SHUT UP 'N PLAY YER GUITAR SOME MORE

Typically Frank Zappa is a bit of satirist, and I must admit I am not much of a fan ( at least at the moment ) of his more comedic type albums. However, I've found that the Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar series and Guitar album are really well written and are excellent instrumentals both for their feel and their composition.

The jazz feel of this album is complimented by the spontaneous style - apparently Frank Zappa rarely performed the song songs multiple times, rather he would improvise a lot of his live material. This album is strictly instrumental - as are all of the other albums in the Shut up 'n play yer guitar series, as well as the later album guitar. But that does not mean that they are boring at all. In fact Frank's absolute talent really shines through in this fashion because you can't help but feel compelled to listen to it because of his tone, his writing and his well developed musical sense.

This album really lends itself to these talents of Zappa's and its amazingly good - especially considering some of the criticisms its received. The lead guitaring on this album is really the focus, but listen carefully and you'll really dig the rhythm section a lot. There are some really nice and well composed drumming parts ( and other percussion ) and bass sections along with keyboarding. All of this really brings a vibrancy and variety to each of the tracks.

Although overall not as standout ( but still very close ) to the first album in the trilogy, this is a very decent album. Although much different to many of Frank's other albums, I'd say this album was inspired by the fusion "movement" that was occuring at the time ( although had begun a little while back ). If you really like this album I'd also suggest some ( totally different but great ) Jeff Beck and other artists along those lines.