Michael Alexander 2001-11-21

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

An amazing album, worth buying even if you've got all the songs in other forms. There was magic that night, and the band was just on FIRE. The Nanook suite is absolutely stunning, with more energy, virtuoso playing, and humor than FZ's ever managed before or since. "Magic Fingers" gets elevated from standard Zappa jazz-rocker to a tear-the-roof-off masterpiece with an unforgettable riff. At least half a dozen others are just as good; on another note, playing this would be the perfect way to get someone into 70's Zappa.

Sound quality is excellent for a boot; sure, there are no illusions that this is the studio, but it IS a soundboard recording, and that shows up in the good mix (everything's audible and pretty balanced).

As live Zappa goes, this is definitely in the top tier and one of the first few I'd buy, along with (as your taste in Zappa's various periods runs) Bongo Fury, Make a Jazz Noise Here, and maybe Tinseltown Rebellion.

Michael Alexander 2001-11-20

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

An amazing album, worth buying even if you've got all the songs in other forms. There was magic that night, and the band was just on FIRE. The Nanook suite is absolutely stunning, with more energy, virtuoso playing, and humor than FZ's ever managed before or since. "Magic Fingers" gets elevated from standard Zappa jazz-rocker to a tear-the-roof-off masterpiece with an unforgettable riff. At least half a dozen others are just as good; on another note, playing this would be the perfect way to get someone into 70's Zappa.

Sound quality is excellent for a boot; sure, there are no illusions that this is the studio, but it IS a soundboard recording, and that shows up in the good mix (everything's audible and pretty balanced).

As live Zappa goes, this is definitely in the top tier and one of the first few I'd buy, along with (as your taste in Zappa's various periods runs) Bongo Fury, Make a Jazz Noise Here, and maybe Tinseltown Rebellion.

2001-04-22

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

classic concert moments really enjoyable. Ok it's not great sound quality and there's a couple of bits where the tape stopped, but what about that pound for a brown?awesoem! Also a great magic fingers and city of tiny lights. Conehead and yellow snow are brillo. Denny Walley is great on the disc on vocals and slide. Tommy mars adds his unique style and sound. A must have

1999-04-01

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

fz gives west germany an earful of some of his great works.. and nothing beats LIVE ZAPPA!! good sound quality too, a must have!!