Rio Grande Mud (USA-import)
ZZ Top: Billy Gibbons (vocals, guitar, harmonica); Dusty Hill (vocals, bass); Frank Beard (drums). Also available as part of the ZZ Top 6 Pack. All tracks have been digitally remastered. By its second release, 1972's RIO GRANDE MUD, ZZ Top was honing the tough blues rock hybrid that would make it a certified U.S. arena headliner by the mid-70's. While the album didn't spawn the big radio hits of its later releases such as La Grange and Tush, RIO GRANDE MUD was another incredibly consistent and inspired ZZ Top classic. Again, Billy Gibbons' guitar work is outstanding throughout, helping to spearhead such great cuts as the rugged opener Francine, the gritty attitude of Just Got Paid, the hyperactive Ko Ko Blue, and one of the band's most melodic compositions up until this point, Chevrolet. RIO GRANDE MUD remains one of ZZ Top's most underrated recordings.