Frank Zappa - Buffalo - 320CBR

This is the second Vaulternative live concert recording. Recorded on 25th October 1980, this CD features a pretty good line-up of Zappa back up musicians, most notably the superb Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and the excellent, if somewhat underused Bob Harris on vocals. Indeed, the vocals are a highlight on this album, with Ray White and Ike Willis on top form throughout. The sound quality is top notch, as one has come to expect from Zappa live concerts.There are many highlights to be found across these two discs. The first is a storming version of 'Keep It Greasy' which sounds amazingly fast in comparison to the studio version. Great vocals and musicianship all round. 'Honey, Don't You Want A Man Like Me' features a very different arrangement, and apart from Zappa forgetting the words a number of times, is a really enjoyable song. Another highlight for me is 'Pick Me, I'm Clean'. Fantastic vocals and a trademark Zappa guitar solo. Great stuff.Disc two opens with 'Easy Meat'. Always a showcase for Tommy Mars' brilliant keyboard skills and Zappa's guitar prowess; this track features both in abundance. The next highlight is a twenty-three minute 'Torture Never Stops'. Amazing guitar solo, followed by keyboard and drum solos. This may be heavy going for some, but I could listen to music like this all day. The wonderful 'Andy' is another classic track. This must be one of the most underrated gems in the Zappa back catalogue. This is another majestic example. Excellent.This really is a nice document of the 1980 band in all its 'Warts And All' glory. It's nice to hear whole concerts because I'm sure Zappa himself would not have released some of this material. The fluffed vocal lines (and there are a few) would never have made an official release, but to me this is more favourable than multiple edits between different shows.

Links in comments.