This was originally recorded for their third album - Tres Hombres - in 1973. Billy was 24 in 1973, and was 71 when this was recorded in 2020. The story is about the same Brothel immortalized in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Dusty Hill (Bass) and Billy Gibbons (Guitar) both have beards, Frank Beard has a beard in name only.
The first 6 studio albums by ZZ Top are sometimes referred to as the 6 pack. I don't listen to them a lot but I do keep all 6 handy in the car as they are the ultima road trip soundtrack.
I agree. I wonder why she chose this version. Billy is much older here; this is really only 1/3 of ZZ Top. No disrespect to the other two musicians, but she could have chosen any one of 100 other live versions of this, or the original studio version... and it would have been way better.
@@Splattle101 No kidding? I stand corrected! I would have sworn it was more recent. Guess I should have watched and listened to the whole thing. 🙄 I bailed just a few minutes in...
Guitarist here! That "tone muting" you pointed out during the back half of the song is a technique called "palm muting", referring to when you use the palm of your hand on the bridge of the guitar to "mute" or deaden the strings for a more staccato effect. Famous for making that envied "chug" sound scattered throughout Blues, Rock, and Metal music! If you listen closely, he's palm muting his downstrokes during the main riff and opening up the strings for the upstrokes, giving it that "blues" effect we all know and love.
I remember seeing ZZ Top on MTV in the 80's for the 1st time and thinking this is the coolest thing I ever seen. The cars, the beards, the shag carpet guitars, and the girls.
Filed a lawsuit against the members of ZZ Top, alleging that "La Grange" infringed on "Boogie Chillen'". A federal judge dismissed the case in 1995, declaring "Boogie Chillen'" was part of the public domain.
Yeah, they are a shadow of their former selves in this performance, especially the vocal part. Cool they are still performing, but they are missing one of their iconic original members and are clearly showing their age. This would not be the performance I would introduce someone to ZZ Top with. Still really cool to hear her thoughts on them.
The best live ZZ Top performances I've seen on YT are all from 1980: Old Grey Whistle Test, Rockpalast, and Double Down Live. All are fantastic, with great sound quality.
@@WARdROBEPlaysWWII The original recording is much tighter and intense due to it being compacted into a album format in the 70's. I agree she should at least check out the original. It would be faster for her too.
One of the reasons you're getting that triplet feel is that Frank is just hammering away on a "shuffle" beat, which is based around triplets. If you count eighth note triplets and then remove the middle note of each triple, you'll get a shuffle rhythm, which is what most of the blues tunes out there use.
This band has, and always has been, effortlessly cool. They know what they do, how well they do it and they don't give a FF about what everyone else is doing. For at least 40yrs I've grown up with this sound. The chopped sound that you refer to is called a palm mute, where the heel of the hand is resting onto the string to stop it from ringing out...
@@metalmark1214 Have you seen pics when Queen Elizabeth II knighted Sean Connery? Very classy look with a white tie, ruffled shirt, and a kilt, of course! The ultimate Scotsman, and I think Kirk would totally rock it.
ZZ Top is one of those very few bands that sound just as good live as they do in studio. LA Grange was recorded in 1973. It's a story about a brothel, called the Chicken Ranch in LA Grange, Texas. I've been a fan of these Texas boys since I was a kid in the early 80s and they are still one of my favorites today. RIP Dusty Hill. ❤
The story of the infamous Chicken Ranch is also the inspiration for THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS musical with Dolly Parton and the late Burt Reynolds.
Ultra light strings, “pinch harmonics “ , palm and finger muting , 6 decades of playing and a talent that Jimi Hendrix reckoned was one of the finest in the world. Yes, he’s outstanding
This is correct. I am no expert but played guitar (both acoustic and electric) as a hobby for many years. I also took several years of piano lessons as a child. You can think of it as the left pedal on a piano.
Craig , how many times did she pause the vid.? Drives me crazy. Jimi Handrix said Billy and Terry Kath were the best guitarists he ever saw trying to find their big break.
I find it ironic that your first ZZ Top song is the one with the fewest lyrics. On the flip side, it has some of their best music. Billy Gibbons is considered by some to be the best guitarist of all time. The more you listen to them, the more he will amaze you with his skills. He was one of the inspirations of Stevie Ray Vaughn.
@scotmark "that ain't no pearly gates he's playing here" Elwood Francis (when he was a guitar tech, before assuming Bass duties) was showing off the guitar rig, and there was a big EQ in the rack. Elwood explained that every guitar was EQ'd to have the same tonal profile as Pearly playing a G chord.
New Years Eve 1982 they were on stage for 3 and a half hours. This piece, as well as several others, were exquisite jams lasting close to 30 minutes each. This 19 yr old was blown away, and I have been a fan since.
Check out the transition from "Waitin` for the Bus" to "Jesus Just Left Chicago". That's the coolest transition between songs ever!! From 1973 "Tres Hombres"
For a long time the joke was that the Oak Ridge Boys, who had one member with a long beard had traded wit ZZ Top. If I could add a subjective opinion, ZZ Top of the 70s had the most amazing tone and feel. Thank you for your awesome analysis.
This has been THEIR signature tune for over 3 decades. They've played it together thousands of times. They can pass it and riff it and play around with subtle details with a wink and a nod. Masters at work!
You nailed it when you said ZZ Top was all about attitude. When you realize - I don't think they have ever admitted this - that their name comes form two different brands of rolling papers, Zig-Zag and Top, you get a sense of who they were, and for those of us of their age-group, they were the ultimate road band. To get in a car, fire up ZZ Top and roll down the highway - that was a sort of heaven fifty years ago. Still is really. They've been around a long time, and they've been great for a long time. Almost the definition of a rock'n'roll band.
As a young man, I found it embarrassing to buy those rolling papers at the store. People did roll their own tobacco cigarettes to save money, but we all knew better.
@@Hogstrictors I have heard that - I think maybe Billy Gibbons said that in the documentary about the band - but the story I heard back in the 70s is the one I related, and I like it a lot better. Sounds more like them. The truth is probably in the wind.
Fun Fact: Jimi Hendrix, back in the '60s, went on record to say that Billy Gibbons was the best up-an-coming guitarist of the time. Also, RIP to bassist Dusty Hill, he was integral to ZZ Top's sound and his too infrequent vocals had real impact. Their early albums laid the groundwork for their 50 year run and "La Grange" was one of their first big hits. One of many.
I do love how ZZ TOp is so respected these days, they surely have paid their dues and went through a long period of being considered a novelty band by a lot of people.
