Speculation has already begun. I'd be lying if I said I haven't been mulling it around it my mind for the past week or so.
New tour dates in Europe and Asia were recently announced, some places the band may never have been to before! The Top has always been well received across the Atlantic and in the Far East. I'm guessing the fans there are not going to be upset if the band doesn't plow through "Pinchusion" or "Waitin for the Bus". This is the perfect time to relieve the monotnomy and freshen up the set list.
The proposition of the band playing "Deguello" in its entirety has been raised, based soundly on the fact that the vast majority of tracks from the album were played at Rockaplast. Believe it or not this is not one of my favorite albums, and I favor it much less compared to "Tejas", which I love.
I'm not even suggesting the band has to play songs that they've never played live before. How about bringing back "Arrested For Driving While Blind" with the Hit It/Quit It medley? How about "El Diablo" or "Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings"? "How about freakin "Lowdown In the Street" (I know, Deguello album)? What about "My Head's In Mississippi" or "Antenna Head" or "Poke Chop Sandwich"?
I really hope the band is watching and listening. These fans will be so excited to see you that they will love anything you play. Why not create some excitement and spontaneity and mix it up?
Either way, you can count on my purchase of "Double Down Live" and my constant reviews for updates regarding the related tour.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
More "Double Down Live" info
Eagle Rock Entertainment has posted additional details regarding the "Double Down Live" DVD set. Check it out at http://www.eaglerockent.com/eaglerockUSA/media_detail.php?media_id=1064.
This looks to be a very exciting release. Can't say I remember "Blue Jean Blues" being played in '08 however, but we'll see.
Many thanks to Chrizz for the heads-up on the update.
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Double Down Live is a 2 DVD set from ZZ Top combining shows from 1980 and 2008. Disc one was filmed at the Grugahalle in Essen, Germany for the Rockpalast TV series. Hot on the heels of their classic “Deguello” album (it features 9 of the 10 songs from it) the show finds ZZ Top before sequencers and synthesizers epitomising their “lil’ ol’ blues band from Texas” nickname. Complimented by tracks drawn predominantly from their “Tres Hombres” and “Fandango!” albums this is a true best of ZZ Top in the seventies. Disc Two was shot during their European tour in 2008 and combines great live performances, interview clips and back stage footage to create the ultimate ZZ Top on the road movie. With nearly 30 years between the performances the two disc set gives a fascinating “then and now” insight into what has maintained the ZZ Top live phenomenon.
Disc One – Definitely Then 1980
1) I Thank You
2) Waitin’ For the Bus
3) Jesus Just Left Chicago
4) Precious And Grace
5) I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
6) Manic Mechanic
7) Lowdown In The Street
8) Heard It On The X
9) Fool For Your Stockings
10) Nasty Dogs & Funky Kings
11) El Diablo
12) Cheap Sunglasses
13) Arrested For Driving While Blind
14) Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
15) La Grange
16) She Loves My Automobile
17) Hi Fi Mama
18) Dust My Broom
19) Jailhouse Rock
20) Tush
21) Tube Snake Boogie
22) Just Got Paid
Disc Two – Almost Now 2008
1) Got Me Under Pressure
2) Waitin’ For The Bus
3) Jesus Just Left Chicago
4) I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
5) Blue Jean Blues
6) Heard It On The X
7) Just Got Paid
8) I Need You Tonight
9) La Grange (with Sloppy Drunk & Bar-B-Q)
10) Hey Joe
11) Tush
This looks to be a very exciting release. Can't say I remember "Blue Jean Blues" being played in '08 however, but we'll see.
Many thanks to Chrizz for the heads-up on the update.
-----------
Double Down Live is a 2 DVD set from ZZ Top combining shows from 1980 and 2008. Disc one was filmed at the Grugahalle in Essen, Germany for the Rockpalast TV series. Hot on the heels of their classic “Deguello” album (it features 9 of the 10 songs from it) the show finds ZZ Top before sequencers and synthesizers epitomising their “lil’ ol’ blues band from Texas” nickname. Complimented by tracks drawn predominantly from their “Tres Hombres” and “Fandango!” albums this is a true best of ZZ Top in the seventies. Disc Two was shot during their European tour in 2008 and combines great live performances, interview clips and back stage footage to create the ultimate ZZ Top on the road movie. With nearly 30 years between the performances the two disc set gives a fascinating “then and now” insight into what has maintained the ZZ Top live phenomenon.
