Let's talk about the hot little boogie band from Texas, the outlandish, often-humorous, and always entertaining ZZ Top. Just what the hell are these guys about? While their earlier albums reflect the influence of the blues and a heavy does of foot-stompin' boogie, a series of albums in the 80s set them in an entirely different direction and made the band difficult to fit into a box. That's okay, though, because who wants to be shoved in a box?
ZZ Top is made up of three guys (two with really long beards). There's Billy Gibbons, whose funky rhythm playing and harmonic-soaked guitar solos fuel the band, Dusty Hill, whose foundational bass playing lends nice support, and Frank Beard (the only one who doesn't sport a beard), whose solid drumming keeps the band in check. That's it. A hot little power trio that delivers the goods. Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill share vocal duties, delivering lyrical content that drips with sexual innuendo and a good dose of humor. Most of the material is written by the band, with occasional outside writers, and Billy Gibbons mostly writing the lyrics and doing the arranging.
If you've never heard ZZ Top (if you were breathing in the 80s, I'm not sure that's possible), start with ZZ Top's Greatest Hits, which provides a nice overview of their career, including the best of their early blues-boogie rock and the infectious synthesizer-heavy stuff they did in the 80s, including a cool dance remix of their big hit Legs.
To be honest, though, I suggest you just start at the beginning and work your way through their catalog. ZZ Top really is a cool band with a lot of fun songs you'll find enjoyable whether you're having a party or going on a road trip. You can't go wrong either way. A groovy band both on record and onstage.
