Search - Frank Zappa :: Cheap Thrills

You get what you pay for

theslime | DUBLIN | 03/01/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a real slop it together compilation of some of frank's work, it's a fairly weak selection. You're curious about zappa and you want to get started. You buy this album. You think- not bad, but not that great. It's worth the money but 'for a few dollars more' you can buy one of frank's many classic albums. Let's have a look at what's on offer here.There are some portions of dialogue from 'playground psychotics'. This material is amusing, i am talking about the mudshark interview. But for newcomers, it will hardly entice you to further investigation of that album (pp ranks low down in the zappa album rankings anyway). Most of the songs are live, which is not a problem because frank's live stuff is great. But we are given a live version of bobby brown (from ycdtosa vol3) in which ike willis, ray white and frank zappa giggle for most of the song. It's funny, but a first time listener is denied hearing the full splendour of bobby brown with complete obscene lyrics. On vol3 after bobby brown they jump straight into 'keep it greasy', they giggle some more but it's a great rendition-this would have worked well on the cheap thrills album i think. Moving on to other songs, joe's garage (also from vol3) is featured , a good but not spectacular song. My guitar wants to kill your mama is good but the version on 'weasels ripped my flesh' is the one to hear. 'catholic girls',the 2nd song from the joes garage album, is well played by 1988 band. (get that album,'joe's garage'). We have a great 1988 tour rendition of 'hot plate heaven in the green hotel' with a good zappa guitar solo. And a great 1982 zomby woof with another good solo.This album could have done with more zappa guitar playing. ...Captain beefheart features in 'the torture never stops', a 1975 concert from the bongo fury tour. This is a great song and beefheart sings a bit like howlin wolf.'You are what you is' is the 'thingfish' version. It's an ok song. 'Thingfish' is the least loved zappa album. (Just read the reviews.)There's a good instrumental 'we are not alone' from the man from utopia album. I recommend this album if you want a good laugh, even if it isn't one of frank's best. Cheap thrills could have used more zappa instrumentals for sure.The song 'cheap thrills' from 1968's ruben and the jets is a good opener, a good little song, and deserves inclusion. Actually, they could have put more of frank's classic 60s music on this disc. You'll just have to check out these 1960s mothers albums yourself. They're all great.My verdict on the album is that it's a bit of a hodgepodge of odds and ends and some strong material, but you really want to check out the source albums. you won't regret it! ..."

New to Zappa? Startin' here's okay...

J. Blomberg | PresidioStockade, Ca, USA | 06/11/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Any compilation in a storm, if it's put together w/ love and this one is. But if you're new to FZ's music this'll get ya goin' right nicely but then get your ears into the albums he himself made. AND check out the tribute albums by Jean-Luc Ponty, The Persuasions, Ensemble Modern...The FZ catalog is a rich American treasure."

Lots of fun.

Bill Allison | Southwest Missouri, United States | 04/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great value here, espescially if you're new to Frank. There are thirteen GREAT songs here that are fun from start to finish and there is no so such thing as "too much FZ" in your cd collection. Reccommended to everyone."