The last time I saw ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons was at the Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball in 2001. As far as inaugural balls go, it's the coolest one in town -- especially when a Texan is being inaugurated.

As a measure of rock stardom, however, it's not exactly the hippest place to be.

Then, this: a performance of "Cheap Sunglasses" with the Raconteurs.

Officially cool again. If only for a few minutes.

Incidentally, here's my review of the new White Stripes album, which ran in Tuesday's paper. Loved it. FYI, my review copy did not include the song "Baby Brother." Hence I mistakenly refer to "Effect and Cause" as the album's final track. Sorry 'bout that.