SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: FRANK ZAPPA – CHEAPER THAN CHEEP: THE SOUNDTRACK (LIVE)

FRANK ZAPPA
CHEAPER THAN CHEEP: THE SOUNDTRACK (LIVE)
ZAPPA/UMe

Since Frank Zappa left this world, there have been numerous releases, thanks to Joe Travers and his son, Ahmet Zappa who work on behalf of the Zappa Estate. They continued their excavation of the Frank Zappa archives, and, as usual, they have come up with a brilliant release. Cheaper Than Cheap: The Soundtrack (Live) is a two-CD (three-vinyl) set, with a Blu-ray of the previously unreleased television film that Zappa taped in 1974. For this tour (and the specific concert featured in the television show).

The show was filmed, but due to technical issues it was never aired or released. Parts of it have been included in other releases in the past, but for the first time, the entire show and concert have been released. Zappa points out, during the show, just how cheap the entire production is, including the venue (a rehearsal hall). Also worth noting, this is the only recording released featuring Jeff Simmons on guitar, who left the band after the taping. The Mothers continued their 1974 tour without him.

The concert shows Zappa’s willingness to dig into his back catalogue for some classics and some his best-known songs. He went as far back as his debut album (Freak Out) for unique versions of “How Could I Be Such A Fool?”, “I’m Not Satisfied”, and “Wowie Zowie”. Of course, he doesn’t stick to the original arrangements, which makes these versions quite interesting. “Penguins In Bondage” makes an appearance here and it sounds fresh and exciting. They also tackle the title track from Apostrophe (’) with a great deal of energy, and the end result is not only technically brilliant playing but the sound of a very tight and organized orchestra. It is stunning.

Of course there are new songs, such as “Inca Roads” and “Cosmik Debris”, both of which were released on the 1975 album Over-Nite Sensation. These are brilliant and inspired versions of songs that would go on to be two of his classics. He also performs an incredible version of “RDNZL”, which is absolutely breathtaking. Listen to early versions of “Village of the Sun” (featuring Underwood on Marimba) and “Montana” and “Camarillo Brillo.

Cheaper Than Cheep: The Soundtrack (Live) is much more than just another live album from Zappa. Anyone who ever saw Zappa live will tell you that Zappa never just did ‘another concert’. Each show was an experience, and the arrangements of the songs evolved and were altered as the tour progressed. Hearing these songs at this stage is a treat and gives listeners an opportunity to hear Zappa in a different light. The Blu-ray of the show is absolutely brilliant, and although it may look dated, it is so well worth watching, if only to see these incredible musicians under Zappa’s leadership. And watching Zappa play is always a sight to behold. Cheaper Than Cheep: The Soundtrack (Live) is yet another example of how to do these archive releases right.

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