I basically lost track of the bearded ones, sadly figuring that they were done. As much as I try to ride it out with my old favorites, this time it seemed like that well had run dry.
But then about a month ago I saw a review for a new ZZ Top album. Steeling myself for the usual "they're all washed up" screed, I popped open the review link to discover that, hey, Mikey liked it!
So, in the middle of Christmas shopping, I bought myself a little present: ZZ Top's Mescalero.
Now this is the real thing. Huge, distorted rhythm guitar, grizzled bluesy vocals, in-the-pocket drumming and snarling guitar leads.
But wait...there's more! (I don't know about you, but every time I hear that I think of the Popeil's Pocket Fisherman)...
Mescalero has a definite Tex-Mex flair. There's a xylophone on the title track, a greasy & swampy Cajun vibe to "Alley-Gator", country balladry complete with pedal steel guitar ("Goin' So Good"), some country swing ("What Would You Do"), and even a tune delivered in Spanish ("Que Lastima"...sorry, I can't help with the lyrics...my Spanish never made it beyond Steve Martin's "Donde Esta La Casa De Pee Pee").
Fans of the early Top sound won't be disappointed with the scorchin' boogie of "Crunchy", the good 'ole ZZ-style blues of "Buck Nekkid" or the twisty rock of "Liquor" (which gets my vote for "Bestest 'n Funnest Update of 'La Grange'"). The album ends with a nice hidden track: a cover of "As Time Goes By". Kinda cool.
Feeling a little post-holiday blues? Maybe you need a shot of Mescalero.
(First posted on Mark Is Cranky)
Article comments
1 - Tom Johnson
Dang, Mark, another album I have to check out. After being hesitant for the same reasons you were, now I'm really curious to check this out. There's also another very positive review over at PopMatters today. You two have convinced me. Besides, as the review says, ZZ Top's "uncool" and since I'm uncool too, I'm safe liking it. I've got no "indie cred" to lose.
2 - Mark Saleski
tom johnson...you will buy this cd...you will listen to it in the car...you will turn it up too loud.
3 - JT
Yeah I bought this CD too, if you like modern rock don't get it, it has some of the worst distortion effects ever. Don't get me wrong, the lyrics are great, and the guitars sound great, but everything is distorted, vocals, even drums... Only if your a true zz top fan buy this.