This is what I love about rock and roll. This is some guy who I just discovered a month ago who just sits in his room and talks but I could listen to him talk about his album rankings for hours on end and find it just as fulfilling and entertaining as watching a movie. That's how you know this is the best genre.
As a teenager in the 80's video age, Eliminator was my introduction to ZZ Top. I went crazy for the band. I joined the ZZ Top fan club and started reading up on the history of the band. I decided to venture into the past of the band and discovered the early catalog and loved it. All this happened between the release of Eliminator and Afterburner. From there, nothing could compare to the 70's catalog.
I had just the same experience like you. As a european I was totally unaware of their earlier career before Eliminitor. And now I couldn't live without their early stuff
I'm first and foremost into Extreme Metal, especially Death Metal, but this channel motivates me to dig into classic rock/hard rock/heavy metal in a way I never did before. Two thumbs up.
agree with ya to me tejas is as good as any album with those cool grooves.a very underrated Z.Z.Top album.It's probably the album I play the most or close to.
Yes, love this track. That's what I love about this band, they were able to go beyond the mere boogie rock. And each album has its own character. Unique band.
Thank you Pete for being apologetic about the use of those words. Most youtubers would have a "deal with it" attitude about it. That's a very respectful, honorable and humble response.
I know you disagree, Pete, but having listened to your favorite ZZ Top album, I still consider 'Rough Boy' to be their finest song. It's so honest and original and real. It's so beautiful and individual. I love this song.
7:16 I'll never get sick of the tune and video Sharp Dressed Man. It is wayyy too badass! Especially Billy's riffs and soloing. Same goes for Legs and Gimme All Your Lovin. Absolutely killer! Plus totally hot gals in the videos. Yeah MTV played em to death but somehow I never let that ruin the fact of how amazing these tracks are.
I discovered ZZTop with Eliminator when I was 9 years old. My grandma bought me the record, so it holds a special place. Now I’m in my 40s and prefer the 70s stuff.
Another great ranking. I grew up on Eliminator and Afterburner and only got into the old stuff within the past few years. Found the 6 pack album that has the first 5 albums and the 7th. All amazing material. Definitely need to pick up more.
Have You Heard? and Just Got Back From Baby’s and Arrested For Drivin’...are my three favorite ZZ songs. The first five records were spectacular. I remember hearing Arrested for the first time, driving between Raleigh, NC and Cumberland, Md. Somewhere around Rockville, I heard that tune on DC101 for the first time, and had to pull off the road because it hit me so hard. You’ve got a great channel, mio amigo.
I've been meaning to listen to more ZZ Top for quite some time. SO many albums and SO many deep cuts, it's about damn time I listened past "Tush" and "La Grange"
4:38 I'm completely opposite of you Pete when it comes to records with lots of songs. I love when bands go nuts creatively, and are prolific songwriting wise. It's real. They're messing around in the studio jammin and getting off on the new stuff for themselves. I dig that. Self indulgence is GOOD. I love double albums too. I wanna hear the experiments. I wanna hear where they're taking it all. It's an adventure with every tune. I couldn't care less if the tunes are big hits or not. Sometimes it's just the chemistry and sound of the 3 guys playing together that is enough to satisfy me as a fan. But hey that's just me. The more songs the merrier 😎😎😎😎😎
Great review as usual. These reviews are making me dig out my copies and really enjoying them again. They're also costing me cash as I'm ordering something after every review!! 👍
Love all the ZZ Top stuff! As for the lengthier latter day albums, I don't mind em. Simply for the fact of how much time passes between most of the albums from veteran bands! Lol I'll take all I can get whenever I can get it! Gives me more to dig into until the next one arrives. 🤘
For me the first album is the tops by far. I grew up in the 70’s in the triangle between Houston, Dallas and Austin where this band emerged. The Moving Side Walks (precursor to ZZ Top) played at our High school prom. When that first album came out it perfectly encapsulated the very best of the Texas blues rock scene at that time and place.
I got afterburner for my birthday, when I was 13. I told my Grandma I like this band when i was riding with her to the store.and she just bought me afterburner. This was 1999. Im not sure why she chose that. But I thought it was pretty cool.
"Tres Hombres" is in my top 10 records of all time. Opening the record with that string of songs is freaking rare. I think maybe only the "Joshua Tree" did something like that. Incredible.
Watched many of your videos and dig them. I don't always agree but your perspective is always very interesting. You a lot when you talk, but that's a lot less annoying than people that say "y'know" every other word. Keep up the good work Pete!
The concert had ZZ Top, Uriah Heap and Earth Wind and Fire. My friend had ZZ's first album and that is who we went to see, but the whole venue was great.
Great Video. I first got to know zztop in the 80s. That's why I also like Afterburner and Recycler. I especially like Tres Hombres and Fandango from the early albums. Eliminator is my favorite.
