VARIOUS ARTISTS
Gimme All Your Top (ZZ Top tribute) (Cleopatra)
Reviewed by Bill Holmes

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With absolutely no pretensions, a group of hair band and hard rock guys combine forces to light up a dozen rock radio staples. And unlike most tributes, where bands get too eclectic or pale in comparison to the original, Z.Z. Top fans should eat this up just like everyone else. With the band FM supplying most of the sonic muscle, guests from Black Sabbath, Wishbone Ash, Whitesnake and several other contemporaries take turns kicking "Sharp Dressed Man", "Tush" and "Legs" in the ass. I have no complaints about the playing - it's universally strong - but note that the sticker on the CD boasts many familiar band names even though some are third generation stretches (Foreigner is represented by Rick Wills, Bad Company by Wills and Dave Colwell). But I'll take a Bill Hurley (Inmates/Godfathers) sighting whenever I can get it!

Fastway's Lea Hart organized and produced the CD, but he thankfully only uses his Bon Scott rasp on a couple of numbers, letting FM's superior Steve Overland handle most of the vocal duties. Mick (Whitesnake) Moody's guitar work is exceptional, whether screaming solos or playing some of the greasiest slide guitar this side of Foghat's Rod Price. Kudos also to FM's axeman Andy Barnett, who contributes many great fills.

Yeah, I know you could buy Z.Z. Top's Greatest Hits, but if you'd like to see a couple of dozen guys breathe some fresh air into their material, this is well worth your investment.

© 2000 - Bill Holmes