DOES HUMOR BELONG IN MUSIC?

If you have been paying attention, you will know that the value of Frank Zappa live recordings is the "eyebrows", the little flourishes, improvised moments, and additions that Zappa and his band would put into the songs, which changed from concert to concert. This album is rife with eyebrows.

The album begins with a nice rendition of Zoot Allures. But the realn fun begins with Tinsel-Town Rebellion. The original version, from the album of the same name is okay, but this, with references to all sort of bands and songs added in, is great. Trouble Every Day, actually more like More Trouble Every Day from "Roxy & Elsewhere", has been sped up, and the lyrics modernized. And Penguin In Bondage, while played fairly straight, still has some fun moments.

The album also includes two of Zappa's later great (mostly) instrumental pieces, What's New In Baltimore? and Let's Move To Cleveland. The latter had some nice band choreography that is seared into my brain. By the way, I saw a few shows on this tour, and Zappa intoduced both of these songs with different titles, and the few lyrics were different every time I heard them.

For the prudes out there, there's C***-Suckers Ball (a traditional piece?). And political junkies, don't miss Hot Plate Heaven At The Green Hotel.

The album concludes with Frank and Dweezil soloing together on Frank's wonderful arrangement of The Allman Brothers' Whippin' Post.

This fine album has a little for everyone.

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