THE ARK

You have to wonder what Frank Zappa was originally planning to do with this recording. During the show, he announces the recording of the show to the audience, and describes the set up. Apparently there were three microphones spread across the house, in front of the PA system. But the sound must not have been up to Frank's standards, as he never released it, until the "Beat The Boots" releases. And if this was taken from the original tapes, I can understand why. The sound, while very good for a bootleg, is not anywhere near what Zappa seemed to expect on his albums.

The performance itself was very very good. While there are a few simple songs on the album (Big Leg Emma, Status Back Baby this played in a different rhythmic style than on "Absolutely Free, Valerie and My Guitar), the prize cuts are the instrumental gems.

Some Ballet Music (Frank kept the title as it was written on the original bootleg album) is a piece that eventually was used in "200 Motels". And if you are a Zappa fan, you should know Uncle Meat and King Kong. These are played in a medley form. Both tracks underscore just how good and versatile Zappa's band was in those years.