Zoot Allures
For those who wish Frank Zappa would shut up and play his guitar more often, 1976\'s *Zoot Allures* occupies a special place in the Zappa catalog. It\'s not an instrumental record, as many later releases would specifically allow, but it is Zappa stripping back the craziness for a tasteful, even mildly subdued approach. \"Wind Up Workin\' In A Gas Station\" is a freaky and insanely catchy and quick opening number, but the instrumental \"Black Napkins\" cuts to the heart of 1970s FM radio rock, with one of Zappa\'s strongest guitar solos and a guitar-organ arrangement worthy of *Meddle* to *Wish You Were Here*-era Pink Floyd. The dark whispery vocals of \"The Torture Never Stops\" adds to the menace of the female screams and the noir-inspired guitar solos. \"Friendly Little Finger\" features a twisted guitar lead that\'s pure Zappa mayhem. \"Zoot Allures\" is even more melodic and delicious. Hard rock that cruises the avenues cements the Iggy Pop-like \"Wonderful Wino.\" \"Disco Boy\" is more demented satire from an artist who looked upon all trends with deep suspicion and cutting humor.
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