I can’t believe this fell under my radar, but last week ZZ Top released a two-DVD set titled Double Down Live. This two-disc set includes shows from almost 20 years apart. The first DVD includes 22 songs recorded in 1980, during the Top’s Deguello tour. The second DVD includes 11 songs recorded during their 2008 tour. Also included on the second DVD is behind the scenes footage from the tour. I believe the 2008 footage is shot by the same guy who directed the Rock + Roll Gearhead documentary of Billy Gibbons.
Here’s the track listing for the DVDs:
Disc One – Definitely Then 1980
1. I Thank You
2. Waitin’ For the Bus
3. Jesus Just Left Chicago
4. Precious And Grace
5. I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
6. Manic Mechanic
7. Lowdown In The Street
8. Heard It On The X
9. Fool For Your Stockings
10. Nasty Dogs & Funky Kings
11. El Diablo
12. Cheap Sunglasses
13. Arrested For Driving While Blind
14. Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
15. La Grange
16. She Loves My Automobile
17. Hi Fi Mama
18. Dust My Broom
19. Jailhouse Rock
20. Tush
21. Tube Snake Boogie
22. Just Got Paid
Disc Two – Almost Now 2008
1. Got Me Under Pressure
2. Waitin’ For The Bus
3. Jesus Just Left Chicago
4. I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
5. Blue Jean Blues
6. Heard It On The X
7. Just Got Paid
8. I Need You Tonight
9. La Grange (with Sloppy Drunk & Bar-B-Q)
10. Hey Joe
11. Tush
Certainly, Billy Gibbons is a solid guitarist who deserves tribute. ZZ top’s blend of driving blues and rock and roll, along with a sense of humor, made them a legendary band. Nonetheless, it’s disappointing when new material isn’t forthcoming.
Like a Taco Bell menu, many classic rock bands constantly repackage, rehash and rename the same old stuff. This is the case with ZZ Top’s CDs. Perhaps, they’ve simply lost their creative zeal. Perhaps in our youth oriented culture, there’s isn’t a marketplace for new tunes by aging rockers. I don’t think this is true. After all, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Robin Trower, Paul McCartney, Gary Moore, Jorma Kaukonen and others continue to release new material.
I’m sure this is a fine DVD. However, I’m interested in hearing fresh and unreleased music. As a guitarist and lifelong rock devotee, I need material that evolves and offers (as the Beatles’ album proclaimed) “something new.”
I can really groove with just about any of their songs, mostly “Got Me Under Pressure.”
I dig some of their synchronized moves too. haha
Ed, supposedly the Top have recorded a new album, produced by Dan Auerbach. I’ve yet to hear of any news of a release date. Hopefully, it won’t be too much longer.
That’s great news Josh. I’ll be watching for the new release.
Disc one is rare diamond likewise disc two. It’s pure crap compared to Live in Texas. I’ve seen Almost now two times first and last…