ZZ Top - Double Down Live 1980-2008
Eagle Vision
www.eaglerockent.com 

Rating: B 

ZZ Top always seem to be thinking of the fans when they release product.  Their first DVD, Live in Texas, was a huge success.  Now they have released the achieves and unearthed a show recorded for the German television show, Rockplast, back in 1980.  As an added bonus, ZZ has thrown in a second disc from their 2008 tour.  Unlike Live in Texas, though, this gem is done by an independent film maker and shows the band on both their US and European tours.  There are unique camera angles, interviews and plenty of backstage footage age well.  

As cool as the “Almost Now” portion is, the Rockplast concert is the true reason to buy this one.  Hot on the heels of their now classic album Deguello, ZZ was on fire from the opening note of the Sam & Dave classic, “Thank You” to the final riff of “Just Got Paid.”  The twenty-two song set includes all of the ‘must play’ tunes of the era, including “Waitin’ for the Bus,” “Jesus Just Left Chicago,” “La Grange,” “Tube Snake Boogie” and “Cheap Sunglasses.”  Also performed that night were fan favorite songs including “Heard It On the X,” “Arrested For Driving While Blind,” “Nasty Dogs & Funky Kings,” “Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers” and “She Loves My Automobile.”   

This is a great DVD that shows the band from two different places in their career.  The one thing both the early show and the one from last year have in common is that both rock and sound amazing.  The Little ‘Ol Band from Texas done good.  Check this one out to bring many smiles to your face.   

– Jeb Wright