Tres Hombres

Soon as this album gets going you're thrown into the soundscape of some musty hard rock pool hall complete with a few biker guys, cigarette smoke, and a well used jukebox providing the cohesive glue of American blues rhythm of ZZ Top that pulls it all together. By the time you're three tracks in, you're already riding a motorcycle, and your beard is long enough to get caught on the zipper of your leather jacket. A pillar hard rock crafted from blues and the precursor to a sound that would be further explored by bands AC/DC, Motorhead, and Mötley Crüe; ZZ Top's first top ten album delivers on the American Harley dream. Tracks like Waitin' for the Bus,Jesus Just Left Chicago, and of course La Grange utilize the guitar fueled yet ever steady rhythm that is synonymous with throwing on your shades and riding out into the horizon. While these a bit homogenous in the delivery of this type of sound over the course of the album, frequent and sporadic guitar flourishes keep things interesting as you ride along the introspective vibe of wandering the country or getting access to that whorehouse in Texas or simply waiting around for the bus for too damned long. This tale of wanderlust expands beyond waiting for busses and covers other locations in Jesus just Left Chicago and even some out of country locations in Shiek. The track Master Of Sparks stood out to me with interesting time changes throughout the song compared to what I had heard up until it, which was a nice surprise. Sheik also ends with with a bit of a psychedelic outro which also spoke to me thorugh my favorite genre. Very cool. In the end though, La Grange is where it's at, and to be honest, if you've heard just that, then you've heard a decent amount of the album. Favorite Track: La Grange Honorable Mention: Master of Sparks

This is a great record, honestly. It only gets docked a star because it's not ALL great. Just MOSTLY great. But the songs that are great are REALLY great. "Waitin' For The Bus," "Jesus Just Left Chicago," and, of course, "La Grange" are just ... man. So good.

Few albums kick this much ass. Almost a precursor to metal in some ways, this is HARD hard rock that deserves to be played on a windows down kinda day. If I could give half ratings, I would. Only four and half because of a few duds that drag on first listen, but probably hold up on more. STANDOUTS: -Waitin’ for the Bus -Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers -Move Me On Down the Line -Precious and Grace -La Grange -Sheik

Straight forward, unpretentious, beardy blues rock. Enjoyable for what it is, but not pushing any boundaries. Rating: 2.5/5 Playlist track: La Grange Date listened: 04/08/22

That was alright. Not bad, not great.

ZZ Top is Texas Rock. This album gives groovy blues & touches of early metal. I've always loved La Grange, and Beer Drinkers & He'll Raisers is classic metal - who would've thought they could rock this hard? I'm glad I'm finally listening to a ZZ Top album in its entirety. Being born & raised in TX, this band reminds me of home. They've got some heat in this album - if someone were to ask what the Lone Star state sounds like, I'd play this album. Gonna listen to their entire discography thanks to this challenge.

Love this album, and ZZ Top is always a fun listen. Billy Gibbons is fantastic as always, Dusty Hill is so solid, and Frank Beard lays it down nicely. Just three guys playing some groovin' bluesy rock. Still sounds great fifty-ish years later.

This is what every bar band thinks they sound like.

