Frank Zappa Lumpy Gravy CD

 Lumpy Gravy a work of eccentric genius
Frank Zappa's "Lumpy Gravy" is a breathtaking introduction to the serious side(such as it is) of Zappa's musical imagination. Long-time Zappa fans will notice certain familiar recurring things here - the use of the song "Oh No" from "Weasels Ripped my Flesh", the Varese-like musical moments in the more 'classical' passages, the musical parodies(surf music, advertising jingles, soundtrack music, etc.), the improvised dialogue as an expression of the more aleatoric side of his creativity(seen elsewhere at nearly self-indulgent lengths on his landmark release "Uncle Meat"), Zappa's mystical idea of all things springing from One Big Musical Note(stated quite explicitly here) and, of course, the off-centre sense of humour of the creator. Only Frank Zappa could have created this. It screams 'Frank' in every note, every bar. The more classical passages in this work make one wonder what Zappa might have done if he had devoted his whole life to classical music instead of dividing his creativity. And some of the humour here makes me (for one) laugh out loud. This one doesn't wear off for me. It is timelessly beautiful and funny. In a trivia note, jazz fans might notice that the legendary jazz musician Shelly Manne(himself a 'character' of note) is one of the musicians here. Zappa fans should hear this at least once. For those who are on Zappa's creative wavelength, it is like honey to a bee. Greg Cameron, Surrey, B.C., Canada
Submitted by Greg Cameron (Surrey, B.C., Canada)
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 Maybe not entry-level, definitely part of the big scheme
Don't make this your first Zappa purchase, but if you've heard some of it already and are ready to jump into the deep end of what was really going on in his mind, give it a whirl. Thematically very strongly linked with his final CD, "Civilization Phaze III". Random dialog snippets, tape sounds and effects, orchestral pieces, deranged snorks, turkey laughter, absurdity compete for your attention. If you have ever wondered what "pedal depressed panchromatic resonance" is, this provides the answer. Frank does not perform on this CD.
Submitted by a reviewer (San Jose, CA)
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