ZZ TOP - AFTERBURNER - American Blues-rock 12" Vinyl LP Album

Afterburner is the ninth studio album by American blues rock band ZZ Top, released in 1985 The most successful single released from this album was "Sleeping Bag", which peaked at No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks and No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

ZZ TOP - Afterburner - American Blues-rock 12" Vinyl LP Album album front cover

Music Genre: 

Tex-Mex Blues-Rock 
Collector's info: 

This album includes the original custom black inner sleeve as well as the ZZ-Top insert with their discography

 

Album 
Production information: Produced by Bill Ham, Bob Ludwig, Joe Hardy.  

Bob Ludwig Bob Ludwig is an American mastering engineer and record producer. He is widely regarded as one of the best mastering engineers in the music industry, and has worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including classical, rock, pop, and jazz.

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Ludwig has been active in the music industry since the 1970s and has worked on numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including records by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and many others. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the industry and has won several Grammy Awards for his work.

Throughout his career, Ludwig has been known for his technical expertise, attention to detail, and his ability to bring out the best in recordings. He has also been a strong advocate for the preservation of audio quality and has worked to promote the use of high-quality analog and digital technologies in the recording and mastering process.

Overall, Bob Ludwig is a highly respected and accomplished mastering engineer who has made a significant impact on the music industry through his work with many of the biggest and most influential artists of our time.

Record Label:  Warner Bros Records 925 342 (925342) , WX 27
Record Format 12" Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 220 gram  
Year & Country  1985 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: ZZ Top - Afterburner
    ZZ Top Band: members/musicians
  • Billy Gibbons
  • Dusty Hill
  • Frank Beard
Track Listing of: ZZ Top - Afterburner

The Song/tracks on "ZZ Top - Afterburner" are

    Side One:
  1. Sleeping Bag
  2. Stages
  3. Woke up with Wood
  4. Rough Boy
  5. Can't Stop Rockin'
    Side Two:
  1. Planet of Women
  2. I got the Message
  3. Velcro Fly
  4. Dipping Low
  5. Delirious

 

Front Cover Photo Of ZZ TOP - Afterburner - American Blues-rock 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

ZZ TOP - Afterburner - American Blues-rock 12" Vinyl LP Album album front cover

Photo Of The Back Cover ZZ TOP - Afterburner - American Blues-rock 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

ZZ TOP - Afterburner - American Blues-rock 12" Vinyl LP Album album back cover

Close up of record's label ZZ TOP - Afterburner - American Blues-rock 12" Vinyl LP Album Side One

 

ZZ TOP - Afterburner - American Blues-rock 12" Vinyl LP Album enlarged record label

Close up of record's label ZZ TOP - Afterburner - American Blues-rock 12" Vinyl LP Album Side Two

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ZZ TOP - Afterburner - American Blues-rock 12" Vinyl LP Album enlarged record label
 

From Tres Hombres to Eliminator: The Enduring Legacy of ZZ Top's Blues-Rock Boogie

ZZ TOP Band Description:

ZZ Top is a legendary American rock band that has been entertaining audiences for over five decades. The band was formed in Houston, Texas, in 1969 by guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons, bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard. ZZ Top's music is characterized by its bluesy guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and humorous lyrics.

The band's breakthrough album was "Tres Hombres," released in 1973. The album features some of ZZ Top's most iconic songs, including "La Grange," "Waitin' for the Bus," and "Jesus Just Left Chicago." "Tres Hombres" reached number eight on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified triple platinum. The album's success established ZZ Top as one of the top rock bands of the 1970s.

In the years that followed, ZZ Top continued to release a string of successful albums and hit singles. Their 1983 album "Eliminator" was a commercial and critical success, reaching number nine on the Billboard 200 and spawning several hit singles, including "Gimme All Your Lovin'," "Sharp Dressed Man," and "Legs." The album's music videos, featuring the band's signature beards and hot rods, were also hugely popular on MTV.

Throughout their career, ZZ Top has maintained a consistent sound that blends blues, rock, and boogie-woogie. Billy Gibbons' distinctive guitar style, which often features a mix of distorted and clean tones, has become a hallmark of the band's sound. Dusty Hill's bass playing provides a solid foundation for the music, while Frank Beard's drumming is energetic and precise.

One of the things that sets ZZ Top apart from other rock bands is their sense of humor. Many of their songs feature witty and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, often referencing cars, women, and rock and roll. The band's live shows are also known for their humor, with the members frequently engaging in banter and jokes with the audience.

Another key aspect of ZZ Top's success is their image. The band's signature beards and sunglasses have become iconic, and they have been featured in countless music videos, album covers, and merchandise. The band's image is also closely tied to their love of cars and hot rods, which is reflected in their music and visuals.

ZZ Top's influence on rock music cannot be overstated. The band's sound and style have been emulated by countless artists over the years, and they have inspired generations of musicians. Their music has also been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing their status as cultural icons.

Despite their many accomplishments, ZZ Top has also faced their share of challenges over the years. In 1977, the band's equipment truck crashed, killing their sound engineer and tour manager. In 1984, Dusty Hill was diagnosed with hepatitis C, which forced the band to cancel several tour dates. In 2000, Frank Beard was diagnosed with cancer, but he was able to recover and continue playing with the band.

Today, ZZ Top remains active, with Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard continuing to perform together. Sadly, Dusty Hill passed away in July 2021, just a few months shy of the band's 50th anniversary. Despite the loss of Hill, ZZ Top's legacy and influence continue to live on.