Record Reviews

FRANK ZAPPA ~ BUFFALO VAULTERNATIVE 20071 (Barcode: 824302007129) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1980 Released: 2007 This is the 80th official release by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist. It is an archival album recorded live on October 25, 1980 at Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, NY. The 2CD album includes all the music played during the show that night, lasting together for over two hours, all of which was previously unreleased. The album was released posthumously in 2007 as the second in the Vaulternative series of complete live concerts, which also includes “FZ:OZFind albums with this title”, “WazooFind albums with this title”, “Philly `76Find albums with this title”, “Hammersmith OdeonFind albums with this title”, “Carnegie HallFind albums with this title” and “Chicago `78Find 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 guitarists Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist and Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist and Bob HarrisFind 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 “Chunga`s RevengeFind albums with this title” and of course current (at the time) repertoire, including material from the forthcoming “Tinsel Town RebellionFind 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: 28/01/2022

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

FRANK ZAPPA ~ FILLMORE EAST - JUNE 1971 ZAPPA 3845 (Barcode: 824302384527) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2012 This is a reissue / remaster of the 12th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally in 1971. The music was recorded live at the legendary NYC Fillmore East venue in 1971. The album presents twelve tracks, all (except one) composed by Zappa. The lineup, in addition to Zappa on guitar and vocals, includes members of the then current version of Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist, which comprises of lead vocalists Mark VolmanFind albums by this artist and Howard KaylanFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Flo & EddieFind albums by this artist), multi-instrumentalist Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Bob HarrisFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim PonsFind albums by this artist and drummer Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist. Keyboardist Don PrestonFind albums by this artist appears on one track, which was probably recorded at other live concert. The album presents a comic / bitterly satirical concept “story”, which depicts the “behind the scenes” of the music business and Rock groups touring / concerts, with all its absurdity and deviation, which sadly was for many years a part of the scene, before it spread into the general public and created the insane “celeb” scene omnipresent in today’s non-culture. Musically the album is somewhat less Jazz-Rock Fusion oriented, but still offers lengthy instrumental improvisations and some of the best-ever guitar soloing by Zappa. The only track not composed by Zappa is a parody of the song “Happy Together”, which was a mega hit for the TurtlesFind albums by this artist, the group Volman and Kaylan originate from. Overall, although this music is now over fifty years old, it sounds as fresh as it did when first heard and lost absolutely nothing of its power and everlasting beauty. 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. 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: 12/02/2022

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

FRANK ZAPPA ~ PLAYGROUND PSYCHOTICS ZAPPA 3886 (Barcode: 824302388624) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2012 This is the reissue / remaster of the 60th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally as a 2CD album in 1992, less than a year before Zappa’s demise. The album was recorded between late 1970 and late 1971 and includes another rare live recording of “Billy The Mountain”, lasting over thirty minutes. It includes numerous dialog fragments capturing the members of The Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist on tour and during the recording of the “200 MotelsFind albums with this title” soundtrack. It also offers alternative mixes of the live encounter between the Mothers and John LennonFind albums by this artist and Yoko OnoFind albums by this artist on the Fillmore East stage. The staggering fifty-seven tracks are and incredible testimony of the greatest Rock band ever, carefully assembled by Zappa, in a form he wanted the band to be remembered. Almost all the music was composed by Zappa. The musicians participating on this album include, in addition to Zappa who played guitar and sung, also vocalists Mark VolmanFind albums by this artist and Howard KaylanFind albums by this artist, woodwinds and keyboards player Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Don PrestonFind albums by this artist, George DukeFind albums by this artist and Bob HarrisFind albums by this artist, bassists Jim PonsFind albums by this artist, Jeff SimmonsFind albums by this artist and Martin LickertFind albums by this artist and drummer Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist. By the time this album was recorded Zappa and his Mothers Of Invention were a perfectly synchronized music machine able to play just about anything. Zappa’s sense of humor knew already no limits, as the “Billy The Mountain” track shows, being a hilarious pastiche of the Rock Opera genre, which thrived at the time. They produced some of the 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 Zappa’s 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 early Zappa period. Overall, although over 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. 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: 24/09/2022Posted: 24/09/2022

CD 2 Remastered 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 ~ THE MAN FROM UTOPIA ZAPPA 3866 (Barcode: 824302386620) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1980 - 1982 Released: 2012 This is a reissue / remaster of the 36th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1983. The music was recorded between 1980 and 1982 and combines Zappa’s advanced instrumental explorations and his social satire. The album presents eleven tracks, all composed by Zappa, except for the title track, which is a 1950s Pop song. The lineup that Zappa put together in the studio to record this music includes, in addition to him playing guitar and keyboards, guitarists Steve VaiFind albums by this artist and Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist, vocalists Roy EstradaFind albums by this artist, Bob HarrisFind albums by this artist and Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Bobby MartinFind albums by this artist, Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist and Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassists Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist and Jay AndersonFind albums by this artist, drummers Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist and Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist and a few others. The music is completely eclectic and moves between Pop, Rock, Jazz and anything in between, and features some extravagant musical experiments like Vai copying Zappa’s recitation / singing note for note in a virtuosic guitar extravaganza and other tricks which can only be found on Zappa’s albums. Although not one of the most popular or revered Zappa’s albums, it is, surely in retrospect, still a masterpiece of comedy / satire / social parody and musical genius all mixed together, including a hilarious parody of Beach Boys surf music and dozens of other gems. Overall, although this music is now almost forty years old, it sounds as fresh as it did when first heard and lost absolutely nothing of its power and everlasting beauty. 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. 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: 16/01/2022

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

FRANK ZAPPA ~ THE MOTHERS 1971 ZAPPA 20038 (Barcode: 602438403455) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2022 This Box Set is the 121st official release by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2022. It presents an expanded reissue / remaster of the live material recorded originally in 1971 with his group The Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist, including the complete Fillmore East concerts on June 5, 1971 and June 6, 1971 (two full shows each day), including the encore which features John LennonFind albums by this artist and Yoko OnoFind albums by this artist on the last show, which of course were partially released as the “Fillmore East - June 1971Find albums with this title” album in 1971. Also included are two partially recorded shows recorded a few days before the Fillmore East shows, as well as the December 10, 1971 concert recorded at the Rainbow Theatre in London; altogether 8 CDs full of brilliant music The Box Set is a lavishly packaged Super Deluxe (CD sized) edition, which is up to the usual ZappaFind albums on this label Records standard. The Mothers, who recorded this music included, in addition to Zappa who played guitar and sung, vocalists Howard KaylanFind albums by this artist and Mark VolmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim PonsFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist (who also plays woodwinds), Don PrestonFind albums by this artist and Bob HarrisFind albums by this artist (who does not play on the London show) and drummer Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist. This Box Set offers a great opportunity to compare four full live shows and see how flexible and varied these performances were, how much improvisation was involved and how brilliant the members of the Mothers were. The rapport and interplay are absolutely amazing and easily equal that displayed by Jazz musicians. Musically the album is somewhat less Jazz-Rock Fusion oriented, but still offers lengthy instrumental improvisations and some of the best-ever guitar soloing by Zappa. The parody of the song “Happy Together”, which was a mega hit for the TurtlesFind albums by this artist, the group Volman and Kaylan originate from, is a great example of the sense of humor that underlines the proceedings at all times. Overall, although over 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: 18/06/2022Posted: 18/06/2022

CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks 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