Record Reviews
19 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ARTHUR BROWN ~ BROWN, BLACK & BLUE
LEMON 148 (Barcode: 5013929774827) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2009
This rare album by British maverick Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist with ex-Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist / Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist and Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist / Magic BandFind albums by this artist drummer Jimmy Carl BlackFind albums by this artist, documents the period when Brown spent a few years in the US (mostly Austin, Texas) in the early 1980s. After meeting Black in Austin the two decided to record an album with local Austin musicians, which was dedicated to early Rhythm And Blues material, re-vamped for the occasion. Superbly executed by all the musicians involved, with Brown´s vocal abilities at their full glory, the album is a true lost and forgotten gem, which surely deserves to be re-discovered. It shows not only the deep roots of Rock but also the versatility and resourcefulness of Brown as a musician. Originally released on LP in 1988 (eight years after it was recorded) and out of circulation for many years, this is the album´s first CD release, making it available (and affordable) to a much wider circle of Brown´s fans.
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAPTAIN BEEFHEART / MAGIC BAND ~ BLUEJEANS & MOONBEAMS
VIRGIN 365515 (Barcode: 094636551524) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2006
Following the release of Unconditionally GuaranteedFind albums with this title, Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist and the Magic BandFind albums by this artist were about to start a European tour, but as a result of the commercial failure of the album (and other personal problems between Vliet and the band members) the Magic Band fell apart shortly before the tour was about to start. Vliet haphazardly put together a new version of the Magic Band, which made the tour (see the Live London ’74 album) and later recorded this album. The music again displays a more “commercial” approach, but the album was received coldly by critics and fans alike, which caused Vliet to withdraw from the music scene for a few years with the decision not try to make “commercial” music again. Mind you, “commercial” when referred to Vliet’s output, takes quite a different meaning than in most cases. In retrospect this is still a classic album, which lost nothing of it’s magic in the passing of time. Vliet’s brilliant vocal interpretations and superb songwriting are apparent and this is definitely a must have for all his numerous fans.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAPTAIN BEEFHEART / MAGIC BAND ~ DOC AT THE RADAR STATION (REMASTERED EDITION)
VIRGIN 365513 (Barcode: 094636551326) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2006
When the legal mess between record labels, which prevented any of his album to be released for almost six years, was finally over with the release of Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller)Find albums with this title in 1980, Don VlietFind albums by this artist immediately started work on a new album, which was completed and released later in the same year. Doc At The Radar Station was Vliet’s ultimate statement and generally considered his best work of the (third) last period of his career. It is stylistically much harsher and harder than its brilliant predecessor, closely reminiscent to the early works, but definitely much richer musically. The almost industrial sound blends perfectly with the bizarre lyrics and Vliet’s expressive vocalizations. Considering the fact that by the time this music was recorded, the world was sinking deep into sludge of musical mediocrity and muck, Vliet’s star shines even brighter. Definitely a timeless classic, which hopefully will be discovered by the young generation of music lovers, as well as re-discovered by some old-timers.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAPTAIN BEEFHEART / MAGIC BAND ~ ICE CREAM FOR CROW
VIRGIN 365514 (Barcode: 094636551425) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2006
Sadly and unexpectedly, this album was to be Vliet’s swan song. Recorded with (yet again) new line-up of the Magic Band, it was to a large extent a closing of a circle by this visionary artist, as he re-visits here many of his earliest musical ides going way back to the 1960’s, which somehow remained omitted from earlier albums. Stylistically it is closest to his early recordings as well, with the same atmosphere of tension and frequent changes of mood and tempo. Vliet throws the lyrics at the listener with harsh rapid fire, more often in spoken form than singing. Of course the magic is all there, even when the music becomes aggressive, metallic and dissonant. Obviously influenced by the punk movement (although he himself was an inspiration to many of the movement’s pioneers – another circle closing), Vliet incorporates the punkish alienation and vehemence superbly, spicing it with brilliant overlays of complex outlandish musical threads, creating a collage of rare intensity and expressiveness. This album requires some digestion, but eventually it remains standing as an icon of the era and the last obelisk of Vliet’s colonnade. After this album was recorded, Vliet disconnected himself from the world of music, dedicating all of his time to painting, living in total seclusion, and eventually tragically fell victim to multiple sclerosis.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAPTAIN BEEFHEART / MAGIC BAND ~ LIVE LONDON `74
VIRGIN 368577 (Barcode: 094636857725) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2006
Although Vliet and his Magic Band left us a sizeable legacy of recorded material, they never released a live album, which is quite strange in many ways. This album was recorded during the European tour, which followed Vliet’s signing with Virgin and the release of the Unconditionally Guaranteed album. As his band fell apart shortly after the recording of the album, Vliet had to put together a new version of the band just before the tour started and rehearse with them both the new material from the album they were promoting, as well as some old favorites – an almost impossible task considering the complexity of the material and the lack of time. Nevertheless, as we can hear here, the results were brilliant, as always, with everything he ever attempted. The concert captured here presents Vliet and the band at top form and the music flows beautifully from start to finish. Earlier version of this recording appeared on CD in semi-bootleg versions, but never in full and never as brilliantly sounding as this one. A must! (Just for the sake of historic perspective, the band who used to open the shows for Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band on this tour were no other than Henry Cow, who also signed with Virgin at that time)
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAPTAIN BEEFHEART / MAGIC BAND ~ SAFE AS MILK (EXPANDED EDITION)
REV-OLA 271 (Barcode: 5013929457126) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2009
Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist (born Don VlietFind albums by this artist and later adopted the name Van VlietFind albums by this artist) was one of America’s most enigmatic and groundbreaking Rock personalities. His ability to mix Jazz, Blues, contemporary Classical and Rock made him a unique figure and a true innovator. He met and befriended Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and the two cooperated in many ways (making movies, music and business together). Vliet was active on and off the music scene for about 20 years (between the late 1960’s and late 1980’s), with long periods of inactivity in between. His back-up group, called The Magic BandFind albums by this artist, changed personnel frequently, but always included top-notch players based in different musical genres like Blues, Jazz or Rock. He left a sizable legacy of superb music, which can now be appreciated with a much better perspective than at the time of its release. This, his debut album, is a wonderful mixture of Blues, Psychedelia and Garage Rock, but Vliet’s unique voice and songwriting make them fascinating enough to last for posterity and become classics. Over time this album became an all-time relic of the era and whole volumes were written about it, so there´s no need really to add much more here – simply grab it if you don´t have it already, as your record collection will never be complete without it!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAPTAIN BEEFHEART / MAGIC BAND ~ SHINY BEAST (BAT CHAIN PULLER)
VIRGIN 365517 (Barcode: 094636551722) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2006
Following the release of Bluejeans & Moonbeams and the lack of success of his last two albums, Vliet joined forces with his old buddy Frank Zappa, becoming a guest vocalist with Mothers of Invention during their 1975 tour (as captured on the live Bongo Fury album). He then borrowed some of Zappa’s players to revamp his Magic Band. In 1976 he and his group recorded an album of completely new material, called Bat Chain Puller, which was stylistically much closer to his earlier works. Unfortunately that album was never released as a result of legal battles between his record label (Virgin) and a new record label (Warner Bros.) he tried to sign with. Soon after the studio tapes leaked to the bootleg industry, which flooded the market with illegal copies of the album, making Vliet quite unhappy. To resolve this mess Vliet recorded in 1978 a new version of the album (using a different line-up of the Magic Band), this time called Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller) for Warner Bros., who tried to release it the same year, but alas again it was legally bulldozed by Virgin. Fortunately Virgin eventually released the album in 1980 (after a settlement with Warner Bros. was reached). Musically the album is a triumphant return to Vliet’s idiosyncratic, magical mix of originality and genius (rivaled only by his friend Zappa and often quite similar to his music). The album also featured Vliet’s original paintings used for the cover art, revealing his other (apart from music) artistic vocation. This is a masterpiece of rock music and a timeless classic.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAPTAIN BEEFHEART / MAGIC BAND ~ THE MIRROR MAN SESSIONS
BUDDHA 69174 (Barcode: 743216917426) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 1999
This music, recorded in late 1967 just a few months after Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist and his Magic BandFind albums by this artist recorded their debut album "Safe As MilkFind albums with this title", was intended for a double LP release, but as it often happened in the troubled biography of the Captain, it was not to be so. The music, partly unfinished, was rejected at the time by the record label and then partly released as the "Mirror ManFind albums with this title" album four years later, including only four of the tracks recorded at this session. This album collects nine of the tracks recorded at that session and the rest of them can be found as bonus tracks of the expanded reissue of "Safe As Milk". The music is of course brilliant, revolutionary and outrageous, nothing less one might expect from the Captain. An absolute must companion to the debut album.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAPTAIN BEEFHEART / MAGIC BAND ~ UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED
VIRGIN 365511 (Barcode: 094636551128) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2006
Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist (born Don VlietFind albums by this artist and later adopted the name Van VlietFind albums by this artist) was one of America’s most enigmatic and groundbreaking Rock personalities. His ability to mix jazz, blues, contemporary classical and rock made him a unique figure and a true innovator. He met and befriended Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and the two cooperated in many ways (making movies, music and business together). Vliet was active on and off the music scene for about 20 years (between the late 1960’s and late 1980’s), with long periods of inactivity in between. His back-up group, called The Magic BandFind albums by this artist, changed personnel frequently, but always included top-notch players based in different musical genres like blues, jazz or rock. He left a sizable legacy of superb music, which can now be appreciated with a much better perspective than at the time of its release. This album marks a relavtively short “commercial” period of Vliet’s output, after a series of almost Avant-Garde albums, starting with his debut Safe As MilkFind albums with this title from 1967. The songs are much closer to the blues and rock tradition, but Vliet’s unique voice and songwriting make them fascinating enough to last for posterity and become classics.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FAR CRY ~ FAR CRY
FALLOUT 2090 (Barcode: 5051125209019) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2007
Only album by US septet Far CryFind albums by this artist, which is a rare example of early US Jazz-Rock Fusion. The band was fronted by a unique lead singer Jere WhitingFind albums by this artist, who delivers some of the most unusual vocal performances (comparable only to Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist excursions), with growls, whines and you name it, but all making perfect sense in the overall scheme of things. The six instrumentalist play two guitars, saxophone, keyboards, bass and drums producing a big sound and combining Rock, Blues and Jazz into their own amalgam. Saxophonist Dick MartinFind albums by this artist is the biggest surprise and delivers some of the strangest phrases ever heard on a Rock oriented album at the time, very close to Avant-Garde Jazz of Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist or Albert AylerFind albums by this artist. Strangely enough the stuff he plays fits perfectly the overall ambience of the album. Six of the seven composition included on the album are originals by the band members and they are all very interesting. Overall this is a real forgotten gem and a blast from the past. Having it back in circulation is a real treat. Definitely worth checking out.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PETER IVERS / BAND ~ KNIGHT OF THE BLUE COMMUNION
HUX 088 (Barcode: 682970000886) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2007
This is one of those legendary albums that a lot of people have heard about, but very few actually heard, or at least until recently when the album was reissued. American harmonica player Peter IversFind albums by this artist was a polymath, a Renaissance man of many talents. He was not only a gifted musician / composer, but also a writer, TV personality and avid follower of martial arts. His love for the Blues induced his decision to pick up the harmonica as his tool of musical expression, but his usage of that instrument was completely different and almost Avant-Garde in comparison to the instrument’s Blues roots. Active on the lively Boston scene, Ivers rubbed shoulder with many famous garage (and not so garage) local bands and by sheer fluke of luck landed a contract with EpicFind albums on this label – a major record label (subsidiary of ColumbiaFind albums on this label). For the recording of his debut album Ivers assembled a great group of musicians, which was quite “different” in every respect. By listing the instruments played by the group’s members: harmonica, oboe, bassoon, sax, guitar, acoustic bass, percussion and intermodulator (an early electronic instrument) one already sees that this was no ordinary group by any means. Add to this the fantastic female vocalist Yolande BavanFind albums by this artist, who fronted the band and poet Tim MayerFind albums by this artist, who supplied the lyrics and you get one of the most unique US bands of the era, which is often compared to Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist or early Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist in their unorthodox musical approach. This debut album is special in every respect: the complex music, the unusual use of the woodwinds and brass and the mesmerizing vocals, all combined creating a weird and wonderful sonic experience. Naturally the album was a total commercial flop and although Epic did record a send album with the band, it was shelved. The only glance of that album – a single - is featured here as bonus tracks. The second album was recorded with another sensational female vocalist, Asha PuthliFind albums by this artist. Ivers went on to record two more albums for Warner Bros., but these were significantly less successful. He died mysteriously in 1983. This album remains to this day as one of the most interesting documents of an era, when everything was conceivable and some of it doable. Very interesting!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | OHO ~ OKINAWA (EXPANDED EDITION)
ROCKADROME 028 (Barcode: 858581028018) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2010
Obscure US Prog band OHOFind albums by this artist made very little impact originally, when they released three albums in the 1970s, but as it often happens their highly unusual and quite brilliant output was discovered decades later and achieved a legendary status. This was their debut album which now appears remastered and in much expanded form which doubles the original playing time and number of tracks. The music is a "crazy" collage of great instrumental work, insane vocals and background noises, which belongs to the same class as the early work of Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist and other musical pioneers and prophets. It probably sounded completely outlandish at the time of its release, but today makes perfect sense, which simply proves it was way ahead of its time. The thirty relatively short tracks move rapidly from one musical idea to another, but there is definitely a unifying stylistic and aesthetic sense behind the music, spiced with Psychedelics and a crazy humor. In short a little known gem, that deserves to be discovered by a much wider audience. An absolute must to Prog / Psych lovers!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks 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 ~ HOT RATS
ZAPPA 3841 (Barcode: 824302384121) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 Released: 1969
This is a reissue / remaster of the 8th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally in 1969. The music was recorded in the studio during several weeks in 1969 and utilized a Sisyphean multi-tracking and overdubbing process, which can be studied in detail when listening to the 6CD Box Set “The Hot Rats SessionsFind albums with this title” released in 2019. The album presents six tracks, five of which are instrumentals, all composed by Zappa.
The lineup, in addition to Zappa on guitar, includes violinists Don Sugarcane HarrisFind albums by this artist and Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist, multi-instrumentalist Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, vocalist Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist (on one track), bassists Max BennettFind albums by this artist and Shuggie OtisFind albums by this artist, drummers John GuerinFind albums by this artist and Paul HumphreyFind albums by this artist and many other musicians adding minor contributions.
The album presents a brilliantly innovative Jazz-Rock Fusion, intricate and complex and yet beautifully melodic, which became one of Zappa’s main musical avenues in years to come. It also presents some of his most recognizable compositions, which became trademarks during his concerts. In retrospect, if Zappa had recorded nothing else beyond this album, his musical Genius would have been already recognized in full, but of course this was just a beginning in many respects. The album became in time one of the most iconic recordings in American music.
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: 20/02/2022 | CD 1 Remastered 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 |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ ONE SIZE FITS ALL
ZAPPA 3853 (Barcode: 824302385326) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 20th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1975. The album presents nine original songs, all by Zappa.
Zappa assembled an absolutely brilliant lineup of musicians to record the album, which included keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Napoleon Murphy BrockFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ruth UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom FowlerFind albums by this artist and drummer Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist. The vocals were performed by Zappa, Duke and Brock. Guest appearances include Johnny Guitar WatsonFind albums by this artist (vocals), Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist (harmonica) and James YoumanFind albums by this artist (bass on one track). The album includes some of Zappa’s most notable guitar solos.
This album marks the new approach in Zappa’s convoluted musical path and marks his passionate affair with Jazz-Rock Fusion, which has its sources some years earlier in “The Hot Rats Sessions”, but came into full bloom and dominated his 1970s output. He managed to combine a very complex music, both harmonically and rhythmically, with a seemingly Rock or even Pop glam, to expand his audiences, without losing an iota of his musical integrity.
In retrospect the music on this album sounds a bit “timid” in comparison to the numerous live recordings of the same material, which was often expanded into lengthy improvisations and offered an explosion of energy and spontaneity. Nevertheless, these are the original versions of that gorgeous material, and have not only a nostalgic tinge, but are true Classics in every respect.
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.
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: 28/11/2021 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ THE LOST EPISODES
ZAPPA 3889 (Barcode: 824302388921) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock
Recorded: 1958 - 1992 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 64th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 1996. The music was recorded at various locations and studios between 1958 and 1992, and all except two are previously unreleased. The album presents thirty mostly very short tracks, all composed or in four cases co-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 about half of the tracks were recorded before the Mothers were formed. The tracks are (more or less) ordered chronologically.
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: 16/03/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ ZOOT ALLURES
ZAPPA 3855 (Barcode: 824302385524) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1976 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 22nd album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally in 1976. The music was recorded mostly in the studio in 1976 except for a couple of tracks originating from earlier sessions and one track was recorded live. The album presents nine tracks, all composed by Zappa except one co-composed with Jeff SimmonsFind albums by this artist.
The lineup that recorded most of the of tracks includes, in addition to Zappa on guitar, bass, keyboards and vocals, drummer Terry BozzioFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ruth UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Roy EstradaFind albums by this artist and harmonica player Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist. The live track features also keyboardist Andre LewisFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Napoleon Murphy BrockFind albums by this artist. The two earlier tracks feature brass players: saxophonist Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bruce FowlerFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Sal MarquezFind albums by this artist.
The album includes several tracks, which would become Zappa’s signature pieces in the following years. Some of the music recorded during the sessions for this album and not included on it were about to resurface of the “Sleep DirtFind albums with this title” album.
Stylistically the album is significantly different from the series of Jazz-Rock Fusion albums that preceded it, and presents a caricature of such diverse musical styles as Heavy Metal and Disco, which dominated the scene at the time. The sarcastic lyrics are sharp and cynical as usual, with a tendency towards absurd and ridicule.
Overall, although this music is now over 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 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: 04/03/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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