You Cant do that on stage anymore vol. 1
This set works perfectly on a couple of different levels. As an introduction to the "non-serious" part of Frank's World, it's great. While it doesn't have most of the "signature" tracks (Peaches, Montana, Dancin' Fool, Valley Girl, etc.), it gives the needed depth and breadth (Sorry Gail). The Zappa catalog is both vast and varied. So how do you get the guitar playing, arranging, twisted humor, and maybe even a hint of the monstrous line-ups that Frank put together (again and again and again)? There isn't a studio record that can do it, largely because so much of Frank's reputation was built on his live shows.
We get a 15 year overview (1969-1984) on two discs, ranging from on-the-road-between-show-conversation about vomiting on stage (The Florida Airport Tape) and on-stage rap about various health problems in the band (Diseases Of The Band), to sharing life on the road with groupies (The Groupie Routine, on a far better night than the Fillmore record).
And then there are the bands performance, the improvising, and Frank's guitar work. On disc one, The Mammy Anthem is pure molten metal. Big Swifty is equal parts pulsing jazz track and other worldly guitar solo. The disc closes with a 20 minute version of Don't Eat The Yellow Snow that includes an almost out of control audience participation segment that no other musician could ever hope to instigate, let alone pull off.
The highlights on disc two include an absolutely crushing 15 minute version of The Torture Never Stops (the original version on Zoot Allures is pretty darn great too). The three tracks taken from the 1981 MTV Halloween (Dumb All Over > Heavenly Bank Account > Suicide Chump) are over the top. They rock, they swing, they make you laugh, and it's all political.
Another facet of Frank's World is Social Critic. If you're easily offended, this may not be the set for you. He gives The Church a pretty thorough hosing. There's "raw" language and sexual references throughout, but by no means gratuitous.
To the merely curious or casual fan, this might be a bit much. Better you find out now, rather than later. This set is an absolute must for any fan of Frank Zappa's rock music. For those interested in Frank's electronic & "serious music," check out "The Perfect Stranger." Part electronic, part orchestral, you get a little sample of the other two musical parts of Frank's World. "Jonestown" is one of the most haunting pieces of music I've ever heard.
No, you can't do this on stage anymore. And that is a crying shame.
We get a 15 year overview (1969-1984) on two discs, ranging from on-the-road-between-show-conversation about vomiting on stage (The Florida Airport Tape) and on-stage rap about various health problems in the band (Diseases Of The Band), to sharing life on the road with groupies (The Groupie Routine, on a far better night than the Fillmore record).
And then there are the bands performance, the improvising, and Frank's guitar work. On disc one, The Mammy Anthem is pure molten metal. Big Swifty is equal parts pulsing jazz track and other worldly guitar solo. The disc closes with a 20 minute version of Don't Eat The Yellow Snow that includes an almost out of control audience participation segment that no other musician could ever hope to instigate, let alone pull off.
The highlights on disc two include an absolutely crushing 15 minute version of The Torture Never Stops (the original version on Zoot Allures is pretty darn great too). The three tracks taken from the 1981 MTV Halloween (Dumb All Over > Heavenly Bank Account > Suicide Chump) are over the top. They rock, they swing, they make you laugh, and it's all political.
Another facet of Frank's World is Social Critic. If you're easily offended, this may not be the set for you. He gives The Church a pretty thorough hosing. There's "raw" language and sexual references throughout, but by no means gratuitous.
To the merely curious or casual fan, this might be a bit much. Better you find out now, rather than later. This set is an absolute must for any fan of Frank Zappa's rock music. For those interested in Frank's electronic & "serious music," check out "The Perfect Stranger." Part electronic, part orchestral, you get a little sample of the other two musical parts of Frank's World. "Jonestown" is one of the most haunting pieces of music I've ever heard.
No, you can't do this on stage anymore. And that is a crying shame.
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