Yep, Jimi was a fan ! He said similar things about Terry Kath from Chicago. I knew older Chicago was heavier, but until I saw Terry play live (on UA-cam ) , I would never have guessed dude was a stone cold killer on the guitar. Very original, but if I had to compare him, Id say Rory Gallagher / Mark Farner type of playing and tone.
Throughout the years, I have seen these guys in concert way more times than I can count. They always sound the same. They are a genre all their own and it is always fabulous!
the live performance of La Grange and Tush in Crossroads Guitar Festival 2004 is probably one of the best ZZ Top performances to capture the energy, the crowd, the music, the stage presence, and the incredible musicality.
@@johnlampe3258 It makes sense since they are kinda playing off because they were recording for their documentary. IMO, it does showcase, they are just older here.
That little ole band from Texas. I've been listening to these guys since I was in my late teens... they never fail to entertain. RIP Dusty. These guys are so tight.
I saw them at the LA County fair. HUGE stage. Yet they stood in the middle, and played like they were on a tiny riser in the corner of a biker bar. World’s biggest bar band.
@@ocfyrefyghter Technically, the US has converted to metric. All the armed forces use metric. It's just the people of America that keep using "freedom" measurements. Now, as for Angus, he'll use every cm of the 3x2 stage and would even wander down into the crowd to get some more space. The really good bands like ZZ and ACDC will adapt to the venue. That's what makes them so great :D
Taking the Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago, Cheap Sunglasses, Pearl Necklace, Tush, Planet of Women, Legs, Microwave Dinner, ZZ Top is one of my all time favorites.
Guitar player here. The muffled sound is called a palm mute. It's achieved by resting the outside of the picking hand very lightly against the strings somewhere around the bridge while you pick the notes so you get the full tonal sound of the notes but the string is prevented from ringing out, creating the chunky muted effect. It's very common.
Beer Drinkers, Hell Raisers = Billy & Dusty both belting out ; personal favorite and wild vocal color over stripped down trio, twofer Waiting on the Bus/Jesus just left Chicago. Love your channel, so many favorite episodes - Dio, Pantera and Justin Hawkins exchange - * chef's kiss * Keep up the great work!
Great song to start ZZ Top with. Song is about a brothel on the outskirts of La Grange TX The irony about the beards is the drummer who doesn't have a beard is Frank Beard. Haw-haw-haw-haw Other ZZ Too songs to check out: Tush, I'm Bad I'm Nationwide, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Gimmie All Your Loving, TV Dinners, Legs, Sharp Dressed Man.
Billy gibbons has a sound in his fingers that is sensational - the little tweaks and variations are just what makes this a tune that I'll never get tired to listen to ....
I was in college when Tres Hombres came out. I didn’t stop listening until I could play every song on that album. That’s how we learned songs 50 years ago, by ear and working it out.
That's how I learned their tunes, sounding them out and MTV. Of course I never sounded like Billy and never had Dusty jammin with me. That was 40 years ago and I play it a lot better now.
Yes, this was palm muting with the "heel" of the pick hand resting on top of the strings. She also mentioned harmonics, which is done with the edge of the thumb holding the pick.
Oh, yeah. I remember, when MTV first started, the videos that ZZ T made for that album. Hot women, hot rods, and flamingo guitars. It doesn't get any better! ✌️
They played together for over 50years. Seeing them facing each other, watching, feeling, hearing the music as they jam. I'm always in awe of the pure skill these 3 men showed us.
Love, love,love your commentary even though, as a non musician I don’t understand even a little bit, it makes me realize and appreciate what great musicians bands like ZZ Top are! Thank you so much! Love your show!
Many years ago, back in my band days, this was our closing song. We had a young hotshot guitar player and a crotchety old harmonica player. This song would bring down the house every time. Good old days...
@@cmiles97x38 I would also love to see her face when she finds out that "La Grange" is about a "Chicken Ranch", and that Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds were in the 1982 movie about it.
Look, these dudes are legends. This is that Texas style that influenced so many. Billy is a phenom. Also, RIP Dusty. Dammit, I have bring back my beard now. Every time I watch ZZ Top I grow it out.
Billy Gibbons credits the blues with so much of what he does and who he is. He and the band are the biggest supporters of the Delta Blues museum in Clarksdale MS and for years was a part of the big blues festival down in the Delta.
Watching this made me extremely sad because Dusty is gone. I am glad that ZZ continues on with Dusty's bass tech and continues to bring that Texas blues music to the masses but to me ZZ will always be Gibbon's, Hill, and Beard. Thank you Elizabeth for posting this. I love all your content especially the metal songs you post!
I believe you are referring to "palm muting." That is when the player lightly mutes the strings with the side of their palm while continuing to play. Billy was a master at it and at pick or "pinch" harmonics, which is when you pinch your thumb and finger down to the end of the pick so you can pick the string then touch it with your thumb immediately after to create an artifical harmonic.
Just expanding on this answer a bit: In case it wasn't clear from the above comment, it's the palm of the picking hand that does the muting. Because it's only touching lightly and is close to the end of the string, it allows the pitch of the fretted note to come through but dampens some of the higher frequencies. Another good example of Palm muting is "Every Breath You Take" by The Police. The main riff that runs the the whole song is palm muted. Palm muting can also be used to for "chuggy" chord sounds, when applied to chords with lots of distortion. For example, in "Basket Case" by Green Day. The strings can also be muted with the fretting hand, but generally doesn't give a clear pitch and is used more for percussive effects. There are ways to get fretted pitches while muting with the fretting hand, but it can be tricky to do and is much less common compared to palm muting.
Famously, when in the studio recording La Grange, Billy was unable to get the vocal he wanted. He laid on a studio sofa with a mic in front of him to practice different vocal styles. The vocal on the album is Billy singing the opening on his back almost under his breath!! One cool studio story.
Yeah, he was only 22 or something when they recorded it. Hard to believe, on the record he sounds like an old man who's lived in whiskey and cigarettes all his life, which is how he actually sounds now. Ironically he had to grow into the voice he recorded that song with.
In an interview the the producer of that album he stated that Billy took his shirt off and ran around the block 4 times in the middle of winter to get more gravel into his voice
You should listed to the original studio recording! The is no comparison to the original that came out in every radio and bar in the USA 1973 and the best jamming song of the time! Playing foosball and listening to this song with a cold beer was it!
i was thinking the same - the original studio version on the album is much tighter and even more driving - that said this recording was great to hear (and see) once they got fully in the groove I saw them play once in the 1980's somewhere near Leeds in England - the hot rod off the Eliminator album was helicoptered into the arena
Did someone say foosball? Takes me back to my jr high days in the mid 70's Had a couple friends get a table for Christmas. Group of buddies wore them out the next few years down in their basements listening to some of the best music ever made. We wouldn't stop playing until it was time to take our hourly trip to go out back by the pond and have a safety meeting 🤟👍🍻😘 no better feeling than hitting your fastest and hardest shot hearing that sound it made.
@@edparr4670 Safety meetings were imperative! I started college in ‘73 and in late ‘74 me and a friend opened up a Foosball hall in a small town north of Tulsa. I came back from campus every Friday and worked it through Sunday 5:00pm. Jammed to the local FM rock station and had a pretty good stereo system and had a nice album selection. I’ve never seen so many quarters, and was very fortunate to have had great success with it. Hell, we paid our rent with quarters ($125/month)! Had 8 Tornado tables and the weekend nights were killer! Have a great day and glad you were able to experience the 70’s!
@@stevesoutar3405 Cool, I got to see them in ‘74 in Amarillo, TX when they had no beards, though Billy had that 2-3 day look and they were just in their mid 20’s….crazy! My fourth or fifth album was The Who, Live at Leeds! Still have it in the manilla folder album cover!
I got to see them shortly after this one exploded on the radio. I could not believe the solid wall of sound coming from just 3 people! All their songs are catchy and extremely gnarly :-) Nobody else has the ZZ sound.
You pretty much nailed it. It's called palm muting. Light enough that the sound is muted and not silenced, but also not light enough to get string harmonics. This is a song that I highly recommend for any beginner guitarist. So many techniques that you can learn from this and it's easily accessible since most of the phrasing is repeated in various transformations. If I'm not mistaken, the idea to have a beard was done individually while they were on a music break. I believe Frank originally had one too, but didn't care for it. If you listen to their music history, there was a lot of soul searching going on when it comes to the band's sound.
Epic piece. It’s great that music allows new discoveries ad infinitum. I’ve done countless hours driving to these guys back in the day. Mail order CD and cassette greatest hits played over and over.
I saw them live in 1972. This was their first tour of the US. No one knew anything about them. They were the opening act for Ramatan (rock band with female lead guitarist), and Humble Pie. They were amazing and blew everyone away. I have followed their music for over 50 years. They are an amazing band with tons on sound for a trio. RIP Dusty Hill you left us too soon.
Fun Fact: Lead singer Billy Gibbons had a recurring role on Bones as himself, who happened to be the dad of the forensic artist, Angela. They also had him playing "Sarge" in their retro dream episode "The 200th in the 10th," a spectacular homage to Hitchcock's "To Catch A Thief" to celebrate their 200-episode milestone. Also, for a *seriously* decent instrumental cover of this song, check out Luna Lee. She manages to make her gayageums resonate just like ZZ Top's guitars and play the vocal lines as well. Amazing stuff.
Something just feels so right when you're playing ZZ Top and driving, like a caffeine shot right into the blood. Don't forget to wear your cheap sunglasses for the release 😅
@@billfolsom4203 Yes, its all still cool with ZZ Top when driving. And then the Free Bird starts playing. Edit: But yeah, I have loved ZZ Top for the past 35 years or so.
A great intro to ZZ Top... I can jam this bass line for hours and never tire of it. Jesus Just Left Chicago would be another of the many they've done. For another band, I'm gonna suggest Humble Pie's I don't Need No Doctor - the live Midnight Special version - it's amazing.
Live at Gruene Tx Hall is a killer venue, La Grange is great but “Jesus Just Left Chicago” I remember hearing 5yrs old n Uncle Gary gave me the Tres Hombres record cause I loved it
As a guitar player, I can appreciate the flourishes, changeups and just plain driving chug of Dusty's bass on this version especially. Billy is an institution in the guitar world and Frank is just so damn good at beating skins. Three incredible musicians that have come together to become nothing short of transcendent in their music. They were my first concert and have supported and encouraged me my whole life through their talent. This was recorded in Gruene, TX at the Music Hall there. If I remember right it is the oldest in Texas and one of the oldest venues in the US.
A blues shuffles beat, with a Texas blues/ rock and roll instrumentation to make a straight up rock and roll boogie with a blues bad boy attitude. Effortlessly cool, uniquely their own musical style. These guys are just masters of their style with Gibbons being such a guitar master that he has his own style and sound and doesn't sell to prove he can play the mess out of that thing but doesn't have to prove anything at all. He is acknowledged world wide as a guitar master but never "overplays" to prove it, just does what he wants with a confidence born of supreme skill and a style all his own. A trio of musical geniuses spearheaded by Mr Gibbons.
They broke out in 1974, as I recall. I had just finished medical school, and was entering my internship, a very high stress year. Their first album, with the single "Tush" played a role in helping dissipate my anguish. Billy is my age (now 75), still active, considered one of the greatest guitar players in the world. Dusty Hill is, sadly, dead. Billy consciously copied the style and vocalizations (how how how) of singers like Junior Kimbrough and other blues greats, and melded it all into the prevailing Tex-Mex environment they grew up in. Billy is a national treasure.
A bit earlier, in fact. ZZ Top's First Album was released in 1970. Rio Grande Mud followed in 1972. And Tres Hombres, which contains La Grange, came out in 1973.
There was a😅 12:20 Broadway play and a movie about it. "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas". The movie staring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton. The "Establishment" had been in continuous operation for over 100 years before it was finally shut down. Thus the words in the song, "I might be mistaken."
Arcane fact- Austin may be claim to be the Live Music Capital of the World in the 21st century but THESE GUYS were playing our high school proms in SE TX circa 1970.
My nephew when he was little would laugh like crazy when he heard the beginning vocals on the studio version of that song. He thought that voice was so funny.
Over 50 years with the same line-up, RIP Mr Dusty Hill 😞 "Jesus Just Left Chicago" would be a good track to check out next - VERY laid back and bluesy!
This was originally recorded for their third album - Tres Hombres - in 1973. Billy was 24 in 1973, and was 71 when this was recorded in 2020. The story is about the same Brothel immortalized in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Dusty Hill (Bass) and Billy Gibbons (Guitar) both have beards, Frank Beard has a beard in name only.
Frank is all beard.
The Chicken Ranch. During The Great Depression, they traded chickens for favorites.
Yeah Frank's last name IS his Beard! :D
The first 6 studio albums by ZZ Top are sometimes referred to as the 6 pack. I don't listen to them a lot but I do keep all 6 handy in the car as they are the ultima road trip soundtrack.
I prefer the recorded version
You MUST hear the original version, for comparison.
I agree. I wonder why she chose this version. Billy is much older here; this is really only 1/3 of ZZ Top. No disrespect to the other two musicians, but she could have chosen any one of 100 other live versions of this, or the original studio version... and it would have been way better.
Yes.
Indeed
@@jazluvr99 This is the original line up: Billy, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. If the guitar finish is any indication it's from around 2012.
@@Splattle101 No kidding? I stand corrected! I would have sworn it was more recent. Guess I should have watched and listened to the whole thing. 🙄 I bailed just a few minutes in...
Guitarist here! That "tone muting" you pointed out during the back half of the song is a technique called "palm muting", referring to when you use the palm of your hand on the bridge of the guitar to "mute" or deaden the strings for a more staccato effect. Famous for making that envied "chug" sound scattered throughout Blues, Rock, and Metal music!
If you listen closely, he's palm muting his downstrokes during the main riff and opening up the strings for the upstrokes, giving it that "blues" effect we all know and love.
Exactly
Cool! Thanks for explaining it!
Correct. Palm muting is fun to play. Also, at 20:20 Gibbons is playing at a different tempo than the band, known as a polyrythm.
You beat me to it. :)
That's a really clear explanation of how we achieve this kind of feel.
I remember seeing ZZ Top on MTV in the 80's for the 1st time and thinking this is the coolest thing I ever seen. The cars, the beards, the shag carpet guitars, and the girls.
The spinning guitars
Same here. MTV was at its peak. These guys were Ballin out Texas style!
The "haw haw haw" thing is something they lifted from the great blues singer John Lee Hooker.
I'd love to see a JLH or Howlin' Wolf reaction..
Yep, the classic John Lee Hooker vocal style.
Filed a lawsuit against the members of ZZ Top, alleging that "La Grange" infringed on "Boogie Chillen'". A federal judge dismissed the case in 1995, declaring "Boogie Chillen'" was part of the public domain.
Also lifted the main riff from Slim Harpo - Shake Your Hips
Johnny Lee Hooker, yes! One of the greatest. If she hasn't seen Him yet, that would be awesome!
RIP Dusty! I'm so happy my buddy Elwood Francis got a chance to fill his shoes and he does it wonderfully!
I saw ZZ Top in Traverse City and Elwood crushed it. He fits right in with the boys.
@@HardyHarz he's been with them for a long time. he was their guitar tech
RIP Dusty.
@@007cantos yup that is how we became buddy over the years!
@@bartender678 I saw him perform with zz top in halifax last year, was a great show.
Definitely newer video, this is a true live performance, worth listening to the original album version
Original album is fantastic. For obvious reasons, more youthful energy. Though, the old dude vibe is nice as well.
This is from their documentary from 2019. They're playing at Gruene Hall in Texas, recorded for the docu.
Yeah, they are a shadow of their former selves in this performance, especially the vocal part. Cool they are still performing, but they are missing one of their iconic original members and are clearly showing their age. This would not be the performance I would introduce someone to ZZ Top with. Still really cool to hear her thoughts on them.
The best live ZZ Top performances I've seen on YT are all from 1980: Old Grey Whistle Test, Rockpalast, and Double Down Live. All are fantastic, with great sound quality.
@@WARdROBEPlaysWWII The original recording is much tighter and intense due to it being compacted into a album format in the 70's. I agree she should at least check out the original. It would be faster for her too.
One of the reasons you're getting that triplet feel is that Frank is just hammering away on a "shuffle" beat, which is based around triplets. If you count eighth note triplets and then remove the middle note of each triple, you'll get a shuffle rhythm, which is what most of the blues tunes out there use.
This band has, and always has been, effortlessly cool. They know what they do, how well they do it and they don't give a FF about what everyone else is doing. For at least 40yrs I've grown up with this sound.
The chopped sound that you refer to is called a palm mute, where the heel of the hand is resting onto the string to stop it from ringing out...
A more true statement has not been made
Exactly
Thats why they're such a memorable band. Always loved their unique and bold style myself.
It’s not iconic laughter,it’s a famous iconic phrase from a John LeeHooker song Boom Boom
How how how
Which is a song she should check out!
@@AKNeal81 Definitely!
You beat me to it
@ericfredenburgh4577
It's both iconic and ironic.
ZZ Top yes, we need add some "Sharp Dressed Man" to this list.
ZZ TOP'S "SHARP DRESSED MAN" IS THE BEST AND "TUSH" EXCELLENT ZZTOP CHOICES!! 😊💓🤘✌️🔥
Maybe have Kirk in a tuxedo? 🤔
Cheap sunglasses..😂😎
@@metalmark1214 Have you seen pics when Queen Elizabeth II knighted Sean Connery? Very classy look with a white tie, ruffled shirt, and a kilt, of course! The ultimate Scotsman, and I think Kirk would totally rock it.
Jesus Just Left Chicago⭐
Pinch harmonics are fabulous. Adds so much emotion to the playing. Billy is a master of the pinch.
ZZ Top is one of those very few bands that sound just as good live as they do in studio. LA Grange was recorded in 1973. It's a story about a brothel, called the Chicken Ranch in LA Grange, Texas. I've been a fan of these Texas boys since I was a kid in the early 80s and they are still one of my favorites today. RIP Dusty Hill. ❤
The story of the infamous Chicken Ranch is also the inspiration for THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS musical with Dolly Parton and the late Burt Reynolds.
Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
The reason for that is because they purposefully made the studio sound like it would be live. In their early days the live was exact to the studio.
They have always been great and the lows are perfect! I happen to live not far from LaGrange and actually bought a bull over there!
They sound great live, but wish she would have listened to a live version from 40+ years ago. His voice has obvious deterioration.
Ultra light strings, “pinch harmonics “ , palm and finger muting , 6 decades of playing and a talent that Jimi Hendrix reckoned was one of the finest in the world.
Yes, he’s outstanding
Billy Gibbons credits Jimi for the guitar riff in this song
Yeah, and BB King turned him on to the light strings😊
This is correct. I am no expert but played guitar (both acoustic and electric) as a hobby for many years. I also took several years of piano lessons as a child. You can think of it as the left pedal on a piano.
Craig , how many times did she pause the vid.? Drives me crazy. Jimi Handrix said Billy and Terry Kath were the best guitarists he ever saw trying to find their big break.
@@gib59er56
Know what ya mean. She can stop it as many times as she wants 'cause she shows me something new ev'ry time she does.
I find it ironic that your first ZZ Top song is the one with the fewest lyrics. On the flip side, it has some of their best music. Billy Gibbons is considered by some to be the best guitarist of all time. The more you listen to them, the more he will amaze you with his skills. He was one of the inspirations of Stevie Ray Vaughn.
That ain't no Pearly Gates he's playing here, though...
I don’t recall Stevie Ray Vaughan ever saying that…
No one, but Billy Gibbons mom thinks that he’s the best guitarist of all time. He’s not in the top 100. You be Trippin.
I think Cheap Sunglasses gives a good run for the money on the fewest lyrics, another classic! I prefer their earliest stuff for sure
@scotmark "that ain't no pearly gates he's playing here"
Elwood Francis (when he was a guitar tech, before assuming Bass duties) was showing off the guitar rig, and there was a big EQ in the rack. Elwood explained that every guitar was EQ'd to have the same tonal profile as Pearly playing a G chord.
New Years Eve 1982 they were on stage for 3 and a half hours. This piece, as well as several others, were exquisite jams lasting close to 30 minutes each. This 19 yr old was blown away, and I have been a fan since.
Check out the transition from "Waitin` for the Bus" to "Jesus Just Left Chicago". That's the coolest transition between songs ever!! From 1973 "Tres Hombres"
Spot on.
Blue Jean Blues, Mexican Blackbird, Party on the Patio. Their discography is huge.
It's AMAZING.
The coolest of cool without even trying. They've killed it for 5 decades.
Attitude, atmosphere, tongue and cheek, bad boys, you just summed up ZZ Top in nut shell.
All class and sass, man🍻
For a long time the joke was that the Oak Ridge Boys, who had one member with a long beard had traded wit ZZ Top. If I could add a subjective opinion, ZZ Top of the 70s had the most amazing tone and feel. Thank you for your awesome analysis.
This has been THEIR signature tune for over 3 decades. They've played it together thousands of times. They can pass it and riff it and play around with subtle details with a wink and a nod. Masters at work!
Yep, Just a great band.
5 decades
Early '70s as I recall@@cdwilliams6875
I don't recall a lot from the early '70s or the late '70s but I think that's about right
Absolutely THE song that brought me to ZZ Top fandom
Waiting for the bus/Jesus left Chicago!
And muddy water turned to wine
THIS!
Definitely! Such greatness :)
My fave ZZ song combo
Love that song(s).
Billy is one of my favorite players. Great tone, great chops and a master of efficiency in movement.
R.I.P. Dusty…
Possibly the best tone. So damn rich, yet pure.
Love watching you catchup with the best little band
You nailed it when you said ZZ Top was all about attitude. When you realize - I don't think they have ever admitted this - that their name comes form two different brands of rolling papers, Zig-Zag and Top, you get a sense of who they were, and for those of us of their age-group, they were the ultimate road band. To get in a car, fire up ZZ Top and roll down the highway - that was a sort of heaven fifty years ago. Still is really. They've been around a long time, and they've been great for a long time. Almost the definition of a rock'n'roll band.
As a young man, I found it embarrassing to buy those rolling papers at the store. People did roll their own tobacco cigarettes to save money, but we all knew better.
Iv heard Z.Z. Hill and BB King were inspirations for ZZ Tops band name.
ZZTop comes from ZZ Hill, whom they admired, and Top, as in top notch, top dog, top class. According to an interview.
@@HogstrictorsI had heard it was going to be ZZ King
@@Hogstrictors I have heard that - I think maybe Billy Gibbons said that in the documentary about the band - but the story I heard back in the 70s is the one I related, and I like it a lot better. Sounds more like them. The truth is probably in the wind.
If you cringe at the pitch bend then you should listen to the studio version. The feedback on several notes is FANTASTIC!
Absolutely
Yea that last solo in the original is the epitome of pinch harmonics, muted strings and over the top string bending. Absolutely over the top
Fun Fact: Jimi Hendrix, back in the '60s, went on record to say that Billy Gibbons was the best up-an-coming guitarist of the time.
Also, RIP to bassist Dusty Hill, he was integral to ZZ Top's sound and his too infrequent vocals had real impact. Their early albums laid the groundwork for their 50 year run and "La Grange" was one of their first big hits. One of many.
I do love how ZZ TOp is so respected these days, they surely have paid their dues and went through a long period of being considered a novelty band by a lot of people.
Yep, Jimi was a fan ! He said similar things about Terry Kath from Chicago. I knew older Chicago was heavier, but until I saw Terry play live (on UA-cam ) , I would never have guessed dude was a stone cold killer on the guitar. Very original, but if I had to compare him, Id say Rory Gallagher / Mark Farner type of playing and tone.
I always loved that about Jimi 💯❤️
I had the chance to talk with the great Ted Nugent. I asked him who his favorite guitar players were. Billy Gibbons was #1
Throughout the years, I have seen these guys in concert way more times than I can count. They always sound the same. They are a genre all their own and it is always fabulous!
the live performance of La Grange and Tush in Crossroads Guitar Festival 2004 is probably one of the best ZZ Top performances to capture the energy, the crowd, the music, the stage presence, and the incredible musicality.
Saw them in the 1980's. Glad to hear they still got it❤
Yes, this performance does not really showcase what makes ZZ Top so great. This feels a little like "3 Old guys cover ZZ Top."
@@johnlampe3258the song version choices on this channel are terrible.
I was there. Iconic!
@@johnlampe3258 It makes sense since they are kinda playing off because they were recording for their documentary. IMO, it does showcase, they are just older here.
That little ole band from Texas. I've been listening to these guys since I was in my late teens... they never fail to entertain. RIP Dusty.
These guys are so tight.
I saw them at the LA County fair. HUGE stage. Yet they stood in the middle, and played like they were on a tiny riser in the corner of a biker bar. World’s biggest bar band.
@@ocfyrefyghter That's actually ACDC :D
Said as an Australian ACDC fan :D
@@dramoth64 I respectfully disagree lol Angus can’t be contained to a 3m x 2m stage. And yes, this Yank knows how to use metric 😉
@@ocfyrefyghter Technically, the US has converted to metric. All the armed forces use metric. It's just the people of America that keep using "freedom" measurements.