When I heard Just Got Paid way back in the day I was hooked. Got to see the Fandango tour for..are you ready? $5:00!! Crazy how things have changed RIP Dusty
Love your top 3. Unforgettable period for ZZ. Heard Tres Hombes before the first two but immediately added all 3 after seeing them as an opening band.This three man wrecking crew blew me away- the fastest guitar playing I had ever seen. They did a number that ended up counting to 1.2.3 BLOW YOUR TOP. Swore I could see smoke coming off Billy’s guitar. To this day, I have forgotten who was headlining that night in Richmond,Va. I’m certain they wished they had never agreed to follow “The Little Ole Band From Texas” Believe it was sometime in ‘73, no later than ‘74. Saw again same venue 10 years later.after Dusty and BFG had gone from fairly clean shaven cowboys to their signature 2ft. long beards. Of course by then they had become touring monsters. Had become polished with a few theatrical gimmicks to the show. That night their opening act was completely discounted as forgotten faster than you could say Afterburner.
1st concert I ever saw, June of 1974 Long Beach Arena, California. (Tres Hombres tour). Brownsville Station, Black Oak Arkansas, and ZZ Top. Remember it clearly. No beards back then... My top 5 1) Tres Hombres 2) Rio Grande Mud 3) Deguello 4) First Album 5) Fandango
I really enjoyed this video! Although, I"m a little late....3 years late. lol Couldn't agree with you more about Tres Hombres. It's my favorite ZZ Top album. All the songs are insanely great but Sheik is what really does it for me. Tres Hombres is a top 10 all time all around favorite of mine!...maybe even top 5. Great vid! Thanks!
ZZ Top is my favorite blues rock band. Also can you do a KISS ranking (involving the Ace, Paul, Gene, and Peter 78 solo albums) and AC/DC ranking anytime soon?😁
My Top 10 ZZ albums are: 1. Tres Hombres 2. Fandango 3. Rio Grande Mud 4. Deguello 5. First Album 6. El Loco 7. Eliminator 8. Tejas 9. Mescalero 10. XXX. I started listening to ZZ right after the Tres Hombres album in 1973 and have been a huge fan ever since. I love your Ranking the Albums shows! Keep up the great work.
They were in my collection since 1972 Rio Grande Mud and I went back to buy the first album that I had missed. So once again a band I grew up with and grew along with, so that is what fuels my assessments. And I agree with your notion that the CD age made them release albums that were too long. Their point was short excellent focused songs with that special guitar tone. 1. Tres Hombres (agree with every word you say, whoever sequenced the album was a genius, it builds and builds while starting at such a high level already...) 2. Tejas 3. First Album (I discovered the band with Rio Grande Mud and liked them so much I went immediately to buy their first one, and that was even better) 4. Deguello 5. Rio Grande Mud 6. Eliminator 7. El Loco 8. Fandango 9. Recycler 10. Afterburner 11. Antenna 12. Rhythmeen 13. Mescalero (Sorry, when guys get older they do the blues...slow blues...but I do not need ZZ Top for such stuff - same is true for Rhythmeen.) 14. La Futura 15. XXX
I totally agree with your top picks Pete. And Eliminator as well. I think that we all enjoy your top ten, and ranking the albums shows. Now, whenever you can get around to it, do shows for the following: Moody Blues, Alan Parsons Project, Bob Seger, Metallica, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac. I'm sure there are more that I can't think of right now, but I'm sure you know of some. All my favorite music and bands or artist was from the 60's & 70's. And I just thought of a two more: Judas Priest, Scorpions, So , in your time man. I'm looking forward to seeing more shows. love you dude.
1) Deguello (1979) 2) Tres Hombres (1973) 3) Tejas (1976) 5) Fandango! (1975) 6) ZZ Tops First Album (1971) 7) Eliminator (1983) 8) El Loco (1981) 9) Rio Grande Mud (1972) 10) AfterBurner (1985)
Love all of them but for some reason I keep coming back to El Loco, just works great as an album for me, song after song. God damn, I love that little ol band from Texas!
Have every ZZTop album. Love their “ tongue and cheek funny lyrics. Songs remind you of a time or event in your life. Senior year nov 79 / five mins after getting my license New York FM radio played Cheap Sunglasses. Tremendous song. Tres Hombres. Is a album every song unreal. Number 1. 2-3-4-5. Any order. ZZ Top first album. Deguello (79). Fandango. Tejas. But. I actually like A lot of Recycler and Afterburner. Tremendous show PETE. Safe Travels.
I subbed yesterday and a band randomly popped up in the suggestion box. They do covers of huge songs, like war pigs, but with their own spin. I have immediately become obsessed. Give them a spin they are called “The Main Squeeze”
This is such a good video I had no choice but to subscribe to your channel. Only days ago in my mind I was trying to decide in which order I would rank the work of ZZ Top. In my opinion, you nailed it!
Pete! Awesome list! My favorites simply all from the 70ties! In my mind just for me they are the best! From 90ties and last Cd is good too! The 80ties I liked that they became so famous as I love the Band but there are only a couple of tunes for me! This is the way it is for me and I don't apologize for it! You do great work man! I enjoy a lot of your videos like on Deep Purple and Black Sabbath etc. for example! 🎸🎸🎸🎸
I've only ever had *Eliminator, Afterburner, Recycler,* and *Antenna.* I love them all, especially *Eliminator* although I never, ever have to hear "Legs" ever again. (As a matter of fact, I hope I don't.) However, I love the big early hits, such as Waiting For The Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago, LaGrange, Cheap Sunglasses, and I'm Bad I'm Nationwide. I've just never had those albums. Great show as always, Pete!! 👍🏻
Like many watching this, I was introduced to ZZ Top in the 80s thanks to MTV and the trio of music videos for the songs off Eliminator, so I have a soft spot for that album. Having said that, it’s their 70s output that makes them the great band that they are. I definitely need to dive into that era of music.
