Frank Zappa & Captain Beefheart Bongo Fury

Frank Zappa briefly reunited with Captain Beefheart in the spring of 1975 for a few live shows that form the nucleus of this almost completely live album. It is notable for featuring the first LP appearance of drummer Terry Bozzio, who would perform with Zappa throughout the late 1970s. Beefheart is spotlighted for his crazy narratives, "Sam With the Showing Scalp Flat Top" and "Man With the Woman Head," while his harmonica highlights the studio recording, the bluesy "200 Years Old." "Advance Romance" stretches out, throwing Napoleon Murphy Brock into the driver's seat. "Debra Kadabra" plays out like one of Zappa's comedy sketches, but with Beefheart tearing into the heart of surrealism. "Carolina Hard-Core Ecstasy" tunefully captures Zappa's twisted vision of pop, jazz and rock. He breaks down the genres until they can be considered nothing but Zappa music. A playful country vibe underlines "Poofter's Froth Wyoming Plans Ahead." Fewer instrumental workouts, but interesting, unorthodox songs throughout.