Record Reviews
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  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ 200 MOTELS: THE SUITES
ZAPPA 20019 (Barcode: 824302001929) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Classical
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2015
This is the 101st album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2015. It presents the Classical Music components (in a form of thirteen suites) of the music originally composed for the soundtrack of the film “200 MotelsFind albums by this artist”, which was recorded originally in 1971 with his group The Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist and The Royal Philharmonic OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by Elgar HowarthFind albums by this artist. Since the final soundtrack included only parts of this suites, this album presents them in their entirety for the first time, as recorded in 2013 by The Los Angeles PhilharmonicFind albums by this artist and The Los Angeles Master ChoraleFind albums by this artist, conducted by Finnish conductor / composer Esa-Pekka SalonenFind albums by this artist. Several actors / vocalists and additional musicians are also featured in the recording, including keyboardists Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist and Randy KerberFind albums by this artist, drummer Joe TraversFind albums by this artist, bassist Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist and guitarist Jamie KimeFind albums by this artist.
This album shows the full scope of Zappa’s Classical Music ambitions and his ability to move directly to the very core its Avant-Garde facet, skipping over centuries of the legacy, which of course was unprecedented and largely misunderstood.
The soundtrack of “200 Motels” is an incredibly complex amalgam of Classical Music, Pop, Rock, comedy and satire. Although not the very first album to feature Rock and Symphony Orchestra, it is by far the most advanced, revolutionary and complex of all such attempts to this very day. Zappa included in this music his modern 20th Century Classical Music influences from Edgar VareseFind albums by this artist, Igor StravinskyFind albums by this artist and others.
Zappa showed that he is able to write music, which amalgamates anything between Avant-Garde Pop and Rock, Jazz, including Free Jazz and Jazz-Rock Fusion and contemporary orchestral Classical Music. He appears as the first “total musician” on the Pop / Rock scene, a status he was able to hold till the day he died. From day one his extravagant personality and brilliant intelligence marked him as an outsider, a fate shared by most geniuses.
The “200 Motels” soundtrack is often regarded as “peripheral” in his overall output, which is of course completely nonsensical and absurd. The whole concept of Zappa’s music was the complete disregard of genres and a firm belief that “music is one”, regardless how someone might wish to categorize it. In retrospect, this album is definitely one of his absolute Artistic apogees, although he never recorded anything which could be considered less important than anything else.
Overall, although over fifty years passed since this music was composed, this music remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb creativity, 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: 13/08/2022Posted: 13/08/2022 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ AS AN AM
ESSENTIAL / FOO-EEE 956 (Barcode: 5017615515626) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1981 - 1982 Released: 1991
This is a bootleg album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released officially by Zappa in 1991 as part of the "Beat The Boots!Find albums with this title" Box Set, which included eight bootlegs. The LPs in this Box Set (edition of 600 copies) were not available individually, but the CD versions were made available individually on the Rhino / Foo-eeeFind albums on this label label as catalog numbers 70537 to 70544. In the UK these CDs were released on the Essential / Foo-eeeFind albums on this label label as catalog numbers 956 to 963. This is the first album of the set.
The music was recorded at two concerts: Sporthalle in Cologne, Germany on May 21, 1982 (tracks 2-3) and Palladium in NYC on October 31, 1981 (tracks 4-6). The first track is a fragment of a radio interview on which Zappa talks about bootlegs. The lineup includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist and Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist 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.
The sound quality is quite reasonable in view of the illegal circumstances surrounding the recording process, often done on inferior equipment. It is of course an invaluable historic document of Zappa’s Genius. It is also valuable not only for its musical content, but also as an authentic document of the Music Industry bootlegging phenomenon and the attempts to fight it. Zappa pioneered (as he did in many areas) the idea of releasing the bootlegs on his own label, following the “if you can’t beat them, use them” formula, which later on became known as “The Official Bootleg” phenomenon still popular today.
| | Updated: 13/03/2023Posted: 16/02/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ BROADWAY THE HARD WAY
ZAPPA 3879 (Barcode: 824302387924) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1988 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 53rd album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1988. The album presents seventeen tracks, which include mostly original songs by Zappa, but also some covers including one song by The PoliceFind albums by this artist on which StingFind albums by this artist sings lead vocals. The music was recorded live during Zappa’s 1988 tour, which was sadly his last. It is one of three live albums recorded during this tour, together with “The Best Band You Never Heard In Your LifeFind albums with this title” and “Make A Jazz Noise HereFind albums with this title”.
