Record Reviews
11 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ ANYWAY THE WIND BLOWS
ESSENTIAL / FOO-EEE 960 (Barcode: 5017615516029) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1979 Released: 1991
This is a bootleg album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released officially by Zappa in 1991 as part of the "Beat The Boots!Find albums with this title" Box Set, which included eight bootlegs. The LPs in this Box Set (edition of 600 copies) were not available individually, but the CD versions were made available individually on the Rhino / Foo-eeeFind albums on this label label as catalog numbers 70537 to 70544. In the UK these CDs were released on the Essential / Foo-eeeFind albums on this label label as catalog numbers 956 to 963. This is the fifth album of the set released on two separate CDs.
The album presents twenty tracks (nine and eleven respectively on the two CDs), which were recorded at Nouvel Hippodrome in Paris on February 24, 1979. The lineup of group includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist, Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist, Peter WolfFind albums by this artist, Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist, Warren CuccurulloFind albums by this artist, Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist and Ike WillisFind albums by this artist. The music is a typical selection of Zappa’s advanced Jazz-Rock Fusion and political / social satire.
The sound quality is quite reasonable in view of the illegal circumstances surrounding the recording process, often done on inferior equipment. It is of course an invaluable historic document of Zappa’s Genius. It is also valuable not only for its musical content, but also as an authentic document of the Music Industry bootlegging phenomenon and the attempts to fight it. Zappa pioneered (as he did in many areas) the idea of releasing the bootlegs on his own label, following the “if you can’t beat them, use them” formula, which later on became known as “The Official Bootleg” phenomenon still popular today.
| | Updated: 31/03/2023Posted: 31/03/2023 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ BONGO FURY
ZAPPA 3854 (Barcode: 824302385425) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Blues Fusion
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 21st album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1975. The album is a collaboration with another American legend, Blues / Rock vocalist / harmonica player Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist (born Don VlietFind albums by this artist and later adopted the name Van VlietFind albums by this artist). The album presents nine tracks, seven of which were recorded live in 1975 and two studio tracks, which were recorded in 1974 during the sessions that would be released later as parts of “One Size Fits AllFind albums with this title” and “Studio TanFind albums with this title”. Zappa wrote all the music and Beefheart contributed a couple of spoken work ditties.
The lineup that recorded the music includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, Captain Beefheart on vocals and harmonica, keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Napoleon Murphy BrockFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bruce FowlerFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom FowlerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist and drummer Terry BozzioFind albums by this artist (or Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist on the studio tracks). This was the last album recorded by the sublime Fusion oriented lineup, which created earlier the legendary Zappa albums like “Over-Nite SensationFind albums with this title”, “Apostrophe (`)Find albums with this title” and “Roxy & ElsewhereFind albums with this title”.
The album was poorly received both by Zappa and Beefheart fans at the time of its release, as each of these two camps expected something else, but in retrospect the cooperation works wonderfully, being rather more than the sum of its parts. Beefheart’s idiosynchratic vocals are an ideal match to Zappa’s zany music of course and one can only regret that they did not record more together. Beefheart’s Blues tendencies are clearly audible on this album, which of course created no confrontation with Zappa’s music, which often also included Bluesy motifs.
Overall, although over forty-five years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius remains mostly a mystery and his albums prove time after time that there was only one Frank Zappa, with nobody who could follow his path.
Side Note
Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| | Updated: 22/09/2022Posted: 29/12/2021 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ CHICAGO `78
ZAPPA 20025 (Barcode: 824302002520) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2016
This is an archival album of live recordings by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, recorded on September 29, 1978 at Chicago Uptown Theater. The 2CD album includes all the music played during the second show that night, lasting together for almost two hours, all of which was previously unreleased. The album was released in 2016 as one of the series of complete live concerts, which also includes “FZ:OZFind albums with this title”, “BuffaloFind albums with this title”, “WazooFind albums with this title”, “Philly `76Find albums with this title”, “Hammersmith OdeonFind albums with this title” and “Carnegie HallFind albums with this title”. The music was compiled from several sources to reconstruct the show in its entirety. All the music was composed by Zappa.
The lineup of the musicians playing in the band, which played this concert consists, in addition to Zappa on guitar and vocals of course, of guitarist Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, slide guitarist Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist and Peter WolfFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassist Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist and drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist. The repertoire covers past favorites going as far back as “200 MotelsFind albums with this title” and of course current (at the time) repertoire, including material from the forthcoming “Joe`s GarageFind albums with this title” album.
