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Customer Reviews of Does Humor Belong in Music? Frank Zappa Live

Frustratingly short DVD from a misunderstood tour
If you're one of those people who hates FZ's 1984 tour STOP READING NOW ! <
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>So, now the nay-sayers have left, we can go on.... <
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>I'll make no secret of the fact that I _love_ the 1984 band. Admittedly, there are no FZ bands that I really dislike, but together with the Duke/Brock/Underwood/Fowler/Thompson band, the 1984 band is my dearest FZ band. <
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>I think that much of the criticism that was heaped upon this band stems from the fact that many people misunderstood FZ's intention. It's interesting to compare this band with the 1981/1982 band (featuring a/o Steve Vai). Where that band was to a large extent a very 'cool' band, which radiates an air of "look how completely relaxed we are whilst almost casually playing this extremely complex music", the 1984 band has more of a "Look what a completely over-the-top show we are giving whilst still playing this extremely complex music". <
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>The title of this DVD is also to a large extent the idea behind the tour : "Does humor belong in music"...I.e. who can stand art that is hilarious _and_ very enlightening at the same time. FZ and his partners-in-crime succeed magnificently in this. There are no houses of the holy left standing, no sacred song is safe and no outrageous idea is left unexplored. If you expect the 'same old same old', you're bound to be left disappointed, but if on the other hand, you're open to FZ's over-the-top parody of 80's rock shows, this one should be very pleasing. <
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>A lot of the humor of this band is captured on YCDTOSA 3 (for example the (in)famous Bobby Brown/Keep it Greasy heigh-ho Silver fest) and that attitude is prevalent on this DVD too. The musicians all play a stage role parodizing the extremely choreographed rock shows of the day, and have a tremendous amount of fun in doing the parody and making it as outrageous as humanly possible.... <
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>Musically this band is impeccable. I don't have a clue why Alan Zavod always gets the bad reviews...He's a fantastic keyboard player and is enjoying the hell out of himself. (Listen to his work with Ponty, if you're still not convinced about his keyboard skills). I have no problems at all with Chad Wackerman's electronic drums and handclaps...again, it should be seen in the light of being a parody of 80's trends. The joke is that the handclaps come at the weirdest moments (when you least expect them) and are conciously meant to desecrate "sacred" Zappa songs, just because Zappa wants us to understand that he, of all people, was completely able to laugh at himself and prevent himself becoming over-serious. The electronic drum sounds might be electronic, but who cares if it's Chad Wackerman playing them...I don't ! Moreover, it kind of fits with the whole sound of the band. The same goes for the reggae versions of many classics...it's all part of the show. <
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>Another shining light in all 80's tours is Scott Thunes, who performs not only physical, but also a lot of instrumental stuntwork. Compare his laidback role in the 81/82 band with his high-octane performance in 84 if you're still not convinced they are putting up a comedy show ! The guy is a stunning bassist and might be my favorite FZ bass player. <
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>Vocally, this band is a marvel and the talents of Ray White, Bobby Martin and Ike Willis shines throughout the DVD. Ike Willis is often hoarse, but his musicianship and sheer energy are intoxicating. Ray White and Bobby Martin both have some of their finest moments (and that says something), both together and solo (special marks to Bobby for his Whipping Post rendering on this DVD). The harmony vocals are gorgeous and sound marvellously together and altogether it's the stuff (wet) dreams are made of. <
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>The downside on this DVD, however, is that it's so excruciatingly short. Zappa mentions that 'tonight is going to be a long show' and all of it was taped, so I hope that somewhere in the ZFT there's more material waiting...We'll see and pray. The editing in of some interview sections is annoying, but I can live with it....Sound and video quality is fine and I like the crispness of the camera work. <
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>Incidentally, I hate attacking reviewers personally, but what one of the guys below wrote about having problems with Zappa wearing shorts is simply ridiculous. Why on God's good earth should it make any difference even if he were performing nakedly....I give scientific talks whilst wearing a heavy metal t-shirt occasionally...it's called "not caring about what others think of you", and that's what Zappa is all about.... <
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>This band and DVD is a big finger to the subset of his fans that is too serious to be able to take Zappa making fun of himself. Maybe this is not kind, but Zappa wasn't in business to be kind and he hated fans who liked him for (what he perceived as) the wrong reasons, which is his good right. <
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>All in all, a must-have DVD for any FZ fan who is serious about collecting the man's music. <
>5 stars for band and music, 1 star subtracted bc the DVD is so ghastly short.

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Zappa in Shorts?
Yes, Zappa in shorts. I am no prude, but to see him on stage wearing a pair of shorts doesn't seem to personify professional musicianship. It is almost as if he has a defiant attitude that he could care less about it. Overall the artistry of the DVD appears that the musicians aren't on stage to perform music, but to simply act outrageous and odd for the camera. Rather immature, not entertaining. I would rather see a concert toned down a little.

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Good Performances, But Not Enough
This is a very frustrating DVD. Just when there's a bit of momentum with the concert footage it cuts away to Zappa pontificating about something or another. Also the close ups are way too close. At one point the camera nearly shows us Ike Willis' tonsils, plus whenever FZ is playing the video is up close and out of focus on his hands. It's good but not great. Hopefully the concert footage will be re-cut and reissued in its entirety.