The lineup that recorded the music includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist and Mike KeneallyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Robert MartinFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Walt FowlerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bruce FowlerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Paul CarmanFind albums by this artist, Albert WingFind albums by this artist and Kurt McGettrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist and drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist. It reflects Zappa’s love of orchestral arrangements, which of course were meticulously conceived and brilliantly executed by this excellent team. The undertones of a Broadway show, which this album presents, are a pinnacle of Zappa’s mastery and a cruel twist.
With passing time, Zappa’s cynicism and radical criticism of American politics, organized religion, show business and general stupidity became more bitter and plain painful at times. His idea to shake his audiences, had sadly little effect, as we can see with the world getting worse and stupider consistently. The absurdity of the beautiful melodic songs crafted by Zappa, which were accompanied by his toxic lyrics is absolutely amazing. However, as we all know, protest songs never managed to make a dent in the way our world is being conducted, especially so in America – Woody GuthrieFind albums by this artist, Pete SeegerFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist and eventually Zappa, all failed miserably – a magnificent failure it was indeed!
Overall, although thirty-three 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: 05/12/2021 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ DOES HUMOR BELONG IN MUSIC?
ZAPPA 3874 (Barcode: 824302387429) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1984 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 45th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1986. It presents ten tracks recorded live in late 1984 during Zappa’s world tour, eight of which are original compositions by Zappa and two are arrangements of songs written by others, including a Doo-wop song and a guitar anthem. This album has actually nothing in common with the video / DVD of the same title, which features mostly different music and Zappa interviews, but has the same cover art, which altogether is quite confusing.
The lineup, in addition to Zappa on guitar and vocals, includes guitarist Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Bobby MartinFind albums by this artist and Allan ZavodFind albums by this artist, bassist Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist and drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist. Zappa’s son Dweezil ZappaFind albums by this artist plays guitar solo on one track. Despite the fact that the group is just a sextet, it creates a sound, which seems to be much larger and richer.
The music is the usual Zappaesque amalgam of Rock / Fusion / Humor, brilliantly performed by his group, with some exceptional guitar soloing spicing up the entire proceedings. As usual, despite the incredibly complex music, everything works like a Swiss watch, which of course is hardly surprising to Zappa followers.
Overall, this album is another document of Zappa’s superb live performances, as well as his humor and satire, which was growing ruthless and bitter as the folly surrounding as all deepened in time. His Sisyphean workload during his lifetime produced an amazing variety of musical accomplishments, which scaled everything known about music as well as discovered new and uncharted territories, which at the end of the day made him the greatest musical Genius of the 20th Century and one of its most profound observers of the human nature.
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: 14/04/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ GUITAR
ZAPPA 3876 (Barcode: 824302387627) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1979 - 1984 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 50th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1988. It presents thirty-two tracks recorded live between 1979 and 1984, which are excerpts of Zappa’s guitar solos taken from various compositions, with given names often unrelated to the names of compositions they originate from.
The lineup, in addition to Zappa on guitar, includes guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist, Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist and Warren CuccurulloFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Bobby MartinFind albums by this artist, Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist, Peter WolfFind albums by this artist and Allan ZavodFind albums by this artist, bassists Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist and Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist and drummers Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist and Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist.
The music is an incredible document of Zappa’s Genius both as a guitar player and as a composer, since most of these guitar solos are complete compositions of their own, quite separate from the compositions from which they were derived. Careful listening clearly shows the amazing diversity of Zappa’s guitar techniques and the complexity and multi-layered approach he utilized, which made him the most important guitarist of all times. As usual, despite the incredibly complex music, everything works like a Swiss watch, which of course is hardly surprising to Zappa followers.
Overall, this album is another document of Zappa’s superb live performances. His colossal workload during his lifetime produced an amazing variety of musical accomplishments, which scaled everything known about music as well as discovered new and uncharted territories, which at the end of the day made him the greatest musical Genius of the 20th Century.
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: 17/04/2022Posted: 17/04/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ HALLOWEEN 81
ZAPPA 20034 (Barcode: 824302003428) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2020
This is the 117th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2020. The live album was recorded during the Zappa Halloween shows at The Palladium in NYC on October 31 (two shows) and November 1, 1981 (one show). There are two versions of this album: A Box Set version with 6 CDs, which includes the entire three shows played during the two days, a total of eighty-six tracks, and various paraphernalia (a mask and cape), and a single CD version with highlights from the Box Set version, called the Z version.
The lineup that recorded this music includes, in addition to Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist and Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist and Robert 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.
