ZZ Top - XXX

Theoretically, aging wouldn't be that difficult of a trick for Zz Top to pull off, since the little ol' band from Texas is thoroughly grounded in the blues, an ageless music that can sound equally good from the young and old alike. So why does Zz Top sound stiff on Xxx, a record celebrating their 30th anniversary? Part of it could be that the songwriting is decidedly lightweight, but a band as seasoned as Zz Top should be able to make even third-rate material at least listenable. The real answer may be that he band long ago sacrificed organic rhythms for a steady, synthesized pulse. Read More