ZZ Top – Afterburner

Strange times but incredibly profitable ones for the Texas trio known as ZZ Top as the 1980’s rolled along. ‘Eliminator’ was a gigantic hit which charted for over two years and eventually went 10 times platinum. ZZ Top, a classic hard rock band from the 70’s had been found by MTV and became video superstars! A follow-up was inevitable and the band seemed to believe in the mantra of ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ when ‘Afterburner’ was released in the fall of 1985. Synthesizers galore and some electronic drums ensured that this LP would remain an artifact of the glossy overproduction period. And while it may have brought the band grief from critics and the accusations of some fans of going to the hyper ‘80s production well too often, ‘Afterburner’ was also a massive seller. While it didn’t bring as many lasting classics as its predecessor, there were multiple hits including lead single/video “Sleeping Bag”, “Stages” and even a power ballad, “Rough Boy”. There are a few humorous moments as well, as you would expect from a band that had no problems with sexual innuendo as “Woke Up with Wood” and “Velcro Fly” are less than subtle, but they were all over the radio throughout 1986 and ‘87. I actually prefer the deep cuts “Dipping Low’ and “I Got the Message’ and absolutely hate “Velcro Fly”! Much of the rest of the songs don’t do much for me, especially the ones Dusty sings. True to their history, the boys toured this record hard and a long five years lapsed until the underrated ‘Recycler’ appeared in 1990, but this was due to their supergroup status. ‘Afterburner’ may not have converted the unbeliever or betrayed creative stagnation but it remains one of their most important records...dipping low in the lap of luxury, all aboard the Eliminator Spaceshuttle, next stop techno boogie wonderland..

Picked up my copy for $5, opened but still in original shrink wrap. Flat vinyl with dynamic mix, and near zero surface noise… what a great trip back to the mid-80’s for an innovative mix of glorious guitar tones and the latest electronics and studio wizardry. Definitely a sound that’s anchored in time (can’t be anything but the 80’s), but still holds up.

Absolutely great sounding piece of vinyl. Cut nice and hot. Mix is a great balance from top to bottom.

This is the album where the Top started run out of new ideas and the last good cohesive album. Unlike boomer purists, I like the 80s albums being Gen X and all. Sleeping Bag and Velcro Fly are just fun and Rough Boy an Cant Stop Rockin got some airplay. Not bad, but after this album what do you have? Head's in Mississippi on Recycler which is a great song but that's it. If they would have put that song on this album, they could have called it a day and left on a high note. Skip ahead to Billy Gibbons - Hardware if you want more bad ass Texas boogie.

Apart from Sleeping Bag and Rough Boy, this is nowhere near as good as Eliminator. It's basically a pop album, and the song-writing is missing hooks. Over-produced. and mixed to satisfy the MTV audience. The videos remain outstanding, though

I created a request to remove the unofficial mark and the block. It has been removed, took 2 days only. For your information.

Punchy and dynamic, digital feel to it as is possibly the case with this mastering? Still a good representation of the feel ZZTop were going for IMO.

This is a really solid sounding pressing. Mine’s in EXC and doesn’t sound too dissimilar to the OG CD, but I prefer the vinyl version (slightly better dynamics, a bit fuller sounding). A lot of the ZZ Top fans and critics didn’t like this album on release due to the heavy use of synthesisers and sequencers compared to their previous albums, but I don’t care! The tracks are as catchy and hard rocking as they are cheezy, which adds to the appeal.
Eliminator and Afterburner were my introduction to ZZ Top and Afterburner still stands as one of my favourite ZZ Top albums.

Der Klang ist absolut Klasse, dieses AMIGA-Release liefert saubere Höhen, Mitten und gute Bässe, egal ob leise oder laut gehört. Ich war wirklich überrascht, denn es ist kein Rauschen und nur wenig Knacksen zuhören. Tolle Pressung!

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The sound is absolutely great, this AMIGA release delivers clean highs, mids and good bass, whether heard quietly or loudly. I was really surprised because there is no noise and only a few crackles to hear. Great pressing!

would trade my copy, just drop me a line...10 words