Tres Hombres by ZZ Top (1973) Unapologetically grungy, grimy, greasy, and grotesque, Tres Hombres is philosophically shallow, poetically stunted, theologically unsophisticated, and entertainingly nasty. Posing as a group of hard living country-proletarian party boys with a complete lack of self awareness, ZZ Top speeds us down a Texas two-lane in pursuit of the baser passions, all the while keeping a nervous eye in the rear view mirror for any sign of the transcendent. There’s a lot of heaven, hell, and mercy in the midst of death defying recklessness (“Master of Sparks”—Hold my beer) and rollicking indulgence in the low range of even lower pleasures. This album is celebratory of the bright moments in the otherwise dull lives of barely employed lower middle class American males (i.e., “Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers”). There’s virtually no reference to love or romance (none at all if one thinks that “Precious and Grace” refers to something other than a couple of chicks—and one might well be right). Furthermore, one could ask how appropriate it is to appeal to Divine Mercy for a speedier trip home on public transport “with my brown paper bag and my take home pay” (“Have Mercy”). Perhaps a better mercy would be for an increase in the virtue of patience, but at least the listener can relate. However: Drummer Frank Beard (the only member of the trio who’s generally pictured without one) is wildly dynamic, yet precise. Bassist Dusty Hill (d. 7/28/21, R.I.P.) clearly mastered the art of doubling the groove of the electric rhythm guitar, while deftly negotiating the volatile relationship between drums and melody. And guitarist Billy Gibbons excels in both rhythm and lead passages. It’s hard to imagine how only three musicians can produce so much quality sound. So what we have here is an exquisite and highly relatable musical and lyrical expression of the dissipated life—well worth the listen, and rising to level of art (kind of like, in its day, Bizet’s Carmen or Puccini’s La Bohème, without the plot or tragic resolution). In “Jesus Just Left Chicago”, we hear a prayerful enough petition to join our Savior in his incarnate embrace of everything he created, all the way to (of all places) New Orleans. “You may not see Him in person, but He’ll see you just the same. You don’t have to worry, ‘Cause takin’ care of business is His name.” (Did I say this album was theologically unsophisticated? Maybe I’ll rethink that.) But the highlight of the album, of course, is the seductive, understated, and growly advertisement for the famous cathouse outside of “La Grange”. (It’s only a “rumor”, but “you what I’m talkin’ about”.) Now, intros come and intros go, but the first 37 seconds of this track are historic. We’re gonna need a bigger set of speakers. The sly reluctance in the lyric to be more explicit might be designed to enable the quasi-pimp to avoid the law, but it’s also designed for ZZ Top to avoid the opprobrium of the American Family Association (or, more likely, disc jockeys and the FCC). But now, I might be mistaken (A-haw haw haw-haw). 4/5

I’m more of a man after having listened to this

where are they even finding these albums ?!

When I was in high school, I traded an old trumpet for a really, really shitty drum set with a kid who lived down the way. See, he wasn't enjoying the drums, and I always wanted to learn how to play. He wanted to try the trumpet, and I wasn't using this one. Fair trade. He never learned how to play the trumpet, but I ended up practicing that shit set around the clock. Out of sheer force of will, I became pretty good. My pals wanted to do some cover tunes at the talent show, and I asked to be the drummer. I played along with the songs they picked until I could do a passable job. When we took the stage, I was so nervous I thought I would throw up, but the moment I started playing, I lost all of my anxiety in the music. When the audience started dancing during out little four-song set, I was over the moon. One of the best moments of my life. La Grange was one of those songs. One of the first tunes I ever learned how to play. I know I'm no Frank Beard, but dammit, I kept playing until I went semi-pro in university. I still play, much more rusty than I used to be, but I will always have a place in my heart for La Grange and ZZ Top.

There's a lot of character to these tracks, pleasantly surprised I didn't hate my time with this album.

As a teen in the 80s it was impossible to avoid Zed Zed Top in their highly successful if not overly commercial era (MTV videos in heavy rotation). Wasn't bad, wasn't my taste. Just there. I was aware of a handful of their older tunes through radio but never thought about them. At the time I remember working a restaurant job late one night on cleanup and one of the older guys blasted this album while we worked and I was pretty surprised "Jesus Just Left Chicago" was the same band that did "Legs" - almost a 180degree turn in production as this album is super dry, simple guitars/bass/drums and barely a hint of reverb anywhere. While southern-tinged bluesy rock isn't something I really reach for, this is a fun album and definitely has a sound and place.

Solid American bluesy rock and roll here. It flags a bit with Move it down the line which includes cliched riffs and lyrics like “big wheels keep on turning” 🙄 but its saved by the excellent single La Grange with the signature ZZ Top geetar sound. I like how they mixed up the tempo and mood with Sheik also.

I love blues but this was a bit so-so

Pedestrian Dad Rock

I need a motorcycle

Everything about this album connects with me to the marrow of my being. The songs are superlative but as a collection taken as a whole they come alive with a tight, greasy vibe unmatched in the ZZ Top catalogue - and much elsewhere. Nobody did this kind of twisted, rolling Tejano rhythm and blues better. Have mercy!

Get me a beer and a ciggie immediately. Such a perfectly simple but supremely cool album title to go with such simple and supremely cool set of songs. Love how loose the live version of La Grange is.

