ZZ TOP'S FIRST ALBUM 1971
Highlights: Brown Sugar, Goin’ Down To Mexico
“It was recorded when we first formed, in 1970, and wrapped up by about March 1970. I had assembled a personal catalogue, which fortunately became what we called the band catalogue when Dusty [Hill, bass] and Frank [Beard, drums] entered the picture.
“The only thing that kept us going on that first album was the fact that we had the opportunity to release a record on the same label as the Rolling Stones [London Records]. I’m serious – that was it!
“But we remained true to the core: it was twelvebar blues or bust. The playing was there, the tempo was good, and it’s very bluesy. I listened to it for the first time in a while and said: ‘Man, we sure were bluesy.’ It’s a period kind of sound.
“Is ZZ Top a blues band? Well, we’re interpreters of blues bands. The wave of blues we enjoyed – not only being a part of, but also influenced by – was ushered in by the English guys. I think it would be fair to say that we were subliminally influenced throughout: The Animals, the Stones, The Beatles, The Who, The Kinks, Clapton, Beck… maybe a couple more. Which is kind of what got us thinking: ‘Hey, we can hot-rod this stuff and make it really fun to play for ZZ Top.’ There’s a handful of Americans, a handful of guys from England, a handful of guys from points around the world that recognised the value of
