ZZ Top — The Best of ZZ Top
Author: tracysigler | Posted: September 27th, 2007 | | Tags: 1977, blues rock, hard rock, music, vinyl, ZZ Top | 3 Comments »
ZZ Top -- The Best of ZZ Top
- Artist: ZZ Top
- Title: The Best of ZZ Top
- Year: 1977
- Format: Vinyl 12 in.
- Rating (1-10): 10
- Owner: Tracy and Bob
- Acquired: 2005 – Inherited from Bob Bobala
- Keeper: Yes
Have mercy! Been waitin’ on the bus all day.
And so begins my favorite ZZ Top song, “Waitin’ for the Bus.” Growing up I loved hearing it on the radio. All the AOR stations would also play “Jesus Just Left Chicago” right after it. That’s also how the songs are ordered on this best of. It’s hard to believe ZZ Top had a “best of” out in 1977. Also, after non-stop listening to this compilation over the last couple days I’m amazed how funky these cats are, or at least were. There are many other great ones here: “Tush”, “La Grange”, “Heard it on the X” etc. They’re still rocking live shows with these tunes, but their later period work doesn’t really compare.
To my everlasting regret I never have been able to find their records. And I do want records. Whenever I’m in a proper record store I always head right to the Zs, but no soap. At least I scored this one from my friend Bob when he moved West.
I found a great, recent video of ZZ Top playing “Waitin'” and “Jesus” live. Check it out below. Billy Gibbons has such a huge, nasty tone. I read a long time ago that he uses something like an old silver dollar for a pick. Once I started watching these videos I couldn’t stop. After about six I said to myself “you’re spending too much time on music.” I know, that’s crazy talk.
Right on! That bus done got me back.
The ‘Top rules! Nice video in your post. I was always pretty partial to those two songs, too. Unfortunately, I don’t have “Tres Hombres” on vinyl either (though I do have “Deguello,” “Tejas,” “Fandago,” and “El Loco”).
I saw them on both the Eliminator and Afterburner tours in the ’80s, and they rock live. I’m not a huge fan of arena rock, but they do that stuff up right.
Have mercy, indeed!
Yeah, “Jesus” is the way: that’s always been my favorite Top. That or “Tush” (the pairing of which probably says interesting things about me). I may have to go pick up this best of for those two alone.
KP, I didn’t realize your classic rock credentials were so solid. I read an interview with the Meat Puppets probably 20 years ago and they basically worshiped ZZ Top. I think the interview was actually at a Top show. I’ve wanted to see them live ever since.