I have updated my concert trading list with a large number of new shows - please feel free to check it out. Thanks!
zz-top-shows-to-trade
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sunrise in Texas
In less than one month the Top machine will be hitting the road again. Taking a slightly longer winter break than usual, there are hesitations, anticipations and excited expectations concerning the 2010 roadshow.
Relatively little has been heard over the past five months. Normally the typical rumors attesting to studio workouts or a new album are "leaked" out and debated amongst fans (remember last year the official website zztop.com touted "new tour, new album, new everything"). What the hell - where did the new album go? It must be noted that if even the official website is a rumor mill than confirmation of a new album can only occur when one is holding a shiny piece of plastic with a production date of 2010 in small print on the back, and emblazed across the front is that most exciting combination of letters, ZZ TOP.
As it stands now the band will open the proceedings in their home state of Texas on April 23rd. If you're like me you are already fantasising about the set list, the opportunity, the potential for changes, stages, rearranges. No more teases, let's hear "My Head's in Mississippi" in its entirety. Kill the lumbering "Pincushion" once and for all. And please remember that albums named "Rhythmeen" and "Mescalero" were recorded by three talented musicians, each consisting of at least eight tracks suitable for live and alive rendition.
People are allowed to dream aren't they? So here it stands, my wish list for the 2010 ZZ Top live extravaganza:
- More personalized and unique banter from Billy
- Hearing what Mr. Hill thinks
- Confirming that Mr. Beard can still smile while wailing on his drum kit
- Bring back "Arrested For Driving While Blind", "Ten Foot Pole", "Dust My Broom", "Just Got
Back From Baby's", "Precious and Grace" and "It's Only Love".
- Introduce "Pretty Head", "Loaded", "Shiek", "Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell", "It's So
Hard", and "Mescalero".
- Kill "Pincushion", "Tush", "Tube Snake Boogie", "Cheap Sunglasses" and "Gimme All Your
Lovin'".
Seriously, who am I kidding!? I would go see the band even if they jammed on "Tush" for 75 minutes (but I wouldn't go to South America to see it).
There are at least a dozen tracks that the group has sitting in the can going back to the early '90's, as well as a number of songs Billy has worked on since "Mescalero's" release in 2003. Maybe one of these unreleased tracks will be shown some love in a live forum.
At any rate, I remain confident that this will prove to be a great year. ZZ is headed to some places it has never been, and that creates excitement in and of itself. As my good friend stated before, we need some USA East Coast dates so I can frequent more than one or two shows this year.
Any changes you would like to see this year - think about it.
Relatively little has been heard over the past five months. Normally the typical rumors attesting to studio workouts or a new album are "leaked" out and debated amongst fans (remember last year the official website zztop.com touted "new tour, new album, new everything"). What the hell - where did the new album go? It must be noted that if even the official website is a rumor mill than confirmation of a new album can only occur when one is holding a shiny piece of plastic with a production date of 2010 in small print on the back, and emblazed across the front is that most exciting combination of letters, ZZ TOP.
As it stands now the band will open the proceedings in their home state of Texas on April 23rd. If you're like me you are already fantasising about the set list, the opportunity, the potential for changes, stages, rearranges. No more teases, let's hear "My Head's in Mississippi" in its entirety. Kill the lumbering "Pincushion" once and for all. And please remember that albums named "Rhythmeen" and "Mescalero" were recorded by three talented musicians, each consisting of at least eight tracks suitable for live and alive rendition.
People are allowed to dream aren't they? So here it stands, my wish list for the 2010 ZZ Top live extravaganza:
- More personalized and unique banter from Billy
- Hearing what Mr. Hill thinks
- Confirming that Mr. Beard can still smile while wailing on his drum kit
- Bring back "Arrested For Driving While Blind", "Ten Foot Pole", "Dust My Broom", "Just Got
Back From Baby's", "Precious and Grace" and "It's Only Love".
- Introduce "Pretty Head", "Loaded", "Shiek", "Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell", "It's So
Hard", and "Mescalero".
- Kill "Pincushion", "Tush", "Tube Snake Boogie", "Cheap Sunglasses" and "Gimme All Your
Lovin'".
Seriously, who am I kidding!? I would go see the band even if they jammed on "Tush" for 75 minutes (but I wouldn't go to South America to see it).
