XXX = Sucks?

First thank you to those that posted their favorite ZZ albums in order. One thing that seems to hold in each case is the dismal placing of "XXX". This begs the question: is it that bad?

To view it appropriately I think we need to isolate it from its predecessor and successor. "Rhythmeen" was going to be impossible to follow, and truly featured the last great 'group' effort by the band. In contrast "Mescalero" was Billy at his most creative, unhinged and unchecked, resulting in an insanely good collection of tracks. Let's look at "XXX" on its own.

As is typical with ZZ the album opens with one of, if not the, strongest track on the album. "Poke Chop" is a great song, seriously. Inspired by Frank's suggestion, the group chose to write about a pork chop sandwich, and the song turned out to be in my opinion really strong. Better than when they choose to write about burgers....

After that, the album is indeed very hit or miss. "36-22-36" is catchy, but seems rushed and unfinished. "Fearless Boogie", which was originally created during the Rhythmeen sessions under the working title "I'm Just the Miscreant", is good but lacks something, either a stronger solo, some unique flash, a more refined chorus, something.

Which brings up "Trippin'. This is properly the worst song they have ever done, to me. The vocals sound awful, the music is muddy and buried, its just horrible. Never should have made the cut.

"Ninja Shack" on the Japanese release, despite typical non-sensical lyrics, has an electrifying gritty guitar tone and features a biting two minute outro solo.

The live tracks are not live, which I think most real fans know by now. They are however pretty good, especially "Teddy Bear" - Dusty's smooth Elvis vocals and Billy's awesome guitar work propel this song to the top three on the entire album.

Interestingly the band also recorded "live" versions of "Bang Bang" and "Dreadmonboogaloo", which I have. They are not convincing however, and "Bang Bang" is not even as good as the many real live versions that exist from the 1996-1997 and 1999-2000 tours.

My theory - Billy was pissed that RCA did not promote "Rhythmeen" and pissed that it did not sell well. The group was not really into "XXX", and this carried over to "Mescalero" (the difference being Billy was inspired during the latter). The album is rushed, poorly produced, and blemished. Even the title was given little thought. Not a high point in the bands career.