ZZ Top / NJ, USA – May 4, 1980 – Complete FM Broadcast Edition

In 1980, ZZ Top unlocked the door to their prime era with the massive success of the album *Degüello*. Now, a superb master recording has surfaced to complete the trilogy of soundboard releases from that period. This title captures the concert held in Passaic on May 4, 1980, featuring a high-quality stereo soundboard recording. The *Degüello* era has recently been highlighted by acclaimed releases like *Kansas City 1980 Soundboard* and *Toledo 1980 Soundboard*; this new release stands as a masterpiece on par with those two. A key point to note is that while these form a “trilogy,” the shows took place at different times, resulting in distinct setlists and performances. To clarify this, let’s look at an overview of their activities during that time and see where each show fits in: July 29, 1979: Alberta Jam appearance (*Degüello* released in November) / Nov 20–Dec 31: North America #1a (24 shows) / 1980: Jan 4–Apr 15: North America #1b (46 shows) ← *Kansas City 1980* / Apr 19–25: Europe (5 shows) ← *Rockpalast 1980* / May 1–30: North America #2 (31 shows) ← ★Here★ / July 5–Sept 24: North America #3 (17 shows) ← *Toledo 1980* / Oct 29–Dec 31: North America #4a (16 shows) / 1981: Jan 2–22: North America #4b (5 shows) (*El Loco* production). This newly unearthed master from the legendary Joe Maloney represents the full scope of the “Expect No Quarter Tour” associated with *Degüello*. The Passaic show featured here was the third concert of the “North America #2″ leg—the middle segment of the tour. Although *Kansas City 1980*, *Toledo 1980*, and this release all document US shows, they cover different legs of the tour. Together, this trilogy allows you to follow the three US tour segments—”North America #1,” “North America #2” (this release), and “North America #3″—via soundboard recordings (or even a four-part series if you include the European pro-shot release, *Rockpalast 1980*). The sound quality here is of “unearthed official-release caliber,” featuring the kind of wild mix typical of radio broadcasts. It is a superb recording, digitally transferred directly from the master tape held in the private collection of legendary collector Joe Maloney, capturing the original FM broadcast by New York station WNEW-FM. Unlike *Kansas City 1980* and *Toledo 1980*—which featured mixes taken directly from the mixing console—this recording captures the roar of the crowd between songs, and the instruments and vocals possess a sense of scale thanks to subtle effects. Yet, the raw, unedited nature of the performance remains strikingly vivid. The gritty attack of Billy Gibbons’ guitar and the earth-shaking low end of Dusty Hill’s bass retain their visceral power, even through the broadcast mix. Above all, the freshness of the master tape is remarkable. As an analog tape carefully preserved by Joe Maloney, it shows no signs of wow, flutter, or the rough artifacts often found in dubbing. You can even experience the atmosphere of the era, complete with the DJ’s commentary, just as it sounded on the airwaves back then. This soundboard trilogy allows you to appreciate the evolution of the tour. Captured with this unearthed FM broadcast sound is a full show that shares similarities with—yet differs from—*Kansas City 1980* and *Toledo 1980*. Let’s compare them and review the setlist. “Degüello” tracks (9 songs): I Thank You / I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide / Manic Mechanic / Lowdown In The Street / A Fool for Your Stockings / Cheap Sunglasses / She Loves My Automobile (★) / Hi Fi Mama (★) / Dust My Broom. Others (11 songs): “Tres Hombres”: Waitin’ for the Bus / Jesus Just Left Chicago / Precious and Grace (★) / Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers / La Grange. “Fandango!”: Heard It on the X / Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings / Tush. Others: El Diablo (★) / Arrested for Driving While Blind / Jailhouse Rock (★★). *Note: “★” marks songs that could not be heard on the acclaimed *Toledo 1980 Soundboard* release. “★★” specifically marks a song that was absent from *Kansas City 1980 Soundboard* as well. That is the lineup. While the generous inclusion of nine out of the ten *Degüello* tracks mirrors *Kansas City 1980*, the setlist differs slightly. “She Loves My Automobile” and “Hi Fi Mama” are numbers that were unavailable on *Toledo 1980*, as were “Precious and Grace” and “El Diablo.” It also boasts the most varied setlist of the soundboard trilogy. And above all, there is “Jailhouse Rock.” Although it is an Elvis Presley cover, this track is a unique addition to the repertoire, appearing on neither *Kansas City 1980* nor *Toledo 1980*. Hearing how this Texas trio puts their own spin on the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s signature song—delivered via the wild mix of an FM broadcast—is a truly special experience. This serves as the middle entry in the “Expect No Quarter Tour” soundboard trilogy, following *Kansas City 1980* and *Toledo 1980*. This is an outstanding, “official-quality” discovery that shines with the unique scale and pristine master fidelity characteristic of FM broadcasts—distinct from the “direct-from-the-board” raw feel of its two sister releases. It features the FM broadcast soundboard recording of the May 4, 1980, Passaic concert. Digitized from the analog master held in the private collection of legendary collector Joe Maloney, the recording boasts exceptional master quality. It forms a soundboard trilogy alongside *Kansas City 1980 SBD* and *Toledo 1980 SBD*, standing out as a masterpiece that includes “Jailhouse Rock”—a track absent from the other two releases—making for a truly satisfying full live album. The Capitol Theater, Passaic, NJ, USA – May 4, 1980 – Stereo Soundboard. Disc 1 (53:43): 1. Intro 2. I Thank You 3. Waitin’ For The Bus 4. Jesus Just Left Chicago 5. Precious and Grace 6. I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide 7. Manic Mechanic 8. Lowdown In The Street 9. Heard It On The X 10. A Fool for Your Stockings 11. Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings 12. El Diablo 13. Cheap Sunglasses 14. Arrested For Driving While Blind. Disc 2 (31:37): 1. Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers 2. La Grange 3. WNEW DJ Talk 4. She Loves My Automobile 5. Hi Fi Mama 6. Dust My Broom 7. Jailhouse Rock 8. Tush 9. WNEW Outro. Billy Gibbons (Guitar & Vocals), Dusty Hill (Bass & Vocals), Frank Beard (Drums). Stereo Soundboard Recording.