Frank Zappa "Hot Rats"
By Paul Rigby
Frank Zappa fans can rejoice because the entire Zappa catalogue is about to be reissued. We need to grab confirmation but it appears that the Zappa family has control of the catalogue and is pushing the new CDs through Universal in a similar deal to that adopted by the Jimi Hendrix family estate. There will be sixty CDs issued, in batches of twelve, The first batch includes: 'Freak Out' (1966), 'Absolutely Free' (1967), 'Lumpy Gravy' (1968), We're Only In It For The Money' (1968), 'Cruising With Ruben & The Jets' (1968), 'Uncle Meat' (1969),'Hot Rats' (1969), ' Burnt Weeny Sandwich' (1970), 'Weasels Ripped My Flesh' (1970),'Chunga's Revenge' (1970), 'Fillmore East. June 1971' (1971) and 'Just Another Band From L.A.' (1972).
'Hot Rats' is the topic of this month's column, Zappa's first proper solo LP after leaving The Mothers Of Invention band, a beautiful jazz-rock piece in which Zappa displayed his superb guitar technique amongst gorgeous melodic constructions. '... Rats' remains an ideal entry point, for beginners, into the Zappa canon.
The creation of the album is interesting. Listening to the album, it seemed that the multi-layered, complex interplay of the multi-instrumentalist performers initially reflected a demanding performance. The reality is different, however. Speaking in Australia, in 1973, Zappa had no problems in dispelling the illusion, "Some people think that the 'Hot Rats' album was completely scored out. Well, it wasn't.
Here's how the 'Hot Rats' album was made. It started out with basic rhythm tracks that were done by a four-piece rhythm ensemble and all the rest of the parts were overdubbed on top of that and much of it was written right there in the studio. The rhythm tracks took approximately ten hours but to complete 'Peaches and Regalia' took 100 hours in terms of over-dubbing for that one song and there's only four people playing on the album at any one time on any of those tracks".
While the album is a cracker, the new remaster is finally able to do the digital version justice.Taken from the original master tapes, the job was undertaken by respected audiophile, Bernie Grundman. I took a listen to the new album and compared it to my older copy of the same album which uses the 1987 mix.
Taking 'Peaches En Regalia' as my main focal point I was astounded at the improvement provided by the new release which immediately introduced a deeper, darker growl to the bass with a broad flow of detail emanating from the piano. The soundstage was wide and epic now, new instruments could also be heard at the extreme margins – organ riffs, drones and even new percussion popped up for the first time. The extra space allowed the drums, which were more prominent in the mix, the space to move freely, enhancing the melodic nature of the track. Cymbal work, meanwhile, was now wholly recognisable, adding a new layer of fragility to the presentation. Guitars benefitted from a lower noise floor which meant that the precision of this stringed sequence was spotlighted.
In short, the remastering process is a complete triumph that only adds to the wonder at the high level of musicianship (and mixing) on offer.
But that's not all because, as this release is but one of twelve reissued CDs, it seems sensible to give those CDs that didn't benefit from the original masters a brief mention too. I quickly looked at 'Freak Out!' ( 1966) which has been reissued via the 1987 remaster. I compared that to my reference which is based upon a remaster issued in 1993. Frankly, even the 'new' 1987 remaster is superior to my 1993 reference. Despite Grundman having limited sonic room to manoeuvre, the 'new' reissue is tidier and more focused whereas the 1993 version is rather slapdash and messy. Somehow, the 1987 version is cohesive while the bass is slightly elevated, giving it a touch of extra richness.
In the past, when the Zappa catalogue was controlled by third party labels, the mastering quality of the albums was always a bone of contention. Now the Zappa family has managed to get their hands on the catalogue, they are doing a superb job.This suite of CD reissues, at least if the first twelve releases are anything to go by, are the best digital variants currently on sale. Zappa fans need to have any version derived from the original master tapes. These are essential. The rest should be seriously considered. Personally, I would grab the lot.