It is indeed official. ZZ, per their Facebook page, has elected to delay the new album until March or April 2012. I do not fear this to be one of the usual delays, the kind that have been happening since 2005. The new album has been recorded, tracked, and mixed. It may not be in its final state however, additional mixing could still take place, even some more overdubs, who knows?
Don't get me wrong, it is very frustrating to have to wait another 4 to 6 months for the new album, but taken in the context of a marketing / publicity / support standpoint this is good news. The band needs to tour in conjunction with the new release, simple as that. Common sense would appear to indicate you shouldn't release a new album then tour six months later, after the shiny new appeal has worn off. This presents ZZ with the opportunity to sell copies of the record at shows, sell shirts promoting the album, hats, whatever. And I have mentioned before, new songs, more than two, need to be played. If the band still wants to keep the show under 90 minutes than drop all the crappy covers and replace them with new material.
It would appear the new album is shaping up to be a winner. Someone even indicated they have heard the record in it's entirety, I believe in the comments section on Youtube for the "Flyin' High" audio track. I don't know how said individual would have heard it however. The comments on Youtube for the song are pretty interesting, be warned however there is some rough language from people that have trouble putting pen to paper.
As long as the record features a mix of styles and arrangements, while retaining that unique ZZ sound and character, sales should be brisk. People are hungry for some good music - today's scene is so abstract and inconsistent that a whole album of strong tunes will be a welcome change. Time for the group to release an official single, just to get the excitement and anticipation going in the general public.
Also, today, for the first time ever, I offer my solid gold guarantee: Every fan across the world would shit themselves if ZZ replaced "Pincushion" with "Driving While Blind" in their live set. That's right, you have my personal guarantee.
Oh, and "Precious and Grace" would be killer as well.
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Anybody got any updated news on the official website? When will it be up and running? A lot of fans paid for forum access that they can't currently use. Let's do this thing!
Yes, the Facebook wall is showing lots of activity, and is the place to look for news at this time. I really hope this is a sign of things to come on the new FC site. This is the most real discussion about the new album and is much more intriguing than the “workin’ on it, comin’ out soon, etc.” stuff. Although it’s unlikely, we can still hope for a new song on this tour. In the old days, the group would play the songs before the release of the album (early version of Tube Snake Boogie on Rockpalast?). I agree with your thoughts about the marketing plan and the possibility of an updated or revamped setlist. Next year’s tour should be very interesting. Maybe there will be some advance music available for Christmas?
ReplyDeleteThe Youtube comments were tough to read all the way through (more the content than the language), and some of the posters were on more than one thread! I also wonder who on the inner circle has heard the whole album, let alone those on the outside.
Even though “Arrested” is one of my personal favorites, I will personally promise you that I will not defecate myself if they play that song when I see them. I will email you directly from the show if I become aware of anyone soiling themselves due to a set change.
Finally, the new FC company has told me a few times that there is no new information or scheduled date for the new site launch, and they always direct me to sign up on the site for updates. I will continue to inquire until they ask me to stop asking, or the new site comes online.
Interesting time to be a ZZ fan with more news on the Facebook wall.
ReplyDeleteWhat do we think the big announcement will be on Monday? I hope it will be the new FC site. The FC site has been inaccessible for almost 1 month – that’s $3.33 worth of membership – with no information or updates.
Perhaps it will be the release of a new song considering the album will now “officially” be out in 2012. Maybe it will be dialog from Dusty or Frank!!
It is interesting to see ZZ co-headline with Skynyrd, then separate for some weeks, then announce another co-headlining tour in October. There is also at least one instance in between where ZZ and Skynyrd headline separately at the same venue on adjacent evenings.