28/10/2018: “Legs (Single Version)” by ZZ Top

The single version of this tune is bit less congested, in my opinion than the admittedly very fine album version. In parts, you do miss the guitar riff, but the fat synth is front and centre, giving the song a driving, electronic vibe.

The music video would seem to suggest that the song is about women taking ownership of themselves and dismantling the patriarchy, which is strange because the lyrics seem to have absolutely nothing to do with empowering women. The reality is, it’s a song about a girl with nice legs…

The song is a great fusion of traditional rock and newer 80s electronic dance music, with a bouncing, energetic feeling augmented by some bluesy guitar licks and some slightly crusty yet heartfelt vocals.

A lot of the song was actually just recorded by the studio engineer Terry Manning, who is evidently a very talented man. The lead singer and guitarist Billy Gibbons did his own parts, but the drummer and rhythm guitarist weren’t there that day, for some unknown reason…

The song was released in 1983, from the album “Eliminator”, and was released as a single in 1984, climbing to 8th place on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Still absolutely rocks!

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