Two dozen rare Frank Zappa recordings will be made widely available around the world when UMe assumes distribution of the albums as part of their global partnership with the Zappa Family Trust.
So, this is actually a re-release of these albums. The thing here is that nine of the albums have never been available for download or streaming.
Radio Dupree's recommendations:
If you're Spotify listener or CD consumer and do not really know which new Zappa albums to check out, (since there are just so many titles out there and how on earth will you find something as accessible as Apostrophe ('), Sheik Yerbouti or Freak Out!), we have listed five albums that you should give a listen:
A Token Of His Extreme (Zappa Records, 2013) CD
In August 1974, Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention taped two legendary sets at KCET TV Studios in Hollywood, CA. This popular footage was used by FZ in a number of different edits originally intended as a TV special and eventually featured in the home video release The Dub Room Special (1982). A Token Of His Extreme was officially issued on DVD in 2013 along with the release of the soundtrack on CD. If you like the albums Roxy & Elsewhere and You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 2 (The Helsinki Concert), you will love this one.
Frank Zappa Plays The Music of Frank Zappa (Barking Pumpkin, 1996) CD
A CD with three Zappa signature guitar pieces: “Black Napkins,” “Zoot Allures” and “Watermelon In Easter Hay” in their original released form (remastered) with added live versions that predate the issued masters. Also included is “Merely A Blues In A: from Paris ’74.
If you're into Frank's solos from the mid 70's, this one's for you.
Joe’s Corsage (Vaulternative Records, 2004) CD
An excellent collection of recordings by the original the Mothers of Invention before their first record contract in early 1966. Surprisingly tight! Not as much insanity as on Freak Out! A mystery why Frank did not release this himself on his You Can't Do That On Stage series for instance.
Philly ’76 (Vaulternative Records, 2009) 2 CD
Here Zappa went on the road with a totally new band. Only drummer Terry Bozzio had been around for the three previous tours. New players were Patrick O'Hearn (bass), Eddie Jobson (keys/violin), Ray White (guitar/vocals) and Lady Bianca (vocals/keys). It's a joy to hear Lady Bianca sing. How sad that she quit the band in the mid of the tour. This is one of the absolutely best Zappa albums released after his death.
Buffalo (Vaulternative Records, 2007) 2 CD
Buffalo captures an entire concert recorded live at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, NY on October 25, 1980. At the time some fans may have missed the percussion from the previous tours, but this is a hell of a band. Vince Colaiuta: drums, Steve Vai: guitar, Arthur Barrow: bass, Tommy Mars: keys/vocals, Ray White & Ike Willis (both lead vocals & rhythm guitar), Bob Harris (keys, vocals, trumpet).
Entire list of albums here: http://www.zappa.com/news/rare-frank-zappa-recordings-set-physical-release-and-streaming
A token of his extreme. Yes, it was indeed done at my KCET Studio. 6 years before I came to the lot. According to my director friend and colleague, the group came in and they had no idea what they were doing. But I guess it stood the test of time and you have it to enjoy. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for comment, angel! Makes you wonder how often musicians really know that they've recorded/created a piece that will stand the test of time. My bet is that they rarely do.
ReplyDelete/Neb