The album presents an eclectic amalgam of Jazz-Rock Fusion and Rock and Pop songs, with sarcastic / satirical lyrics dealing with subject matter about many social issues. It is somehow absurd that Zappa’s music became so popular at the time, despite the fact that his bitter criticism of the American society and politics became more and more intense in time, and was never really shared by wide circles of American audiences. One can assume that his lyrics were simply too clever for most people to be understood.
Overall, although this music is now over 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.
| | Updated: 13/09/2023Posted: 13/09/2023 | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ HALLOWEEN 81 (HIGHLIGHTS)
ZAPPA 20034Z (Barcode: 824302003459) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2020
This is the 117th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2020. The live album was recorded during the Zappa Halloween shows at The Palladium in NYC on October 31 (two shows) and November 1, 1981 (one show). There are two versions of this album, a Box Set version with 6 CDs and various paraphernalia and this, the single CD version with highlights from the Box Set version, called the Z version.
The lineup that recorded this music includes, in addition to Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist and Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist and Robert 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. The album presents fourteen tracks, taken from all three shows played on these dates.
The album presents an eclectic amalgam of Jazz-Rock Fusion and Rock and Pop songs, with sarcastic / satirical lyrics dealing with subject matter about many social issues. It is somehow absurd that Zappa’s music became so popular at the time, despite the fact that his bitter criticism of the American society and politics became more and more intense in time, and was never really shared by wide circles of American audiences. One can assume that his lyrics were simply too clever for most people to be understood.
Overall, although this music is now over 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.
| | Updated: 01/10/2022Posted: 01/10/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ JAZZ FROM HELL
ZAPPA 3875 (Barcode: 824302387528) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock
Recorded: 1985 - 1986 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 47th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1986. The album presents eight original instrumental pieces, all by Zappa. It was the final studio album released during Zappa’s lifetime. Zappa won the 1988 Grammy Award for this album in the Best Rock Instrumental Performance category, which was of course a bitter revenge by the Music Industry, which Zappa ridiculed and criticized for his entire life.
Seven of the pieces on this album were recorded by Zappa alone, using mostly the Synclavier synthesizer, and only one piece is a live recording from 1982 with Zappa on guitar and keyboards and a brilliant lineup of musicians, which included guitarists Steve VaiFind albums by this artist and Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist and Bobby MartinFind albums by this artist, bassist Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist, drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist.
This album marks the new approach in Zappa’s convoluted musical path and marks a phase when his compositions become almost too complicated to be performed live. Zappa started to use the Synclavier to write his music as early as 1982, and scored several albums with it, with this album being the first also performed entirely on the Synclavier, which was later followed by the posthumously released albums “Civilization Phaze IIIFind albums with this title” and “Feeding The Monkies At Ma MaisonFind albums with this title” also created solely using the Synclavier.
Zappa undoubtedly lives in his own Universe, which only partly coexisted and interacted in ours, but when it did, we have been blessed by the exposure to his Genius. As the years progressed, Zappa became even more detached and his music, including his Classical adventures, took him away from the Rock and Fusion fans, who refused to move forward with his creativity. In retrospect, the last period of his life proved to be the most fascinating of course.
Overall, although almost thirty-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, 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: 01/12/2021 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ MAKE A JAZZ NOISE HERE
ZAPPA 3883 (Barcode: 824302388327) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1988 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 57th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1991. The 2CD album presents twenty-five tracks, which include mostly original songs by Zappa, except for a couple of arrangements of Classical Music pieces by Igor StravinskyFind albums by this artist and Bela BartokFind albums by this artist, which is relatively a rare event on Zappa’s albums. The music was recorded live during Zappa’s 1988 tour, which was sadly his last. It is one of four live albums recorded during this tour, together with “Broadway The Hard WayFind albums with this title”, “The Best Band You Never Heard In Your LifeFind albums with this title” and “Zappa `88: The Last U.S. ShowFind albums with this title”.
The lineup that recorded the music includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist and Mike KeneallyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Robert MartinFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Walt FowlerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bruce FowlerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Paul CarmanFind albums by this artist, Albert WingFind albums by this artist and Kurt McGettrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist and drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist. It reflects Zappa’s love of orchestral arrangements, which of course were meticulously conceived and brilliantly executed by this excellent team. The undertones of a Broadway show, which this album presents, are a pinnacle of Zappa’s mastery and a cruel twist.
With passing time, Zappa’s cynicism and radical criticism of American politics, organized religion, show business and general stupidity became more bitter and plain painful at times. His idea to shake his audiences, had sadly little effect, as we can see with the world getting worse and stupider consistently. The absurdity of the beautiful melodic songs crafted by Zappa, which were accompanied by his toxic lyrics is absolutely amazing. However, as we all know, protest songs never managed to make a dent in the way our world is being conducted, especially so in America – Woody GuthrieFind albums by this artist, Pete SeegerFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist and eventually Zappa, all failed miserably – a magnificent failure it was indeed!