Another good one!, Pete! I found myself re-discovery the 90's Antenna and Rhythmeen, some great riffs!! love Gibbons tone at this time. I became a fan , after a friends older brother played me Fandango! and i heard the BLUES for the first time BLUE JEAN BLUES! around 1978/ 79. Eliminator was everywhere. My high school buddy played it NON STOP in his Monte Carlo tape player. Only tape he ever played. They are coming in concert here in June. but a back row floor ticket is over $75.00 Nosebleed seats in the balcony are $100. I just dont know....to hear their "big hits".
My Top 15 ZZ Top Albums. 15. Recycler 14. Afterburner 13. Eliminator 12. XXX 11. Antenna 10. La Futura 9. Mescalero 8. Rythmeen 7. Duguello 6. Tejas 5. El Loco 4. ZZ Top's First Album 3. Rio Grande Mud 2. Tres Hombres 1. Fandango! Took Some Time, getting into that Debut Album.
1) Tres Hobres 2) Deguello 3) Fandango 4) Rio Grande Mud 5) Eliminator 6) Tejas 7) EL Loco 8) Rythymeen 9)LaFutura 10) First Album 11) Mescalero 12 ) Antenna 13)Recycler 14) Afterburner Just love zz top !!
ZZ is my favorite band. As much as I love the early stuff, Rhythmeen is my favorite album. I dig every single track. Least favorite is Mescalero. That album surprised me because I really didn't care for much of anything on it--and I like just about everything else they've done over their 50 years of playing and recording together, including the 80s stuff. Check out Billy's latest solo project, Big Blues Band--fantastic gut-bucket electric blues and blues rock.
Agree mostly with your comments on Eliminator, but I'm surprised you didn't mention the track I Need You Tonight. It's just an epic slow blues with delay and distortion, an absolute masterpiece.
Hello. New subscriber here. Do you have any videos about Little Feat or Paul Butterfield? Would be cool to see you rank their albums. Very underrated/underappreciated musicians IMO Thanks for doing ZZ Top 👍
RE: too many songs - I think the (original) death of vinyl in the 90s had a really damaging effect on the album as an artform. Albums were better when artists and producers had to limit themselves to about 40 minutes.
..so agree , would rather have quality over quantity...the tyranny of the lp , which i prefer , caused an enormous amount of crap to be recorded and released to an unsuspecting audience , lol...perhaps best-ofs and live albums excepted...
I knew and loved them since their first album. They were completely unknown in Germany at that time. But I think the purists tend to underrate Eliminator and the other 80s stuff. Very difficult to make a rating: 1 Degüello + Tejas + Eliminator, 2 Tres Hombres + First Album + Rio Grande Mud, 3 El Loco + Rhythmeen + (Afterburner, Mescalero, Antenna …). Usually totally underrated are Mescalero, Rhythmeen, Afterburner and XXX.
@@ginoferiante7140 I understand a bit, but, "true" rock really came into its own in the 70's with the advent of amplification systems and distorted guitars and amps. I have NOTHING against 60's rock, but it was still mostly still finding its legs throughout the decade, not knowing whether to stay true to its rockabilly origins, or go all in with the blues rock American "dirty", not safe for your mutha and daddy, rock.
Yeah, I hear you. Technology definitely improved and strides were made into prog rock and blues rock kept growing. But bands like Cream, the Yardbirds, the Stones, the Beatles, the Band, Janis Joplin, and especially Jimi Hendrix are where it's at for me. But I think I know what you mean- Physical Graffiti has a more diverse mix of sounds and textures than their 60s albums. And bands like Rush and Aerosmith perfected "arena rock" It's all killer. I love Jeff Becks 70s albums as much as I love Truth, but then again I love his stuff from the 21st century, too. Music is magic...
Ha ha the more I think about your original comment the more I agree with it. I guess just personally I like the pioneer aspect of the 60s. But thats just what it was. The 70s was the apex of the rock era.
Pete's CD Vinyl World I’m English but live in Lucca, Italy. I am convinced that American swearing has its origins in Italian parolacce, brought over from il bel paese by Italian immigrants. If you translate from Italian to American English, the phrases used are all pretty much identical. British English swearing is completely different, coming from Protestant rather than Catholic origins.
I agree for the most part with your list. I’d rank Afternurner a little higher. I rank the first 2 albums at the top, fill Wed by Deguello at #3 and Tres Hombes #4.
