ROXY AND ELSEWHERE FULL

The original version was much like an anthem, whereas this version has a 'troubled story teller' type feel to it.

This is a reworking of an older 60s blues-rock song of Zappa's. As the song builds up, the awesome overflows right into the next number, More Trouble Everyday. It's just some perfectly executed music that is so enjoyable its simply must be sinful. This song is my personal favorite on the album and I could never truly explain why. Seamlessly, the song slowly builds up to a somewhat jumpy, yet still laid-back number. Another laid-back affair, only this time it is very spacey. This song, at times, has some interesting studio manipulation that makes it a truly engaging and bewildering listen, mostly by speeding up the recording, yielding your typical singing chipmunk experience, amongst other things.įollowing that craziness we are lulled into another relaxing atmosphere with The Son of Orange County. The song itself is a tribute to the cheesy monster movies that were rampant in the 70s, which Zappa 'simply adored', perhaps in an ironic fashion, but there existence merited a song to glorify them, nonetheless.

ROXY AND ELSEWHERE FULL

The song is a story about a monster attacking a large city, and that premise is exploited for it's full comedic possibilities. In a different way, Cheepnis is a crazy fast-paced song with a funky feel to it. Once again, very energetic and you can expect an amazing guitar solo.

It would be far to long winded to describe the songs in detail, so simply put: these songs are what Zappa is all about killer musicianship stunning solos absurd song structure and flat out fun. The function of this song on the album is to ease the atmosphere just before the listener is slammed with the craziest part of the album.Īnd in an instant, we are thrown into the truly twisted musical Zappaverse with the double whammy of Echidna's Arf (Of You) & Don't You Ever Wash That Thing? From what I can tell, this is a very strange take on jazz-fusion. This song has an excellent, yet by Zappa standards, tame guitar solo that is very relaxing. This is a laid-back song about one of Franks former places of residence, and is apparently a very sentimental song, although it's not totally serious. Next up, we are treated to Village of the Sun, which is about as close to easy-listening as you'll ever here from Zappa. The premise is not unlike an after school special, where an innocent happy guy is corrupted by the evils of the drug world (it's semi-satirical and very funny). This song segues right into Dummy Up, which is a semi-improve comedy experience with a funky vamp playing in the background to give it that gritty 'the dangers of drugs in the 70s' feel to it. The subject matter is an observation of the strange behavior that drug addicts display, especially in the 'Quaalude moonlight' of the 'downer midnite' (in other words, very late at night). You, inevitably, will at least spastically tap your foot. Soon though, the rest of the band comes in and transforms it into a hard-rockin', funky, all over the place song that commands you to groove to it. Next is Pygmy Twylyte, which starts off with the basic riff in a very happy-go-lucky type timbre. As with most songs on the album Zappa delivers a blazing solo. well, its mostly about a penguin being involved in some promiscuous behavior, to say the least. This song sets a precedent for the entire album, in that the band is extremely talented and right on, as well as energetic as hell.

Musically, it is a disjointed bluesy type number with horns (the whole album is very horny). The album opens up with Penguin In Bondage, which is just as about as silly as it sounds. Please be gentle, it's my first time (criticism gladly accepted and probably needed)! If you like funk, jazz, rock, blues or complete musical insanity, mixed with a healthy does of sardonic wit, than this amalgamation of all those is certainly right up your alley Review Summary: Like most of Zappa's material, Roxy is a grossly overlooked masterpiece.

Roxy and elsewhere