Record Reviews

FRANK ZAPPA ~ MEETS THE MOTHERS OF PREVENTION ZAPPA 3873 (Barcode: 824302387320) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1981 - 1985 Released: 2012 This is a reissue / remaster of the 44th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally 1985. The music was recorded over several years between 1981 and 1985, realized initially on the Synclavier and later extensively overdubbed in the studio. The album presents ten tracks, all composed by Zappa except one co-credited to Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist and another to Johnny Guitar WatsonFind albums by this artist. The lineup that recorded these of tracks includes, in addition to Zappa on Synclavier, guitar and vocals, guitarists Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist, Ike WillisFind albums by this artist and Johnny Guitar Watson, keyboardists Tommy Mars and Bobby MartinFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassist Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist and drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist. Stylistically the album presents the last period of Zappa’s creative period, with his interest in complex contemporary “Classical” compositions, with strong orchestral tendencies, even if performed by Rock instruments. But occasional excursions into Funk, Soul and vaudeville are also present. Of course the subject matter of social critique and ridicule of politics, censorship and other issues are present as vividly and strongly as ever, especially emphasized by the extensive collage of senate debate full of ridiculous statements. Overall, although this music is now 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: 10/03/2022

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