Rio Grande Mud
I was listening to ZZ Top’s second album ‘Rio Grande Mud’ in the car today. The weather was perfect for riding around with the windows rolled down and the stereo turned up.
The song “Chevrolet” struck me as perfect for crusin’ down the street with the top down…”Hallelujah, Hallelujah, ride my Chevrolet.” It just feels like spring, riding in a convertible down any ol’ road in Texas.
“Francene” and “Just Got Paid” are the only songs you hear on the radio, but the entire album is great blues rock. From that little ole’ band from Houston. Read any guitar interview with Billy Gibbons and you’ll know he listened to all the classic bluesmen; Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Little Walter.
It’s a real shame the CD mixes of the first few albums were ruined with all the special effects. I agree with the Amazon customers that lament, “bring back the LP vinyl album mixes” and remaster the first six original albums to CD. And take that awful ZZ Top Six Pack off the market; all the real fans are upset by the terrible mixes and sound effects.
‘One Foot In The Blues’ is a great album showcasing ZZ Top’s appreciation for the blues. And the album doesn’t need any fancy mixes or effects because Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard have a great chemistry all their own, which shouldn’t be messed with.
So don’t mess with Texas OR the Top!
Official Website zztop.com
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
Written by: Mike Withrow
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Posted in Classic Rock
