THEM OR US

I really dig FZ's 80's albums but I admit that they are not essential to any casual prog fan due to the crude and sleazy songs peppered with Zappa's usual satire. This album is a fun one and is mainly made up from songs that were performed in the early 80's (like Man from Utopia) and mind bending instrumentals that will get any guitar freak to drool, especially the aptly named 'Sinister Footwear II'. At 70 minutes few songs really stand out though but I have to mention that the version of "Sharleena" (originally from Chunga's Revenge) featured here kicks ass and includes an impressive guitar solo from Zappa's then 15 year old son, Dweezil. The shortest pieces are nothing to write home about though they do have comedic merits and is still decent stuff musically, while the rest is highly enjoyable, but again this album suits the Zappa fan better than the average prog head. A good package overall, If you like this period then get it together with Man From Utopia, these two are a good pair together I would say.