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phenate artist’ s first gold album, cementing his reputation with legions of fans. Apostrophe(‘) hit all the marks; it was avant-garde, accessible, high-brow, lowbrow, and replete with dazzling musicianship. In the dream state of the comical single“ Don’ t Eat the Yellow Snow,” Zappa unleashes blues-guitar heroics representing his Inuit avatar’ s righteous anger over a fur trapper’ s violence against his favorite baby seal. The spiritual hustler of“ Cosmik Debris” and soulful portrait of racial and class inequity“ Uncle Remus” would make frequent set list appearances throughout the remainder of Zappa’ s career.“ Father Oblivion” indulges in furious jazz fusion. Zappaphiles can dive into a Super Deluxe box set for hours without coming up for air. The set’ s five CDs and Blu-ray discs are highlighted by a pair of concerts that bookend 1974 with Zappa’ s topflight musicians in tow. The more budget-constrained can enjoy a beautifully remastered LP pressed on“ yellow snow” vinyl. The 2xLP version includes a second platter of box set highlights, a book of essays, and a glow-in-the-dark 7” of“ Yellow Snow.”
Six years prior, Zappa emphasized work with his ascendant band, the Mothers of Invention. The group appeared in Hollywood on July 23, 1968, for the marathon evening of music captured on the vault release Whisky a Go Go, 1968. Although the“ King Kong” theme is borrowed from the then-recent ** Lumpy Gravy( Zappa’ s second of three albums in‘ 68) and extrapolated to feature length in two muscular performances, most of the set comprises material intended as another new album. Selections include two cartwheeling performances of“ The Duke,” which become musical conversations between Zappa’ s guitar and the drums of Art Tripp and Jimmy Carl Black. The initially undanceable but ultimately mesmeric“ Help, I’ m a Rock” is anchored by bassist Roy Estrada. Alto saxophonist Ian Underwood cuts loose on songs including“ Tiny Sick Tears Jam,” trading lines with Zappa’ s acidrock lead guitar. Opening artists The GTO ' s join the fray to sing“ The Bugs Bunny Overture”( you know the one –“ On with the show, this is it!”) during the second run through“ King Kong.”“ Just start playing something nice in G minor. Make it up,” Zappa is heard saying before keyboardist Don Preston launches“ Improvisation: Episode II.” Sounds range from unfettered jazz improvisation to heavy rock to crooning doo-wop, as revisited later in the year on ** Cruisin’ with Ruben and the Jets. This collection marks the first full release of the band’ s night at the Whisky, clocking nearly five hours. The 5xLP vinyl box includes a turntable slipmat, a book of essays, and
4 illinoisentertainer. com april RSD 2025
interviews with artists, including featured artists Pamela Des Barres of The GTOs and Alice Cooper. The sprawling set may have been too unfocused for strictly commercial release during the past 56 years, but the energy and collective creativity are undeniable.( zappa. com)
– Jeff Elbel
Apostrophe(‘) 9
6 Whisky a Go Go, 1968
JOHNNY MARR & THE HEALERS Boomslang 2024 Deluxe Edition
( Limited Voodoo / BMG)
Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr ' s first solo outing in 2003 was a brave and decent debut for the much loved and heralded guitarist after years of being a guitar mercenary for the Talking Heads, The Pretenders and The The( plus a sucessful run in Electronic along with New Order’ s Bernard Sumner), 16 years after the demise of The Smiths. His appearance at Double Door in 2003 was electric as fans immersed themselves in the presence of the greatest guitarist of their generation. Boomslang is a collection of commendable psychedelic rock with extra tracks highlighted by its opening track,“ The Last Ride,” with music not too far removed from Second Coming- era Stone Roses. " Down On The Corner " is an Oasis-style boogie. For the most part, the jangle of The Smiths was replaced by the noisy and bluesy guitars of Marr’ s glam-era youth. Marr’ s secret weapon in Boomslang included Zak Starkey on drums, a renowned heavy hitter who can transform average rock tunes into thunderous anthems. Respect to Marr for handling the vocal duties on his debut. It was a bold choice after his years of co-headlining with Morrissey. Ultimately, his vocals are buried in the mix, which was unsurprising on a debut. In hindsight, Boomslang could have used a guest lead vocalist to enhance its best moments. Appearing 10 / 17 with James at The Riv, Chicago.
- David Gedge
6
18 YEARS
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April 12, 2025
THIN LIZZY Jailbreak( Alternate Version)( Mercury)
Jailbreak was released in March 1976 and was seen as the band’ s breakthrough album in America, reaching # 18 on the Billboard chart and Top 10 in the UK. This Record Store Day 2025 release pulls together alternate versions from the acclaimed 1976 boxset onto one LP, which replicates the original album in order( where possible), showcasing the band’ s musical genius. It also arrives in an alternate sleeve.
SAXON Wheels of Steel( 45th Anniversary Edition)( BMG)
To celebrate its 45th anniversary, this expanded edition of Saxon’ s seminal album Wheels of Steel includes a bonus live album recorded at the Donington Monsters of Rock 1980, which has never before been available on vinyl. This 2 x LP set is pressed on red and blue color vinyl exclusively for Record Store Day 2025 for these NWOBHM Pioneers.
SNOOP DOGG The Jamaican Episode( LMLR)
The Doggfather ' s epic 2001 concert at Reggae Sunfest in Jamaica includes all his iconic tracks, from " Gin and Juice " to
" Murder Was the Case ". This has never been on vinyl before, and this Record Store Day 2025 release has exceptional audio quality, new artwork, an OBI side strip, a cardboard jacket, a printed inner sleeve, and Bright Purple Translucent vinyl.
WILLIE DIXON Dixon, Willie( Culture Factory)
Grammy Award-Winner, Blues Hall of Fame, Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame- Next to Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon is recognized as the most influential person to shape the post – World War II sound of the Chicago blues. What Happened to My Blues is considered one of Willie Dixon ' s finest albums as a group leader. This vinyl package includes an OBI side strip, cardboard jacket, printed inner sleeve, and bright orange vinyl.
THE BLASTERS An American Music Story: The Complete Studio Recordings 1979-1985( Liberation Hall)
The Blasters are one of the bedrock acts that formed the template for the " Americana " music movement in the 1980s. Since their inception in 1979, the core members of the band have been Phil Alvin and his younger brother, principal songwriter and guitarist Dave Alvin, drummer Bill Bateman and bassist John Bazz.
The box set consists of the band ' s four studio albums-- American Music, The Blasters, Non Fiction and Hard Line-- along with a bonus disc of rarities. The 5 LP set is packaged inside a hard cover slip case box with a 24-page book featuring extensive liner notes by music journalist Chris Morris and interviews with the band members. Includes rare photos from the band ' s personal collection with memorabilia and collector ' s item images, along with a rare promotional poster for the Non Fiction album. The hand-numbered set will be limited to 1,000 copies and available only in the US. A must have for fans of the legendary American music band