This is about the Mexican "border blaster" radio station XERF (also known as XERB) which had a signal that was so powerful that you could drive from LA to New York without losing the signal. They weren't bound by American broadcast rules, so they ran a signal that was 3 times stronger than what was allowed in America, and they could play music that was banned in America. A DJ named Wolfman Jack became world famous as the lead Disc Jockey on the "X".
@@Greg-io1ip Wolfman Jack appeared in American Grafitti, and a lot of TV shows, including, hilariously, Galactica 1980. People on reaction channels would recognize Wolfman Jack from hosting "The Midnight Special" live music show.
That’s what makes this song one of my all time favorite ZZ tunes.. love the rock n’ roll history they’re laying down here.m with the rocking revival sounding groove. That radio station kept coming up in different interviews I’ve seen or read. From Billy Gibbons to Janis Joplin, Steve Miller, an Allman Brothers doc, a Skynyrd doc, SRV.. oh yeah, and I believe that Bobby Keyes (sax for the Stones) had mentioned it as well in that new doc about him.. and those are just some I’ve seen, so there’s likely many more great rockers who were influenced by hearing all that great early blues, country, and gospel that commercial radio just wasn’t interested in playing.
Thanks for telling the story about what the “X” was. Apparently a number of musicians looked to the “X” for what is now known as “roots” music (authentic rock, blues, gospel) as alternative to US radio dominated by 3 minute top 40 singles.
Time travelling to high school jamming this on the Pioneer deck, driving to the beach. ZZ Top is the sound of TexMex Rock. Even though they didn't have a Mex, they did eat a lot of Mexican Dinner Platters.
They also may have been in Acuña. And might not have been up to feelin' alone. Side note was it the Pioneer deck with the big plastic dial for the stations? Those were cool, imo
And don't overlook that absolutely iconic guitar riff. That bass line was killer as well and then they are all just so tight about it. And the vocal interplay between their two voices is just so fantastic. And this is semi-autobiographical actually, talking about their musical influences when they were very young.
The last zz reaction was just them goofin around havin fun … now we back. So many great songs. U should do the whole Tres hombres album. The drummer frank beard is known for his impeccable timing
They were hungry back then. You can hear it in the effort. They seemed to slow it down more after success kicked in ... musically. All of it is a Vibe. Love ZZ, and you guys too.
Yep there we go! Now we're back in 75. First ZZ LP I purchased. One side studio recording. The other side LIVE. Still have the original vinyl and (believe it or not) Billy Gibbons autograph on it. Love the early ZZ Top. So raw and full of energy. Please react to 'Blue Jeans Blues' off the same album. Trust me. Love your channel. ❤
Guys, I am so happy you got to this. I haven't even started yet, I've mostly been reading comments and I love that there is so much knowledge here. I know that I recommended it a couple times and my assumption is that probably a lot of people did, and not only is the story and all the associated cultural stuff fantastic, this is just an outright Banger. And to me it's one of the greatest rock riffs ever.
ZZ TOP Are one of the few bands I've seen multiple times. This show at the Warehouse was my third time seeing them. They never let me down. Didn't see em again till 5yrs later for the Cheap Sunglasses tour in Seattle. They blew me away once again.
This was the time where a more Punk sound was on the rise. The MC5, The Stooges and the Velvet Underground laid the groundwork for songs like I Heard It On The X sound. The Stones and many bands started to use this sound more heavily starting in the early 1970s - a harder, more raw sound before the full-on Punk scene hit in the states and U.K. in the mid 70s.
in the USA all the radio station call letters start with W or K. In Mexico they start with X. Also, the Mexican stations did not have wattage restrictions like in the US so they would blow all the US stations off the air. So that's what folks listened to, especially down in Texas, where ZZ Top is from. Billy, Dusty and Frank keeping it real and telling tales.
The X was blasting rock & roll will a super powerful signal. Outlaw Radio playing everything you needed to rock. The Wolfman was a killer Jockey spinning records.
The studios were in the US and the towers were in Mexico. A friend of mine worked on the transmitter. The RF was so strong all the hair on his body stood on end. I know at least one of the outlaw stations water cooled the transmitter. Ahhhhhh the good ole days. Actually, I was told they could listen in Vietnam.
Yahoooooo fellas from Ol Ned in España. I love ZZ Top and this song is a killer. La, you should look into this particular groove by Frank Beard it is a neat tricky beat. It's a little tough to start with but once you get it going it'll put a smile on your face. What a band !
