Princeton ’73

Ok, so you nearly got May 1st ’73, but then I figured that most of you will either have that show, or know a man who has. Instead you get 27th April ’73, which contains some important conceptual landmarks of its own. This is the first of only a very few shows to feature Kin Vassey on vocals, and features the world premiers of Pygmy Twylyte, the Yellow Snow Suite, and the cocktail version of Inca Roads (the first ever Inca with lyrics, as far as I’m aware).

It’s a long show, over two and a half hours, there’s some great jamming, some neat Frank solos, and a fabulous lengthy encore. There are also some microphone problems at times, for which the Management apologises profusely, but as this is the only known recording of the whole concert, that’s life. These guys could really PLAY. But you knew that already…

And for those of you who don’t own May 1st, nor know a man who does, be extra nice to Barry, and one day, who knows?

Reviewing A To Z

Disclaimer: this page is not written by from the point of view of a Frank Zappa fanatic and is not generally intended for narrow-perspective Frank Zappa fanatics. If you are deeply offended by criticism, non-worshipping approach to your favourite artist, or opinions that do not match your own, do not read any further.

Got a couple of hours to spare? This chap’s Zappa review page, which grants our man a Class C should keep you occupied. And when you’re done, there’s this. (via)

Margarita Fridays

Rip Rense wrote an interesting account of the “salon evenings” that were held at Zappa’s house near the end of his life, and of how they came to be:

At Gail Zappa’s behest, the blenders roared every Friday evening about 6. In short order, Frank’s staff of invaluable studio wizards and office workers became duly sloshed, and took to verbally slaying the dragons-of-the-week in tones that can be gently described as rollicking. At first, the Boss merely tolerated this; grudgingly accepting it as a necessity for non-workaholics (…) This soon proved problematic. Running leviathan computerized keyboard systems required assistants — assistants who were not snockered — so in time, the labor fiend was forced to observe the Friday breaks.

He actually took a Margarita in hand.

The Future Of Pop?

Essex rock band Koopa could become the first unsigned group to land a UK top 40 hit thanks to new chart rules.

The bulk of Koopa’s followers are teenagers who are buying the single using a mobile phone rather than an online store, Mr Raymond believes. It costs £1.50 to send a text message and receive a code to download the song on a computer. “The average 16-year-old doesn’t have a credit card but they’ve got a mobile phone,” the manager explains.

Who needs a record deal anymore?

It’s… De-lurking Week!

Yes, you heard right: it’s De-lurking Week here at KUR, as is the case all over the Blog-O-Sphere!

de-lurk

Are you a long-time reader, yet never commented? A first-time reader and want to say hi? A KUR-regular who comments all the time? Post a comment why don’t you — anything goes! Us here at the office have made a sacred vow whereby no biting shall occur in the event of a posted comment. After all: Would It Kill Ya To Comment?

Here’s to another zero comments entry! Huzzah!

Hit it, Zubin! (UCLA 1970)

Here’s the Neujahrkonzert 2007: “200 Motels Suite” from frankzappa.at; a show that could not be recorded officially, featuring the L. A. Philharmonic and conductor Zubin Mehta. Here it is now as a bootleg, for our downloading pleasure. See the tracklist here! (Note: only the orchestral parts are included here, starting with Pound For A Brown.)