Overall, although over thirty 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: 13/03/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 ~ SHIP ARRIVING TOO LATE TO SAVE A DROWNING WITCH
ZAPPA 3865 (Barcode: 824302386521) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock
Recorded: 1981 - 1982 Released: 2012
This is the reissue / remaster of the 35th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally in 1982. The album was recorded partly in the studio and partly live with studio overdubs during 1981 and 1982. All the music was composed by Zappa.
The musicians participating on this album include, in addition to Zappa who played guitar and sung, also guitarists Steve VaiFind albums by this artist and Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist and Bobby MartinFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassists Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist, Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist and Patrick O`HearnFind albums by this artist and drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist. Several additional people are featured on vocals, including Moon ZappaFind albums by this artist.
By the late 1970s and early 1980s Zappa concentrated on producing some of his finest Pop / Rock 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 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: 19/09/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ THE BEST BAND YOU NEVER HEARD IN YOUR LIFE
ZAPPA 3881 (Barcode: 824302388129) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1988 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 55th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1991. The 2CD album presents twenty-eight tracks, which include mostly original songs by Zappa, but also several covers of classic Rock songs, including “Stairway To Heaven” (Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist), “Purple Haze” (Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist), “Sunshine of Your Life” (CreamFind albums by this artist) and others, which is relatively a rare event on Zappa’s albums. The music was recorded live during Zappa’s 1988 tour, which was sadly his last. It is one of three live albums recorded during this tour, together with “Broadway The Hard WayFind albums with this title” and “Make A Jazz Noise HereFind albums with this title”.
The lineup that recorded the music includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist and Mike KeneallyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Robert MartinFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Walt FowlerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bruce FowlerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Paul CarmanFind albums by this artist, Albert WingFind albums by this artist and Kurt McGettrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist and drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist. It reflects Zappa’s love of orchestral arrangements, which of course were meticulously conceived and brilliantly executed by this excellent team. The undertones of a Broadway show, which this album presents, are a pinnacle of Zappa’s mastery and a cruel twist.
With passing time, Zappa’s cynicism and radical criticism of American politics, organized religion, show business and general stupidity became more bitter and plain painful at times. His idea to shake his audiences, had sadly little effect, as we can see with the world getting worse and stupider consistently. The absurdity of the beautiful melodic songs crafted by Zappa, which were accompanied by his toxic lyrics is absolutely amazing. However, as we all know, protest songs never managed to make a dent in the way our world is being conducted, especially so in America – Woody GuthrieFind albums by this artist, Pete SeegerFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist and eventually Zappa, all failed miserably – a magnificent failure it was indeed!
Overall, although thirty-three 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: 10/12/2021 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ THE DUB ROOM SPECIAL!
EAGLE VISION 801213013890 (Barcode: 801213013890) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 - 1981 Released: 2005
This is a film produced by Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and originally released on video in 1982. It combines footage from a performance at the KCET studios in LA filmed on August 27, 1974 and additional footage from the Halloween 81 show at the NY Palladium on October 31, 1981. The film also includes some clay animation and several interviews. The film was reissued on DVD in 2005, with some of the interviews removed. The running time is 90 minutes.
The 1974 tracks were recorded by the following lineup: Zappa on guitar, vocals and percussion, Napoleon Murphy BrockFind albums by this artist on flute, saxophone and vocals, George DukeFind albums by this artist on keyboards and vocals, Ruth UnderwoodFind albums by this artist on percussion, Tom FowlerFind albums by this artist on bass and Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist on drums.
The 1981 tracks were recorded by the following lineup: Zappa and vocals, Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist on guitar and vocals, Steve VaiFind albums by this artist on guitar and vocals, Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist on keyboards and vocals, Bobby MartinFind albums by this artist on keyboards, saxophone and vocals, Ed MannFind albums by this artist on percussion and vocals, Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist on bass and vocals and Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist on drums.
The music is, as always, absolutely stunning, almost entirely dedicated to Zappa’s special brand of Jazz-Rock Fusion, with brilliant instrumental performances by both lineups. As usual, the music also includes Zappa’s zany humor and bitter criticism of human stupidity. Since most of the tracks are by the 1974 band, which was a perfectly oiled music machine by the time these tracks were recorded, the result is absolutely astounding in its complexity. Zappa delivers some superb guitar parts herein, which are a signature of his unique style.
