Tuesday, August 7, 2012

You cant do that omn stage anymore vol. 2

You cant do that onstage anymore vol.2.
While many Zappaphiles will forever debate about Zappa's live bands, there is no question to this musichead that not only were the '74-era Mothers Of Invention the most accomplished of them all, they were also one of the finest pure BANDS ever!

All the elements of Zappa & The Mothers are here. Frank's unnerving wit ("Stinkfoot"), blistering instrumental passages ("Inca Roads"), complicated & challenging changes performed at effortless clips ("Inca Roads", "RDNZL") and daring humor ("Room Service"). While a good chunk of this material is found on The Roxy & Elsewhere, every version here is easily tighter and superior, especially "Village Of The Sun".

If there is a flaw anywhere in this set -- and this is arguable -- it's the overlong drum/percussion solo, but the Mothers clearly give new meaning to the term "ensemble". It is clear every musician listens to each other in the strictest of conditions and pays close attention to every detail and nuance.

Simulatanously, this edition of the Mothers manages to avoid excesses that would flaw other Zappa backing bands. For example, the '77 & '84 bands are marred by the screeching tones of synthesizers and heavy-metal-ish guitars. The difference between this Mothers and every other Zappa band is clear: The musicians and music both receive the necessary room to breathe.

If you're going to dive into Frank Zappa, probably the most accessible place to start is Hot Rats. However, if you want a crash course on the genius of Zappa and the Mothers, YCDTOSA Vol. 2 is the best place to start.

Not only does this 2-CD set receives my highest recommendation, it also deserves its rightful place among the finest live albums ever!

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