MTV: Miscellaneous Video Television

The music video for "25 Lighters" has finally appeared and can be seen here:

http://www.vevo.com/watch/zz-top/i-gotsta-get-paid/USUV71201019#/watch/zz-top/i-gotsta-get-paid/USUV71201019

Pretty cool. Usual but fail-safe formula of cars, guitars and pretty girls. Wisely the band appears to be releasing promotional material incrementally - to try to squeeze out as much hype and momentum as possible. Music videos across the board aren't much different from ZZ's - make it flashy, make it slick, and make them perky.

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"Chartreuse" debuted in the live set in Columbia, MD at FreeFest, taking the place of stages. It how has been moved to the show opener, coming in prior to "Thank You". This is the first song where all three members share writing credits to be debuted since 2000. "Piece" and "Buck Nekkid" where Gibbons compositions.

For the first time in many years the band has shown some flexibility and spontaneity in the set list. This is very welcomed indeed. Capping this great trend would be one more song from Futura (maybe "Lose Lose You"?) and an old Dusty chestnut. Come on "Teddy Bear"...

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The vinyl edition of "La Futura" has again been delayed, now scheduled for release in the U.S. on 10/22/12 (which may again be moved since this is a Monday and U.S. releases typically come out on Tuesdays). No additional word regarding bonus tracks. Fingers crossed....

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I intended to do a large "La Futura" review, but its highly likely that fans have read enough reviews in the press to get a gauge of mass opinion. I am looking forward to some reviews from readers (Volto?) but in the interest of getting to the point I will make this brief:

Hits:
"Gotsta" - Full tilt Billy imagination and creation.
"Consumption" - Awesome.
"Over You" - I may be in the minority, but this song is a fitting obligatory one track blues.
"Heartache" - harp and Dusty - perfect.
"Lose Lose You"- upbeat, group sounds like their 30 years younger.
"Threshold" - non-mainstream song that allows Billy to branch out.
"Drive-By" - Dusty dials in Elvis, just right every time.

In-betweens:
"Chartreuse" - good jam, missing something.
"It's Too Easy Manana" - good, but would rather have a song written by the three members than a cover
"Big Shiny Nine" - vocals are buried, solo and outro are too short. Song deserved more thought and time.

Misses:
"Flyin High" - AC/DC, ZZ Top, whatever....this song is too straightforward for its own good. A missed opportunity.