ZZ TOP
XXX
Producer(s): Billy F. Gibbons, Lone Wolf Production
RCA 67850
Genre: POP
SPOTLIGHT
Originally reviewed for week ending 10/16/99

The title of ZZ Top's new album could be a reference to any number of 
things, including a rating for a particular type of film, a brand of beer, 
or the number of years the band has been together. Whatever the reason, 
"XXX" finds ZZ Top responsible for a great, greasy, and gritty record for 
the millennium's end. Featuring eight new studio recordings and four live 
tracks, the album marks a return to form for the hirsute trio. The live 
material includes three new tracks (a cover of the Elvis Presley chestnut 
"[Let Me Be Your] Teddy Bear," "Hey Mr. Millionaire," "Belt Buckle") and 
one ZZ Top classic ("Pincushion," from the album "Antenna"). Of the new 
studio tracks, "Fearless Boogie" is currently being embraced by mainstream 
rock radio. But be warned: the barroom zeal of this track is not wholly 
indicative of the album. That said, radio should be fair to the band (it's 
been 30 years, after all!) and support a track like the truly pathfinding 
"Poke Chop Sandwich." In the meantime, don't let the beards fool ya'. "That 
little ol' band from Texas" is only growin' one way: tighter.


Can be found at: 
http://www.billboard.com/reviews/afreviewdisplay.asp?artist=ZZ+TOP&title=XXX

* Thanks to Trond Ivar Midthaug for sending in the review