Overall, although fifty / 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.
| | Updated: 04/12/2022Posted: 04/12/2022 | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ THE DUB ROOM SPECIAL! (SOUNDTRACK)
ZAPPA 20006 (Barcode: 824302000625) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 - 1981 Released: 2007
This is the 81st album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2007. It is a soundtrack of the film produced by Zappa and released on video in 1982. It combines footage from a performance at the KCET studios in LA filmed on August 27, 1974 and additional footage from the Halloween 81 show at the NY Palladium on October 31, 1981. The film also includes some clay animation and several interviews. The film was reissued on DVD in 2005, with the interviews removed, and finally this soundtrack was released on CD, with some of the music removed due to playing time limitations and a different running order.
The 1974 tracks were recorded by the following lineup: Zappa on guitar, vocals and percussion, Napoleon Murphy BrockFind albums by this artist on flute, saxophone and vocals, George DukeFind albums by this artist on keyboards and vocals, Ruth UnderwoodFind albums by this artist on percussion, Tom FowlerFind albums by this artist on bass and Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist on drums.
The 1981 tracks were recorded by the following lineup: Zappa and vocals, Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist on guitar and vocals, Steve VaiFind albums by this artist on guitar and vocals, Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist on keyboards and vocals, Bobby MartinFind albums by this artist on keyboards, saxophone and vocals, Ed MannFind albums by this artist on percussion and vocals, Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist on bass and vocals and Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist on drums.
The music is, as always, absolutely stunning, almost entirely dedicated to Zappa’s special brand of Jazz-Rock Fusion, with brilliant instrumental performances by both lineups. As usual, the music also includes Zappa’s zany humor and bitter criticism of human stupidity. Since most of the tracks are by the 1974 band, which was a perfectly oiled music machine by the time these tracks were recorded, the result is absolutely astounding in its complexity. Zappa delivers some superb guitar parts herein, which are a signature of his unique style.
Overall, although fifty / 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.
| | Updated: 03/12/2022Posted: 03/12/2022 | CD 1 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 ~ THEM OR US
ZAPPA 3870 (Barcode: 824302387023) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock
Recorded: 1981 - 1984 Released: 2012
This is the reissue / remaster of the 40th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally as a double LP in 1984. The album was recorded partly in the studio and partly live with studio overdubs between 1981 and 1984, but also utilizes older material going back as far as 1967. All the songs, except two, were written by Zappa.
The musicians participating on this album include, in addition to Zappa who played guitar and sung, also guitarists Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist and Dweezil ZappaFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist, Bobby MartinFind albums by this artist, George DukeFind albums by this artist and Brad ColeFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassists Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist, Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist and Patrick O`HearnFind albums by this artist and drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist. Several additional people are featured on vocals, including Moon ZappaFind albums by this artist.
By the late 1970s and early 1980s Zappa concentrated on producing some of his finest Pop / Rock 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 sadly one of the last studio albums by Zappa, followed mostly by compilations of archival studio and live recordings and Classical Music recordings up to the time of his death in 1993.
Overall, although 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: 22/09/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ THING-FISH
ZAPPA 3871 (Barcode: 824302387122) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock
Recorded: 1976 - 1983 Released: 2012
This is the reissue / remaster of the 41st album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally as a triple LP Box Set in 1984. The album was a proposed musical intended for Broadway, which never materialized. The material was recorded between 1980 and 1983, but also utilizes older material going back as far as 1976, including reworking of material that appeared on other albums but also new Synclavier parts. All the music was written by Zappa.
“Thing-FishFind albums with this title” was actually the third attempt by Zappa to produce a Broadway musical, all of which intended to bring public awareness to highly controversial issues within American society, like AIDS, feminism, gay culture, conspiracy theories, greed, race and class distinction, which were all considered as taboo at the time. Zappa’s interest in theatre and musical illustrates his multidimensional approach to Art and his understanding that all Art Forms were a platforms able to influence public awareness. As expected, the album was poorly received by the critics, who failed to see Zappa’s genius at the time.
The musicians participating on this album include, in addition to Zappa who played guitar and sung, also guitarists Steve VaiFind albums by this artist and Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist, and Chuck WildFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassists Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist, Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist and Jay AndersonFind albums by this artist and drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist.
By the late 1970s and early 1980s Zappa concentrated on producing some of his finest Pop / Rock 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 sadly one of the last studio albums by Zappa, followed mostly by compilations of archival studio and live recordings and Classical Music recordings up to the time of his death in 1993.
Overall, although 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: 23/10/2022Posted: 23/10/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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