2000 Blues

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy vibes of 2000 Blues by ZZ Top from their 1990 album Recycler, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging this bluesy gem. This track stands out as a return to the band's raw, rootsy sound, a shift that came about during the Recycler recording sessions in Memphis. According to Billy Gibbons in an interview, the band had initially crafted pop-oriented tracks in Houston and worked with sequencers in Los Angeles. However, when they hit Memphis, their high-tech gear was delayed, forcing them to jam with basic studio equipment. This led to a looser, more organic sound, with 2000 Blues emerging as one of the bluesiest cuts, reminiscent of their earlier work like Tres Hombres. Gibbons noted that the song captured a "rougher and looser" feel that "felt right in every way," blending their classic blues roots with the subtle synth touches of their '80s era.

Another tidbit about 2000 Blues comes from its lyrical vibe, which carries ZZ Top’s signature mix of humor and grit. The song’s slow, moody groove and Miami Vice-style guitar bends give it a cinematic feel, though some critics, like the blog Swinetunes, felt it didn’t quite match the emotional depth of earlier tracks like I Need You Tonight from Eliminator. Still, it’s a fan favorite for its nod to the band’s blues heritage, with lyrics that paint a picture of hard-luck blues in a modern world. The Recycler album itself was a statement, with its title reflecting the band’s love for rebuilding classic cars and even a subtle environmental message, as drummer Frank Beard pushed for a note on the album about saving the planet for future generations, inspired by his young twin sons.

ZZ Top, that little ol’ band from Texas, got their start in Houston in 1969, born from the ashes of Billy Gibbons’ earlier group, Moving Sidewalks. Gibbons, a guitar prodigy influenced by blues legends like John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, formed the band after his psychedelic rock outfit opened for acts like Jimi Hendrix. He teamed up with drummer Frank Beard and bassist Dusty Hill, who’d played together in American Blues. The trio’s early days were raw, with Gibbons taking the lead as lyricist and arranger, crafting a sound that fused gritty blues with boogie rock. Their first single, Salt Lick, dropped in 1969, but it was their 1970 deal with London Records and the release of ZZ Top’s First Album in 1971 that set them on the path to stardom. By 1973, Tres Hombres and its hit La Grange made them radio staples, cementing their reputation for sly lyrics and electrifying live shows.

The band’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. Early tours saw them playing to half-empty venues, but their persistence and manager Bill Ham’s vision turned them into a powerhouse. Their 1976 Worldwide Texas Tour, with a Texas-shaped stage and live animals, was a game-changer, proving their flair for spectacle. By the ‘80s, albums like Eliminator blended synths and blues, propelling them to global fame with hits like Sharp Dressed Man. Despite lineup consistency until Dusty Hill’s passing in 2021, ZZ Top remains a live force, with Elwood Francis stepping in on bass. Their look—long beards, sunglasses, and hats—became as iconic as their sound, earning them the nickname “the sharpest dressed men in rock.”

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with ZZ Top, check out their official website for tour dates and news. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, throwback photos, and tour announcements. Fans can dive deeper at sites like ZTribe, a hub for gig listings and fan community vibes, or Sungenre for bio details and discography. Join the ZZ Top Fans Facebook group to swap stories, share rare vinyl finds, and keep the blues-rock spirit alive with fellow devotees.