No album brings back memories like this one does!!!! I was 14 in 1975 when it came out! When we were 16 and got our drivers license we would drink whisky and Cruze all night long on the weekends 2:26
Ogmamdog is so right! It’s a big reason i enjoy, and look for your reactions daily! I have learned so much from them and féllow subscribers. The X refers to a 50kw station XERF…coast to coast! Home of Wolfman Jack!
The great ZZ Top has lots of subtly different rockers and blues, Texas style, don't be surprised it is a bit different every time. The are always worth a listen, try Just Got Back From Baby's for more greatness, they have so many great songs, enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎸🎶
Guaranteed you both would appreciate *ZZ Top Manic Mechanic* from their 1979 album *Degüello* None of my friends did back in the 80s, but as a drummer I sure got the genius of *Manic Mechanic*.
Bad to the bone dude’s Billy Gibbons badass guitarist, presently touring with Skynyrd, gotta listen to Skynyrd’s Live album (One more from the road) the song T for Texas T for Tennessee some killer 3 guitar attack 🎸🎸🎸 you guys got it going on with the music reactions 👏
ZZ Top rarely disappoint. "El Diablo" from their Tejas album is one of their coolest song IMO, but little known. It's slower, groovier and trippy. Frank Beard on drums is a machine on El Diablo.
Hear me out here...This album was more punk in spirit than most of what is called punk lately. The rawness, the energy, the fight against the rules subject. The low tech.
May have done it and sorry if I missed it, but Brown Sugar by ZZ Top is just such a heavy groove - if you haven’t checked it out yet, give it a go. Love the channel gentlemen and the recent Q&A’s
You gotta do "Backdoor Medley: Backdoor Love Affair/Mellow Down Easy/Backdoor Love" from this album(Fandango) it smokes! It's live! Actually please do the whole album because it's that good!
This is about the Mexican "border blaster" radio station XERF (also known as XERB) which had a signal that was so powerful that you could drive from LA to New York without losing the signal. They weren't bound by American broadcast rules, so they ran a signal that was 3 times stronger than what was allowed in America, and they could play music that was banned in America. A DJ named Wolfman Jack became world famous as the lead Disc Jockey on the "X".
Excellent post. I forget this. It was featured in movies. Didn't Elvis bypass censorship getting on 'The X' broadcast?
@@Greg-io1ip Wolfman Jack appeared in American Grafitti, and a lot of TV shows, including, hilariously, Galactica 1980.
People on reaction channels would recognize Wolfman Jack from hosting "The Midnight Special" live music show.
That’s what makes this song one of my all time favorite ZZ tunes.. love the rock n’ roll history they’re laying down here.m with the rocking revival sounding groove.
That radio station kept coming up in different interviews I’ve seen or read. From Billy Gibbons to Janis Joplin, Steve Miller, an Allman Brothers doc, a Skynyrd doc, SRV.. oh yeah, and I believe that Bobby Keyes (sax for the Stones) had mentioned it as well in that new doc about him.. and those are just some I’ve seen, so there’s likely many more great rockers who were influenced by hearing all that great early blues, country, and gospel that commercial radio just wasn’t interested in playing.
Thanks for telling the story about what the “X” was. Apparently a number of musicians looked to the “X” for what is now known as “roots” music (authentic rock, blues, gospel) as alternative to US radio dominated by 3 minute top 40 singles.
That’s such a cool story. Thx for sharing💯
This is old, raw ZZ...the best kind
Man....love how you react....to the point analysis, no fakeness, genuine sincerity....keep hittin out the park.
Yeah it's more fun watching reactions from two guys that know music and have been in the business a long time.
Time travelling to high school jamming this on the Pioneer deck, driving to the beach. ZZ Top is the sound of TexMex Rock. Even though they didn't have a Mex, they did eat a lot of Mexican Dinner Platters.
They also may have been in Acuña. And might not have been up to feelin' alone. Side note was it the Pioneer deck with the big plastic dial for the stations? Those were cool, imo
Just Amazing.
And don't overlook that absolutely iconic guitar riff. That bass line was killer as well and then they are all just so tight about it. And the vocal interplay between their two voices is just so fantastic. And this is semi-autobiographical actually, talking about their musical influences when they were very young.
I watched it three times, lol.
The last zz reaction was just them goofin around havin fun … now we back. So many great songs. U should do the whole Tres hombres album. The drummer frank beard is known for his impeccable timing
My favorite ZZ Top song. I used to have the Fandango! 8 track in the day. Y'all are hitting on all cylinders, today!
the whole Fandango album is FIRE imo. Balinese is one of my favs on Fandango. Nice reaction
Kickass tune. Had Fandango album when it came out. This was one of my favorite.
