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.
