Record Reviews
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  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ TOMMY
REPERTOIRE 5128 (Barcode: 4009910512821) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2009
A lavish production of the first Rock Opera, written and originally performed and recorded by Pete TownshendFind albums by this artist and the WhoFind albums by this artist in 1969, which was staged and recorded three years later by the London Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist, English Chamber ChoirFind albums by this artist and s set of soloist, which sounds like a who´s who of British Rock superstars at the time, including: Pete Townshend, Roger DaltreyFind albums by this artist, Ringo StarrFind albums by this artist, Rod StewartFind albums by this artist, Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, Richie HavensFind albums by this artist, Richard HarrisFind albums by this artist and others. The overall production and performance are stunning and remain a symbol of what was possible at that time, with no effort and money spared in order to make great music. In many respects this is the best ever version of "TommyFind albums with this title" and an absolute must to any Classic Rock collector. This edition includes a lavish book with the original extensive graphics. A true collector´s item!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ BOULEZ CONDUCTS ZAPPA: THE PERFECT STRANGER
ZAPPA 3869 (Barcode: 824302386927) ~ USA ~ Classical
Recorded: 1984 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 39th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1984. It continues the presentation of “Classical” compositions by Zappa, which started with the “London Symphony OrchestraFind albums with this title” albums recorded a year earlier. The album presents seven compositions by Zappa, three of which were recorded by the French Ensemble InterContemporainFind albums by this artist, conducted by the great French composer Pierre BoulezFind albums by this artist, and the remaining four were realized by Zappa playing the Synclavier. In his liner notes, Zappa refers to the music as “seven dance pieces”.
Other earlier albums by Zappa, which were recorded by orchestras, include “Lumpy GravyFind albums with this title”, “200 MotelsFind albums with this title” and “Orchestral FavoritesFind albums with this title” in addition to the already mentioned recordings with the London Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist. Zappa’s obsession with orchestral music comes to its climax with these two last albums, especially since his status as a “serious” musician is finally recognized by his Classical peers and one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world agreed to record his music and one of the most prestigious conductors in the world agreed to conduct and perform it with his ensemble. Despite his complete contempt and sheer hatred of musical business and establishment, he could not resist the temptation to “show” them who is really better, which reflects the omnipresent, but often deeply hidden inferiority complex of all non-Classical musicians / composers in relation to the Classical ones.
Zappa’s music was always, from day one, as complex, ambitious, innovative, pioneering and Genius, and in most cases more so, than that of his Classical contemporaries, even when performed in the Pop / Rock / Fusion / Jazz environments, but these two albums are an opportunity to make an “equal ground” comparison, which of course easily proves his authority.
Listeners not familiar with Zappa’s legacy (an unthinkable sin) might think that he is a bona fide Classical composer, as this music sounds authentically “Classical”, which is again a proof of his Genius. This music is conceived and in fact realized to sound as modern Classical music, which for a person of no academic Classical music education is truly astounding in every respect.
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: 08/04/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA VOL. I & II
ZAPPA 3868 (Barcode: 824302386828) ~ USA ~ Classical
Recorded: 1983 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 38th and 48th albums by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1983 and 1987, both recorded at the same sessions in January of 1983 with the London Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Kent NaganoFind albums by this artist and expanded with Zappaesque spicing represented by percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist and clarinetist David OckerFind albums by this artist. The first CD presents two two-parts and one three-parts suites and the second CD presents four individual pieces. All the music was composed by Zappa. Other earlier albums by Zappa, which were recorded by orchestras include “Lumpy GravyFind albums with this title”, “200 MotelsFind albums with this title” and “Orchestral FavoritesFind albums with this title”.
Zappa’s obsession with orchestral music comes to its climax with this album, especially since his status as a “serious” musician is finally recognized by his Classical peers and one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world agreed to record his music. Despite his complete contempt and sheer hatred of musical business and establishment, he could not resist the temptation to “show” them who is really better, which reflects the omnipresent, but often deeply hidden inferiority complex of all non-Classical musicians / composers in relation to the Classical ones.
Zappa’s music was always, from day one, as complex, ambitious, innovative, pioneering and Genius, and in most cases more so, than that of his Classical contemporaries, even when performed in the Pop / Rock / Fusion / Jazz environments, but this album is an opportunity to make an “equal ground” comparison, which of course easily proves his authority. For the avid listener, it is recommended to compare those parts of the material, which were previously recorded in different settings.
Listeners not familiar with Zappa’s legacy (an unthinkable sin) might think that he is a bona fide Classical composer, as this music sounds as “Classical” as they come, which is again a proof of his Genius. This music is conceived and in fact realized to sound as modern Classical music, which for a person of no academic Classical music education is truly astounding in every respect.
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: 06/04/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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