Now, as for Angus, he'll use every cm of the 3x2 stage and would even wander down into the crowd to get some more space. The really good bands like ZZ and ACDC will adapt to the venue. That's what makes them so great :D
@@dramoth64I whole heartedly agree, mate! Stay stafe, your continent wants to kill ya.
"Vibes" is a VERY accurate ZZ Top description. The mix of blues, rock, beards and suits is truly only captured by ZZ Top.
You forgot the fuzzy (in tone and literal) guitars.
Taking the Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago,
Cheap Sunglasses,
Pearl Necklace,
Tush,
Planet of Women,
Legs,
Microwave Dinner,
ZZ Top is one of my all time favorites.
Guitar player here. The muffled sound is called a palm mute. It's achieved by resting the outside of the picking hand very lightly against the strings somewhere around the bridge while you pick the notes so you get the full tonal sound of the notes but the string is prevented from ringing out, creating the chunky muted effect. It's very common.
Ahhhhh, yes. Native Texan here.
NOW you’re talking music!!
Legendary Texas rock
I've tried to suggest Toadies as well hehe. Texas rock is so good
We all know what La Grange is too. 😂 "They got a Lotta nice girls.." Great song and band.
That "triplet rhythm" you're detecting is their signature Texas shuffle.
You've got to take a listen to "I'm Bad I'm Nationwide " from the same performance, excellent triplets!
Beer Drinkers, Hell Raisers = Billy & Dusty both belting out ; personal favorite and wild vocal color over stripped down trio, twofer Waiting on the Bus/Jesus just left Chicago.
Love your channel, so many favorite episodes - Dio, Pantera and Justin Hawkins exchange - * chef's kiss *
Keep up the great work!
This band was all about attitude and swagger. "I'm bad, I'm nationwide" is another good example! 😎
truth
Yes, that's one of my favorites of the 'newer' stuff😅
Always loved that about them. 😂
Great song to start ZZ Top with. Song is about a brothel on the outskirts of La Grange TX The irony about the beards is the drummer who doesn't have a beard is Frank Beard. Haw-haw-haw-haw
Other ZZ Too songs to check out: Tush, I'm Bad I'm Nationwide, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Gimmie All Your Loving, TV Dinners, Legs, Sharp Dressed Man.
The "Chicken Ranch" AKA.. the best little whorehouse in Texas
Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers is another that I would add to the list!
Somebody likes Eliminator! But yes these are great songs. I also love El Diablo and Mexican Blackbird.
I'm a sucker for Brown Sugar. LOVE that song.
I'm down for some Cheap Sunglasses.
More ZZ top please! They ruled MTV in the 80's! Bringing me back!
Billy gibbons has a sound in his fingers that is sensational - the little tweaks and variations are just what makes this a tune that I'll never get tired to listen to ....
“Sharp dressed man” and “legs” both videos are must watch!
Both videos are a hoot and a half.
"Sharp Dressed Man" always makes me think of this guy: ua-cam.com/video/ItZyaOlrb7E/v-deo.html
Great videos, but too commercial on the music. I will always love their pre MTV music the most.
@@Dave-sw2dm different taste
add newer works Pincushion and I Gotsta Get Paid
I was in college when Tres Hombres came out. I didn’t stop listening until I could play every song on that album. That’s how we learned songs 50 years ago, by ear and working it out.
You nailed it brother.😊
It did get tiring, lift needle, play , set needle down, play, listen, cus, lift needle & on & on until record turned grey.
So much easier to learn a song now
That's how I learned their tunes, sounding them out and MTV. Of course I never sounded like Billy and never had Dusty jammin with me. That was 40 years ago and I play it a lot better now.
Just for Elizabeth's blush factor, I would request ZZ Top's "Tube Snake Boogie"..... or "I Got The Six"
And I’ll throw in a “Pearl Necklace” if I may ;)
I always felt this band was twinned with Sid James... If you know your UK comedy, you know 😉
@@jon-paulfilkins7820 I saw a "Tiffin" cake in Co-op this morning. Had myself a little snigger and thought of Sid James.
Or Pearl Necklace
@chrismorey6592 "PEARL NECKLACE" AND "TUSH" WOULD BE A BLUSHING FOR ELIZABETH ALSO! 😊💓🔥🤘✌️
Love them. Childhood memories of watching MTV trying to figure out how they spun their guitars. So glad I was able to see them live when I got older.
I always assumed they were specially made, with spinners attached somehow
The lads look like they are having a really good time. It's fun watching friends have fun together!
That palm mute is how we achieve modern day breakdowns on guitar. Changed the game
Sometimes also referred to as heel-damping.
Modern day? More a 80s thing
@@RoyalDudeness Some folk still live in the 80's :)
not to mention, Billy is the Godfather of Pinch Harmonics
Yes, this was palm muting with the "heel" of the pick hand resting on top of the strings. She also mentioned harmonics, which is done with the edge of the thumb holding the pick.
ZZ Top's 'Eliminator' album may be one of the greatest albums of all time.
No doubt about that!
Oh, yeah. I remember, when MTV first started, the videos that ZZ T made for that album. Hot women, hot rods, and flamingo guitars. It doesn't get any better! ✌️
Used to listen to Eliminator while i mowed the lawn
That's a bold statement, my man! 😎
Eliminator was great but l actually prefer the older more bluesy stuff.
I went to a rock festival and ZZ Top was by far the coolest band I was able too. Such an Iconic band and style of music and performing!
RIP Dusty Hill
Just do the whole ZZ catalog. I’m here for it!
me as well
Me too!
How do you think she would react to tube snake boogie??? 😂
Or Down Brownie? Or Mexican Blackbird? Or Pin Cushion?
@@2hawt4hair or Pearl Necklace
They played together for over 50years. Seeing them facing each other, watching, feeling, hearing the music as they jam. I'm always in awe of the pure skill these 3 men showed us.
The excitement when I heard you were doing this song. The disappointment when I saw it wasn’t the studio version.
Elizabeth is all about the vocals and seeing the singer sing. Mechanically how they made the sounds. She will almost always go for a live performance.
Love, love,love your commentary even though, as a non musician I don’t understand even a little bit, it makes me realize and appreciate what great musicians bands like ZZ Top are!
Thank you so much! Love your show!
Many years ago, back in my band days, this was our closing song. We had a young hotshot guitar player and a crotchety old harmonica player. This song would bring down the house every time. Good old days...
Back when Van Halen was young new band, they used it, too!
My Head's in Mississippi oh, that's a song request btw
How about shocking her with "Pearl Necklace", her realizing what the lyrics mean and blushing would be worth it!
