ZZ Top - Eliminator
ZZ Top were one of the unlikely beneficiaries of the MTV revolution in the 80’s. A gritty blues rock band from Texas was quite the contrast to the flamboyant new wave bands that dominated the channel’s early years and with that the charts. But ZZ Top were smart enough to use their now iconic look to their advantage. They updated their sound too though. On “Eliminator” Billy Gibbons seemingly had some fun with the latest modern studio technology and made use of synthesizers and drum machines. That in tandem with their catchy songwriting resulted in their best selling album. There are timeless mega hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin”, “Sharp Dressed Man” or “Legs”, but to me the absolute highlight is the divine “Need You Tonight”, a perfect showcase for what makes Gibbons such an incredible guitarist (and songwriter). There is so much feeling in every single note. The perfect symbiosis of classic blues rock with the sound of the 80’s.