Disc One – Definitely Then 1980
1) I Thank You
2) Waitin’ For the Bus
3) Jesus Just Left Chicago
4) Precious And Grace
5) I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
6) Manic Mechanic
7) Lowdown In The Street
8) Heard It On The X
9) Fool For Your Stockings
10) Nasty Dogs & Funky Kings
11) El Diablo
12) Cheap Sunglasses
13) Arrested For Driving While Blind
14) Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
15) La Grange
16) She Loves My Automobile
17) Hi Fi Mama
18) Dust My Broom
19) Jailhouse Rock
20) Tush
21) Tube Snake Boogie
22) Just Got Paid
Disc Two – Almost Now 2008
1) Got Me Under Pressure
2) Waitin’ For The Bus
3) Jesus Just Left Chicago
4) I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
5) Blue Jean Blues
6) Heard It On The X
7) Just Got Paid
8) I Need You Tonight
9) La Grange (with Sloppy Drunk & Bar-B-Q)
10) Hey Joe
11) Tush
Sunday, August 2, 2009
ZZ Top - Taj Mahal, 05/04/2002, Atlantic City, NJ
Performance: C-
Set List: B+
Enthusiasm: Band B+, Crowd C+
ZZ Top on their 2002 Mini Casino Tour.
Set List:
Tube Snake Boogie, I Thank You, Pinchusion, Got Me Under Pressure, Waitin For The Bus, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Future Blues, I'm Bad I'm Nationwide, Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers, Rough Boy, Mexican Blackbird, Cheap Sunglasses, Just Got Paid, Dust My Broom, I Loved a Woman, Bang Bang Shanga Lang, Gimme All Your Lovin, Sharp Dressed Man, Legs, La Grange, Tush
Opening with the perennial first encore "Tube Snake Boogie" the band sets the pace for an exciting and unpredictable set list. "Got Me Under Pressure" is pleased in an unusual position before Bus/Chicago. "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" is well received however is indicative that the band may not be firing on all cylinders. This is further evident based on the performance of "Rough Boy" which features out of harmony singing from both Dusty and Billy and an approx 10 second section where Billy plays the wrong chord pick progression resulting in a very surprising, and unpleasant, sequence. Its awesome to see "Mexican Blackbird" in the set and is a sign of the bands willingness at the time to bring out lesser known classics. Billy sings "Dust My Broom" a deviation from earlier in the band's career when Dusty sang lead. It's also great to see "Bang Bang" the only other song besides "Pinchusion" and "Buck Nekkid" from the RCA era that is revisited from time to time.
The Eliminator trilogy and the encores are usual and predictive.
Billy is very talkative throughout the show and seems to be having a great time. Aside from the "Pretty girl walked up and asked if we were in the band with the long beards" bit he is spontaneous and creative in his musings.
A recommended show for the set list variation and the unusual sub par performance, uncharacteristic for a band that has amazing consistency in their playing and tightness.
Set List: B+
Enthusiasm: Band B+, Crowd C+
ZZ Top on their 2002 Mini Casino Tour.
Set List:
Tube Snake Boogie, I Thank You, Pinchusion, Got Me Under Pressure, Waitin For The Bus, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Future Blues, I'm Bad I'm Nationwide, Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers, Rough Boy, Mexican Blackbird, Cheap Sunglasses, Just Got Paid, Dust My Broom, I Loved a Woman, Bang Bang Shanga Lang, Gimme All Your Lovin, Sharp Dressed Man, Legs, La Grange, Tush
Opening with the perennial first encore "Tube Snake Boogie" the band sets the pace for an exciting and unpredictable set list. "Got Me Under Pressure" is pleased in an unusual position before Bus/Chicago. "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" is well received however is indicative that the band may not be firing on all cylinders. This is further evident based on the performance of "Rough Boy" which features out of harmony singing from both Dusty and Billy and an approx 10 second section where Billy plays the wrong chord pick progression resulting in a very surprising, and unpleasant, sequence. Its awesome to see "Mexican Blackbird" in the set and is a sign of the bands willingness at the time to bring out lesser known classics. Billy sings "Dust My Broom" a deviation from earlier in the band's career when Dusty sang lead. It's also great to see "Bang Bang" the only other song besides "Pinchusion" and "Buck Nekkid" from the RCA era that is revisited from time to time.
The Eliminator trilogy and the encores are usual and predictive.
Billy is very talkative throughout the show and seems to be having a great time. Aside from the "Pretty girl walked up and asked if we were in the band with the long beards" bit he is spontaneous and creative in his musings.
A recommended show for the set list variation and the unusual sub par performance, uncharacteristic for a band that has amazing consistency in their playing and tightness.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
ZZ Top concert / recording reviews
I plan on trying on occasion to write up reviews of ZZ Top show recordings. I have a large number of shows and I don't go many days without popping a new one in my car CD player for my daily commute. I've been listening to the band's performance at the Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, 05/04/2002 the past few days. I will try to get a review up in the next day or two. I hope to have a general narrative along with ratings for set list (variation, creativity), band performance (playing, attitude) and crowd's response/reactions.
As mentioned above I have a large number of shows in my collection. If anyone is ever interested in trading please e-mail me at truckfan81@yahoo.com. I do not buy or sell tapes, but trades or exchanges are always welcome. Also have more Led Zeppelin than anyone in their right mind would ever listen to.
ZZ Blues
As mentioned above I have a large number of shows in my collection. If anyone is ever interested in trading please e-mail me at truckfan81@yahoo.com. I do not buy or sell tapes, but trades or exchanges are always welcome. Also have more Led Zeppelin than anyone in their right mind would ever listen to.
ZZ Blues
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
ZZ road schedule / tours / new album
Anyone who reads this page should also check out the excellent "Totally Unofficial ZZ Top Tour Blog" at http://zztopeurope2007.blogspot.com/. It is an excellent source of up to date ZZ Top news and insider info and is written by a dedicated and enthusastic fan.
The band's management was recently quoted as stating they estimated the band would enter the studio sometime in late November of this year. The band's last album, "Mescalero" , came out in 2003. It was a fantastic album, reflecting the ongoing creativity and guitar / studio gizmo genius of Gibbons. With the Japan release you have 17 tracks and an unlisted 18th track. The running time is almost twice the length of some of the band's albums, so you could as an optimist call it a double album. Either way it has been six years since the last album of new material. The band has more or less been touring non-stop since 2007. There have been some exciting additions to the catalogue such as "Live from Texas" and the 25th anniversary of "Eliminator". The band has also appeared on "American Idol" and "WWE". All these have served as PR for the band and gotten their name back into the public mind. It is apparent however that they need to capitalize on this exposure with a new album. Going back to 2005 the band is quoted as having worked on writing new material. Billy apparently layed down approx 12 rough song structures in March of '08, and at least one interview was conducted where the Rev. played a few minutes of a song under construction (this was not recorded by the reporter).
AC/DC released their first album in nine years this year, and from what I have seen it did very well. ZZ can do the same if they time things right and receive advertising support. With the "Double Down Live" release this fall and the subsequent additional exposure it is the opportune time to get in the studio. The Top machine has made 14 albums of original material, which is an amazing amount of output. But when your a ZZ fan, you look forward to and patiently anticipate new sounds and new grooves from the Hill/Beard rythym section and the lead of Pearly Gates.
Here's hoping at the end of the year the band takes a well deserved break from the road and heads to Memphis and/or Houston to put it down.
The band's management was recently quoted as stating they estimated the band would enter the studio sometime in late November of this year. The band's last album, "Mescalero" , came out in 2003. It was a fantastic album, reflecting the ongoing creativity and guitar / studio gizmo genius of Gibbons. With the Japan release you have 17 tracks and an unlisted 18th track. The running time is almost twice the length of some of the band's albums, so you could as an optimist call it a double album. Either way it has been six years since the last album of new material. The band has more or less been touring non-stop since 2007. There have been some exciting additions to the catalogue such as "Live from Texas" and the 25th anniversary of "Eliminator". The band has also appeared on "American Idol" and "WWE". All these have served as PR for the band and gotten their name back into the public mind. It is apparent however that they need to capitalize on this exposure with a new album. Going back to 2005 the band is quoted as having worked on writing new material. Billy apparently layed down approx 12 rough song structures in March of '08, and at least one interview was conducted where the Rev. played a few minutes of a song under construction (this was not recorded by the reporter).
AC/DC released their first album in nine years this year, and from what I have seen it did very well. ZZ can do the same if they time things right and receive advertising support. With the "Double Down Live" release this fall and the subsequent additional exposure it is the opportune time to get in the studio. The Top machine has made 14 albums of original material, which is an amazing amount of output. But when your a ZZ fan, you look forward to and patiently anticipate new sounds and new grooves from the Hill/Beard rythym section and the lead of Pearly Gates.