@@cmiles97x38 I would also love to see her face when she finds out that "La Grange" is about a "Chicken Ranch", and
that Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds were in the 1982 movie about it.
@@markschattefor6997 They gotta lotta nice girls there
My Heads in Mississippi and Fool for Your Stockings are both great!
Look, these dudes are legends. This is that Texas style that influenced so many. Billy is a phenom. Also, RIP Dusty. Dammit, I have bring back my beard now. Every time I watch ZZ Top I grow it out.
So do I.
Billy Gibbons credits the blues with so much of what he does and who he is. He and the band are the biggest supporters of the Delta Blues museum in Clarksdale MS and for years was a part of the big blues festival down in the Delta.
Watching this made me extremely sad because Dusty is gone. I am glad that ZZ continues on with Dusty's bass tech and continues to bring that Texas blues music to the masses but to me ZZ will always be Gibbon's, Hill, and Beard. Thank you Elizabeth for posting this. I love all your content especially the metal songs you post!
I hope that Dusty's cousin Hank has something good to say about him when the show starts back up.
I believe you are referring to "palm muting." That is when the player lightly mutes the strings with the side of their palm while continuing to play. Billy was a master at it and at pick or "pinch" harmonics, which is when you pinch your thumb and finger down to the end of the pick so you can pick the string then touch it with your thumb immediately after to create an artifical harmonic.
it's either palm or thumb muting, but yeah he's essentially choking those notes intentionally. could be thumb because he's always doing pinches too.
Yeah palm of right hand
Just expanding on this answer a bit:
In case it wasn't clear from the above comment, it's the palm of the picking hand that does the muting. Because it's only touching lightly and is close to the end of the string, it allows the pitch of the fretted note to come through but dampens some of the higher frequencies. Another good example of Palm muting is "Every Breath You Take" by The Police. The main riff that runs the the whole song is palm muted. Palm muting can also be used to for "chuggy" chord sounds, when applied to chords with lots of distortion. For example, in "Basket Case" by Green Day.
The strings can also be muted with the fretting hand, but generally doesn't give a clear pitch and is used more for percussive effects. There are ways to get fretted pitches while muting with the fretting hand, but it can be tricky to do and is much less common compared to palm muting.
Palm muting is also a very common technique in metal rhythm guitar playing.
He's using the side of his thumb off the peso he uses as a pick
Famously, when in the studio recording La Grange, Billy was unable to get the vocal he wanted. He laid on a studio sofa with a mic in front of him to practice different vocal styles. The vocal on the album is Billy singing the opening on his back almost under his breath!! One cool studio story.
And of course "No Beard's" Name....Frank Beard. Classic!!
Yeah, he was only 22 or something when they recorded it. Hard to believe, on the record he sounds like an old man who's lived in whiskey and cigarettes all his life, which is how he actually sounds now. Ironically he had to grow into the voice he recorded that song with.
In an interview the the producer of that album he stated that Billy took his shirt off and ran around the block 4 times in the middle of winter to get more gravel into his voice
Saw them play about 10-ish years ago at the Arizona state fair. One of my favorite performances I’ve seen live.
You should listed to the original studio recording! The is no comparison to the original that came out in every radio and bar in the USA 1973 and the best jamming song of the time! Playing foosball and listening to this song with a cold beer was it!
i was thinking the same - the original studio version on the album is much tighter and even more driving - that said this recording was great to hear (and see) once they got fully in the groove
I saw them play once in the 1980's somewhere near Leeds in England - the hot rod off the Eliminator album was helicoptered into the arena
Did someone say foosball? Takes me back to my jr high days in the mid 70's Had a couple friends get a table for Christmas. Group of buddies wore them out the next few years down in their basements listening to some of the best music ever made. We wouldn't stop playing until it was time to take our hourly trip to go out back by the pond and have a safety meeting 🤟👍🍻😘 no better feeling than hitting your fastest and hardest shot hearing that sound it made.
@@edparr4670 Safety meetings were imperative! I started college in ‘73 and in late ‘74 me and a friend opened up a Foosball hall in a small town north of Tulsa. I came back from campus every Friday and worked it through Sunday 5:00pm. Jammed to the local FM rock station and had a pretty good stereo system and had a nice album selection. I’ve never seen so many quarters, and was very fortunate to have had great success with it. Hell, we paid our rent with quarters ($125/month)! Had 8 Tornado tables and the weekend nights were killer! Have a great day and glad you were able to experience the 70’s!
@@stevesoutar3405 Cool, I got to see them in ‘74 in Amarillo, TX when they had no beards, though Billy had that 2-3 day look and they were just in their mid 20’s….crazy!
My fourth or fifth album was The Who, Live at Leeds! Still have it in the manilla folder album cover!
Back then, Frank was the only one with a beard.
You should definitely watch the documentary about them. It's fascinating how they met each other and meshed.
I got to see them shortly after this one exploded on the radio. I could not believe the solid wall of sound coming from just 3 people! All their songs are catchy and extremely gnarly :-) Nobody else has the ZZ sound.
One of my favorite albums! I like Beer Drinkers And Hell Raisers. Both Billy and Dusty sing on that song.
These guys are 70 years old when they did this live performance. At that g point, 50 years into it.
This is quintessential '70s rock & roll! It reminds me of musclecars, tube tops, and high school!
Tube Top!!!!!!! And Dolphin Shorts !!!!!! They need to have a comeback!!!!
Oh yeah!
I was a freshman in high school when Tres Hombres came out. I had a buddy who would only quote lines from their songs and it drove us crazy!
Hell yeah, riding around with good tunes on in my friends Challenger back in the day = great times.
You pretty much nailed it. It's called palm muting. Light enough that the sound is muted and not silenced, but also not light enough to get string harmonics. This is a song that I highly recommend for any beginner guitarist. So many techniques that you can learn from this and it's easily accessible since most of the phrasing is repeated in various transformations.
If I'm not mistaken, the idea to have a beard was done individually while they were on a music break. I believe Frank originally had one too, but didn't care for it. If you listen to their music history, there was a lot of soul searching going on when it comes to the band's sound.
Epic piece.
It’s great that music allows new discoveries ad infinitum.
I’ve done countless hours driving to these guys back in the day. Mail order CD and cassette greatest hits played over and over.
I was always partial to "Rough Boy" and enjoyed almost everything they played.
I love them soooo much, ZZ Top is the background music of my life. Thanks for your reaction!