Raw, gritty, old school Texas blues and hard rock. Led by one of the greatest guitarists to ever do it, Billy Gibbons. If you play electric guitar, you need to hear this album.

Despite their great 80s albuns this is still the best ZZ top album as it contains Waiting for the Bus.

Loved the fuzzy guitar sounds. It's funky but also hard rocky, and the combination interests me a lot more than I expected.

Near flawless in its simplicity. You aren't getting much unexpected, though multiple solos involve pushing a guitar just to the edge of listenable. The trio gets their slow cuts in without breaking up the listening experience with a sudden mood change.

I know several ZZ Top songs, but only one of them is on this album, so I'm excited to listen to their other material. What a crisp version of blues-rock music. Great guitar soloing, solid grooves, the drumwork adds so much. Track uniqueness surprised me, not every song follows the typical blues chord pattern. Best track: had to be 'La Grange'

Awesome album. Watertight rhythm section and expertly executed guitar lines that cut like laser. Stunning.

I actually own this album on vinyl. Every track is exactly what you want from ZZ Top. Great guitar work and the opening three tracks are just a perfect album lead in.

Southern boogie rock with a touch of blues, what more could you ask for! They swing and the album has a variety of styles that precludes boredom. good voices, some wicked playing although a bit lead guitar heavy sometimes, but then this was the era of the lead guitar and it never becomes indulgent. Great album and I will listen again.

Great blues driven rock and roll. Some filler, but the rest were killer.

Back in the early 70s, ZZ Top was basically a Texan version of Rush.

Classic era Z Z Top, with the glorious fat guitar sound, deep rooted in the blues. Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers - some of their trademark sly wit in there. La Grange is one of the all-time great grooves. Lovely gospel vibe on Have You Heard.

Was expecting a few short embers of enjoyment, but that was really good. Knew of them, but hadn’t hear much - if any- of their music. Toight

I love the vibe of it, and as much as I’ll be saying those six words—I truly dig the way it makes me feel like I’m cool doing something that most likely isn’t.

Some of the best biker bar music there is. Love the sound of this album, it's hard, fast, and yet still has a comfortable blues/southern rock sound that is endlessly listenable

One of the best 1-2 openers ever. If you were raised on the MTV version of the band, this album was a revelation. It's a shame "La Grange" is so overplayed, because when you revisit it after 5 or 10 years, it's really good.

Background blues.

Tres estrellas. (Couldn’t resist it)

Didn’t even realise it had finished and started playing again from the start, says it all

2/5. La Grange is great. I didn't care much for LA Grange pts 2 through 13.

Couldn't really get into it, sounded quite samey very quickly. La Grange was a good song, though.

Not bad, but rather forgettable. Nothing interesting is going on here. I'll give ZZ Top the benefit of the doubt, give 'em an excuse, and say it just hasn't aged well and leave it at that...

Music for a blue collar bar in a suburban strip mall. Hot, Blue and Righteous stands out as a sweet song to end side A on an otherwise greasy collection.

10/10. It's ZZ Top, baby!!!!! :) I'm a sucker for this kind of 1970's hard rock! I cannot help but vibe REALLY hard while listening to this album!!! :)

Great guys

Good album.

I don’t care who you voted for, if you don’t like this album you are un-American and need to leave the country. Kidding. Sort of. There is not a weak track on this, solid blues-rock from begin to end.

ZZ Top before the fuzzy guitars and hot chicks. Its basically straightforward blues rock with distortion, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. They created a brand around their style and persona, this album was just the beginning of that but the sound is there. The chicks, cars, and fuzzy guitars came later.

Wonderful album by a wonderful band

Phenomenal album.

Not really my thing but great for the Southern rock genre.

All time classic and a must in terms of ZZ Top. Magical blues and trade craft.

Love this album and always have a blast when I listen to it. About as good as hard blues rock gets as far as I’m concerned.

I like Zed Zed Top

This is the classic, Texas blues, pre-1980's ZZ Top that I love. Every song is great. La Grange is one of the best songs ever. These tres hombres get an easy 5⭐ for this one.

Probably the most accomplished ZZ-Top album. Classic.

