BROADWAY THE HARD WAY

The music of Frank Zappa has always been unique and it has its own sub-genre and it definitely under the corridor of progressive music as most of them are not straight forward in term of structure and has many styles in any song. You can find elements of pop, jazz, and rock .and also in some case rap music in the album. For me personally it's a joy listening to Frank Zappa music as I have no clue on how the music would go to due to many changes of styles even in a short track. That's just on musical point of view. On the other perspective, the lyrics are quite harsh and they express Zappa's socio-political views, especially in this album. You might refer this "Broadway The Hardway" with his work "'Have I Offended Someone' as the two share similar style.

The album opens with 'Elvis has Just Left The Building' which makes me laugh and have fun with the combination of lyrics and dynamic music even though in pop style. I also remember "Does Humor Belong to Music" video while enjoying this track. "Planet Of The Baritone... "(2:48) is another funny song with great brass rock arrangements. It's like an opera music, basically. "Any Kind Of Pain" (5:42) is similar in style with jazzy touch through brass section. 'She dines with actors, 'n wall street characters: Dull talk; Nice clothes -- See her? She blows -- She's so important 'cause he gets to do talk shows -' The interlude part with guitar solo is really stunning, followed by short sax work.

"Dickie's Such An Asshole" (5:45) is my favorite because of its complex arrangements on brass section and its sudden change in to bluesy tune. The piano work is good. The intertwining roles of vocal, piano and brass section are all done smoothly and each segment provides Oh yeah . the guitar solo during interlude is also really great. As usual, the lyrics are expressive in nature. 'Can't have no private conversation. Nowhere In the usa. Can't wait 'til the rest of the people all over the the world. Find out their government. Is just the same ol' way. Every day...'. This issue in its lyrics is still relevant even until today.

There are many styles and tempo changes of each individual song in addition to passages of other others' tunes like Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" as well as movie soundtrack like "Mission Impossible" (Rhymin' Man). But again, listening to this album is full with joy and curiosity. In addition to the music, the sonic quality of this CD is far beyong my expectation: excellent. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW (i-Rock! Music Community)