Frank Zappa’s breakthrough album, “Apostrophe (’),” is experiencing a resurgence in popularity as it approaches its 50th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, a new box set will be released on September 13, featuring a remastered edition of the original album, along with a treasure trove of bonus tracks, live recordings, and other rare materials.
The super deluxe edition of the box set is the most comprehensive, including a remastered version of the original album, live recordings from concerts in Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, and Dayton from 1974, and a Blu-ray disc with the album in 5.1 surround sound and its original quadraphonic mix. This edition also includes high-resolution audio, making it a must-have for audiophiles and Zappa enthusiasts alike.
For vinyl lovers, the reissue will be available as a double-vinyl set with an extra 7″ single. The LPs will be pressed on white vinyl with a “yellow-snow splatter” design, a playful nod to the album’s lead track, “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow.” The 7″ single will reproduce the original “Yellow Snow” single on glow-in-the-dark vinyl. Additionally, a single-disc version of the LP and a digital release will also be available.
The super deluxe edition comes with a 52-page booklet featuring previously unseen photos by Sam Emerson, the photographer who shot the album cover. The booklet also includes liner notes and essays by journalist Simon Prentis and Joe Travers, the Zappa estate’s “vaultmeister.”
Joe Travers expressed his excitement about the anniversary release, stating, “Here we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of arguably the most popular record in Frank Zappa’s epic catalog. With ‘Apostrophe (’),’ Zappa continued to carve out his own genre in music, while celebrating 10 years in the business. Nobody sounded like Frank Zappa.”
One of the standout features of the new release is a fresh mix of the deep cut “Uncle Remus (Piano and Vocal Mix 2024),” which highlights George Duke’s piano and the voices of Zappa and the backup singers. The song addresses the racial divide in Los Angeles, with Zappa singing about a journey to Beverly Hills to knock over lawn jockeys, invoking the folk character from Disney’s controversial movie, “Song of the South.”
The live recordings included in the box set capture concerts from the beginning and end of 1974, showcasing how Zappa’s music evolved on the road. Highlights from the Colorado Springs show include the rarely played “Babbette,” which connects to “Approximate,” while the Dayton concert features Zappa with a somewhat different lineup of musicians.
“Apostrophe (’)” was Zappa’s first gold album and the only one to make it into the Top 10. The album’s success was bolstered by the single “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow,” which became Zappa’s first single to enter the Hot 100, peaking at Number 86.
The tracklist for the “Apostrophe (’)” Super Deluxe Edition is extensive, featuring the original album, album session bonus tracks, and live recordings from the 1974 concerts. The Blu-ray audio disc includes the album in various high-resolution formats, ensuring that fans can experience the music in the best possible quality.
Frank Zappa’s “Apostrophe (’)” is a defining record in his career, known for its eclectic mix of rock, jazz, funk, and humor. The album’s cover, featuring Zappa’s intense gaze, has become an iconic image. The success of “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow” helped propel the album to commercial success, thanks in part to a Pittsburgh radio DJ who edited the song down to a three-minute version, making it more radio-friendly.
The “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow” suite, which takes up most of the first side of the album, is a cleverly constructed piece that highlights Zappa’s musical complexity and wit. The suite follows a dream Zappa had about an Eskimo named Nanook, featuring baby seals, lead-filled snowshoes, and a religious-themed pancake breakfast. Despite its zany lyrics, the suite showcases the talent of Zappa’s band and the intricacy of his compositions.
The second side of “Apostrophe (’)” features a variety of tracks recorded over several years with different line-ups, yet it maintains a consistent sound that underscores Zappa’s unique musical personality. Songs like “Cosmik Debris” and “Uncle Remus” offer lyrical depth that balances the humor of the first side. “Cosmik Debris” is a critique of people’s tendency to follow Eastern mysticism and gurus, while “Uncle Remus,” co-written with George Duke, provides a sardonic look at the civil rights movement.
The 50th-anniversary release of “Apostrophe (’)” is a fitting tribute to Frank Zappa’s legacy, offering fans a chance to rediscover one of his most popular and influential albums. With its remastered tracks, live recordings, and extensive bonus materials, the box set is a celebration of Zappa’s genius and a testament to his enduring impact on music.
Source: Rolling Stone, uDiscover Music
