Frank Zappa: Dub Room Special (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been waiting for this release since it contain the only official performance of Zappa/Mothers in 74 (from the "A Token of his Extreme" show). I have seen it twice and I have to admit I'm quite dissappointed since there's no improvement on the vintage footage and the extra material it's absolutely useless (Moon Valley feature, discography,...). This is the SAME VHS or Beta(max) we all ordered from Zappa's mail order service back in the 80's, but packaged under a DVD mask.
Most of the tracks from 1974 and 1981 are edited, cut and/or mixed with additional images. Also there are lots of "noises" added to some tracks. Bootleggers who used to offer the 1974 performance must be very happy with this edited video.
I wish they had included a CLEAN, FULL and CONTINOUS live performance at KCTTV Culver City Studios on 08/07/1974 with Zappa / Mothers and SEPARATELY the 10/31/1981 New York Halloween Party concert at the Palladium. Also they could have put as a worth - having extra "The Amazing Mr Brickford" video (the man behind those great clay animation).
If you want an in deep review, here is:
- (1974) DOG BREATH (VARIATIONS) / UNCLE MEAT
Uncomplete: no intro. and there's fade at the end. Original film is heavily distorted with additional images (mostly from Brickford), video effects and external "noises". Nevertheless you can see for brief moments Frank playing drums with Ruth Underwood (former Ruth Kammanoff)
- (circa 1974) PORTIONS OF MR BRICKFORD: Formerly shown on Baby Snake VHS / DVD
- DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO (the place where this video was made)
- (1974) ROOM SERVICE
Uncomplete: Maybe introduction is lost and there's CUT at the end. This is a classic Zappa talking - number. Just listen to that funky back up rhythm by Fowler, Duke, Underwood & Thompson.
- (1981) NIG BIZ Uncomplete.
- DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO
- (1974) APPROXIMATE
Perfect. Complete number. Zappa at his most DADA / Experimental phase. Simply great.
- (1974) COSMIK DEBRIS
Right after Approximate comes this number which is sadly cut and glued to Cocaine Decision
- (1981) COCAINE DECISION
Uncomplete number. It's mixed with video images of Massimo Bassoli a man supposed to be funny. Not for me.
- (1982) MASSIMO BASSOLI IN PALERMO / DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO
- (1974) MONTANA: Introduction is lost. Seriously cut at the end.
- (1982) MASSIMO BASSOLI - SINGLE: Useless.
- DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO
- (1974) FLORENTINE POGEN
Beginning of original broadcast is mixed with images at Compact Video. Cut before the number really ends. Edited Frank speech "Thank you. Chester's Gorilla was played by Marty Perellis"
- STEVIE'S SPANKING: This is an edited number from a longer one.
- DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO
- (1974) STINK FOOT
Introduction is lost. Heavily mixed with Mr Brickford clay animation and finally cut and glued to 1981's Flakes.
- (1981) FLAKES: Uncomplete number.
- (1974) INCA ROADS
No introduction. Mixed with Mr Brickford clay animation which at the same time is overdub with studio "noises". The main part of this number was used for "One Size Fits All" album (except guitar solo). Parts of this number were broadcasted on The Midnight Special TV show back in the 70's.
- (1981) EASY MEAT: Uncomplete
- DIALOGUE AT COMPACT VIDEO


Click Here to see more reviews about: Frank Zappa: Dub Room Special (2005)

Previously released on VHS and Beta and only available through mail order, Frank Zappa’s Dub Room Special is an extremely rare TV special comprising two live performances from one of Rock’s great individuals.Zappa’s unparalleled abilities as a composer, guitarist, and absurdist/social commentator run rampant on The Dub Room Special - and it is a unique window on his willingness to push the envelope of what is possible no matter how improbable.Selections from two separate concerts, one, called A Token of His Extreme, shot in 1974 at Los Angeles public television station KCET and one in 1981 filmed at his annual New York Halloween show, are interspersed with then-cutting edge claymation/stop motion animation from Bruce Bickford and assorted comedy bits.Since 1966, Zappa had established himself as perhaps the most fearless musician known to popular music. He incorporated modern classical music, blazing rock and blues and doo wop, guitar solos he called "air sculpture" and an extremely cynical point of view to forge a legacy that remains completely unique 12 years after his death.

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Frank Zappa: Dub Room Special (2005)