Low Down in the Street

An extensive update to cover all the happenings and events on the "street":

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First up, here is a link to a most recent and very interesting interview article with BFG. He comments on the new album release date, working with Rubin, and what would happen if ZZ ever broke up.

http://theadvocate.com/utility/homepagestories/3108745-129/zz-top-prepping-for-release

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"Flyin High" version 2.0 made its debut at the Hollywood, FL 2012-06-12 show, during the pre-show PA music. It is said to contain an even more streamlined pop beat (not sure how that is possible) with new vocals. Impressions have been positive. I have not heard it so I cannot comment. It may be fruitful to check YouTube to see if anyone picked up a recording of it - somewhat unlikely though as most people only record the main show.

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Billy has branched out on his own as "Billy Gibbons and Co." to record a tribute track on the Fleetwood Mac compilation "Just Tell Me That You Want Me". Along with Blake Mills and Matt Sweeney he digs into a very riff heavy version of "Oh Well" with Billy's subdued and now common gruff vocals. Sounds great. This would never have happened with Bill Ham at the helm.

"Oh Well" can be heard here:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/song-premiere-billy-gibbons-and-co-oh-well-20120621

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The "Meet and Greet" continues to devolve. In the earlier days (1980's) it served as a vehicle for ZZ to keep a connection and relationship with their fans, in the face of rapidly increasing fame and popularity. Today however there are many rules - no personal items can be presented to the band to autograph, no conversations with the group, no more than one photos, and now no handshake. Appears that the lines are being instructed that at a recent show a fan was a bit overzealous and shook hands a little to aggressively, putting the next show in jeopardy. A handshake is not a big deal but the argument can be made both ways - a fan doesn't have to shake hands with the band but then again its not hard for the band to add a small personal touch and a respectful recognition that the fan spent a large sum of money to meet his or her favorite group.

Taking the amount of money the Meet and Greet costs and combining it with the ever increasing rules and insulting nature of the event, I'm gonna go on record and say in my opinion its not worth it. It's offensive to have to pay money to not even be allowed to exchange small talk with the group. Milking fans for extra coin is not a way to endear yourself to your following, both newbies and die-hards alike.

But...some people really enjoy the Meet and Greet, which is cool, to each their own. Whatever floats your boat.

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John I. attended the Nashville show. Here is his report along with some fantastic photos:

There is really nothing earth shattering to report from last night's show. It was exactly the same set list as the ones you guys attended. BFG didn't bring out the Melody Maker guitar. The only thing of note was the camo bass that Dusty surprised BFG with during the encore. There was no album signed from the audience. Started at 9:55 and ended at 11:10. It was a great show. I personally think that most of the crowd had never heard "Vincent Price Blue" or "Heaven Hell or Houston". Out of the 8-9k that were there I would bet me and 3 more know those tunes. Some of the crowd were screaming for "Just Got Paid" and"Pressure".

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Also courtesy of John I. is a link to a very interestng audio interview regarding the 1973 classic "Tres Hombres". Check it out:

http://www.inthestudio.net/online-only-interviews/zz-top-tres-hombres-pt3/

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Road reports continue to come in detailing a revitalized and energetic Top. It is most pleasing that the band has stuck with the rarities rather than trading them in for generic "Sunglasses" and "Nationwide". First hand accounts indicate the crowds are enjoying the rarities, no doubt due to the band's aggressive, professional and bombastic take on them. As I said before this is a great year to see the group if you have avoided the last few tours due to the staleness that had taken hold. Viva ZZ Top!!

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"I Gotsta Get Paid" and other new songs have not made it into the set list. Current theory is that the single will be brought into the rotation when they head over to Europe and are no longer sharing the bill with other bands. Let's hope so - the group really needs to promote the new album to get the word out and receive the appreciation and respect this new album deserves.

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A number of rumors and hints about the new album can be complied from those in the know. Here is what's circulating:

- Extensive revision has been taking place and continues on a number of previously thought finalized tracks

- At one time to feature 10 songs, it now will likely hold 12 - 14 tracks

- In addition to Dusty's cover of "Future Blues" he will have lead vocals on another tune

- The entire album was set to be called "Texicali" but in light of the EP with the same name this could

potentially cause problems, thus a new name is being

considered

- "Chartruese" is the first song in my knowledge to have songwriting credits of "Gibbons/Beard". To

this end Hill and Beard are supposed to be more involved in the writing of the songs - see Mescalero

for how much Gibbons had taken over. Ultimately songwriting credits across the album will include

about 10 people as contributors.

- Release date is set to be late early October - unfortunate that they cannot strike when

the iron is hot. If the album is not released by the end of November, don't look for it until Spring

2013.