Go down the rabbit hole with ZZ. NO DOUBT. so much fantastic music. "My Heads in Mississippi". Great song
I saw them live in 1972. This was their first tour of the US. No one knew anything about them. They were the opening act for Ramatan (rock band with female lead guitarist), and Humble Pie. They were amazing and blew everyone away. I have followed their music for over 50 years. They are an amazing band with tons on sound for a trio. RIP Dusty Hill you left us too soon.
Saw them live in London a few months ago. They still got it!! Elwood did a splendid job. RIP Dusty Hill.
Jesus Just Left Chicago is a great one.
My choice...
The ZZ Top documentary is on Prime and is a must-watch. I've seen it 10 times at least.
I grew up listening to ZZ Top and that album was released in 73. Being from Texas I grew up listening to ZZ Top this is one of my favorite albums.
Fun Fact: Lead singer Billy Gibbons had a recurring role on Bones as himself, who happened to be the dad of the forensic artist, Angela. They also had him playing "Sarge" in their retro dream episode "The 200th in the 10th," a spectacular homage to Hitchcock's "To Catch A Thief" to celebrate their 200-episode milestone.
Also, for a *seriously* decent instrumental cover of this song, check out Luna Lee. She manages to make her gayageums resonate just like ZZ Top's guitars and play the vocal lines as well. Amazing stuff.
I forgot Billy was Angela’s dad! Ha!
And Dusty was Hank Hill's cousin
Those were great episodes!
Bought my first ZZTop album in 75 and theyve made music for decades
Something just feels so right when you're playing ZZ Top and driving, like a caffeine shot right into the blood.
Don't forget to wear your cheap sunglasses for the release 😅
Guaranteed to add 10-15 mph or more to your cruise speed!
LOL!
@@billfolsom4203 Yes, its all still cool with ZZ Top when driving. And then the Free Bird starts playing.
Edit: But yeah, I have loved ZZ Top for the past 35 years or so.
Their public safety service song “Arrested for Driving While Blind” is fire.
Also a stick pin and tie tack. 😂 for that Sharp Dressed Man look to be complete.
I have seen ZZ Top many times in concert because it is an amazing experience. Their studio stuff is great, but nothing compares to them live.
19:30, it’s a palm mute where he puts his right hand slightly on top of the strings while he continues to pick with the same hand
7:00 - "Feels like it's all about attitude." Yep! THAT is ZZ Top. Attitude.
"I Thank You" for shedding soo much light on my understanding of the workings of music. And that classical training sure helps.
I see what you did there
They are legends and the comments are all on point.
Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers is personal favorite!
A great intro to ZZ Top... I can jam this bass line for hours and never tire of it. Jesus Just Left Chicago would be another of the many they've done. For another band, I'm gonna suggest Humble Pie's I don't Need No Doctor - the live Midnight Special version - it's amazing.
"Legs" needs to be next, and "Sharp Dressed Man" after that. Then, "Cheap Sunglasses" and "Waiting For The Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago".
Add in "Just Got Paid" for me, Jeff.
All good, Brother Man!
@@blakerbnsn Forgot about that one, but yes, a solid choice
If you do their music videos for those. Always entertaining.
@@blakerbnsn there's a live version from a set in Germany and it kicks.
How about some "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers"? That was then, today I'm ready for His return!
Motörhead did a decent cover of that one.
Live at Gruene Tx Hall is a killer venue, La Grange is great but “Jesus Just Left Chicago” I remember hearing 5yrs old n Uncle Gary gave me the Tres Hombres record cause I loved it
ZZ Top is so much fun in concert! Every time I've seen "That Lil Ole Band from Texas" I can't stop dancing!
As a guitar player, I can appreciate the flourishes, changeups and just plain driving chug of Dusty's bass on this version especially. Billy is an institution in the guitar world and Frank is just so damn good at beating skins. Three incredible musicians that have come together to become nothing short of transcendent in their music. They were my first concert and have supported and encouraged me my whole life through their talent. This was recorded in Gruene, TX at the Music Hall there. If I remember right it is the oldest in Texas and one of the oldest venues in the US.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.. SEÑORS Y SEÑORITAS... IT'S FIESTA TIME! IT IS MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE TO YOU, THAT LITTLE OL' BAND FROM TEXAS, ZZ TOP!
A blues shuffles beat, with a Texas blues/ rock and roll instrumentation to make a straight up rock and roll boogie with a blues bad boy attitude. Effortlessly cool, uniquely their own musical style. These guys are just masters of their style with Gibbons being such a guitar master that he has his own style and sound and doesn't sell to prove he can play the mess out of that thing but doesn't have to prove anything at all. He is acknowledged world wide as a guitar master but never "overplays" to prove it, just does what he wants with a confidence born of supreme skill and a style all his own. A trio of musical geniuses spearheaded by Mr Gibbons.
They broke out in 1974, as I recall. I had just finished medical school, and was entering my internship, a very high stress year. Their first album, with the single "Tush" played a role in helping dissipate my anguish. Billy is my age (now 75), still active, considered one of the greatest guitar players in the world. Dusty Hill is, sadly, dead. Billy consciously copied the style and vocalizations (how how how) of singers like Junior Kimbrough and other blues greats, and melded it all into the prevailing Tex-Mex environment they grew up in. Billy is a national treasure.
A bit earlier, in fact. ZZ Top's First Album was released in 1970. Rio Grande Mud followed in 1972. And Tres Hombres, which contains La Grange, came out in 1973.
Ironically, the one guy without a beard is named, Frank Beard.
😂
Bingo
It's about a pretty famous House of ilrepute in LaGrange. And the drummer is named Frank Beard. Really ironic.
There was a😅 12:20 Broadway play and a movie about it. "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas". The movie staring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton.
The "Establishment" had been in continuous operation for over 100 years before it was finally shut down. Thus the words in the song, "I might be mistaken."
Indeed. But it's "ill repute". Like, REPUTation.... Poor reputation.
Arcane fact- Austin may be claim to be the Live Music Capital of the World in the 21st century but THESE GUYS were playing our high school proms in SE TX circa 1970.
My nephew when he was little would laugh like crazy when he heard the beginning vocals on the studio version of that song. He thought that voice was so funny.
Over 50 years with the same line-up, RIP Mr Dusty Hill 😞
"Jesus Just Left Chicago" would be a good track to check out next - VERY laid back and bluesy!
Ah, ZZ Top! So many great songs from them (including this one of course). I recommend “Cheap Sunglasses”, “Sharp Dressed Man”, and “Legs”.
Tush
I first heard this in the late seventies. It's what got me into ZZ Top.