There are at least a dozen tracks that the group has sitting in the can going back to the early '90's, as well as a number of songs Billy has worked on since "Mescalero's" release in 2003. Maybe one of these unreleased tracks will be shown some love in a live forum.
At any rate, I remain confident that this will prove to be a great year. ZZ is headed to some places it has never been, and that creates excitement in and of itself. As my good friend stated before, we need some USA East Coast dates so I can frequent more than one or two shows this year.
Any changes you would like to see this year - think about it.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Southern Blues
Since the beginning the band has seemingly had at least one quintessential "blues" track per record. Whether this one an album pattern is intentional or a coincidence is anyone's guess. But it's held steady.
Sure enough, on the first record, aptly titled "ZZ Top's First Album", the group brought to the table the monster track "Just Got Back From Baby's". Heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix (one of Billy's highest held guitar idols) both lyrically and melodically, the track reflects a musical maturity and posture that transcends the age of its composers. Dripping with soul and southern influence, it still stands as one of the greatest tracks the group has ever laid down. Often in the shadow of "Brown Sugar", the song is deserving of more attention from both the casual and die hard fan.
Taking note of the previously discussed "remixes" of all the London records (sans "Deguello") the currently available CD version features extensive reverb and echo. Interestingly this is the only song that I have a slight preference for the remixed version. To me it just sounds more bluesy. This is at the expense of some of the soul that is conveyed in the original, "dry" mix.
Similar to the one blues song an album, ZZ would generally play one blues song a concert (save for 1994's Antenna tour, which had a mini blues set). "Just Got Back From Baby's" would become a staple of the groups early live repertoire, not to be replaced until Fandango's "Blue Jean Blues" in 1975. Often stretched to over 7 minutes in length, the song would feature some of the most fluent and dazzling guitar playing that has ever traveled through an amp.
Having been replaced in 1975 the song would not be heard again until 1994's Antenna tour. While brought down to a more standard length of just under 5 minutes, it would again showcase the style and grace of Billy's guitar playing that we all know and love.
Next up: "Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell".
Sure enough, on the first record, aptly titled "ZZ Top's First Album", the group brought to the table the monster track "Just Got Back From Baby's". Heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix (one of Billy's highest held guitar idols) both lyrically and melodically, the track reflects a musical maturity and posture that transcends the age of its composers. Dripping with soul and southern influence, it still stands as one of the greatest tracks the group has ever laid down. Often in the shadow of "Brown Sugar", the song is deserving of more attention from both the casual and die hard fan.
Taking note of the previously discussed "remixes" of all the London records (sans "Deguello") the currently available CD version features extensive reverb and echo. Interestingly this is the only song that I have a slight preference for the remixed version. To me it just sounds more bluesy. This is at the expense of some of the soul that is conveyed in the original, "dry" mix.
Similar to the one blues song an album, ZZ would generally play one blues song a concert (save for 1994's Antenna tour, which had a mini blues set). "Just Got Back From Baby's" would become a staple of the groups early live repertoire, not to be replaced until Fandango's "Blue Jean Blues" in 1975. Often stretched to over 7 minutes in length, the song would feature some of the most fluent and dazzling guitar playing that has ever traveled through an amp.
Having been replaced in 1975 the song would not be heard again until 1994's Antenna tour. While brought down to a more standard length of just under 5 minutes, it would again showcase the style and grace of Billy's guitar playing that we all know and love.
Next up: "Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell".
Friday, March 5, 2010
In Like A Lion...
As sure a sign as any that Spring has arrived, the ZZ Top tour schedule is rapidly coming together. With warm-ups in the U.S. in early May, followed by a first ever jaunt to South America later in the month, swinging back to the U.S. in June, then off to Europe in July and then back again to the U.S. in August it is looking to be a busy year for the band.
This could all prove to be very exciting. It has been quiet on the ZZ Top front the past three months, who knows what they could have been doing with their time. Most likely Dusty and Frank spent the majority resting and enjoying being at home. But for Billy however I would wager he was hard at work on various appearances and projects, one of which I hope is a new album. AC/DC had a strong comeback after many years without a new record, so ZZ Top can too.
I would not look for the early dates in May in the U.S. to feature any great revelations as far as set list changes or new tracks go. These types of warm up shows are generally shorter and of a conservative nature. I would anticipate however that they let loose south of the Equator and hopefully feature some change-ups.
