Eliminator is very possibly the best album ZZ Top has recorded. In a brilliant move, the little old band from Texas, retooled their down and dirty, blues and boogie image, as part of the marketing strategy for Eliminator, successfully transforming themselves into cool, hip, sophisticated, modern rock icons. The makeover proved to be a turning point in the band’s career. Bolstered by the popularity of their music videos, the band rocketed to new heights of popularity. ZZ Top never looked back, and although the trio has been together for decades, Live From Texas is their first full length concert DVD.
A first class production in every way, guitarist Billy Gibbon, bass player Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard, are captured in a performance that sparkles and shines like a diamond. These slicked up, sharp dressed men are consummate pros, who put on a tight, well choreographed show, churning like a well oiled machine through some of the best of their catalog. Showmanship is a big part of ZZ Top, though minus acrobatics or any wasted motion. With boots firmly on the ground, the slow rocking, rather laid back Hill and Gibbons, are fascinating and fun to watch, as on Waitin’ For the Bus. The lighting scheme is often a cool blue (like the DVD cover), which generally seems to fit well with the mood of the performance. The band’s sound is huge and full, seemingly more than just a three piece. The stage setup is wide open and spacious, with a slick, simple modern look. Symmetry was apparently a design criteria. The back wall appears to be clean and plain, but is deceptively complex.
The seventeen songs preformed, span the band’s history. With four selections from Eliminator, and just Pin Cushion and Rough Boy from the post Eliminator era, the emphasis is definitely on the early years. The band executes the songs so effortlessly, and in such a smooth low key manner, that at times it might appear that they are performing on cruise control. The truth might be that the Texans are just the coolest, and least pretentious of rock stars. ZZ Top tunes are typically short and sweet. The concert seems to flow along quickly, even though the band seems to prefer staying in a set groove, slowing down the tempo of some of the songs. Billy treats us to some really down and dirty side work, on Just Got Paid. Things get bluesy on Rough Boy and Blue Jean Blues, but the performance finishes strongly with Gimme All Your Lovin’, Sharp Dressed Man, Legs, and a super twangy Tube Snake Boogie. The guys really loosen up on an extended version of La Grange, then proceeding straight into Tush to end the show.
The paper bound case is a space saver. The liner notes are informative, but erroneously state that Pin Cushion is from Afterburner, when it is actually from the album Antenna. The bonus features include a killer live performance of Hendrix’s Foxey Lady. `Dallas Show Day’, is a short feature about the band and preparation for a show. The guys reminisce while playing cards, in `Poker Game’. And `Photo Shoot’ spotlights ZZ Top mugging for the camera, on location in a western town. Live From Texas is just what most fans want, a virtuoso live performance, with some cool behind the scenes goodies. If you like the band, you won’t be disappointed by this DVD. Enjoy, and have mercy.