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Frank Zappa - A Token Of His Extreme CD (album) cover

A TOKEN OF HIS EXTREME

Frank Zappa

RIO/Avant-Prog


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5 stars This live recording was an FZ production that aired on WCET in LA 1974. Released by the family trust a few years ago, this album features many of the same songs Frank and his frozen rubber band tight band played during this period, with some surprises thrown in that will appeal to die-hard and novice Frank Zappa listeners. No trombone this time around, so George Duke really shows his funky chops on the variety of devices at his disposal. As with any exceptional Frank show from his early to mid '70s output, the material blends seamlessly and the droll, dour tone in his musings play perfect foil to madcap Napoleon Murphy Brock. The highlights are many - "The Dog Breath Variations", the medley " Oh No - Son of Orange County" and especially "Pygmy Twylyte" are given his best treatments. A sublime version of "Inca Roads" is included along with the extended "Florentine Pogen" and "Room Service". In all, a great collection of pieces hard to find together nowadays on one CD, as the money hungry Zappa family trust usually stretches things to 2,3,4 CD's. If you are introducing someone to the humor and progressive virtuosity of Frank Zappa, this is a fine place to start.

Report this review (#1652862)
Posted Sunday, December 4, 2016 | Review Permalink
5 stars At the time when I made this review I already had 83 albums in my library and over 1900 songs of Frank Zappa. I'm saying this because you might think, why would you add another version of, say, Montana or Inca Roads? Out there are dozens; well...

The sound quality of this baby is nothing but spectacular to start off. Secondly, the versions of the songs are not found anywhere else. Actually, when you listen to it, you might think that this is a studio album since the clearness and cleanness of the sound. It doesn't matter how many versions of the songs you have, this is a must have fellas. The arrangements and execution are completely different of what you have listened before. It is actually in HI-RES lossless format in almost every streaming platform btw. Arguably it is the tightest version of the band performing at the best possible sound quality, and it says something when you have listened The Roxy Performances boxset. George Duke is a phenomena here. Napoleon is at his peak of his career. Ruth is at her prime as well. Chester Thompson and Tom Fowler are beasts here. It is a five star album all the way. Trust me.

Report this review (#2771720)
Posted Monday, June 20, 2022 | Review Permalink
Mellotron Storm
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars As the album cover shows, this is performed live on TV in LA on August 27, 1974. Yes the Roxy period. A six piece here and they are at the top of their game. Zappa, Duke, Thompson, Fowler, Brock and Underwood. 73 plus minutes and eleven tracks including so many classics that I've heard countless times. The sound quality is awesome and they are having so much fun here.

A lot of silliness especially on a track like "Stink-Foot" or "Room Service" and there is a lot of talking and fooling around in general. A Frank Zappa production. The one song that was a disappointment is "Inca Roads", my least favourite version that I've heard. The rest is all top notch and I'm not surprised to see a slew of 5 star reviews across the board for this one. I think it's an excellent addition to your Zappa collection myself. But it's also unique given this was performed on TV. An archival release that didn't appear until 2013.

Report this review (#3027583)
Posted Tuesday, March 5, 2024 | Review Permalink

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