THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION: BURNT WEENY SANDWICH

With Burnt Weeny Sandwich Zappa put the hold on his jazz/rock fusion to create a sound that isn't as clearily identifiable. In a way, I like to think of it as mix of Uncle Meat, We're Only In It..., and Hot Rats (but a more subtle jazziness instead of the hot fusion that dominates Hot Rats). Or if you care to look at it from later works, this is a more subdubed and controled Weasels Ripped My Flesh. These of course are just generalizations, and the sound is really hard to pinpoint. The main culprits at play are classical, avant, jazz, and rock, which IMO makes this a great introduction to Franks classical works.

The bread of this sandwich are two doo-wop tracks. They are somewhat enjoyable, but don't really add anything to the mix (but don't take away either), except for making this album a literal sandwich. The real fun begins with the weenies. From Igor's Boogie to Aybe Sea this album stakes its claim as a classical rock record. This is done to near perfection. The Igor's Boogies along with Aybe Sea, show more of the classical side of this record, with Aybe Sea being a classic Zappa song in every respect featuring excellent guitar and piano. Theme From Bunrt Weeny Sandwich emphasizes the rock in this equation with Frank giving a great solo over some demented percussive sounds. Then we have The Holiday In Berlin songs. These two make a nice blend of classical and rock influences (with jazz, waltz, big band, avanty influences, as well) and create some special moments throughout. Holiday In Berlin (Full Blown) is again, a classic Zappa track. However, the show is stole by the monster of Little House I Used To Live In. This jazz- rock critter (still with classical influences) never fails to dissapoint. Great percussion work, violin solo, guitar solo, and one of my favorite melodies that Zappa created all make this track another Zappa classic (especally with the ending).

All in all, this album is filled with goodies that should be heard. One of the Zappa's first more classical albums makes this somewhat interesting in a histroical regard. This one also provides more edvince of the great song writer/arranger Zappa was. Fans of any of the styles above (with the excpetion of doo-wop) will find plenty to love about Burnt Weeny Sandwich. And once again, this album seems to be a bit underrated by Zappa fans, or at least underappreciated. I believe this album's diversity and progressiveness earn this album a very strong 4 stars. Recommended.

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