Here's hoping at the end of the year the band takes a well deserved break from the road and heads to Memphis and/or Houston to put it down.
Monday, July 27, 2009
"Double Down Live" Promotional Tour (?)
ZZ Top is slowly scheduling in dates for a early fall European Tour. Concerts scheduled to date encompass locales they have not visited in some time. The band has a strong following in Europe, and the shows should please fans.
I would guess that the concerts are to promote the release of "Double Down Live". One of the dates includes the return to Essen, Germany, site of their famous (and fantastic) concert at the Rockpalast event in 1980. I hope Billy and the boys watch the old footage and get the urge to dust off a few classics. How great would it be to hear "Arrested For Driving While Blind", "Precious and Grace", "Lowdown In the Street", "El Diablo" and "Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings", or how about just one of these?
Regardless of the set list, the shows should prove to be a fun and enjoyable endeavor for all.
I would guess that the concerts are to promote the release of "Double Down Live". One of the dates includes the return to Essen, Germany, site of their famous (and fantastic) concert at the Rockpalast event in 1980. I hope Billy and the boys watch the old footage and get the urge to dust off a few classics. How great would it be to hear "Arrested For Driving While Blind", "Precious and Grace", "Lowdown In the Street", "El Diablo" and "Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings", or how about just one of these?
Regardless of the set list, the shows should prove to be a fun and enjoyable endeavor for all.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Aerosmith / ZZ Top tour reviews
To the frustration of many ZZ Top elected to be the opening act for Aerosmith this Summer. Many feel ZZ can still carry as a headline act, as they have recently and will no doubt in the future. What is interesting is how the tour has played out.
After a number of shows with both bands working the kinks out and getting in rythym, Steven Tyler apparently injured his leg, resulting in seven cancelled shows. Prior to the injury Aerosmith was playing the (almost) entire "Toys In the Attic" album as part of the setlist. This was an extremely exciting idea to hardcore Aero fans, and seemed to indicate inventiveness and a desire to reclaim old glory. Post injury however the band has returned to a more familar setlist with the obligatory crowd pleasers. It has been speculated that the crowd were mediocore in their responses to the "Toys" set.
ZZ has received praise by people who have seen the show advising they seem healthy and vibrant, playing with obvious fun. I have touted in the past, and I'm sure will again, my own frustrations with the band's stale and predictible setlist. None the less, many have walked away saying ZZ looks good, and the added exposure to fans who otherwise wouldn't be there has gotta be benefical for the band. With "Double Down Live" coming out this fall it is proving to be an exciting period to be a Top fan. Now if only the band will put down some tracks and concentrate in the studio, that would make thousands (potential: millions) happy.
By the way, check out the 7/19 Dallas show where ZZ plays a great opening set, and then Rev. Gibbons plays guitar along with Joe Perry on "Rattlesnake Shake" during Aerosmith's set. Look for the recording on the net and you will find it. ** Many thanks to the taper who has shared the excellent recording. **
After a number of shows with both bands working the kinks out and getting in rythym, Steven Tyler apparently injured his leg, resulting in seven cancelled shows. Prior to the injury Aerosmith was playing the (almost) entire "Toys In the Attic" album as part of the setlist. This was an extremely exciting idea to hardcore Aero fans, and seemed to indicate inventiveness and a desire to reclaim old glory. Post injury however the band has returned to a more familar setlist with the obligatory crowd pleasers. It has been speculated that the crowd were mediocore in their responses to the "Toys" set.
ZZ has received praise by people who have seen the show advising they seem healthy and vibrant, playing with obvious fun. I have touted in the past, and I'm sure will again, my own frustrations with the band's stale and predictible setlist. None the less, many have walked away saying ZZ looks good, and the added exposure to fans who otherwise wouldn't be there has gotta be benefical for the band. With "Double Down Live" coming out this fall it is proving to be an exciting period to be a Top fan. Now if only the band will put down some tracks and concentrate in the studio, that would make thousands (potential: millions) happy.
By the way, check out the 7/19 Dallas show where ZZ plays a great opening set, and then Rev. Gibbons plays guitar along with Joe Perry on "Rattlesnake Shake" during Aerosmith's set. Look for the recording on the net and you will find it. ** Many thanks to the taper who has shared the excellent recording. **
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