Political Beats Episode 140: Andrew Fink on ZZ Top Released on October 14, 2024

Hosts: Scott Bertram and Jeff Blair
Guest: Andrew Fink, Attorney, Marine Veteran, Michigan State Representative, and Candidate for Michigan Supreme Court

Introduction

In Episode 140 of Political Beats, hosted by Scott Bertram and Jeff Blair from the National Review, the duo welcomes back their third-time guest, Andrew Fink. Unlike previous episodes where Andrew discussed his political career, this episode delves into his deep-seated passion for music, specifically focusing on the legendary rock band ZZ Top.

Andrew Fink’s Journey with ZZ Top

[02:07] Andrew Fink:
Andrew begins by sharing his early encounters with ZZ Top, sparked by a childhood memory involving the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip where Calvin expresses a desire to grow a long beard like the members of ZZ Top. Though initially unaware of the band’s full musical repertoire, Andrew's curiosity led him to explore ZZ Top's discography during his college years.

Notable Quote:
"I kept encountering them... Eventually I just felt like I needed to sate my curiosity."
[02:00]

Early Albums: Establishing ZZ Top’s Blues Roots

ZZ Top's First Album (1971)

Andrew discusses ZZ Top's debut album, noting its strong blues and southern rock influences without any cover songs, highlighting the band's commitment to original music from the outset.

Notable Quote:
"There are no covers on virtually any ZZ Top albums up until '79.'"
[32:16]

Rio Grande Mud (1972)

The conversation shifts to the second album, Rio Grande Mud, which marked a significant improvement over their debut. Andrew praises tracks like "Going Down to Mexico" and "Old Man," emphasizing the band's growing confidence and refined songwriting.

Notable Quotes:
"This is a big improvement upon the first one."
[42:04]
"Just Got Paid is the first truly trademarked ZZ Top sound."
[46:07]

Tres Hombres and Fandango: Creative Peaks and Experiments

Tres Hombres (1973)

Tres Hombres is highlighted as a creative peak, with Andrew admiring the band's ability to blend traditional blues with their unique style.

Notable Quote:
"How Billy can play the blues as good as anybody else."
[102:33]

Fandango (1975)

Fandango serves as a transitional album where ZZ Top began experimenting with new wave elements while retaining their blues roots. Tracks like "El Diablo" and "She’s a Heartbreaker" showcase their versatility and willingness to explore different musical terrains.

Notable Quotes:
"El Loco is ZZ Top's party album where all the weird ideas are just thrown against the wall."
[156:04]
"Heaven, Hell or Houston is like the perfect version of 'Just Got Back from Babies.'"
[158:35]

Influential Figures and Production

Andrew credits manager Bill Ham as a pivotal figure in shaping ZZ Top’s career, emphasizing Ham’s role in managing the band’s image and success.

Notable Quote:
"Without Bill Ham, we wouldn't have lasted three years. And they lasted 50 years."
[25:56]

Eliminator: Commercial Success Meets Musical Evolution (1983)

Eliminator is discussed as ZZ Top’s apex, blending their blues roots with the burgeoning synth-pop and new wave sounds of the 1980s. Andrew and Jeff analyze how the album’s sophisticated production and catchy hooks propelled ZZ Top into mainstream success, although Andrew expresses a complex relationship with the album due to its commercial nature.

Notable Quotes:
"Eliminator is like the apex point of if you're trying to do something this way, they did it the best you possibly could."
[180:53]
"Although Eliminator is widely celebrated, it feels like it threw me off course about the nature of this group."
[240:27]

Later Albums and Shifts in Sound

The discussion moves through ZZ Top’s subsequent albums, touching on Afterburner, Recycler, and Rhythm, Mean, critiquing their departure from pure blues rock towards more mechanized and synth-driven sounds. Andrew expresses disappointment with these later works, feeling they lacked the authenticity and rawness of the earlier albums.

Notable Quotes:
"Afterburner is essentially the same sound as Eliminator, making it less memorable."
[190:27]
"Recycler is a misbegotten remix that sabotages the original albums’ integrity."
[225:53]

Live Performances and Legacy

Andrew highlights the significance of ZZ Top’s live performances, especially the Raw live album, which captures the band’s authentic and unfiltered energy, showcasing their musicianship and chemistry.

Notable Quote:
"Raw shows ZZ Top as they were live, playing together and still embodying their core strengths."
[208:53]

Final Recommendations and Reflections

As the episode wraps up, Andrew Fink recommends Tres Hombres and Deo as essential ZZ Top albums, along with must-hear tracks like "Coco Blue," "El Diablo," "Don't Tease Me," and "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide." He reflects on how ZZ Top’s evolution mirrors broader changes in rock music, balancing commercial success with artistic integrity.

Notable Quotes:
"Tres Hombres and Deo are two albums you should own."
[237:18]
"Tracks like 'Coco Blue' and 'El Diablo' capture the true spirit of ZZ Top."
[237:18]
"Eliminator is a perfect blend of their blues roots and 80s synth-pop influence."
[240:25]

Conclusion

Episode 140 of Political Beats offers an in-depth exploration of ZZ Top’s musical journey, guided by Andrew Fink’s passionate insights. From their bluesy beginnings to their 80s commercial peak and beyond, the discussion highlights the band’s enduring influence and the complexities of maintaining artistic authenticity amidst changing musical landscapes.

Final Notable Quote:
"Everything old is new again."
[02:45]

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Thank you to Andrew Fink for joining us and sharing his profound appreciation for ZZ Top’s legacy!