The first ZZ Top song I ever heard on the radio. Made you go "whoa, what is THAT!".
One of the great ZZ Top songs and The "X" was a huge musical influence on me growing up in Texas.
They were hungry back then. You can hear it in the effort. They seemed to slow it down more after success kicked in ... musically. All of it is a Vibe. Love ZZ, and you guys too.
Plus both Billy and Dusty trading vocals! Stellar effort from the Little Ole Band From Texas 🤠
Yep there we go! Now we're back in 75. First ZZ LP I purchased. One side studio recording. The other side LIVE. Still have the original vinyl and (believe it or not) Billy Gibbons autograph on it. Love the early ZZ Top. So raw and full of energy. Please react to 'Blue Jeans Blues' off the same album. Trust me.
Love your channel. ❤
Great reaction to my favorite ZZ Top song! This is definitely one where you gotta grab something and hang on, cuz you're going for a ride.
Guys, I am so happy you got to this. I haven't even started yet, I've mostly been reading comments and I love that there is so much knowledge here. I know that I recommended it a couple times and my assumption is that probably a lot of people did, and not only is the story and all the associated cultural stuff fantastic, this is just an outright Banger. And to me it's one of the greatest rock riffs ever.
Side 1 of Fandango is live and hot! Don't miss it!!!
ZZ TOP Are one of the few bands I've seen multiple times. This show at the Warehouse was my third time seeing them. They never let me down. Didn't see em again till 5yrs later for the Cheap Sunglasses tour in Seattle. They blew me away once again.
Great live album. I still wand play quite often.
Going to see ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd soon in Charlotte (Christmas present from one of my boys)
Pearl Necklace! Y’all are the Greatest Top Reactors!
You guys are awesome, spreading the great music that is ZZ Top.
I am just Rolling through you ZZ TOP playlist thank you Laa! Thank you Chee!
This was the time where a more Punk sound was on the rise. The MC5, The Stooges and the Velvet Underground laid the groundwork for songs like I Heard It On The X sound. The Stones and many bands started to use this sound more heavily starting in the early 1970s - a harder, more raw sound before the full-on Punk scene hit in the states and U.K. in the mid 70s.
Well put❗🎵
If you heard it on the X , you were living it up , LOL !!! 🤟
Always loved this on live!
Love it, you guys with the Deeper Tracks -- kudos to whoever suggested it! Have been digging this banger since it came out. Great album, too!
Bad ass song by a bad ass band!
Early ZZ Top ,great memories. Great job guys.
Love the groove on this song.🔥
Two killer beards and a guy named Beard brought me a lot of enjoyment throughout the years, thanks guys.
I heard this song when the album was released! I was instantly a ZZ fan!
Peace
in the USA all the radio station call letters start with W or K. In Mexico they start with X. Also, the Mexican stations did not have wattage restrictions like in the US so they would blow all the US stations off the air. So that's what folks listened to, especially down in Texas, where ZZ Top is from. Billy, Dusty and Frank keeping it real and telling tales.
Yessssirrrr!!! Great pick!! Vintage Top.
The X was blasting rock & roll will a super powerful signal. Outlaw Radio playing everything you needed to rock. The Wolfman was a killer
Jockey spinning records.
great dual vocal with Billy and Dusty
The studios were in the US and the towers were in Mexico. A friend of mine worked on the transmitter. The RF was so strong all the hair on his body stood on end. I know at least one of the outlaw stations water cooled the transmitter. Ahhhhhh the good ole days. Actually, I was told they could listen in Vietnam.
Zz Top Live at the Warehouse in New Orleans! I WAS THERE!
YOU GUYS ROCK !
WHOLE ALBUM ROCKS - one of my favs....that, and Tres Hombres, Tejas, and Rio Grande Mud! Glad you dug it!! HUGS! ❤❤❤❤❤
Ain’t heard that song in years. 😁⭐️
Saw them on the tour for this album at the Casino in Asbury Park NJ
Yahoooooo fellas from Ol Ned in España. I love ZZ Top and this song is a killer. La, you should look into this particular groove by Frank Beard it is a neat tricky beat. It's a little tough to start with but once you get it going it'll put a smile on your face. What a band !
Love me some ZZ Top. Thanks for jamming Gents❤
You need to listen to the whole live side one of this album to hear all the instrumental and vocal coolness!
Great choice.
I love this fukin song, man. Album dropped when I was a kid.
Thanks, I've been waiting for y'all to react to this.
70's ZZ top fantastic!