Just put in an order for some original pressings of "Deguello," "Rio Grande Mud" and "Tres Hombres" this morning. ZZ Top and Bill Ham put together some of the greatest overdub stacks ever, and I've found with other dub-heavy albums that the soundstage and how they all fit together is only fully audible on the old LPs. I'll be listening to them along with Led Zeppelin and the first 3-4 Steely Dan albums as my band gets ready to go into a real studio for the first time. Pray for us
Hey Pete. Just started listening a month or so after returning from a deployment. I really enjoy your reviews, dont always agree with some rankings but overall I'd say we are 85% agreeable. I am 57 so I grew up with the same music you did and I was a ZZ fan way back I have to say that I really did like both Afterburner and Eliminator although I get your ranking. They are different from the earlier ZZ releases and seem to go off track. I'd say they are similar to comparing early Judas Priest to say Turbo. Anyway love what you and appreciate how you dont trash what you are not fond of knowing that some out there can get easily offended. Keep going man, like in Toy Story you have a fan in me.
XXX is 30 years as ZZ TOP. They started in 1969 and XXX was released in 1999. Every time I turn our local Classic Rock station on I will hear Gimme All Your Lovin’ or Sharp Dressed Man within a few moments. Legs not as often. Used to be Tush and La Grange and sometimes Cheap Sunglasses. Love the Wurlitzer piano on that.
1. Eliminator (for the sound of "I need you tonight") 2. Degüello (first ZZ track I ever heard was I thank you, and it blew me away) 3. Antenna (best of the "newer" albums, Pincushion", "Fuzzbox Voodoo") 4. Mescalero (title song, Me so Stupid) 5. Tres Hombres
This is what I love about rock and roll. This is some guy who I just discovered a month ago who just sits in his room and talks but I could listen to him talk about his album rankings for hours on end and find it just as fulfilling and entertaining as watching a movie. That's how you know this is the best genre.
I discovered this guy last year. I watch his channel so much my wife calls him my best friend 😀
Same here! I discovered him a week ago and can't stop watching! ... though he chose one of my favourite ZZ top albums as his least fave☹️
well said
Amen to that Brother! Great show and really cool host.
@@martintrottaaiello5367 Really? Afterburner was a complete rehash of Eliminator!
First album is so underrated. Absolutely love it. I would agree with your top five. Love the 70’s Top.
As a teenager in the 80's video age, Eliminator was my introduction to ZZ Top. I went crazy for the band. I joined the ZZ Top fan club and started reading up on the history of the band. I decided to venture into the past of the band and discovered the early catalog and loved it. All this happened between the release of Eliminator and Afterburner. From there, nothing could compare to the 70's catalog.
I remember being surprised they had so much earlier stuff! My sisters were into El Loco, so I knew that, but was happy to learn about the rest!!
Dave
Great story bro. Discovery is a beautiful thing
I had just the same experience like you. As a european I was totally unaware of their earlier career before Eliminitor. And now I couldn't live without their early stuff
Right on. 1970's are the best. I started to listen to them around 1977 age 12. Stopped in 1983 the MTV years.
I'm first and foremost into Extreme Metal, especially Death Metal, but this channel motivates me to dig into classic rock/hard rock/heavy metal in a way I never did before.
Two thumbs up.
I like a lot of Black Metal, but I also like Genesis. Go figure. :)
@@gwts1171 I haven't dived into Genesis, not yet at least, but if they did "Mama" I at least dig one of their songs. Heard it in GTA IV.
@@Slayer78 yes, Genesis released song "Mama"
Tejas is without doubt my favorite. Snappie Kakkie alone. Love the album from start to finish. Fantastic grooves.
agree with ya to me tejas is as good as any album with those cool grooves.a very underrated Z.Z.Top album.It's probably the album I play the most or close to.
eliminator is amazing! this album brings you back to 80s: aerobics, arcade, bright color elements, track jacket, you name it..
😄👍
I saw ZZ the 1st time in March 1975. They played 55minutes. Best concert I've ever seen. That summer Fandango! came out. Great album.
"Asleep in the Desert" such a priceless gem along with the Tejas LP and all of the others! :P \m/
amazing song Jeff Young
The groove of 10 dollar Man
another great song
Yes, love this track. That's what I love about this band, they were able to go beyond the mere boogie rock. And each album has its own character. Unique band.
I bought that box set on your recommendation and now I am HOOKED on ZZ Top. Love it! Thanks for the great content as always.
It's so relaxing and comforting to listen to you talking about music. Keep It up, greetings from Italy.
What I need is a ranking of the UFO-Albums... PLEASE!!!
Lights Out is my personal favorite. Love UFO, although I really only listen to the Schenker stuff.
@@ginoferiante7140 Chains Chains from the Wild, Willing and Innocent.
Thank you Pete for being apologetic about the use of those words. Most youtubers would have a "deal with it" attitude about it. That's a very respectful, honorable and humble response.
I was really impressed by that too.
Huge zz top fan here. This video came out on my birthday!
I am with you Pete I love the debut!!! So good, so raw, just a trio jamming in a room and the songs are killer!
I know you disagree, Pete, but having listened to your favorite ZZ Top album, I still consider 'Rough Boy' to be their finest song. It's so honest and original and real. It's so beautiful and individual. I love this song.
7:16 I'll never get sick of the tune and video Sharp Dressed Man. It is wayyy too badass! Especially Billy's riffs and soloing. Same goes for Legs and Gimme All Your Lovin. Absolutely killer! Plus totally hot gals in the videos. Yeah MTV played em to death but somehow I never let that ruin the fact of how amazing these tracks are.
they have SO many great albums. Mindblowing!