The music, as I have already stated repeatedly, is beyond categorization, being first and foremost the idiosyncratic creation of Zappa’s musical Genius. Of course every new piece of reissued vault material by Zappa expands the portrait of one of the paramount musical Geniuses of the 20th Century. I still label it as Jazz-Rock Fusion, as it embraces the wide perspective of these two genres. After all it is no less than two hours of the best music money can buy, brilliantly recorded and carefully put together for you listening pleasure.
Overall, this a superb and highly detailed document of the way Zappa created his masterpieces, and of course a testimony to his musical out of the box thinking and creativity. As far as concert recordings, this is an extraordinary example of Zappa’s ability to run a tight ship, perhaps tighter than any other. Despite the complexity of the material, Swiss watchmakers are using this music to synchronize their watches by.
| | Updated: 28/01/2022Posted: 06/11/2021 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ GUITAR
ZAPPA 3876 (Barcode: 824302387627) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1979 - 1984 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 50th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1988. It presents thirty-two tracks recorded live between 1979 and 1984, which are excerpts of Zappa’s guitar solos taken from various compositions, with given names often unrelated to the names of compositions they originate from.
The lineup, in addition to Zappa on guitar, includes guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist, Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist and Warren CuccurulloFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Bobby MartinFind albums by this artist, Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist, Peter WolfFind albums by this artist and Allan ZavodFind albums by this artist, bassists Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist and Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist and drummers Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist and Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist.
The music is an incredible document of Zappa’s Genius both as a guitar player and as a composer, since most of these guitar solos are complete compositions of their own, quite separate from the compositions from which they were derived. Careful listening clearly shows the amazing diversity of Zappa’s guitar techniques and the complexity and multi-layered approach he utilized, which made him the most important guitarist of all times. As usual, despite the incredibly complex music, everything works like a Swiss watch, which of course is hardly surprising to Zappa followers.
Overall, this album is another document of Zappa’s superb live performances. His colossal workload during his lifetime produced an amazing variety of musical accomplishments, which scaled everything known about music as well as discovered new and uncharted territories, which at the end of the day made him the greatest musical Genius of the 20th Century.
Side Note
Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| | Updated: 17/04/2022Posted: 17/04/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ HALLOWEEN
DTS 01101 (Barcode: 692860110199) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2003
This is the 71st album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2003 in the DVD-A format and offering multichannel 5.1 surround sound mixes. The album presents music recorded during the live shows at the Palladium, NYC in October 1978, including the Halloween show on October 31. The album presents thirteen audio tracks and three bonus tracks, two video and one audio. All the music, except for one track, is by Zappa.
The music was recorded by a lineup, which includes Zappa on guitar and vocals and the following musicians: guitarist Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Peter WolfFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassists Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist and Patrick O`HearnFind albums by this artist and drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist. Additionally, there is a rare appearance of Indian violinist L. ShankarFind albums by this artist on two tracks.
The material includes many Zappa’s compositions that were rarely performed by him live and unusual arrangements of other compositions, which makes this album quite special, although of course all Zappa albums are special one way or another. Another DVD-A release of Zappa’s music called “QuAUDIOPHILIAcFind albums with this title” was released in 2004, but thankfully the multichannel formats were abandoned by the Zappa Family Trust in their releases in the years to follow.
Overall, although this music is now forty-five years old, it sounds as fresh as it did when first heard and lost absolutely nothing of its power and everlasting beauty. This album is a valuable addition to Zappa’s incredible recorded legacy and is an absolute must for his many followers, who are always delighted to hear some previously unreleased material.
| | Updated: 12/01/2023Posted: 12/01/2023 | DVD-A 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ JOE`S CAMOUFLAGE
VAULTERNATIVE 20132 (Barcode: 824302013229) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2014
This is the 98th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2014. This album is the 5th release in the series of albums compiled by Zappa’s vaultmeister Joe TraversFind albums by this artist, which also includes “Joe`s CorsageFind albums with this title” (2004), “Joe`s DomageFind albums with this title” (2004), “Joe`s XMASageFind albums with this title” (2005), and “Joe`s MenageFind albums with this title” (2008) all released on the VaulternativeFind albums on this label label.
The album presents fifteen tracks, all composed by Zappa, recorded in 1975 by a rehearsal lineup which never recorded any official album or played any concerts. It includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist and Robert CamarenaFind albums by this artist, violist Novi NovogFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Napoleon Murphy BrockFind albums by this artist, bassist Roy EstradaFind albums by this artist and drummer Terry BozzioFind albums by this artist. The material includes some of the regular Zappa repertoire of the time as well as material that appears here exclusively, with great guitar soloing and a strong Fusiony vibe.
