18 illinoisentertainer . com october 2024
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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 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
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