Track Listing

1. Mescalero
2. Two Ways To Play
3. Alley Gator
4. Buck Nekkid
5. Goin' So Good
6. Me So Stupid
7. Piece
8. Punk Ass Boyfriend
9. Stackin' Paper
10. What Would You Do
11. What It Is Kid
12. Que Lastima
13. Tramp
14. Crunchy
15. Dusted
16. Liquor
17. As Time Goes By

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13500 in Music
• Released on: 2003-09-15
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
Midway through their fourth decade, ZZ Top--the "Little Ol' Band from Texas"--have lost none of their preternatural affinity for the blues. But, as Mescalero ably demonstrates, that love continues to be informed by a restless sonic creativity that keeps it remarkably fresh. Proving he remains a fan of pop music in all its incarnations, band mainstay Billy Gibbons employs a grease'n'grit production that gives a surprisingly contemporary edge, whether on the grunge-meets-techno rattle of "Me So Stupid", the emblematic Top boogie "Buck Nekkid" or the zydeco-tinged lugubriousness of "Alley-Gator". But Gibbons and company's alternately lo-fi and electro sensibilities also take intriguing detours down country roads on "Goin' So Good" and "What Would You Do", while the en espanol "Que Lastima" sees them stray rewardingly across the Rio Grande for inspiration. The bluesy, hip-hop experimentalism of "Crunchy" and "Dusted" offers up more angular treats, morphing effortlessly into the patented, greasy boogie of "Liquor", then a country-blues cover/hidden track/coda of the chestnut "As Time Goes By"--the warmest surprise of an album already blessed with more than its share of invention. --Jerry McCulley

CD Description
Still chugging along three decades after members of Houstongarage bands the Moving Sidewalks and the American Blues united in 1970, this little ol' band from Texas makes its markon 2003 with MESCALERO, the trio's first album in four years. As one of the first blues-rock power trios to fuse synthesizers with their straightforward brand of boogie, ZZ Top continues down this same path throughout these 16 songs. The difference is the Tex-Mex border brushed-on flavour, be it the bilingual title cut, the techno-mariachi that is the Spanish-sung "Que Lastima", or the Dia de Los Muertos-inspired cover art. Also present and accounted for is the group's salacious sense of humor, which is readily apparent in the straightforward shuffle "Buck Nekkid" and equally rocked-out "Piece". Longtime fans of Memphis soul best known for their coverof Sam & Dave's "I Thank You", ZZ Top returns to the Stax/Volt canon for a crack at Lowell Fulsom's "Tramp", which is given a quirky reading thanks to the use of a filter on the vocals. Also tacked onto the last track is an uncredited cover of "As Time Goes By", sung by a gravelly sounding Billy Gibbons over slack-key-inspired guitar accompaniment.

Customer Reviews

Three Beards & One Groove
They're back! After a four year absence since their last studio release it is obvious when listening to "Mescalero" that the time has been well spent and ZZ Top fans from the last 30 years will be pleased. The great Billy Gibbons (hailed to be one of the greatest blues/rock guitarists ever) demonstrates why this band has lasted longer than any rock band to date. Dusty Hill's bass resonates through every track and he cuts loose in his rockin' version of "Piece". Frank Beard demonstrates what a talented drummer he is by holding it all together. Clearly the best ZZ Top release as far as overall content since "Recycler", and encompassing every avenue that the Tres Hombres have divulged in through the last three decades. The title track “Mescalero” (literally meaning "maker of mescal", the liquor made from cactus native to northern Mexico) contains English and Spanish vocals whereas "Que Lastima" is entirely in Spanish with Gibbons completly at the helm. Gibbons describes it as techno-mariachi inspired by a toast at a Matamoros cantina My favorite track seems to jump from the rockin' "Buck Nekkid" and the heavy blues tune "Goin' So Good". "What Would You Do" is a rockin' country, Blues Brothers sounding tune, that again provides another new sound for the band. "What It Is Kid" rocks, possibly referencing "Kid Rock" - "the boy ain't bad on the other hand Detroit rocks like the Rio Grand". Mescalero, what is it? "It is what it is" as stated by Billy Gibbons. The sound is tight and the chops are clean. The sound makes me believe this is more insturmental than studio effect as in previous ventures. Although several studio effects are present I don't see it having any negative effect on the music which is a very welcomed return for ZZ Top fans. Mescalero although a bit overdue, is a winner from start to end. The Tres Hombres are clearly back with a bang and sum up the entire essence of what ZZ Top was, is and will be with this release. This album intoxicates without the need for tequila. Fans old and new shall be thoroughly pleased with the entire package.

Mescalero
This is probably ZZ Tops best work. If not, it is very near the top.
Every song is different and still has the flavor of the bands down home roots.
Guitar players will love a majority of the songs just because of the guitar work. "Dusted" is a prime example. For that matter, every song has its own special notes. From driving bass lines to a fantastic drum beat in every song.
Old fans will love it. Some of the tracks, "Two ways to Play" in particular, may attract new listeners and fans. "Alley Gator" and "Me so Stupid" are two prime video candidates.
"Tramp" is a remake but done up in fine ZZ style.
Even "Que lastima" which is sung in Spanish, is a fine piece of work.
Although the rating system here only allows for a five...this one is a ten!
Good work Boyz!
"Burger Man"

Still the best
When Eliminator came out back in the mid eighties, I bought it and then went out and bought their entire back catalogue. I love these guys. I keep expecting them to turn sour but they don't. They have produced the odd mediocre albums since Afterburner, but there is always a great couple of tracks on them which makes them worth having.

This album is full of treats and it has a sound that makes gravel seem like candy floss. It kicks your ears in but it feels great! It put a big smile on my face, and is great for the car. Ripping, thumping blues with the best co-ordination between three musicians you could hope for. They play as one like no one else can. thats what 35 years together does for you. Fabulous.