Released 1980 Recorded 1979 Label Warner Bros. | Format 7"
12" Genre Rock, Blues rock | |
Length 4:48 (Album Version)
2:40 (Single Version) | ||
"Cheap Sunglasses" is a 1980 single by ZZ Top from their 1979 album Degüello. It is one of their most famous songs and includes the use of some odd instruments. The song captures many of the sounds and beats for which ZZ Top is famous. It is also featured on the greatest hits collections ZZ Top's Greatest Hits, Chrome, Smoke & BBQ, and Rancho Texicano. In addition, a live version of the song appears on Chrome, Smoke & BBQ and Rancho Texicano. The rap duo EPMD sampled "Cheap Sunglasses" on their song "You're a Customer" (which appears on their 1988 debut album Strictly Business).
Contents
In a Guitar World article, lead guitarist Billy Gibbons said that he used a Marshall Major amplifier and a Maestro ring modulator on this song, and that the amplifier had a blown tube during recording which added to the tonal character of the song.[1] The Marshall Major is a slightly taller, 200-watt version of the classic Marshall 100-watt head.
Cover versions
Kid Rock samples it on his song "Cramp Ya Style" for his 1990 debut Grits Sandwiches For Breakfast"
Midwest rap artist Esham sampled the song in his production for the song "Nine Dead Bodies" of his 1992 double album Judgement Day Vol. 1.
The Warren Brothers covered the song on the 2002 compilation album Sharp Dressed Men: A Tribute to ZZ Top.
Wolfmother covered the song on the 2011 tribute album, ZZ Top: A Tribute from Friends.
The Sword covered the song on the deluxe version of their 2012 album Apocryphon.
Nutty covered the song as a mashup of a Ramsey Lewis Song, entitled The Sunglass Crowd in 2015.
Apathy (rapper) covered the song on his 2007 mixtape album Baptism by Fire.