Frank Zappa: Apostrophe / Over-Nite Sensation (2007)

Exceptional DVD for those interested in the bigger FZ picture

Let me preface my remarks by saying that most of the negative reviews here were written by people who were expecting lots of concert footage. I read the label and online description and received exactly what I expected. Some people will give blue a bad review for failing to be red, but Frank Zappa: Apostrophe / Over-Nite Sensation is just what it claims to be.

I got into Zappa while in high school in the late 70's and early 80's. I studied music and still play, but as much as I drifted through various styles and interests, FZs music always stuck and held a special place in my music library. I recall seeing him in concert in 1982 - mind-blowing.

Zappa's music and the reasons we love it are often misunderstood. As Frank says in the video, everything he's done is part of the much larger body of his complete works. Albums like Apostrophe and Overnight Sensation were perhaps the most accessible of his recordings and while they have plenty of virtuosity and compositional brilliance, those who don't listen profoundly may simply hear the silly humor, and never grasp the larger context of the attitude behind that humor.

This documentary provides plenty of music candy for people who appreciate Zappa's music on any level, but really zooms in on the people, processes and history that were part of his compositions and musical standards. Comments from bandmates like Ruth Underwood, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Steve Vai and others provide an inside look at what it was like to be part of FZ's musical odyssey.

Special mention here is offered for the contribution of the very talented Dweezil Zappa who deserves an honorary doctorate as a musicologist. Rather than being the idiot bastard son (sorry, couldn't resist), Dweezil has mastered his father's guitar style, and has clearly developed a very sophisticated grasp of the instrument that Frank gets little credit for being a true pioneer with - the multitrack recording console. Dweezil has clearly paid his dues going through the old master tapes one track at a time and with the skill of a great musical archaeologist, has exhumed extraordinary treasures, artifacts and clues to the bigger picture of what happened in the musical life of Frank Zappa. In the video, he sits at the mixing console and solos tracks hidden in back of the mix that reveal nuances of Frank's orchestrating genius. Few people could muster the drive and talent to take advantage of this kind of inheritance. Bravo! As Dweezil is one of the few people who can grasp the musical sophistication of FZ's music, I'll be watching to see where he evolves it to next. There's no reason not to expect greatness.

Extras on the DVD include a visit to the "vaults." Y'know how whenever some company wants to re-release some old crap, they tell you they're digging it out of "the vaults?" Well, there really is a Zappa vault and the archivist there offers a short tour of the miles of tape, film and video that comprise the Zappa legacy. This material is all being preserved, cataloged, digitized and cared for by some very talented people. I find that comforting.

If "Dinah-mo-humm" is the extent of your Zappa palette, this video will either give you a new appreciation of the bigger picture that was Frank Zappa's music or you'll find it too focussed on details that don't matter to you. If you appreciate the whole Zappa ethos, from the cynical, raunchy humor to the extended guitar solos to the masterful engineering to the brilliant composition to the extended family of virtuoso musicians who performed these wonders, then this DVD is a must-have. July 25, 2008

Zappa at his best

This is a fabulous overview of two of Frank Zappa's best albums. It offers interesting insights into the songs. There are interviews with family members and band members that detail Zappa's time and effort that he put into the music as a composer, arranger, performer and producer. All dedicated fans will enjoy this dvd. It also shows Dweezil's deep love for his father(he is always shown playing his dad's guitar)and this makes it a fine tribute to his dad. I like Dweezil's comments on each track of the albums, very insightful. Who knew Tina Turner sang backing vocals on some of the songs? Excellant DVD. July 5, 2008

Zappa is, like the king, alive!!!

Well, of course the sound is less than average. But let's make it clear and short: just listen the magnificent guitar solo of "no more trouble every day"... Pure genius. Then who cares about this bootleg type of sound. It is a time trip to 1974... For those who love FZ, go for it!
What a solo!!! May 30, 2008

Old Stuff is Great

The highlight of the DVD is the 'I Am The Slime" performance from 1976 SNL. Frankly, there are some vids from FZ's son version of some of the tunes of Apostrophe that fell flat for me. FZ is a legend. I'll watch it once in a while.
It is worth it. April 6, 2008

(Dinah ) Ho-hum

I received this DVD as a Christmas gift. I consider myself a dedicated Zappa fan, and think he is probably one of the best musicians of the 20th century.

I was disappointed in the decided lack of footage showing FRANK ZAPPA in concert. Watching Dweezil on a mixing board is fine, but I expected a more thorough description of the songs on the album(s) including the performance of those in concert.

I will store this next to "Baby Snakes" & "Does Humor Belong in Music" and "200 Motels" but I can't say it will be the first DVD in the player when I need a Zappa fix. I'm glad I own it & look forward to collecting more Zappa albums & footage.

February 11, 2008

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