Posted in
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Frank Zappa
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Genre
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Rock
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Media
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CD
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Label | Rykodisc | ||
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Reviewer
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Gareth
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Track List
1) Camarillo Brillo
2) I'm The Slime
3) Dirty Love
4) 50/50
5) Zomby Woof
6) Dinah Moe Humm
7) Montana
Description
Best known for the infamous "Dinah-Mo-Hum" Over-Nite Sensation is a flawlessly executed collection of jazz-rock Frank Zappa classics. The seven-song set, which includes backup vocals by Tina Turner and the Ikettes, equally showcases Zappa's unique penchant for storytelling and the abilities of his studio-musician sidemen. Zappa's guitar work is also some of his finest, flaring up on "I'm the Slime", "Zomby Woof" and "Montana". Andrew Boscardin.
Review
Don't let the description above phase you... this is a work of genius and it's probably the most "obvious" of Zappa's straight forward Rock albums. Obvious in the fact that all of the songs fit the general rock layout and are actually extremely accessible -which is totally non-representative of Zappa's style.
This is due to the fact that Zappa was one of the most accomplished artists; song writers; guitar players of his (or indeed any) generation. He could adapt to virtually any genre and had tremendous fun doing so (or at least, that was what it seemed like to me).
One thing to remember with Frank Zappa - you need to have a very wide sense of humour. If you're easily offended then do not listen to Zappa - which is a shame, you'll certainly miss out.
There's so much to love on this album -and it's a particular favourite of mine because it was the first Zappa album I ever bought and listened to. It's magic from start to finish - the quality of ensemble playing is nothing short of inspired, and the arrangements pure genius.
Yes, Dinah-Mo-Hum is a lurid tale of sexual depravity, but it's also hilarious and an accurate & biting social comment on the society that spawned it. Zappa had no trouble laying the truth bare and exposing it - it didn't always make him popular, but there we go...
My favourite tracks are I'm the Slime -an indictment on the TV trash culture (more true today than it was then, methinks); Zombie Woof -this is one of the most amazing songs, with wonderful arrangements and a kicking solo in the middle; and 50/50.
Don't be put off by the fractured singing in 50/50 - it's there for a reason, just listen to the lyrics and look a little ways beneath them. The main thing that excites me every time in this song, is the solo's. There's a stunning organ solo by George Duke, followed by a wonderful turn by Jean-Luc Ponty on violin before Zappa brings it to a crescendo.
This has to rate as one of my favourite albums of all time as there isn't a dull moment on it. More people need to be turned on to the genius of Frank Zappa. He's not always the easiest person to like or understand, but he's always worth it!
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