PIQUANTIQUE - STOCKHOLM 1973

I have listened ZAPPA's work mainly from the years 1968 to 1979, and I think this is the best live recording from that timeline. The eight-piece orchestra (including JEAN-LUC PONTY) brings forth a massive wall of fast, chaotic and extremely witty fusion jazz rock. Every minute of the album contains dozens of things to listen, but the greatest moment of it is "Redunzl", which is also the best version of this title that I have ever heard! I'm sure that this kind of music by Frank would please many fans of challenging prog rock! No "titties and beer" stuff here.

All of the songs are instrumental, but Frank does some talking, for example he taunts the audience as they can't clap properly to the backbeat of the song. I got this album from the "Beat the boots" vinyl box set, which I got as a Christmas present from my mother (Thanks ma!). I have also seen some CD versions being sold from these "beated booties" separately, and this concert is included in the collection of Tikkurila's music library in Finland.

If you liked "Weasels Ripped My Flesh" album or "Hot Rats", you should try this one too! The sound of the recording isn't so bad in quality that you wouldn't hear all instruments or notes, but this isn't a record for serious audiophiles I guess.