ZZ Top - XXX - RCA

For the most part , XXX is a clean, stripped down ZZ Top, more reminiscent of Tres Hombres than their Eliminator period. That Little Ol(der) Band from Texas shows it can still deliver muy mas blues-tinged boogie. Leading the charge is the guitar of Billy Gibbons, with a sound thats searing and full, but almost understated -- this guy knows the price of a note. Bassist Dusty Hill hasnt lost a step, and both guys still can deliver the vocals. And Frank Beards drum work remains the solid pistons driving the trio. The first 8 of the 12 songs are new studio tracks, opening with Poke Chop Sandwich, which was inspired by the presence of Lightnin Hopkins and his drummer, who kept a pork sandwich on his drum set during the session. The energy here, especially Gibbons guitar work, will erase any concern that age has mellowed these guys. They flat out stomp their way through the rightfully titled Fearless Boogie, 36-22-36 (yes, it is about that), and Trippin. The only blues number is Made Into A Movie, where the starring character again is Gibbons guitar. The real treat is the live stuff. Sinpusher is what ZZ Top is all about gritty rock & roll that'll make you sweat. Then they deliver an unbelievable version of Elvis Presleys Teddy Bear, transforming it into a bluesy, sensual rocker that even the King would be proud of. The heat of the live set continues with the uptempo rocker Hey Mr. Millionaire, ending with the zydeco inspired boogie of Belt Buckle. XXX shows that these guys still have it, in triplicate. ZZ Top has immersed themselves in what they do best, mixing rock, blues and their unique sense of humor. The result is a powerful, fun CD that celebrates what rock & roll should be all about.

--Dan Lopez: Onradio.com