ZZ Top / Tres Hombres ~ 1973

I'll make it very clear... when it comes to ZZ Top, it's all good, in my opinion.  However, I'm especially fond of the first 7 albums (pre eliminator) and of all, I think Tres Hombres was one of their finest.  

Gibbons hits you with a right cross to start the album with the sweet-sweet 'Waitin' For The Bus' and 'Jesus Just Left Chicago'.  The guitar, the harp, the vocals the rhythm... it just melts in your mouth.   The party hearty "Beer Drinkers And Hell Raisers' is the rock n roll jaunt that you'd expect from such a title.  Song #4 is an obscure favorite of mine called "Master Of Sparks", the tale of the adventures of a young gibbons observing the art of rolling a metal ball out of the back end of a pickup with a rider strapped inside.  Another obscure favorite is "Precious And Grace", a story of two hitchhikers picked up on the road.  Of course, "La Grange" was the mega hit that propelled the band even further into rockin' stardom.  The 'squanky' guitar lead remains one of the best boogie leads of all time.  And the songs that never got airplay were all great tunes in their own right.  "Hot, Blue And Righteous" is a straight out church hymn with a blues sound.  "Move Me On Down The Line" has some excellent changes in it.  "Sheik" is another excellent tune, displaying that funky side of the Top and "Have You Heard" is another taste of Billy Gibbons incredible blues guitar work.   In fact, Tres Hombres, was the album that made me realize just how good this guitarist was... there's some fast stuff!

Yes, I'm a little bias when it comes to ZZ Top.  But come on....  Dusty Hill, Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons were and still are, without a doubt, one of the all tme best three piece combo's ever!  By the way, if you want the zz rock n roll blues, be sure to grab "ZZ Top's First Album".  

Led Zeppelin / Led Zeppelin II / 1969

For a true Zep fan, it is really impossible to choose a 'favorite', but for my ear, II is one of the best.  It's nice and raw!  No fancy production with quick handed engineering, just good old straight-forward rock n roll. 

It starts with their signature II song "Whole Lotta Love" and is followed by a tasty variety of rockin' jammage.  I love every one of the songs on this album.   "What is and what should never be".. The Lemon Song (sweet n sexy).. Thank You..Heartbreaker/Livin Lovin Maid (never to be separated on a radio station).. "Ramble On" (one of my favorite John Paul Jones parts..remember him, he was the bass player!!)  Moby Dick (a fine showcase for Bonzo~Rock on John!)  And what a climax with "Bring it on Home" (Incredible Blues with a Rock n Roll Twist).

I mean honestly... How can you argue with a lineup like this.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a sucker for Zoso, their first was fine, and so were the rest, BUT, I believe 'song for song' II stands out as a damn strong album.  If you don't have it.. I don't even want to know!   GET IT NOW :)

By Fog

The Beatles / Abbey Road / 1969

Abbey Road is filled with a diversified selection of music, as are many of the later Beatles albums. And, there is a sincere focus throughout, which shows. Lennon's 'Come Together' was originally written as a campaign song for a politician... go figure!  Harrison's "Something" is as pretty as a song can be. "I Want You / She's So Heavy" is instrumentally wonderful with some great jamming. While being a standard blues based rocker "Oh Darling" also once again showcases the incredible vocals of McCartney.  And, as for side two of Abbey Road, what can you say. It's one of the most remarkable 'medley' of songs ever compiled. There is an incredible flow throughout the entire medley, featuring some beautiful lyrics and instrumental work as well.

Song for Song, I'll take Abbey Road over any production the Beatles ever released. This was John, Paul, George and Ringo going out on top and proving to the world that they were indeed THE band of the century, even during personal turmoil.

By Fog

Jethro Tull / Aqualung / 1973

I've heard people say that a flute doesn't belong in a rock and roll band. Well, all I can say to that is, you've apparently not listened to enough Jethro Tull. Aqualung is a great place to start! The title track is probably one of their most popular and recognized songs ever recorded, but there are some other gems on this album that should not be ignored. "Cross Eyed Mary" is a straight ahead rocker from the get with that infamous Tull 'gradual build' into a driving rhythm. Other flat our jammers' include "Hymn 43", one of the few songs to not feature the flute.. and, of course "Locomotive Breath" which not only features some great guitar licks from Martin Barre, but also displays one of Andersons finest flute solo's. Oh, you don't want to rock hard all the time, then you'll enjoy some of the other beautiful arrangements on this album such as "Mother Goose", "Up To Me" and many others.

Wondering where to start with a great Jethro Tull album? Aqualung is pretty tough to beat, though there were several other albums worthy of competition. Listen to this album and I think you'll agree that Ian Anderson and company were a truly remarkable 'one of a kind' sounding group. By the way, Jethro Tull ws the man who invented the seed drill. There is NO such member in the band :)

By Fog

This was terrible Teddy's first Solo effort, and I personally consider this album among the Seventies Rock Classics.  It's terrible Teddy at his early best with some awesome, straight-forward, guitar-feedback, tantalizing tunes. 

  This album alone, unleashed some of Ted's finest and most popular material.   It all begins right out of  the chute with "Stranglehold" (it's in my 'rock anthem' category).    Other vintage classics on this album include "Stromtroopin", "Hey Baby", & "Just what the Doctor Ordered".   As if these gems aren't enough, there's a B-Side to this release that is solid.  "Snakeskin Cowboys", "Where you been all my Life" and "Queen of the Forest" are excellent Ted at their 'riffin' best.  And, as for "Motor City Madhouse", it's Ted at his electric best... (the live version on DL Gonzo STILL makes the short hairs on my neck stand up). 

   If you don't have this album in your classic rock collection, you're missing out on some great music.  Oh, and thanks Derek St. Homes, Rob Grange and Cliff Davies for helping The Nuge make this album.   This one is as solid as the bullets in Ted's holster!        

By Fog