Record Reviews

FRANK ZAPPA ~ JOE`S MENAGE VAULTERNATIVE 20081 (Barcode: 824302008126) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 Released: 2008 This is the 84th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2008. This album is the 4th 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 CamouflageFind albums by this artist” (2014), all released on the VaulternativeFind albums on this label label. The album presents eight tracks, all composed by Zappa, recorded live by Zappa and his group in 1975 and features a rare appearance of vocalist / saxophonist Norma Jean BellFind albums by this artist, who was a member of this band for a very brief period of time. The other members in this lineup include Zappa on guitar and vocals, saxophonist Napoleon Murphy BrockFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Andre LewisFind albums by this artist, bassist Roy EstradaFind albums by this artist and drummer Terry BozzioFind albums by this artist. The music reflects Zappa’s Jazz-Rock Fusion period, which produced some of his most fascinating studio albums, full of great songwriting and exceptional instrumental performances, as well as his razor-sharp satire and critique of the American society, politics, corruption and ideological / religious folly. Several explosive guitar solos are the highlights of this album, as well as the super tight band, which was like an instrument in Zappa’s hands. The sound quality is somewhat less brilliant here, but the source material was painstakingly restored by Travers, and is definitely listenable. Overall, although almost fifty 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.

Updated: 14/02/2023Posted: 20/07/2022

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend