Record Reviews

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 ~ ONE SIZE FITS ALL (50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) ZAPPA 20048 (Barcode: 602475865995) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1974 Released: 2025 This is the 131st album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2025. As the title suggests, it compiles all the material connected with the iconic “One Size Fits AllFind albums with this title” album, originally released in 1975, as well as concert recordings from that period. The 4CD Box Set offers a total of forty-five tracks, with over four hours of music. The bonus BD disc offers the original album in various alternate audio formats and some bonus audio and video material. The music of the original album was recorded in the studio in 1974. It presents nine tracks, all composed by Zappa. The lineup, in addition to Zappa on guitar and vocals, includes keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ruth UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Napoleon Murphy BrockFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom FowlerFind albums by this artist and drummer Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist. The bonus material includes additional musicians, like bassist James YoumanFind albums by this artist, vocalist Johnny Guitar WatsonFind albums by this artist and harmonica player Captain BeefheartFind albums by this artist. CD1 presents the 2012 remaster of the original album (9 tracks) and album sessions bonus tracks (called “Additional Sizes: Session Outtakes And Vault Oddities”) (7 tracks). CD2 presents more bonus material (12 tracks). CD3 presents first part of the Rotterdam, Netherlands concert captured on September 28, 1974 (8 tracks). CD4 presents the rest of the Rotterdam, Netherlands concert (7 tracks) and bonus concert tracks from the Gothenburg, Sweden concert captured on September 25, 1974 (2 tracks). 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 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.

Updated: 18/11/2025Posted: 18/11/2025

4CD+BD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend