Zappa in High Resolution / Need Recommendations

[JazzDoc2]

The batch of HiRes Zappa releases are sourced from the 2012 UME remasters. Comparisons between these remasters and the 1995 Rykodisc remasters can be found at:

 

http://www.lukpac.org/~handmade/patio/vinylvscds/2012hotpoop.html

 

There is also a thread at the Steve Hoffman Forum about the new HiRes releases:

 

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/5-zappa-titles-on-hdtracks.1072676/

 

So which ones to go for? While I agree with ssh that 'Shut Up And Play Yer Guitar' is a great album, I don't think it is a good starting point. 'Apostrophe', 'Overnite Sensation' and 'One Size Fits All' would probably be good starting points as they showcase the character behind FZ's songwriting, together with dazzling musicianship. I guess that if I had to pick one album from the early period, it would have to be 'Hot Rats'. It is mostly instrumental, with Captain Beefheart's vocals on just one track. It is one of the best examples of the genre that became known as jazz/rock. Zappa's music is incredibly diverse and if you want an album that demonstrates this diversity, then I would advise getting a copy of 'Lather' on CD. It ranges from the comedy of 'Titties n Beer' to the jazz of 'The Purple Lagoon', which features solos by Michael and Randy Brecker.

 

I have heard the new HiRes releases and while some sound better than their CD counterparts, e.g. 'Joe's Garage', the difference is not night and day as the CDs sound very good. As a newbie, I would be inclined to advise you to get more for your money and invest in more of the 2012 UME CDs.

 

Whatever you choose, I hope that your journey into the musical world of Frank Zappa will be enjoyable and rewarding!

[JazzDoc2]

'Roxy & Elsewhere' is certainly a good one although I wouldn't recommend 'Just Another Band From L.A.' or 'Cruising With Ruben & the Jets' as an introduction to FZ. The former contains 'Billy The Mountain', which is FZ's comedy take on a narrative work such as 'Peter And The Wolf'. If you want to hear Peter Wolf, go back to 'Sheik Yerbouti' or 'Joe's Garage' 😀. If you want music with a narrative storyline, check out 'The Adventures Of Greggery Peccary' from 'Lather'.

 

I listened to the 24/192 'Chunga's Revenge' this morning. I had also thought that 'The Nancy And Mary Music' was a sonic mess, although this 24/192 version seems to make more sense of it.

[JazzDoc2]

Another batch of Frank Zappa HiRes downloads has been released today as follows:

 

Absolutely Free (24-192)
Bongo Fury (24-192)
Burnt Weeny Sandwich (24-192)
Chicago '78 (24-96)
Halloween 81 (24-96)

The Mothers 1970 (24-96)

Zappa In New York (40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) (24-96)

 

Qobuz Live with Ahmet Zappa and Joe Travers