Frank Zappa always amazed me. He’d put together some of the greatest musicians in the world and create these incredibly complex musical romps – and yet they’d be equally funny. It always seemed a contrast that music which could be perceived as so serious would actually be tongue in cheek – and many times that sense of humor is built into the music. Well, this is probably the most quintessential Zappa album. Certainly he had discs that were more powerful statements, but this one is accessible while still maintaining his sense of musical vision.

The mini-epic suite that opens the album (and encompasses the first four songs) tells the tale of a fur trapper who is blinded by Nanook the Eskimo alone is worth the price of admission. When you consider that the whole disc is a powerhouse, though – that makes it all ‘bonus.” Oh, and talking about those musicians Zappa recruits. How’s this for three big names who all perform on this album – Jack Bruce, George Duke and Tina Turner? If you own this then dig it out again and give it some fresh spins. If you don’t, what are you waiting for?

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2008  Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.