No album brings back memories like this one does!!!! I was 14 in 1975 when it came out! When we were 16 and got our drivers license we would drink whisky and Cruze all night long on the weekends 2:26
Do Blue Jean Blues from this album. Great slow blues!!!
Killer song 😮
The X was a Mexican radio station/
This one doesn't wait around long to kick in the groove .
Fandango Great Album
Ogmamdog is so right! It’s a big reason i enjoy, and look for your reactions daily! I have learned so much from them and féllow subscribers. The X refers to a 50kw station XERF…coast to coast! Home of Wolfman Jack!
This was one of the first album I ever bought back in the day . Had the 8 track also
This was my jam back in the day
Gotta do Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings from Fandango LP.
Love it
"WHAT'S the word...
Thunderbird..." !!!!!
65-74. Special Time. In Detroit . We had WABX.
Master of Sparks should be next. It's a crazy true story and tune.
My first real headliner concert Styx was the opening act Columbia SC I was 14.
The great ZZ Top has lots of subtly different rockers and blues, Texas style, don't be surprised it is a bit different every time. The are always worth a listen, try Just Got Back From Baby's for more greatness, they have so many great songs, enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎸🎶
Bluejean Blues from the same album is worthy of a reaction from you guys.
I don't remember if ive commented on this before but "Thug" with its slap/pop Bass is killer! 🤘😈
Guaranteed you both would appreciate *ZZ Top Manic Mechanic* from their 1979 album *Degüello*
None of my friends did back in the 80s, but as a drummer I sure got the genius of *Manic Mechanic*.
They were young then !!! That was about a radio station I believe probably hearing chuck berry BB king !!!
I used to listen to those powerful illegal radio stations after midnight in the early 70's.
Notice both Billy Gibbons and the late Dusty Hill share lead vocals on this song.
Bad to the bone dude’s Billy Gibbons badass guitarist, presently touring with Skynyrd, gotta listen to Skynyrd’s Live album (One more from the road) the song T for Texas T for Tennessee some killer 3 guitar attack 🎸🎸🎸 you guys got it going on with the music reactions 👏
Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings is a must.
Frank Beard, shuffle master. Listen to the live stuff off Fandango, great old ZZ Top, nasty stuff. Love it!!
Willie G. and the boys. How timeless badass is this?
ZZ Top rarely disappoint.
"El Diablo" from their Tejas album is one of their coolest song IMO, but little known. It's slower, groovier and trippy. Frank Beard on drums is a machine on El Diablo.
You got that right. Tejas is incredible. Enjoy and get it on, Avalon hideaway, 10 dollar man, not a bad tune on that one. I highly recommend it.
These are not machines, this is actual people playing their instruments.
This was in the first batch of 8 tracks I bought from Columbia House when they accidentally sent a solicitation to a 10 year old!
Hear me out here...This album was more punk in spirit than most of what is called punk lately. The rawness, the energy, the fight against the rules subject. The low tech.
Drummer Frank Beard was fantastic. But the only ZZ member without a beard!
Oldie but a Goodie.... ;)
I forgot how damn good this song was! Too short!
May have done it and sorry if I missed it, but Brown Sugar by ZZ Top is just such a heavy groove - if you haven’t checked it out yet, give it a go. Love the channel gentlemen and the recent Q&A’s
zz top blue jean blues....
I like it when Billy and Dusty trade off lead vocals. They dont do it a lot but when they do....
Y'all gotta hit Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings soon. Early ZZ at their gritty, bluesy best.
This IS Texas rock and boogie.
Man i See ZZTOP in SUN FEST W.P.B F.L butt is for my the BEST AMERICAN POWER TRIO EVER🇺🇲😈👍🎼🎩🎸🎶🎶🎶R.I.P D.HILL 🕳💤Top✌️
Haven't heard you guys play Arrested for Drivin While Blind
You guys need to sample "Ten dollar man"
Black Fly
ZZ Top
AH, early ZZ!
X Rock 80
Older ZZ is the best!!
Frank's gettin it
Frank Beard - Drummer Supreme
You gotta do "Backdoor Medley: Backdoor Love Affair/Mellow Down Easy/Backdoor Love" from this album(Fandango) it smokes! It's live! Actually please do the whole album because it's that good!
Yep. If they want to hear Frank Beards chops that’s one to listen to. He is a incredible drummer.
"My heads in Mississippi"
Pretty much everything on Fandango is fast fast fast tempo...
Punk was on the rise during this time, this is a Punk song. Blue Jean Blues is my favorite on this album and it's pure Blues.
Would be awesome, and I think you would enjoy “ Funky Kings and Nasty Dogs” off the same album. Very dirty song.