ZOOT ALLURES

This was the first Zappa album I ever bought, and what an introduction. The album opens with "Wind Up Workin In a Gas Station", a song with the classic Zappa feel and a great funk/soul edge to it, and some excellent backing vocals. The next track (and personally my favourite Zappa instrumental) is the mighty "Black Napkins", which really shows of Zappa's skill as a guitarist. If you ever thought the guy was a grade-B player, then this song will make you think again. The third track "The Torture Never Stops" is the high point of the album. The most poignant part of this song are the lyrics, depicting a bleak and grim medievil dungeon, accompanied by the screams of a woman- whether these screams are pain or pleasure, we do not know. The next three tracks are the weakest of the album, especially "Wonderful Wino", which really begins to drag. But alas, the album picks itself up once again for the final track "Zoot Allures", a punchy yet laid back jazz/rock song which wraps up the album nicely. I would give this album 4/5 purely for it's lack of consistency, but it really is a must have for any Zappa fan, and has some incredible songs to offer.