I discovered ZZTop with Eliminator when I was 9 years old. My grandma bought me the record, so it holds a special place. Now I’m in my 40s and prefer the 70s stuff.
I like the 70's stuff better, but Eliminator is still stellar!
Damn your grandma sounds pretty cool
"Brown Sugar" from the 1st Album is my favorite Song too. Love your show! Greetings from Germany!
Another great ranking. I grew up on Eliminator and Afterburner and only got into the old stuff within the past few years. Found the 6 pack album that has the first 5 albums and the 7th. All amazing material. Definitely need to pick up more.
Tres hombres their greatest album ever, absolutely loaded with classics. Master of sparks will always be my favorite. song.
Great Video Pete. Love this band.
1. Tres Hombres
2. Eliminator
3. Deguello
4. Fandango
5. Afterburner
The Lizard King Channel Great list Peter.Great choice for number 1.
Have You Heard? and Just Got Back From Baby’s and Arrested For Drivin’...are my three favorite ZZ songs.
The first five records were spectacular.
I remember hearing Arrested for the first time, driving between Raleigh, NC and Cumberland, Md.
Somewhere around Rockville, I heard that tune on DC101 for the first time, and had to pull off the road because it hit me so hard.
You’ve got a great channel, mio amigo.
I've been meaning to listen to more ZZ Top for quite some time. SO many albums and SO many deep cuts, it's about damn time I listened past "Tush" and "La Grange"
This makes me want to pop on my Deguello LP!
4:38 I'm completely opposite of you Pete when it comes to records with lots of songs. I love when bands go nuts creatively, and are prolific songwriting wise. It's real. They're messing around in the studio jammin and getting off on the new stuff for themselves. I dig that. Self indulgence is GOOD. I love double albums too. I wanna hear the experiments. I wanna hear where they're taking it all. It's an adventure with every tune. I couldn't care less if the tunes are big hits or not. Sometimes it's just the chemistry and sound of the 3 guys playing together that is enough to satisfy me as a fan. But hey that's just me. The more songs the merrier 😎😎😎😎😎
Great review as usual. These reviews are making me dig out my copies and really enjoying them again. They're also costing me cash as I'm ordering something after every review!! 👍
5 - Rio Grande Mud
4 - Tres Hombres
3 - Afterburner
2 - Deguello
1 - Eliminator
@rj zander incorrect
Love all the ZZ Top stuff! As for the lengthier latter day albums, I don't mind em. Simply for the fact of how much time passes between most of the albums from veteran bands! Lol I'll take all I can get whenever I can get it! Gives me more to dig into until the next one arrives. 🤘
For me the first album is the tops by far. I grew up in the 70’s in the triangle between Houston, Dallas and Austin where this band emerged. The Moving Side Walks (precursor to ZZ Top) played at our High school prom. When that first album came out it perfectly encapsulated the very best of the Texas blues rock scene at that time and place.
Again, the 70's dominate.
MBonfire1 Best ever decade!
Hell yeah.....!!!
I think the correct phrase to describe the ‘70s is ‘the dog’s bollocks’.
Patrick, don't ever offend dog lovers! Just kidding :-)
Tejas
Great to hear some love for Rhymeen! My fav. Apparently not Frank on drums. Killer album.
I got afterburner for my birthday, when I was 13. I told my Grandma I like this band when i was riding with her to the store.and she just bought me afterburner. This was 1999. Im not sure why she chose that. But I thought it was pretty cool.
Hey Pete, love your channel. Thanks for covering these Texas fellers! Good ranking.
"Tres Hombres" is in my top 10 records of all time.
Opening the record with that string of songs is freaking rare. I think maybe only the "Joshua Tree" did something like that. Incredible.
Hi-Infidelity by REO Speedwagon and Thriller by Michael Jackson.
Watched many of your videos and dig them. I don't always agree but your perspective is always very interesting. You a lot when you talk, but that's a lot less annoying than people that say "y'know" every other word. Keep up the good work Pete!
THE MIGHTY ZZ TOP !!!! Heavy Texas Blues Rock at it's Best... their catalog during the 70s stands up to anyones !!!
Finally going to see ZZ Top this year!!
Saw ZZ Top in Binghamton NY in the early '70s playing their 1st album and have been a fan since,
The concert had ZZ Top, Uriah Heap and Earth Wind and Fire. My friend had ZZ's first album and that is who we went to see, but the whole venue was great.
This was Phil Lynott's favorite band.
"Deguello" I need to get that one on vinyl!
@SabuPtolemy yes listen to
"Bad Habits". It sounds almost identical to "Pearl Necklace". Phil and Billy Gibbons should've started a band together.
I would agree with you on Afterburner except…it has one of the best ZZ Top songs ever: Stages. LOVE that tune! 🤘
Agree with what, it’s nowhere near the worst, 99% of people will tell you that
As a kid who grew-up in the 70s-born in 64) your top six are spot on. You nailed it. Rock on brother. Semper Fi.
Great Video. I first got to know zztop in the 80s. That's why I also like Afterburner and Recycler. I especially like Tres Hombres and Fandango from the early albums. Eliminator is my favorite.
