ZAPPA PICKS - BY LARRY LALONDE OF PRIMUS

It was a very good idea by record label Rykodisc to ask the guitarist Larry Lalonde (Primus) and drummer Jon Fishman (Phish) to search into the huge Zappa catalogue to select the subject of a compilation of the works of the great composer.

I simply envy and at the same time sympathise with them because the task should have been very difficult to acomplished. That's what they both say in an interview back in 2002 when the album was released.

Although difficult to say what selection between the choice of Lalonde and the one from Fishman is the most interesting, I think Lalonde is presenting a set in which all the pieces are linked together, as was often Zappa and thus a little more interesting. While Fishman is pretty lazy, leaving even a full face of Roxy & Elsewhere (vinyl era ...) which is a splendid album anyway.

There is no doubt that any fans of Zappa should have a very close look into this compilation because, as oppose to the other compilation Stricly Commercial, there is no compromise here. It is also a good introduction for newcomers who will have a magnificent example of the eclectism, craziness and genius of this great master. Five stars.