Mescalero

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Midway through their fourth decade, the "Little Ol' Band from Texas" has lost none of their preternatural affinity for the blues. But, as this album ably demonstrates, that love continues to be informed by a restless sonic creativity that keeps it remarkably fresh. Proving he remains a fan of pop music in all its myriad incarnations, the grease’n’grit production of band mainstay Billy Gibbons gives it all a surprisingly contemporary edge, be it the grunge-meets-techno rattle of "Me So Stupid," the emblematic Top boogie "Buck Nekkid," or zydeco-tinged lugubriousness of "Alley-Gator." But Gibbons and company's alternately lo-fi and electro sensibilities also takes intriguing detours down country roads on "Goin' So Good" and "What Would You Do," while the en espanol "Que Lastima" see them stray rewardingly across the Rio Grande for inspiration. The bluesy, hip-hop experimentalism of "Crunchy" and "Dusted" offer up more angular treats, morphing effortlessly into the patented, greasy boogie of "Liquor," then a country-blues cover/hidden track/coda of the chestnut "As Time Goes By," the warmest surprise of an album already blessed with more than its share. --Jerry McCulley

Tracks:

Mescalero
Two Ways To Play
Alley-Gator
Buck Nekkid
Goin' So Good
Me So Stupid
Piece
Punk Ass Boyfriend
Stackin' Paper
What Would You Do
What It Is Kid
Que Lastima
Tramp
Crunchy
Dusted
Liquor

Amazon.com

Midway through their fourth decade, the "Little Ol' Band from Texas" has lost none of their preternatural affinity for the blues. But, as this album ably demonstrates, that love continues to be informed by a restless sonic creativity that keeps it remarkably fresh. Proving he remains a fan of pop music in all its myriad incarnations, the grease'n'grit production of band mainstay Billy Gibbons gives it all a surprisingly contemporary edge, be it the grunge-meets-techno rattle of "Me So Stupid," the emblematic Top boogie "Buck Nekkid," or zydeco-tinged lugubriousness of "Alley-Gator." But Gibbons and company's alternately lo-fi and electro sensibilities also takes intriguing detours down country roads on "Goin' So Good" and "What Would You Do," while the en espanol "Que Lastima" see them stray rewardingly across the Rio Grande for inspiration. The bluesy, hip-hop experimentalism of "Crunchy" and "Dusted" offer up more angular treats, morphing effortlessly into the patented, greasy boogie of "Liquor," then a country-blues cover/hidden track/coda of the chestnut "As Time Goes By," the warmest surprise of an album already blessed with more than its share. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Mescalero Bizarro.......2007-02-08

Off the wall at times. Sometimes rowdy. Always fun. A variety of tones fill this album, as well as a variety of musical styles, but all have the trademark ZZ Top sound, with a lot of blues to boot. This album is more playful than their recent efforts, and Billy Gibbons is often hysterical with his vocal stylings. High quality music for sure. Gotta love these legends of rock!

Mescalero, good ZZ Top.......2007-02-04

Again, if you like ZZ Top you will really lke this CD.

one of their top 4 albums EVER.....................2007-01-16

Ive been a zz top fan since the first album,that being said Im obviously one of their older fans, if your looking for eliminator type stuff stay away from this album,and just for the record eliminator thru recycler were the low point of their carreer musically in my opinion ,just wasnt real zz top if you ask me,although it made alot of money....anyway this album is a back to basic zz top record, if your like me and think tres hombres,fandango era was were they shined then this album is for you...

The BEST ZZ TOP albums of all time are:TRES HOMBRES
RYTHMEEN
DEGUELLO
MESCALERO
these are must haves.............

ZZ Top's Best Yet.......2006-07-20

I am a big Top fan and I think this is their best CD yet. While many of their albums have a couple of clunkers, there are no such animals on this one. It is great from start to finish.

Some people here are complaining that ZZ Top should "get back to their old sound". ZZ has never lost their distinctive sound. The guitars are more fuzzy in recent albums, but to me it sounds better, not worse. Top has always been a great band, and this CD and "XXX" are their best efforts yet IMHO. If you're even a casual ZZ fan, get it. You won't be disappointed.

Pure Bliss.......2006-04-24

These old gentlemen takes us away on a lysergic journey to guitar land. Love the "RAW" production , sounds like you have ZZ Top playing
in your living room! Some parts reminds me more of Kyuss , Queens Of Stoneage etc.. Daddy is back!