Record Reviews

FRANK ZAPPA ~ JOE`S GARAGE ACTS 1, 2 & 3 ZAPPA 3861 (Barcode: 824302386125) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1979 Released: 2012 This is a reissue / remaster of the 28th and 29th albums by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1979 as “Joe`s Garage Act 1Find albums with this title” and “Joe`s Garage Acts 2 & 3Find albums with this title” and combined here into one release. The 2CD album presents eighteen studio tracks, which constitute a Rock Opera with the libretto involving a convoluted plot, as appropriate for Zappa’s way of looking at the world. The lineup that recorded the music includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist, Denny WalleyFind albums by this artist and Warren CuccurulloFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist (on Act 1 only) and Peter WolfFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, bassists Arthur BarrowFind albums by this artist, and Patrick O`HearnFind albums by this artist (on a couple of tracks only) and drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist. A brass section plays on Act 1 only. The music is absolutely brilliant, as usual, and offers a zany amalgam of Pop, Rock and Fusion, which is completely idiosynchratic and unmistakably Zappaesque. Supported by a brilliant crew, Zappa was able to create a wide sonic palette, which despite its complexity and sophistication, is completely accessible to a wide audience of listeners, with diverse levels of music understanding and appreciation. The libretto tackles the usual themes of Zappa’s criticism of American folly, rotten political system, corrupted organized religion and individual stupidity, which preoccupied him through his entire life. There was no limit to his irony or sarcasm, which sadly, as all prophetic criticism, was largely ineffective in retrospect. But Zappa’s sense of humor and of course the actual folly are still completely relevant today. And of course in comparison to other Rock Operas like “Tommy”, “Bat Out Of Hell” or “The Wall” this is a completely different level of depth. Overall, although over forty years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius remains mostly a mystery and his 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: 26/12/2021

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend