Sunday, April 29, 2012

See Through the Veil

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** ZZ Top's new album, as yet untitled, will be released in August 2012 **

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Who's to Blame?

*Thank you Korken for the link*

Well, I think a few saw this coming. Billy has, for the time being, gently put the blame for the current new album delays on Rick Rubin. It's interesting that Billy is abdicating his assumed ability to "push" things along and demand that his band's work be published. There is no question that the band has lacked motivation in it's lackadaisical approach over the past nine (!) years - so to hand off the current problems may not be that surprising. While Billy and Rubin appear to have a relatively comfortable and relaxed attitude about the problem at hand, the one group that is not laughing or finding it the least amusing, are the fans.

The FANS continue to wait, growing ever more annoyed, frustrated and ultimately disinterested by the day....

http://www.noise11.com/news/billy-gibbons-answers-whatever-happened-to-the-new-zz-top-album-20120422

Saturday, April 21, 2012

1974, New Orleans, The Warehouse; Set List (Not that again?!)

Would anybody else besides me be incredibly interested in the band releasing the entire recording of the 1974-04-12 New Orleans Warehouse recording, which can be heard in part on the first side of Fandango? I mean really, 1974 ZZ was some heavy stuff, and if the entire show features the clarity, energy and ambiance that is partially revealed on Fandango, then it would surely be a huge release. We have seen the official release of Rockpalast so why not?

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Each year I do the same thing - predict an overly hopeful set list and then complain when nothing close to it materializes. Not this year. The band can obviously play what they want. The only good bet on hearing anything unique is the Rodeo, which is why I drove 22 hours each way to Houston back in March.

Here is my "realistic" take on the set list, at least for the "Outlaws" tour:
- One or two songs from the new album, likely to include "25 Lighters"
- The retirement of "I Need You Tonight"; hope to hear "Fool For Your Stockings" again
- Return of "Heard It On the X"
- Inclusion of "Grace", "Chevrolet", or "She Loves My Automobile" as the rare song insert

I hope this is as "realistic" as I think it is....

Sunday, April 15, 2012

August Release Date for New Album? / It's the Final Countdown

Signing autographs prior to heading over to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame show, Dusty had a few things to say:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvnHxRTBQTU

August could be the (for real this time) release date. There are no more reasons for it to be delayed.

Stating the countdown now: 107 days until August 01

Rock N Roll Hall of Fame

I'm sure most fans are aware of this however always good to mention, Billy and Dusty gave the induction speech for bluesman Freddie King last night at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame ceremonies in Cleveland, OH.

Billy and Dusty were also set to play onstage with several other musicians.

Unfortunately the event cannot be viewed in its entirety until May 5th when it will be featured as a special on HBO, a pay channel in the states. I will spare readers my diatribe against the Hall for bogarting the footage for money, but let's just say I am not a fan of the pay per view approach.

No matter, the public, when met with a demand, will always provide the supply, and in 2012 the supply is often free. But that's another issue altogether.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Family Time / Crickets Chirping

Due to some temporary events in my personal life my available free time is pretty much zero. Accordingly it will be harder for me to update the blog with news and the occasional opinions and asides. To be sure I will try to post if I get the inside scoop regarding some exciting news or developments. I encourage readers to post comments if they hear or see anything as well.

Ultimately things should calm down in about six to eight weeks. Just in time for the tour!

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Little news over the past ten days. I haven't seen the Jeremiah Weed ad yet nor have I seen any recent interviews with the band. Nothing new regarding the "seeds and stems" trim down of the album tracks either. Man I'm getting tired of searching out for little bits of news. Let's just get this show started already. Please.