ZOOT ALLURES

Whilst maybe not in the same exulted class of true Zappa classics such as 'Joe's Garage', 'Overnite Sensation' or 'Apostrophe'(or a million others) 1976's 'Zoot Allures' still features it's fair share of stand-out moments. One of his rockiest albums, 'Zoot Allures' is notable for blending Zappa's rock 'n' roll proclivities with the savage satirical asides that characterized his 1970s output. Here, we have songs attacking the then burgeoning disco phenomenon('Disco Boy'), a stand-out live guitar solo piece('Black Napkins') and the darkly brilliant nine-minute opus 'The Torture Never Stops', a track seemingly about the darker side of human sexual nature. Shot through with it's creators usual attention-to-detail, his staggeringly sophisticated instrumental passages and that unusual psychedelic hue that only Zappa could concoct, 'Zoot Allures' is another fine entry into the sprawling Zappa canon. Once again, several listens are needed to truly capture all that is happening, and even then surprusing new elements can always be found on further explorations. Although not a stone-cold Zappa classic, 'Zoot Allures' still has more to offer that most other rock 'n' roll groups do in their entire careers. STEFAN TURNER, STOKE NEWINGTON, 2012