Frank Zappa - Cruising with Ruben & The Jets

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Music reviews of Cruising with Ruben & The Jets

Music Review: Doo-Wop Mothers Album (Revised)
Rating: 4 Stars

This album is often written-off unfairly, even by fans of the original Mothers lineup, as just a Doo-Wop spoof album. However, Cruisin' isn't just a joke side-project that FZ dreamed up one night, and it deserves its rightful place as an MOI album proper. FZ loved Doo-Wop, and here's his tongue-in-cheek homage to it. Of course, like all of Zappa's musical apings, his version of Doo-Wop is much more musically involved. On this album, FZ uses chord progressions that are considerably more advanced than traditional Doo-Wop songs, but is careful not to lose the charming simplicity of the music.

When listening to Ruben today, on CD, one also has to be aware of something else: this album, more than any other, was completely overhauled in digital remix. When FZ got the master tapes, (he claims) they were in disastrous condition, and, never being satisfied with the musicianship to begin with, he decided to re-record the bass and drum tracks in addition to new edits. A reluctant Arthur Barrow provides a new (funk!) bass, and I believe its either Wackerman or Logeman on drums. The result? The album sounds fuller, richer, and much more polished for sure. But its lost the charm of the original Mothers sound completely. There are merits in both versions, should you ever be able to track down an original vinyl to hear it. Regardless, it looks like this version is the one posterity will have to get to know.

The most noticable (and best) change on the album is the opener, CHEAP THRILLS, which now has the energy to really kickstart this album. A reocurring Zappa classic, LOVE OF MY LIFE, follows, along with a Freak Out! remake (one of four on the album) of HOW COULD I BE SUCH A FOOL? For the most part, I like the versions of these songs on this album more than the original Freak Out! ones. One of the real reasons to get this album is for the Ray Collins's hilarious monologues, like DESERI. Never is Zappa's relentless assault on love lyrics more subtly delicious as it is here. My personal favorite, and perhaps my favorite track on the album, is on LATER THAT NIGHT. Another great tongue-in-cheek shot is FOUNTAIN OF LOVE, which manages to make me laugh every time I hear it. And, yes, there is a little guitar playing on this album. The rapidly maturing Zappa provides a little gem of a solo on the morbid STUFF UP THE CRACKS (a song about an abandoned lover who vows to "stuff up the cracks and turn on the gas" to take his life).

In general, I'm not a huge fan of FZ's humor. But this album is so scathing and subtle in its satire, that for once the humor aids the music. The music, by the way, is nothing to be scoffed at. Besides containing some of the early Mothers's best material, the vocal arrangements on this album are absolutely incredible.

I tend to give this album more credit than a lot of Zappa fans, and its on regular rotation in my CD player, at least. Great early Zappa, with a few reservations.

Description of Cruising with Ruben & The Jets

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