If a new album has been worked on I would anticipate an announcement regarding the same in the next 45 days or so. Any more than that and the probability of any fan desired (and deserved) surprises goes down. I am not privy to insider ZZ info, so all my ramblings are merely guesstimates, but one can dream right?
Either way, check the official ZZ site and the excellent blog http://zztopeurope2007.blogspot.com/ for up to the minute info regarding rumors, suspicions and confirmations of upcoming shows.
Support the group. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year!
This could all prove to be very exciting. It has been quiet on the ZZ Top front the past three months, who knows what they could have been doing with their time. Most likely Dusty and Frank spent the majority resting and enjoying being at home. But for Billy however I would wager he was hard at work on various appearances and projects, one of which I hope is a new album. AC/DC had a strong comeback after many years without a new record, so ZZ Top can too.
I would not look for the early dates in May in the U.S. to feature any great revelations as far as set list changes or new tracks go. These types of warm up shows are generally shorter and of a conservative nature. I would anticipate however that they let loose south of the Equator and hopefully feature some change-ups.
If a new album has been worked on I would anticipate an announcement regarding the same in the next 45 days or so. Any more than that and the probability of any fan desired (and deserved) surprises goes down. I am not privy to insider ZZ info, so all my ramblings are merely guesstimates, but one can dream right?
Either way, check the official ZZ site and the excellent blog http://zztopeurope2007.blogspot.com/ for up to the minute info regarding rumors, suspicions and confirmations of upcoming shows.
Support the group. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
The Nineties - Part IV
1997 - The Top fuel machine continues it's touring jaunt, again taking in some far away locations. The set list would somewhat devolve, incorporating less and less "Rhythmeen" material. The band did reach a solid groove however, reflected in some very impressive, aggressive and fluent playing from all three members. A number of recordings exist from the tour, but high quality sounding versions are tough to come by.
1998 - Relatively quiet period. After the extensive touring of the two prior years a rest was well warranted.
1999 - Work towards ZZ's new album was initiated and completed in the Winter and Spring. "XXX", a nod to the number of years the band had been in operation at the time, would ultimately be a mixed effort. Opening with the stunner "Poke Chop Sandwich" and it's aggressive power chords and catchy lyrical hooks, it quickly asserted the continued creativity and originality of the band. Ultimaley it would prove to me a more uneven effort than its predecessor. Some tracks such as "36-22-36" and "Fearless Boogie" were classic Top, solid all around. Others such as "Crucifixx-A-Flatt" and "Trippin'" were harder to love. "Made Into A Movie", the album's token and expected blues laden effort, serves as the most muddied, oil grudged, chopped and screwed track ZZ Top has ever performed - it doesn't get any heavier. The Japan only bonus track, "Ninja Shack", again features distorted and sharp guitar in line with the album's other offerings.
The group would initiate a tour in late July to get an early start on live promotion of the album, which would be released in late September. Except they didn't actually play any tracks from the record. Okay, they played one, "Fearless Boogie". But no "Poke Chop" or " 36-22-36"? Come on.
Granted part of the tour was traveled together with "Lynyrd Skynyrd" shortening the set list as a result, similar to this past Summer's tour with Aerosmith. But the lack of live reproduction was stunning. Set lists available online indicate that towards the end of the tour in April 2000 they broke out some additional tracks to the assumed delight of Australia and New Zealand. Little too late in my opinion.
-----
Okay, so there it is, ZZ Top in the Nineties in four parts. Not my most liberated postings, and more or less the benefit of (or consequence if you found the writings labored) the quiet period that has been ZZ Top in the Winter of 2010.
The group entered the '90's with the question of what type of album to record, what type of sound to exemplify. They ended the decade returning to their roots, playing what they wanted to play and recording what they wanted to record - public at large and RCA approval be damned. A decade of continuing evolution, fitting for a group that has never stayed the same for long.
1998 - Relatively quiet period. After the extensive touring of the two prior years a rest was well warranted.
1999 - Work towards ZZ's new album was initiated and completed in the Winter and Spring. "XXX", a nod to the number of years the band had been in operation at the time, would ultimately be a mixed effort. Opening with the stunner "Poke Chop Sandwich" and it's aggressive power chords and catchy lyrical hooks, it quickly asserted the continued creativity and originality of the band. Ultimaley it would prove to me a more uneven effort than its predecessor. Some tracks such as "36-22-36" and "Fearless Boogie" were classic Top, solid all around. Others such as "Crucifixx-A-Flatt" and "Trippin'" were harder to love. "Made Into A Movie", the album's token and expected blues laden effort, serves as the most muddied, oil grudged, chopped and screwed track ZZ Top has ever performed - it doesn't get any heavier. The Japan only bonus track, "Ninja Shack", again features distorted and sharp guitar in line with the album's other offerings.
