DANCE ME THIS

I'd like to take the time to reminisce a little bit about Zappa, as I believe this is my final review of his music. It's been a ride! And "Dance Me This" is such a meaningful title for his final release. He finished this album in 1993, the year of his passing, and did it all pretty much on the synclavier. This is of course an archival recording, not being released until 2015. Who needs musicians when you have an electronic device that is like an electronic workstation for creating music. A digital synthesizer with a digital sampling system included.

I first heard of the synclavier when reviewing Zappa's 1984 album "The Perfect Stranger". Four of the tracks on that one were done by Frank on his synclavier, which he called "The Barking Pumpkin Digital Gratification Consort". The other three songs on it were done by a real mini orchestra with a conductor. That album was on the Classical music charts for almost a year. And hey, you could use the synclavier at home in your underwear if you wanted. In fact Frank says that album was recorded in the "The Utility Muffin Research Kitchen".

So on this final release it's all synclavier music, no musicians except for the addition of a brief guitar solo from Zappa that was overdubbed, and the use of vocals he recorded from the Tulvan Throat Singer from Siberia who happened to pay him a visit when doing a US tour. He promptly had them in the studio recording some of their vocals and using it here.

Memories? Not a lot. As far as Zappa's music goes "Hot Rats" stands alone in my opinion. I'm not sure when I first heard of Frank or his music but I do remember one Christmas my cousin Tim who would have been about 18, put on "Titties & Beer". I still remember the nervous laughter from my dad and uncles. Bold move Tim when pretty much that whole side of the family were church goers. I remember hanging out with this attractive Italian girl who played me her Zappa records.

But it would be much later in life before I would actually buy his music. I remember the business I had, and of course I played my music no matter what it was. And getting many interesting comments over the years. Not all positive believe me. This lady comes in while Zappa is playing. She turns her head, like she's listening intently to it. And comments about the incredible arrangements. "Who is this?" she asked. "Frank Zappa" I replied with a smile. I could tell by her non-reaction that she had no idea who he was.

This album is quite experimental with half of it being taken up with the "Wolf Harbour" suite which is divided into five sections. My favourite track is "Rykoniki" because it reminds me of UNIVERS ZERO. "Piano" is pretty good with that classical piano, but again it's all done on the synclavier. A good album but far short of 4 stars in my world. Check out "The Perfect Stranger" if you can. I found "Yellow Shark" to be disappointing as well.