Rhythmeen

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Rhythmeen" by ZZ Top, a track from their 1996 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to its gritty, blues-infused beat. This song, the title track of the band’s twelfth studio album, is a testament to ZZ Top’s raw power as a trio. According to Billy Gibbons in an interview with Genius, “Rhythmeen may stand as the truest test of ZZ Top as a trio. There are no overdubs. That was ‘pure band,’ going in and saying, ‘Okay, we think we know these songs. We’re gonna try and lay ’em down.’” This commitment to a stripped-down, live feel gives the song its pulsating energy, with lyrics like “Solid-silver beat machine, hunkin’ down” capturing the band’s signature swagger. The album’s title itself, as Gibbons explained, came from their playful word-shuffling, transforming “rhythm” into “Rhythmeen” to reflect the mean, driving groove that defines the track.

Delving into the song’s creation, “Rhythmeen” was influenced by Billy Gibbons’ exploration of unconventional guitar tunings. He noted in a Wikipedia entry that producer Rick Rubin introduced him to Barkmarket, whose guitarist used C# and B tunings. This inspired ZZ Top to experiment with low, heavy tunings, giving “Rhythmeen” its distinctive, chunky sound. Gibbons also incorporated his 1955 Les Paul Goldtop guitar, which became a sonic cornerstone of the album. Additionally, the track features African tribal percussion, reflecting Gibbons’ growing collection of African artifacts during this period, including his adoption of the Nudu Hat, a woven piece from the Bamileke tribe in Cameroon. This blend of cultural influences and raw musicianship makes “Rhythmeen” a unique entry in ZZ Top’s catalog, celebrated by fans for its return to the band’s blues-rock roots.

ZZ Top’s journey began in Houston, Texas, in 1969, when Billy Gibbons, fresh from the breakup of his band Moving Sidewalks, teamed up with drummer Frank Beard and bassist Dusty Hill, who had played together in American Blues. As detailed on Britannica, Gibbons brought a blues-rock edge inspired by legends like John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, while Hill and Beard provided a rock-solid rhythm section. Their early albums, ZZ Top’s First Album (1970) and Rio Grande Mud (1971), built a loyal following with their Texas humor and bluesy grit. The 1973 single “La Grange” from Tres Hombres became a radio staple, and by the time “Tush” from Fandango hit the charts in 1975, ZZ Top was a force. Their Worldwide Texas Tour in 1976, with a stage decked out in cacti and longhorn cattle, cemented their larger-than-life persona. The band’s name, as shared in a Daily Mail article, was inspired by Gibbons’ admiration for B.B. King and Z.Z. Hill, combining their initials with “Top” to signify being at the peak of their craft.

Fans can connect with ZZ Top through their official website, where they share tour dates, merchandise, and news, like their 2022 album RAW. On Facebook, the band posts nostalgic photos, including a X post from 2022 showcasing a Rhythmeen-era press photo. Their Instagram features vibrant concert shots and behind-the-scenes glimpses, while their X account engages fans with updates and nods to their documentary, That Little Ol’ Band From Texas. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Classic Rock Forum hosts a dedicated ZZ Top thread where fans praise “Rhythmeen” as one of their best, with one user in 2008 calling it a standout from their later work. Fan-run groups like the ZZ Top Fans Facebook group share memorabilia and concert stories, keeping the spirit of that little ol’ band from Texas alive.