ZAPPA IN NEW YORK

This album is an exceptional representation of what it was like at a Frank Zappa concert in the late seventies. Especially the CD version, where the songs are longer, and there are four songs that were not on the original LP.

First of all, you have to get Zappa's sometimes puerile sense of humor to appreciate tracks like Titties & Beer, Punky's Whips, Honey Don't You Want A Man Like Me? and The Illinois Enema Bandit. Once you get over that hurdle, there is some amazing music to be heard. This version of Cruisin' For Burgers is just exquisite, and The Purple Lagoon, layered with Approximate is astounding.

We didn't really need yet another recording of The Torture Never Stops, but it's still a great performance.

A high 4.5 stars, rounded up.