Details
- Format
-
CD(3)
- Release Date
- 12/18/2012
- Original Release Date
- 12/1/1996
- Genre
- Art Rock
- Label
- Zappa Records (USA)
- Studio/Live
- Studio
- Mono/Stereo
- n/a
- UPC
- 824302389324
Release Notes
L¿ther [12/18]: Release Notes:
Muze
LATHER (pronounced "leather") was recorded in the 1970s and originally intended as a 4-LP box set. It was, however, never released that way; instead, the material from the project dribbled out over the course of 1978 and 1979 on the albums ZAPPA IN NEW YORK, SLEEP DIRT, STUDIO TAN, ORCHESTRAL FAVORITES and SHEIK YERBOUTI.This 1996 release is the first issue of the full LATHER, and it features four previously-unreleased songs, along with previously-unreleased versions or mixes of many of the tracks.Personnel includes: Frank Zappa (vocals, guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, bass, percussion); Ray White (vocals, guitar); George Duke (vocals, keyboards); Eddie Jobson (vocals, violin, keyboards); Patrick O'Hearn (vocals, bass); Terry Bozzio (vocals, drums); Lou Marini (flute, alto saxophone); Mike Brecker (flute, tenor saxophone); Ronnie Cuber (clarinet, baritone saxophone); Randy Brecker (trumpet); Bruce Fowler, Tom Malone (brass); Andre Lewis (keyboards); Ruth Underwood (synthesizer, percussion); David Samuels (vibraphone, timpani); James "Bird Legs" Youman, Dave Parlato, Roy Estrada, Max Bennett (bass); Chester Thompson, Jim Gordon (drums); Emil Richards (percussion).Recorded between 1973 and 1977. Includes liner notes by Gail Zappa and Simon Prentis.Recorded at various times with a revolving cast of characters, the huge mass of material known as LATHER was to be released in the late '70s when Zappa's record company refused to put it out. Instead, they insisted that he owed them four individual records. So, the unflappable Zappa chopped LATHER into four sections (released as LIVE IN NEW YORK, STUDIO TAN, SLEEP DIRT and ORCHESTRAL FAVORITES). He then went on a southern California radio station and played the whole project while encouraging listeners to illegally tape it. Finally, the entire collection is now available on one three-disc set in all of its legendary glory.And just what is LATHER (pronounced "leather")? It is the ultimate amalgam of all that Zappa could be. From unabashedly comical novelty songs ("The Legend Of The Illinois Enema Bandit") and cynical observations of human behavior ("Titties And Beer") to complex instrumentals ("Re-Gyptian Strut," "Pedro's Dowry") and epic swathes of nonsensical madness ("The Adventures Of Greggery Peccary"). In addition, there are several bonus tracks, including a remixed version of "Re-Gyptian Strut," the solo guitar track "Leather Goods," a bizarre "Revenge Of The Knick Knack People" and the classic Zappa sound of "Time Is Money."
Credits
Performer
Frank Zappa
