Customer Reviews

Flexable

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I recall getting this record after Passion & Warfare and initially being very disappointed in it. It comes off more like a Zappa record than a Vai record for sure, and I was not hip to Zappa at all at that time. It took me a while, but I grew into it, and now I like this one more than the later shredding records.

From a compositional standpoint, this is one of the more inventive records in Steve's catalog, although P&W is very strong in that regard as well.

This is, in fact, the record that sparked my interest in Zappa after being told that it is more like a Zappa record than anything else.

It contains (mostly) everything you expect from a Vai record, the heavy stuff, the goofy stuff, a ballad or two, the heady stuff.. except there is much more restraint, much less shredding, and the composition is king here. An interesting look at the beginning of it all, and the "leftovers" make it all the more worthwile!

Fun with with whammy bars, wierd green aliens and lots of cool studio tricks. Making his guitar speak in ways we never imagined, big Steve Vai milks his whammy bar for all its worth and demonstrates that hes both the resident mad genius and sly prankster of the shred scene.

Those of us that were fans back in the day knew that Steve's tenure with Frank Zappa would be limited. He possessed too much talent to be hamstrung by the rigid taskmaster Zappa for too long. This offering seemed fresh at the time. It does have some Zappa influence with regards to the orchestration, but Vai's creativity is what carries the disc. It's easy to look past many of the tunes and just lock onto the two or three most accessible ones, but I recommend an occasional re-visit. The moods of the music are diverse and once you've listened while in a variety of mindsets, you'll hear it more clearly.

This album really has a "Zappa" sound in the beginning, but definately wanders into pure Steve about halfway through. Some very unique stuff here. A must for any Steve Vai fan!

The price of this cd pays for itself with "The Attitude Song" Don't think about it, just buy it. This is the seed that was planted that became the Steve Vai we know today.

A masterful, ecclectic array of sounds. Not many people have the ability or courage to express themselves as well as Mr. Vai. God has touched his soul, and mine through his music. Emotional, inspirational, and just plain fun. A must have for your collection.

This isn't the kind of album that you can just pop into your cd player and listen to for fun. That said, this is a great album. It's not one that will relax you, or somethign to help you get through the day. It's the kind of album that when you listen to, you listen hard and closely. There are tons of little nuances that'll make you smile, make you wonder if he's sane, or just blow you away. Vai really isn't the kind of guitarist that anyone can like. This also isn't a predominantly guitar album. When you listen to it, you respect Vai more as a composer/arranger than a guitarist. You want a guitar album, get passion and warfare, or alien love secrets. For a more zappa-inflected album, get this. The attitude song is very guitar based though, and call it sleep is just beautiful.

When I realized somebody was selling this old record, I squeeled a little. Had to have it. It arrived on the date promised in amazing sealed condition. I would totally order from this seller again.

Zappa influence here big time on some tracks. Thats a good thing. This is his best album because it provides some variety to the songs especially for folks who grow tired of long instrumentals. An open mind and perhaps someone who enjoys Zappa and the different (but not too avant-garde) will like this very much.

A masterful, ecclectic array of sounds. Not many people have the ability or courage to express themselves as well as Mr. Vai. God has touched his soul, and mine through his music. Emotional, inspirational, and just plain fun. A must have for your collection.