Zappa's Läther

I'm unsure whether to by the three disc compilation of Zappa's Läther which includes most of the material from his former albums Zappa in New York (1978), Studio Tan (1978), Sleep Dirt (1979) and Orchestral Favorites.

As a Zappa fan I want the most from his albums and have read there's alternate versions of songs on Läther.But it also doesn't include some songs featured on the individual albums.For a more in-depth description http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A4ther.

Which would/do you prefer to have?

Läther or The Individual albums?


Edited by mrcozdude - July 16 2009 at 00:23

darkshade wrote: Lather because it's how those songs were meant to be heard. but get Zappa New York too, that's worth having (more songs!) in fact getting everything is cool too because there's even more music on all of them (and different versions, like no vocals on Sleep Dirt.) but get Lather first

I suppose Lather would be cheaper.I also had this problem with Miles Davis's complete bitches brew and In a silent way sessions which would include a lot of stuff from his further releases in his electric phase.

Yeah I noticed Lather hardly featured much material from Zappa in New York.I'm still indecisive.

Evan wrote: If possible, get the version of Sleep Dirt without vocals (not sure if its out on CD).  It's the best of the material on Lather, but without annoying, song-ruining (IMO) vocals.  Zappa in New York is also a good idea.  And the differences between the Lather versions of songs is such that unless you are a super Zappa freak, theres really no point in getting both.

I know what you mean about the lyrics. I had Sleep Dirt on vinyl and it was one of favorite sides (The Ocean Is The Ultimate Solution is awesome, great pun too). I was really surprised when I got it on CD and it had that bizarre story line about Hunchintude the spider. I have grown to like it, but I'm glad I have both versions.

Lather was supposed to be Zappa's 4 LP epic album. The track listing is different (obviously) from the other albums, but they seem like they were supposed to be there, because its a Zappa record. The other albums (except for Zappa NY) had track listings not approved by FZ himself, if im not mistaken.

So i say again, definitely go with Lather. I say it every time someone cant decide which album to get. You WILL NOT be disappointed.

actually, i think almost half of Zappa NY is on Lather, but there's a lot of stuff that isnt

Sleep Dirt does have the better version of The Ocean is the Ultimate Solution

Get Lather.  This is how FZ intended the music to be heard.  However, you'll not be disappointed with the four albums WB released in its place. 

The Quiet One wrote: I don't have Lather, but do have the individual albums and as far as does go, Zappa in New York is a essential live album, while Studio Tan is worthy because of RDNZL.

Agreed. I'll get around to buying Lather one day, but having the individual albums makes it somewhat low priority, esepcially as it's quite expensive.