ZZ Top's First Album & Rio Grande Mud

I have done some forum searches and I *think* I have come to the conclusion that there is no way to get these albums on CD without the remixed/mastered/whatever Eliminator-style drum sound.

Before I start thinking about a needle-drop route, can anyone suggest an alternative I may have overlooked? Some obscure Japan release? Early European? Anything?!?! Thanks in advance.

Stevie

 

Actually its their second album. The first is "ZZ Tops 1st Album". The first time I've ever been able to find it on CD was in that six pack thing. I think it was in 87 or 88.

 

The only way you'll get the original sound is with the LPs or needle drops. I hope they re-issue them at some point. The CDs are terrible.

 

That's what I feared. Thanks, guys.

 

First Album got short thrift on the Chrome Smoke BBQ set - only three songs. I have that set; and it sounds good compared to the wretched six pack mixes. But I think you're looking at needle drops here for the two.....

 

Their Blues compilation from '93 (I think) does justice to some of the tracks from the first 2. Good luck finding a 1st Album that wasn't worn out by it's original owner!

 

And no "Back Door Love Affair."

 

Cool. It's their blues stuff that has me hooked. Do you know if this compilation has "unfuturized" drums?

And since there *have* been some restored remasters (such as Tres Hombres and Fandango), is there any sign that the others might also be given back their dignity on CD some day?

Stevie

 

I got the 6 pack cheap, and it is just fine (for the price).

 

The Six-Pack is fine, it's just a matter of taste.

It is sometimes overlooked that it was something the band itself did, not someone outside the group.

 

I once had that ZZ Top Blues CD - and yes, it had the 80's 'awash in echo' drum mix. YUCK.

 

Have you ever heard the original vinyl mixes? The Six Pack is God-awful IMO, & absolutely worthless. They tried to make everything on there sound like the Eliminator/Afterburner era. Unforgivable, & perhaps THE worst case of remixing in classic rock history. No joke. It's the worst I've ever heard, I'll tell you that. I can't imagine anyone, after hearing the original mixes, having anything decent to say about that wretched "Six Pack". Of course, if you are digitally-enabled only, you're pretty much screwed. In a way, I think my ZZ Top vinyl is probably the most "important" vinyl that I own, & they are not even close to one of my very favorite bands.

 

I own the first 2 on cd and there is nothing abnormal about them at all. They are not the same as the six-pack thing. These were just regular standard issue cds, single cds sold individually etc. I am sure they must still be in print right? I really dont understand why they are hard to find. They do NOT feature the remixes and reverb that we all hate so much. You can order these from any online retailer and your quest will be over. I am surprised to be the first one to mention this, it seems too obvious.

 

Unless these were VERY recently reissued, & it somehow got by me, there is something wrong with this statement. As far as I know, the only 70's ZZ Top albums on CD that have escaped the wretched "Six Pack" remixes are the original WB & Target CD's of "Deguello" & the recent remasters of "Tres Hombres" & "Fandango", along with perhaps a couple of "hits" collections.

 

Even comparing 30 second samples on ITunes between the BBQ boxed set mixes (non-futurized) and the individual CD mixes, I could tell the difference.

Stevie

 

Rio Grande Mud http://www.djangomusic.com/item_music.asp?id=R++++22724&dt=1&cid=&sid=&mediatype=

First Album http://www.djangomusic.com/item_music.asp?id=R++++22722&dt=1&cid=&sid=&mediatype=

Enjoy

 

rumour speadin' 'round, in that Texas town...

 

When the Six Pack was first released, individual CDs were also released of the albums that were featured.

I did buy Chrome, Smoke & BBQ when it came out, and I'm happy to have both to choose from.

 

Could anyone give me a catalogue number for unfutzed with Deguello, please? Be much appreciated
Stevie

 

Deguello was not on the Six-Pack, therefore should not have been futzed with.

 

Is this right? the 1984 and 1990 versions are identical?

Stevie

 

The current, in-print CD of Deguello sounds very good.
It is the same one that has been out for years. Sorry, I don't have the catalog#. I sold it off to a forum member here after I obtained a mint vinyl pressing.

 

Since Fandango and Tres Hombres were reissued with the original mixes, I assumed the others would soon follow. Anybody have any idea?

 

Yep, I have the current Deguello and I think its great. Cat # 3361-2

 

I had those, they were reworked and are not the original album mixes. Hopefully they'll soon get the same treatment as TH and Fandango but I'm not going to hold my breath ... unfortunately.