The material included on this album was never intended to be heard by “regular” listeners, and is a reflection of Zappa’s documenting passion, which prompted him to record every second of his performances in the studio and on stage from day one. It does, however, offer an incredible glimpse into the inner makings of music under Zappa’s guidance and shows the meticulous process involved in creating the music, starting with very basic ideas and developed slowly during these rehearsals. As such it shows Zappa’s genius at work and explains the ability of his musicians to perform the unspeakably tricky parts on stage later on. This is another piece of the puzzle of the Frank Zappa Genius.
| | Updated: 13/03/2023Posted: 13/03/2023 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ JOE`S GARAGE ACTS 1, 2 & 3
ZAPPA 3861 (Barcode: 824302386125) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 28th and 29th albums by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1979 as “Joe`s Garage Act 1Find albums with this title” and “Joe`s Garage Acts 2 & 3Find albums with this title” and combined here into one release. The 2CD album presents eighteen studio tracks, which constitute a Rock Opera with the libretto involving a convoluted plot, as appropriate for Zappa’s way of looking at the world.
The lineup that recorded the music includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist and Warren CuccurulloFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist (on Act 1 only) and Peter WolfFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassists Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist, and Patrick O`HearnFind albums by this artist (on a couple of tracks only) and drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist. A brass section plays on Act 1 only.
The music is absolutely brilliant, as usual, and offers a zany amalgam of Pop, Rock and Fusion, which is completely idiosynchratic and unmistakably Zappaesque. Supported by a brilliant crew, Zappa was able to create a wide sonic palette, which despite its complexity and sophistication, is completely accessible to a wide audience of listeners, with diverse levels of music understanding and appreciation.
The libretto tackles the usual themes of Zappa’s criticism of American folly, rotten political system, corrupted organized religion and individual stupidity, which preoccupied him through his entire life. There was no limit to his irony or sarcasm, which sadly, as all prophetic criticism, was largely ineffective in retrospect. But Zappa’s sense of humor and of course the actual folly are still completely relevant today. And of course in comparison to other Rock Operas like “Tommy”, “Bat Out Of Hell” or “The Wall” this is a completely different level of depth.
Overall, although over forty years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius remains mostly a mystery and his albums prove time after time that there was only one Frank Zappa, with nobody who could follow his path.
Side Note
Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| | Updated: 22/09/2022Posted: 26/12/2021 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ SAARBRUCKEN 1978
RHINO / FOO-EEE 70543 (Barcode: 081227054328) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1978 Released: 1991
This is a bootleg album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released officially by Zappa in 1991 as part of the "Beat The Boots!Find albums with this title" Box Set, which included eight bootlegs. The LPs in this Box Set (edition of 600 copies) were not available individually, but the CD versions were made available individually on the Rhino / Foo-eeeFind albums on this label label as catalog numbers 70537 to 70544. In the UK these CDs were released on the Essential / Foo-eeeFind albums on this label label as catalog numbers 956 to 963. This is the seventh album of the set.
The album, which was originally a double LP, presents seventeen tracks, which were recorded in Saarbrucken on September 3, 1978. The lineup of the ensemble includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist and Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist and Peter WolfFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassist Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist and drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist. The music is a typical selection of Zappa’s advanced Jazz-Rock Fusion and political / social satire.
The sound quality is quite reasonable in view of the illegal circumstances surrounding the recording process, often done on inferior equipment. It is of course an invaluable historic document of Zappa’s Genius. It is also valuable not only for its musical content, but also as an authentic document of the Music Industry bootlegging phenomenon and the attempts to fight it. Zappa pioneered (as he did in many areas) the idea of releasing the bootlegs on his own label, following the “if you can’t beat them, use them” formula, which later on became known as “The Official Bootleg” phenomenon still popular today.
| | Updated: 30/03/2023Posted: 11/03/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ SHUT UP `N PLAY YER GUITAR
ZAPPA 3863 (Barcode: 824302386323) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1977 - 1980 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 31st, 32nd and 33rd albums by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1981 as “Shut Up `N Play Yer GuitarFind albums with this title”, “Shut Up `N Play Yer Guitar Some MoreFind albums with this title” and “Return Of The Son Of Shut Up `N Play Yer GuitarFind albums with this title” and combined here into one release. The 2CD album presents twenty tracks, which are guitar solos taken from original compositions by Zappa, except one track which was co-composed with Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist. The music was mostly captured during live performances between 1977 and 1980, with some of the dates, places and lineups unknown.
