"Cheap Sunglasses" by ZZ Top

Song#:  0247
Date:  07/12/1980
Debut:  89
Peak:  89
Weeks:  2
Genre:  Southern Rock, Blues-Rock



Pop Bits:  Although ZZ Top did not have any major hits in their pocket yet (1975's "Tush" was their best thus far at #20), they were solid for album sales. "Degüello" was their first effort for their new label, Warner Bros., and although it peaked at #24 (a bit lower than previous albums), it was their first album to go platinum. This particular song may have helped in boosting sales. Although it was almost a one-week wonder, it quickly became one of their most popular songs despite very little chart action.

ReduxReview:  I'm not the hugest ZZ fan, but it's hard to argue with this groovy song. It's a great boogie that leads to that slightly bizzaro keyboard/"woo-woo" riff in the instrumental section. Pretty awesome - especially after a few MicLites.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  This song was based on the group's old days of touring when they would travel around in cars. Gas stations used to have cardboard racks of cheap sunglasses and the guys would always be buying bunch of them. They would often toss these in the audience at concerts.

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