The group would initiate a tour in late July to get an early start on live promotion of the album, which would be released in late September. Except they didn't actually play any tracks from the record. Okay, they played one, "Fearless Boogie". But no "Poke Chop" or " 36-22-36"? Come on.
Granted part of the tour was traveled together with "Lynyrd Skynyrd" shortening the set list as a result, similar to this past Summer's tour with Aerosmith. But the lack of live reproduction was stunning. Set lists available online indicate that towards the end of the tour in April 2000 they broke out some additional tracks to the assumed delight of Australia and New Zealand. Little too late in my opinion.
-----
Okay, so there it is, ZZ Top in the Nineties in four parts. Not my most liberated postings, and more or less the benefit of (or consequence if you found the writings labored) the quiet period that has been ZZ Top in the Winter of 2010.
The group entered the '90's with the question of what type of album to record, what type of sound to exemplify. They ended the decade returning to their roots, playing what they wanted to play and recording what they wanted to record - public at large and RCA approval be damned. A decade of continuing evolution, fitting for a group that has never stayed the same for long.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
ZZ Top Trading List update / Thanks! / Wanted: Europe 1983
I have updated my trading list, to include a number of new shows and, for the first time, sound quality ratings. I hope this makes the recordings more attractive to potential traders.
I have met a large number of very kind and professional traders and fellow ZZ Top fans over the past year, and want those who I have communicated with to know their knowledge, friendship and support is greatly appreciated! For those I haven't spoken with, send me an e-mail or comment, I would love to talk with you!
-----
I am aggressively seeking recordings of ZZ's European shows in the fall of 1983. I will trade 3 to 1 for concerts from this era. If you are looking for something and don't see it on my list, let me know and I will do my best to locate it for you. Thank you for your interest!
I have met a large number of very kind and professional traders and fellow ZZ Top fans over the past year, and want those who I have communicated with to know their knowledge, friendship and support is greatly appreciated! For those I haven't spoken with, send me an e-mail or comment, I would love to talk with you!
-----
I am aggressively seeking recordings of ZZ's European shows in the fall of 1983. I will trade 3 to 1 for concerts from this era. If you are looking for something and don't see it on my list, let me know and I will do my best to locate it for you. Thank you for your interest!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
ZZ Top - The Ninties - Part III
1996 - Rhythmeen
"Solid silver beat machine, hunkin' down....Here comes another dope fiend, tradin' up for rhythmeen..."
In late 1995 director Quentin Tarantino asked the members of ZZ Top to contribute to the soundtrack for his new film "Dusk till Dawn". The group sat down, traded off ideas and, alone with their respective instruments, laid down the most straight lined, unfiltered rock sounds they had produced in years. Strong, fluid guitar, deep thumping bass and upfront, hammering high drums came through with a breath of fresh air that brought about a sense of rejuvenation and new purpose. The track would prove to be a motivator for the group, ultimately foretelling the sound of the next album to come.
Released in September "Rhythmeen" proved to be the answer to prayers of long time fans, a throwback to the down n' dirty blues rock that was so prevalent back in the day and put the band on the map in the 1970's. From the opening guitar sequence of the title track, drenched in drop-tuned fuzzy funk, the low, low pounding bass, and the hypnotizing, recurring beat, the listener was instantly hooked and intrigued by the apparent new direction. "Bang Bang" showcased a new, grizzled attitude, full of confident ego swagger. "Hairdresser" and "Pretty Head", at first glance appearing simplistic and even trite, compel and eventually convince the ears of the brilliance of the mind-numbing, mind-altering sounds emitting from the instruments of the maturing trio. "Loaded" features Dusty in all the glory of pompous cock rock strutting, and "Hummbucking Pt.2" has such an intense, extensive plethora of sounds in the background that each time the track is played one hears a different song.