When I heard Just Got Paid way back in the day I was hooked. Got to see the Fandango tour for..are you ready? $5:00!! Crazy how things have changed RIP Dusty
Love your top 3. Unforgettable period for ZZ. Heard Tres Hombes before the first two but immediately added all 3 after seeing them as an opening band.This three man wrecking crew blew me away- the fastest guitar playing I had ever seen. They did a number that ended up counting to 1.2.3 BLOW YOUR TOP. Swore I could see smoke coming off Billy’s guitar. To this day, I have forgotten who was headlining that night in Richmond,Va. I’m certain they wished they had never agreed to follow “The Little Ole Band From Texas” Believe it was sometime in ‘73, no later than ‘74. Saw again same venue 10 years later.after Dusty and BFG had gone from fairly clean shaven cowboys to their signature 2ft. long beards. Of course by then they had become touring monsters. Had become polished with a few theatrical gimmicks to the show. That night their opening act was completely discounted as forgotten faster than you could say Afterburner.
Awesome channel🤘🤘🤘. Another dork like me! Oh how I love music !!
Wow... Pete totally nailed on that heard it on the X ruff 😀... Awesome Video...
Now I have to revisit some old ZZ Top! ;)
Their 1970's work is truly amazing
Pete ! You’re great ! I love your enthousiasme !!
Hey Pete, keep up the great work!!! All of us are a work in progress!!!
I like em all...and thanks for turning me on to that killer box set Pete, I've got it in my shopping cart!!
"Degüello" was the first, I ever heard and is still my absolute #1
1st concert I ever saw, June of 1974 Long Beach Arena, California. (Tres Hombres tour). Brownsville Station, Black Oak Arkansas, and ZZ Top. Remember it clearly. No beards back then...
My top 5
1) Tres Hombres
2) Rio Grande Mud
3) Deguello
4) First Album
5) Fandango
Little Band From Texas ZZTOP My Favorite Band And Wrote Lot Good Songs And you Have Great Day 👍🏼😀
You've shown me a lot of valuable music.. Thank you Pete.
Saw them on Tres hombres tour just incredible. Saw them many times will never forget that one.😁🎸
I really enjoyed this video! Although, I"m a little late....3 years late. lol Couldn't agree with you more about Tres Hombres. It's my favorite ZZ Top album. All the songs are insanely great but Sheik is what really does it for me. Tres Hombres is a top 10 all time all around favorite of mine!...maybe even top 5. Great vid! Thanks!
ZZ Top is my favorite blues rock band.
Also can you do a KISS ranking (involving the Ace, Paul, Gene, and Peter 78 solo albums) and AC/DC ranking anytime soon?😁
My Top 10 ZZ albums are: 1. Tres Hombres 2. Fandango 3. Rio Grande Mud 4. Deguello 5. First Album 6. El Loco 7. Eliminator 8. Tejas 9. Mescalero 10. XXX.
I started listening to ZZ right after the Tres Hombres album in 1973 and have been a huge fan ever since.
I love your Ranking the Albums shows! Keep up the great work.
They were in my collection since 1972 Rio Grande Mud and I went back to buy the first album that I had missed. So once again a band I grew up with and grew along with, so that is what fuels my assessments. And I agree with your notion that the CD age made them release albums that were too long. Their point was short excellent focused songs with that special guitar tone.
1. Tres Hombres (agree with every word you say, whoever sequenced the album was a genius, it builds and builds while starting at such a high level already...)
2. Tejas
3. First Album (I discovered the band with Rio Grande Mud and liked them so much I went immediately to buy their first one, and that was even better)
4. Deguello
5. Rio Grande Mud
6. Eliminator
7. El Loco
8. Fandango
9. Recycler
10. Afterburner
11. Antenna
12. Rhythmeen
13. Mescalero (Sorry, when guys get older they do the blues...slow blues...but I do not need ZZ Top for such stuff - same is true for Rhythmeen.)
14. La Futura
15. XXX
Mescalero is my number one.
Grew up with the 70s stuff. Rediscovered 80s ZZ in the 90s. I like those albums even more than the blues stuff.
I totally agree with your top picks Pete. And Eliminator as well. I think that we all enjoy your top ten, and ranking the albums shows. Now, whenever you can get around to it, do shows for the following: Moody Blues, Alan Parsons Project, Bob Seger, Metallica, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac. I'm sure there are more that I can't think of right now, but I'm sure you know of some. All my favorite music and bands or artist was from the 60's & 70's. And I just thought of a two more: Judas Priest, Scorpions, So , in your time man. I'm looking forward to seeing more shows. love you dude.
Great ranking of your ranking ZZ Top!🎤🎸🎵🥁
1) Deguello (1979)
2) Tres Hombres (1973)
3) Tejas (1976)
5) Fandango! (1975)
6) ZZ Tops First Album (1971)
7) Eliminator (1983)
8) El Loco (1981)
9) Rio Grande Mud (1972)
10) AfterBurner (1985)
Love all of them but for some reason I keep coming back to El Loco, just works great as an album for me, song after song.
God damn, I love that little ol band from Texas!
Have every ZZTop album. Love their “ tongue and cheek funny lyrics. Songs remind you of a time or event in your life. Senior year nov 79 / five mins after getting my license New York FM radio played Cheap Sunglasses. Tremendous song. Tres Hombres. Is a album every song unreal. Number 1. 2-3-4-5. Any order. ZZ Top first album. Deguello (79). Fandango. Tejas. But. I actually like A lot of Recycler and Afterburner. Tremendous show PETE. Safe Travels.
Spot on choices Pete!! Hello from New Zealand
I subbed yesterday and a band randomly popped up in the suggestion box. They do covers of huge songs, like war pigs, but with their own spin. I have immediately become obsessed. Give them a spin they are called “The Main Squeeze”
This is such a good video I had no choice but to subscribe to your channel. Only days ago in my mind I was trying to decide in which order I would rank the work of ZZ Top. In my opinion, you nailed it!
Pete! Awesome list! My favorites simply all from the 70ties! In my mind just for me they are the best! From 90ties and last Cd is good too! The 80ties I liked that they became so famous as I love the Band but there are only a couple of tunes for me! This is the way it is for me and I don't apologize for it! You do great work man! I enjoy a lot of your videos like on Deep Purple and Black Sabbath etc. for example! 🎸🎸🎸🎸
That's it...I'm going to buy the remastered CD box of their early albums. 🌵
Afterburner is my favorite next to Recycler as far as recent albums. Deguello and Tres Hombres are my classic favorites.
Mine too, nowhere their worst, he should re do this video, it really bugs me that he put it last
Totally agree with your assessment of the 1st album. Absolutely love it!
I was at the Fandango concert " The Warehouse " in New Orleans, Louisiana what a Fantastic show
My Top 5:
1. Degüello
2. Rio Grande Mud
3. First Album
4. Fandango
5. Tejas
I can't put Tres Hombres in it. That album is off limits.
Why is tres hombres off limits?
Too good and powerful to be messed with, messing with gods have serious consequences.
@@XenoMorphGaming79 oh okay then...*summons Dio and Lemmy*
Totally agree on Rhythmeen. Definitely one of my favorites of their albums. I love Antenna also.
I've only ever had *Eliminator, Afterburner, Recycler,* and *Antenna.* I love them all, especially *Eliminator* although I never, ever have to hear "Legs" ever again. (As a matter of fact, I hope I don't.) However, I love the big early hits, such as Waiting For The Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago, LaGrange, Cheap Sunglasses, and I'm Bad I'm Nationwide. I've just never had those albums. Great show as always, Pete!! 👍🏻
Like many watching this, I was introduced to ZZ Top in the 80s thanks to MTV and the trio of music videos for the songs off Eliminator, so I have a soft spot for that album. Having said that, it’s their 70s output that makes them the great band that they are. I definitely need to dive into that era of music.
Another good one!, Pete! I found myself re-discovery the 90's Antenna and Rhythmeen, some great riffs!! love Gibbons tone at this time. I became a fan , after a friends older brother played me Fandango! and i heard the BLUES for the first time BLUE JEAN BLUES! around 1978/ 79. Eliminator was everywhere. My high school buddy played it NON STOP in his Monte Carlo tape player. Only tape he ever played. They are coming in concert here in June. but a back row floor ticket is over $75.00 Nosebleed seats in the balcony are $100. I just dont know....to hear their "big hits".
The first six ZZ Top albums will always be the best, IMO.
Right on 🤜🤛. 1970-1979 is my personal favorite period of the band as well.
My Top 15 ZZ Top Albums.
15. Recycler
14. Afterburner
13. Eliminator
12. XXX
11. Antenna
10. La Futura
9. Mescalero
8. Rythmeen
7. Duguello
6. Tejas
5. El Loco
4. ZZ Top's First Album
3. Rio Grande Mud
2. Tres Hombres
1. Fandango!
Took Some Time, getting into that Debut Album.
Tejas is my favorite. The pinch harmonics are awesome. She's a heartbreaker all time favorite song.
Tejas is tops. Nothing else quite touches it. But the original CD release with the replaced snare? How could they?
Good to know. I thought I"m the only one on the planet...
1) Tres Hobres
2) Deguello
3) Fandango
4) Rio Grande Mud
5) Eliminator
6) Tejas
7) EL Loco
8) Rythymeen
9)LaFutura
10) First Album
11) Mescalero
12 ) Antenna
13)Recycler
14) Afterburner
Just love zz top !!
absolutely love Rio Grade Mud, Deguello and Tres Hombres! You can tell EVH and Roth in particular listened to this stuff.
ZZ is my favorite band. As much as I love the early stuff, Rhythmeen is my favorite album. I dig every single track. Least favorite is Mescalero. That album surprised me because I really didn't care for much of anything on it--and I like just about everything else they've done over their 50 years of playing and recording together, including the 80s stuff. Check out Billy's latest solo project, Big Blues Band--fantastic gut-bucket electric blues and blues rock.
My favorite band too, man.
Agree mostly with your comments on Eliminator, but I'm surprised you didn't mention the track I Need You Tonight. It's just an epic slow blues with delay and distortion, an absolute masterpiece.
Hello. New subscriber here. Do you have any videos about Little Feat or Paul Butterfield?
