Record Reviews

VANILLA FUDGE ~ MYSTERY MUSIC ON CD 14277 (Barcode: 8718627235720) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1984 Released: 2023 This is a reissue of the 6th album by the American Rock group Vanilla FudgeFind albums by this artist, recorded after a fifteen years long gap following the recording of their previous album. It was recorded by the original lineup of the group, which consisted of lead vocalist / organist Mark SteinFind albums by this artist, guitarist Vince MartellFind albums by this artist, bassist Tim BogertFind albums by this artist and drummer Carmine AppiceFind albums by this artist. Two additional guitar players were added: Ron MancusoFind albums by this artist, who plays on most tracks and Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist (under the J. ToadFind albums by this artist moniker), who plays on two tracks. The album presents ten tracks, eight of which are originals by the group members and two are arrangements of Pop songs. The music world changed dramatically since the release of their previous album and by the time this album was released the music it contained was as out of sync with the then current scene as one can imagine, which meant that despite the fact that the music was first rate Classic Rock, the album had no chance whatsoever to succeed and the album was quickly forgotten. Overall, in retrospect this is a fine collection of songs splendidly performed by these excellent musicians, and is certainly worthy being cherished by true Rock enthusiasts, who still remember what real music sounds like.

Updated: 11/03/2025Posted: 11/03/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

FRANK ZAPPA ~ MYSTERY DISC ZAPPA 3891 (Barcode: 824302389126) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1962 - 1972 Released: 2012 This is a reissue / remaster of the 68th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 1998. The music was recorded at various locations and studios between 1962 and 1969, except one track recorded in 1972. The tracks included here were originally released on two “Mystery Disc” LPs, which were bonus discs included with reissues of Zappa albums packed into the “Old Masters” Box Sets released between 1985 and 1987. The album presents thirty-five mostly very short tracks, all (except two) composed by Zappa. The accompanying booklet includes Zappa’s explanations about the circumstances in which these tracks were recorded. The lineup, in addition to Zappa on guitar and vocals, includes members of the various versions of Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist, which existed during these years. Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks, and some tracks were recorded before the Mothers were formed. Although obviously highly diverse in sound quality and musical subjects, the album is a fascinating historical glance on the early years of Zappa’s activities. The music is mostly instrumental and shows Zappa as a great Blues and Rock guitarist, easily comparable with the icons of that era and already at that stage completely unique and “cosmic”, as well as an extraordinary composer. Zappa’s zany sense of humor and brilliant compositions are already clearly apparent of course. Overall, although this is just a collection of pretty randomly selected tracks, which have never been released earlier (with some minor overlaps to other albums but in different mixes or edits), it is a wonderful opportunity to hear the early creations of Zappa, which of course fit perfectly to his later years, when his extraordinary talents fully blossomed and he became the world’s most imaginative and creative musician of all times. 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: 25/01/2022

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend