DOES HUMOR BELONG IN MUSIC?

The Them or Us tour of 1984 yielded much live material, the most recognizable of which would be the Does Humor Belong in Music? CD/Video collection. While completely different from one another, it's definitely worth mentioning that if you didn't really like the video version, then this one probably won't change your mind that much. If you like the song list and have heard them all prior, then there's nothing that should keep you from getting it, as they are mostly performed pretty well.

This album does have some songs going for it. Zoot Allures as usual is played precisely by the group and Zappa really lets one hell of a solo go. Trouble Everyday gets a modern face-lift with slightly reworked lyrics to fit with the current MTV trend. Penguin in Bondage is just as humorous as ever, although the original Roxy & Elsewhere version sticks out better in the mind. And Let's Go to Cleveland has some great solo sections, although like Richardw stated earlier, it does tend to drag in the middle.

Once again, if you like the track list, then you'll probably find things to like with this album. A lot of songs were performed on this tour, so I find it surprising that Zappa didn't unleash some of the relics performed. However, for what it's worth, Does Humor Belong in Music? the album is a significant improvement over Does Humor Belong in Music? the video. Good live affair, but not near Zappa's best.