The album would sell well, but would prove to be the first record in 15 years by the Top not to achieve Platinum sales status in the U.S, reaching a peak of #29 on the Billboard 200. Many fans commented they would have preferred this alleged return to form to have occurred in 1990, instead of the somewhat befuddled malaise of "Recycler". The group was no longer in the living rooms of the public, a combination of the lessening interest in the group's sounds and the shift of MTV's programming to more "shows" vs. music videos. The band's 1980's fans had grown up and their musical tastes matured. All that remained were those that had been there before the "El Liminator" madness. But it also seemed that the band was comfortable with the burning out of the meteor, as evidenced by the renewed focus on recording what they wanted to play, vs. what they thought the public wanted to hear.
The reason for the renewed vigor and relatively quick recording of a new album within two years of the last one is unknown. Personally I surmise that Billy, unhappy with the success of "Antenna", wanted to show that the group had not lost their mojo, their skill, their relevance. For those that listened the message was received loud and clear, this band could still rock.
The lack of sales did not overly please their label RCA, who didn't help their own cause by choosing to invest little in the promotion of the new release. It didn't matter though, the fans that cared, the ones who will always support the group, were captivated and ecstatic, and were more than happy to show off the album to their friends.
Well prior to the drop date the group embarked on a world wide tour, appropriately named "Continental Safari". Some locales had never seen ZZ in person, and overall the endeavor proved to be a great success. The set list featured an extensive number of selections from the yet to be released album, further indicating the band's appreciation for the new material.
Arguably the greatest work in the latter half of the band's catalogue, the album is an essential piece of even the casual fans collection.
"Solid silver beat machine, hunkin' down....Here comes another dope fiend, tradin' up for rhythmeen..."
In late 1995 director Quentin Tarantino asked the members of ZZ Top to contribute to the soundtrack for his new film "Dusk till Dawn". The group sat down, traded off ideas and, alone with their respective instruments, laid down the most straight lined, unfiltered rock sounds they had produced in years. Strong, fluid guitar, deep thumping bass and upfront, hammering high drums came through with a breath of fresh air that brought about a sense of rejuvenation and new purpose. The track would prove to be a motivator for the group, ultimately foretelling the sound of the next album to come.
Released in September "Rhythmeen" proved to be the answer to prayers of long time fans, a throwback to the down n' dirty blues rock that was so prevalent back in the day and put the band on the map in the 1970's. From the opening guitar sequence of the title track, drenched in drop-tuned fuzzy funk, the low, low pounding bass, and the hypnotizing, recurring beat, the listener was instantly hooked and intrigued by the apparent new direction. "Bang Bang" showcased a new, grizzled attitude, full of confident ego swagger. "Hairdresser" and "Pretty Head", at first glance appearing simplistic and even trite, compel and eventually convince the ears of the brilliance of the mind-numbing, mind-altering sounds emitting from the instruments of the maturing trio. "Loaded" features Dusty in all the glory of pompous cock rock strutting, and "Hummbucking Pt.2" has such an intense, extensive plethora of sounds in the background that each time the track is played one hears a different song.
The album would sell well, but would prove to be the first record in 15 years by the Top not to achieve Platinum sales status in the U.S, reaching a peak of #29 on the Billboard 200. Many fans commented they would have preferred this alleged return to form to have occurred in 1990, instead of the somewhat befuddled malaise of "Recycler". The group was no longer in the living rooms of the public, a combination of the lessening interest in the group's sounds and the shift of MTV's programming to more "shows" vs. music videos. The band's 1980's fans had grown up and their musical tastes matured. All that remained were those that had been there before the "El Liminator" madness. But it also seemed that the band was comfortable with the burning out of the meteor, as evidenced by the renewed focus on recording what they wanted to play, vs. what they thought the public wanted to hear.
The reason for the renewed vigor and relatively quick recording of a new album within two years of the last one is unknown. Personally I surmise that Billy, unhappy with the success of "Antenna", wanted to show that the group had not lost their mojo, their skill, their relevance. For those that listened the message was received loud and clear, this band could still rock.
The lack of sales did not overly please their label RCA, who didn't help their own cause by choosing to invest little in the promotion of the new release. It didn't matter though, the fans that cared, the ones who will always support the group, were captivated and ecstatic, and were more than happy to show off the album to their friends.
Well prior to the drop date the group embarked on a world wide tour, appropriately named "Continental Safari". Some locales had never seen ZZ in person, and overall the endeavor proved to be a great success. The set list featured an extensive number of selections from the yet to be released album, further indicating the band's appreciation for the new material.
Arguably the greatest work in the latter half of the band's catalogue, the album is an essential piece of even the casual fans collection.
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