Word: yerbouti
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...latest album, Sheik Yerbouti (on Zappa Records), he lashes out more than ever before at today's "young generation." Zappa mocks punk, disco, kinky sex, JAPs, and yes -- even Peter Frampton. As for the album's title, well, only Zappa could concoct a name that uses disco jargon to suggest OPEC domination. Unfortunately, the music itself is mechanical and boring, and the lyrics provoke the listener without providing any insight in return...
...Yerbouti, a double album, is Zappa's 25th official release. In his nearly 15 years of recording and performing, Zappa has been the most persistent of rock's "enfants terribles." And yet, at the same time, his ingenuity has contributed much to the music. If he doesn't do drugs or Mister Rodgers imitations, he does have a knack for social satire that betrays an electric intelligence...
...Zappa has recorded rock's kinkiest scenarios on wax with nary a batting of his beady eyes. (Those of unsalvageable purient interest may refer to the Live at the Fillmore East "white album," or the equally memorable Overnight Sensation classic, "Dinah-Moe-Humm.") Believe it or not, parts of Yerbouti shock the sensibilities as never before. As for romance, there's "Broken Hearts Are for Assholes." No explanations needed. But unlike similar efforts on other albums, these songs lack the intelligent insight needed to redeem the abuse they dole...
...Sheik Yerbouti, while a neat idea, shows more than anything else Zappa's growing tendency to churn out songs that rely solely on shock value and unnerving repetition. In his best moments, Zappa is a musician of wit and surprise. A diverse composer and a melodically gifted guitarist, he is capable of highly original fusions of rock and jazz. Why drain all his energies on social satire when others will continue to produce it unwittingly? American Society provides more than enough material for satire--Zappa the critic will always persist. Let us hope that he can revive his musical ingenuity...
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