STUDIO TAN

This album was released in 1978 but recorded circa 1974-1976. Even more unusual is the fact that the over 20 minute "The Adventures Of Greggery Peccary" was written in 1972. Actually that might not be so unusual as it seems like Zappa wrote and recorded tons of music during his career.

"The Adventures Of Greggery Peccary" has to be the best title ever ! This is Zappa doing what he does so well, telling a story. My biggest problem with this one is the length of it, I just found myself getting tired of it part way through. The music of course is incredible, but it sort of comes and goes taking a supportive role (so it seems) to the story telling. I just love the way it starts though, with Frank telling us what a Greggery Peccary is, and where it is usually found. Kind of like a National Geographic film. Priceless stuff. Zappa is genius at combining serious complex music with the silliest of stories isn't he ? "Revised Music For Guitar And Low-Budget Orchestra" has the same lineup as the first song. And really the same style of music without the vocals of course.

"Lemme Take You To The Beach" is an uptempo vocal track, with a totally different lineup. Cool to hear Eddie Jobson on keys and also yodeling ? Haha. This is a short but fun song. "RDNZL" is the best song by far. George Duke and Chester Thompson are back from the lineup of the first two songs. Also Ruth Underwood graces us with some percussion and synth work. Duke and Underwood take the lead to open as piano and percussion fill the air. Some scorching guitar from Zappa that just goes on and on for 2 1/2 minutes as Thompson pounds away on the drums. The song picks up the pace 6 minutes in with drums and piano leading the charge.

3.5 stars. If I was more fond of the first track this would be 4 stars for sure. Still a really good album from Zappa, which is of no surprise.