and should prove to be an excellent conduit for ZZ's hard blues sound. I will include a full report of course.
Progress continues to be made on the Tejas / World Wide Texas chapters. Any input from readers is greatly appreciated.
Also anyone that reads this blog and is coming to the Richmond show please let me know and we can meet up prior to the concert.
Sugar cane...Domino cane...Imperial cane...Yes I can
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)