This 4-CD box set released by Rhino Entertainment is the definitive, comprehensive collection that chronicles the band's career from 1967 to 1992. Spanning 80 tracks, it serves as the complete parent anthology from which the condensed "Rancho Texicano" was built.
Disc 1 opens with major historical context, including three rare psychedelic rock tracks by Billy Gibbons' 1960s pre-ZZ Top band, The Moving Sidewalks ("You Make Me Shake," "Joe Blues," and "Crimson Witch"). It also includes the earliest 1969 "embryonic" ZZ Top single tracks "Miller's Farm" and "Salt Lick" before the definitive trio formed.
This box set was the very first digital release to completely ditch the controversial 1980s "Six Pack" remixes. Mastering engineer Bob Ludwig went back to the original analog studio master tapes to restore the raw, authentic 1970s drum tones and bass lines for all early album tracks.
Disc 4 wraps up with a selection of hard-to-find collector items labeled as "medium rare" cuts. These include the rare Spanish-language version of "Francine," a live performance of "Cheap Sunglasses," and several extended 12-inch remixes, highlighted by an 8-minute dance mix of "Viva Las Vegas."
The collection is famous for its physical presentation, featuring an extensive 80-page booklet filled with rare photos, a detailed biography, and track-by-track commentary from the band members. The limited-edition version was uniquely housed in a custom box shaped like a dilapidated Texas barbecue shack, complete with a corrugated roof and punch-out paper band figures.