Up with Eliminator as the best ZZ Top album Love the blues with the straightforward rock sound An album I already listen to regularly! :D Favorite track: La Grange

Fab

Straight ripper. Play loud!

Absolute banger, classic ZZ Top - muddy, dirty blues and obviously the utter quality of La Grange… beauty!

Não tem mto erro com zz top

I listened to this album & I grew a beard, somehow I also now own a motorcycle.

Really like these guys, just good vibes, chilled music with good riffs. Was thinking a solid four, until La Grange came on which is a great tune.

used to listen to this album when i was a kid, good to listen to it again

9/19/24. ZZ Top epitomizes what a hard rock trio should be all about. Great sounding band, fun but brief songs, and great lyrical storytelling. This one is a classic to my ears.

Excellent album

Loved this album. Such a tight band. I was so engrossed that I even forgot that "La Grange" was on this album so I was pleasently surprised when it showed up

What a sleeper. I had only ever heard LA Grange but this whole album is amazing. Loved it

Absolute Banger cool guy album throw it on any time any place

Early ZZ Top is way better than I imagined. I always knew the popular stuff, the greatest hits, but this is a really good album from beginning to end. It is trending towards their signature sound with a very heavy early 70’s influence. But I love it!

Loved it.

Raw and good

Great album, good blues and the rythyms are marvelous

4.5/5 This album gets off to a flyer, and finishes strong. Some real bangers on here. Short and sweet. Waitin' for the Bus 5/5 Jesus Just Left Chicago 5/5 Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers 5/5 Master of Sparks 4/5 Hot, Blue and Righteous 4/5 Move Me on Down the Line 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV) Precious and Grace 3.5/5 La Grange 5/5 Sheik 5/5 (FAV) Have You Heard? 4/5

Definetly will listen to this album when i wait for bus from now. Jesus just left chicago can bring me straight to a road trip when i close my eyes.

Great sound

Can't go wrong with ZZ Top. The American R&B sounds they produce are uplifting and harmless. Good all round listen 👍

One of my favourites of all time. I bought it day of release and played it regularly for years. Definitely one of my desert island discs.

Damn they can really play the guitar. Honestly the singing on this album is the best of ZZ Top, my usual complaint is if they have a strong vocal lead they would be one of the best Rocj bands of all time

I wish I could give 6 stars to the ones that not only kick ass but also are now in my lineup. Like summa cum laude for albums. I’d hang with these hombres any day.

greatness

Love it

Very nice album.

Bluesy rock. Not as polished as Eliminator but more impressive instrumentally. Lots of good guitar solos. Another good album from them!

Gear: Meze 109 PRO Artwork (2006 Remaster): 🟩 Mix: 🎧😘🤌 Musik: 🎸💎 Wertung: 🧔🏼🧔🏼🧔🏼🧔🏼🧔🏼/5

Finally some good fucking music!!

Love zz top and the his was nice and bluesy

ZZ Top! Blues-y, a little bit funkier than I thought, and just all around a good, riff-filled time. A lot of the kinds of elements that make classic rock what it is.

This was bad ass. I own Degüello, which was released six years later than this, and I thought that was a great snapshot of the band in its "first" prime, but damn, Gibbons' guitar playing on this is stellar. The songs are concise and tight, the band is locked in (nice to hear Frank Beard swing), the attitude is there but they aren't testing the childish raunch that shows up in later albums. I was really impressed with this. Not a bad moment on the record.

5 beards!

Their best album by far.

Guitar rock, classic, staple, essential.

packed full of classics. Loved it

Good ol' time. Favorite Tracks: All of them!

relaxing southern rock ...

Love the instrumentation on song 1. Good bass, good guitar Had to look up the name of the blues bar in Chicago Kingston Mines, because it takes me back. A couple of songs that have different energy - Hot Blue and Righteous particularly is a nice slow one. I really like it. The classic blues vibe, with the electric guitar is just *chef's kiss*. This is just like what music is supposed to be.

Bluesrock vom feinsten! 5/5

Very good

A classic!

good old fashioned blues filtered through a southern fried rock sound from “that little ol’ band from texas”. only clunker in the bunch being “move me on down the line”. anywho, billy gibbons is a bad, bad man. highlights: “jesus just left chicago”, “precious and grace”, “la grange”

very good, la grange is my favorite