Would be cool to see you rank their albums. Very underrated/underappreciated musicians IMO
Thanks for doing ZZ Top 👍
Hi Pete excellent as usual. I bought Eliminator when it came out and was really disappointed 2/5. Might try one or two of their early recordings now.
RE: too many songs - I think the (original) death of vinyl in the 90s had a really damaging effect on the album as an artform. Albums were better when artists and producers had to limit themselves to about 40 minutes.
..so agree , would rather have quality over quantity...the tyranny of the lp , which i prefer , caused an enormous amount of crap to be recorded and released to an unsuspecting audience , lol...perhaps best-ofs and live albums excepted...
Totally agree! 40 minutes is enough!
Totally agree,albums are way too long now,40 mins or so is enough.Quality over quantity.
Except some of those were 45, 50, and even up past 60 minutes sometimes, especially beginning in the mid-80s.
Yes and when they tried to fit nearly 30 minutes on one side it made the vinyl sound thin.
I knew and loved them since their first album. They were completely unknown in Germany at that time. But I think the purists tend to underrate Eliminator and the other 80s stuff. Very difficult to make a rating: 1 Degüello + Tejas + Eliminator, 2 Tres Hombres + First Album + Rio Grande Mud, 3 El Loco + Rhythmeen + (Afterburner, Mescalero, Antenna …). Usually totally underrated are Mescalero, Rhythmeen, Afterburner and XXX.
nothing beats the status of rock in the 70's, from the lowliest of low to the biggest of big, rock music was the best it ever has been.
I feel that way about the '60s
@@ginoferiante7140 I understand a bit, but, "true" rock really came into its own in the 70's with the advent of amplification systems and distorted guitars and amps. I have NOTHING against 60's rock, but it was still mostly still finding its legs throughout the decade, not knowing whether to stay true to its rockabilly origins, or go all in with the blues rock American "dirty", not safe for your mutha and daddy, rock.
Yeah, I hear you. Technology definitely improved and strides were made into prog rock and blues rock kept growing. But bands like Cream, the Yardbirds, the Stones, the Beatles, the Band, Janis Joplin, and especially Jimi Hendrix are where it's at for me. But I think I know what you mean- Physical Graffiti has a more diverse mix of sounds and textures than their 60s albums. And bands like Rush and Aerosmith perfected "arena rock"
It's all killer. I love Jeff Becks 70s albums as much as I love Truth, but then again I love his stuff from the 21st century, too. Music is magic...
@@ginoferiante7140 Can't argue with ya! I love it all!
Ha ha the more I think about your original comment the more I agree with it. I guess just personally I like the pioneer aspect of the 60s. But thats just what it was. The 70s was the apex of the rock era.
Nice ranking Pete. Love Tres Hombres never tire of listening to that album!
One of the best Pete's video ever 😁
I'm an Italian from Jersey also, so I hear you on the "Jesus" and "Christ" thing. We use the F word as much as the word The.
Pete's CD Vinyl World I’m English but live in Lucca, Italy. I am convinced that American swearing has its origins in Italian parolacce, brought over from il bel paese by Italian immigrants. If you translate from Italian to American English, the phrases used are all pretty much identical. British English swearing is completely different, coming from Protestant rather than Catholic origins.
Irish/German/Polish Catholic from MI. Same.
Why anyone could be offended by merely saying 'jesus' or 'christ' is beyond me. Some people need to grow up.
Tedious God-botherers are everywhere, unfortunately- like many nowadays, just waiting to be offended.
I agree for the most part with your list. I’d rank Afternurner a little higher. I rank the first 2 albums at the top, fill Wed by Deguello at #3 and Tres Hombes #4.
Just put in an order for some original pressings of "Deguello," "Rio Grande Mud" and "Tres Hombres" this morning. ZZ Top and Bill Ham put together some of the greatest overdub stacks ever, and I've found with other dub-heavy albums that the soundstage and how they all fit together is only fully audible on the old LPs. I'll be listening to them along with Led Zeppelin and the first 3-4 Steely Dan albums as my band gets ready to go into a real studio for the first time. Pray for us
Hey Pete. Just started listening a month or so after returning from a deployment. I really enjoy your reviews, dont always agree with some rankings but overall I'd say we are 85% agreeable. I am 57 so I grew up with the same music you did and I was a ZZ fan way back I have to say that I really did like both Afterburner and Eliminator although I get your ranking. They are different from the earlier ZZ releases and seem to go off track. I'd say they are similar to comparing early Judas Priest to say Turbo. Anyway love what you and appreciate how you dont trash what you are not fond of knowing that some out there can get easily offended. Keep going man, like in Toy Story you have a fan in me.
XXX is 30 years as ZZ TOP. They started in 1969 and XXX was released in 1999. Every time I turn our local Classic Rock station on I will hear Gimme All Your Lovin’ or Sharp Dressed Man within a few moments. Legs not as often. Used to be Tush and La Grange and sometimes Cheap Sunglasses. Love the Wurlitzer piano on that.
1. Eliminator (for the sound of "I need you tonight")
2. Degüello (first ZZ track I ever heard was I thank you, and it blew me away)
3. Antenna (best of the "newer" albums, Pincushion", "Fuzzbox Voodoo")
4. Mescalero (title song, Me so Stupid)
5. Tres Hombres