The lineups that recorded the music include Zappa on guitar, guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist, Warren CuccurulloFind albums by this artist, Steve VaiFind albums by this artist and Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist, Peter WolfFind albums by this artist, Bob HarrisFind albums by this artist, Eddie JobsonFind albums by this artist and Andre LewisFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassists Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist, Roy EstradaFind albums by this artist and Patrick O`HearnFind albums by this artist and drummers Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist and Terry BozzioFind albums by this artist.
The music is entirely instrumental and focuses on Zappa’s extraordinary guitar virtuosity, which gets here the full exposure. The tracks testify to his diversity and inventiveness as a guitarist, which often gets lost within the complexity of his music, especially so when it is performed by one of his big ensembles. Although cut off from their “natural” context, the soli form perfectly coherent kaleidoscope of styles, techniques and genres, as well as a collection of performances, which are all Zappa’s idiosynchratic spontaneous creations, totally unlike any other guitar work by any other musician on this planet.
Despite the fact that these are “only” guitar soli, the album is perfectly listenable and these selections are so intense and unadulterated that they require an absolute attention from the listener, who has to overcome the harmonic and rhythmic complexities in order to enjoy this music in full.
Overall, although over forty years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius remains mostly a mystery and his guitar playing should be a bottomless source of inspiration to all musicians trying to play the guitar, even if they (hopefully) realize that there was only one Frank Zappa.
Side Note
Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| | Updated: 22/09/2022Posted: 23/12/2021 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ TINSEL TOWN REBELLION
ZAPPA 3862 (Barcode: 824302386224) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock
Recorded: 1978 - 1980 Released: 2012
This is the reissue / remaster of the 30th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally as a double LP in 1981. The album presents fifteen tracks recorded (all but one) live between 1978 and 1980 at various locations, all composed by Zappa.
Since Zappa’s band was changing frequently, the musicians participating on this album include, in addition to Zappa who played guitar and sung, also guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist, Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Warren CuccurulloFind albums by this artist and Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist, Peter WolfFind albums by this artist and Bob HarrisFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassists Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist and Patrick O`HearnFind albums by this artist, and drummers Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist and David LogemanFind albums by this artist.
By the late 1970s Zappa concentrated on producing some of his finest Pop / Rock oriented material, which was heavily spiced with hysteric and often outrageous satire and ridicule of American politics, religious radicals, sex, drugs, corruption and many other issues, which in his opinion were eating the American society from within. As accurate as his view of the situation was, it did not have any impact on the state of matters, which obviously continuously worsened, effectively disintegrating the so called “American Way of Life”. Framed within brilliant music and some of his greatest guitar playing, this album is often considered as a great summary of the period.
Overall, although almost forty years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever.
Side Note
Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| | Updated: 03/08/2022Posted: 03/08/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ YOU ARE WHAT YOU IS
ZAPPA 3864 (Barcode: 824302386422) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 34th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1981 as a 2LP album. The album presents twenty original songs, all by Zappa.
The album was recorded by an extensive lineup of musicians, which included, in addition to Zappa on guitar and vocals, also guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist, Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist and Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist, bassist Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist, drummer David LogemanFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Bob HarrisFind albums by this artist, clarinetist David OckerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Jim SherwoodFind albums by this artist and harmonica player Craig StewartFind albums by this artist. Jimmy Carl BlackFind albums by this artist of the original Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist is a guest vocalist with additional vocals performed by Willis, White, Harris, Sherwood, Walley and Zappa´s children Moon and Ahmet.
This album marks again a new approach in Zappa’s convoluted musical path and presents relatively short and concise songs, with only one of which crosses the six minutes timing and most being around three minutes long. The instrumental parts, including Zappa’s guitar solos, are relatively scarce. Some of the songs are conceptually connected into “medleys” and the entire album offers a concept analysis of human stupidity, which Zappa always tried to expose and ridicule. The album offers a coherent continuity, which demands in-depth effort from the listener to comprehend in full, but, as usual, proves to be absolutely brilliant, in spite of the deceiving seemingly Pop oriented external.
Overall, although almost forty years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever.
Side Note
Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| | Updated: 22/09/2022Posted: 24/11/2021 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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