'Chalk Pie' was a live album planned for release in 1982, featuring music recorded on Frank Zappa's 1981 tour. When it was delivered to the folks at his label it was not greeted enthusiastically, as the previous year Zappa had released two double albums and one triple, and so not wanting to overload his fans with product they asked for a single album instead. Zappa capitulated, and presented them with 'Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch', which they released in 1982. Almost all of the material that makes up 'Chalk Pie' ended up being released on various Zappa albums throughout the 1980's, although there are quite a few things which you will only find on this version. Some fans have found it a much better album than '...Drowning Witch', as it contains some of Zappa's more enjoyable difficult compositions of the time, as opposed to the 'silly songs' that make up side one of that album. The first side of 'Chalk Pie' is the same as side two of '...Drowning Witch', but with a different mix of the title track, incorporating the group vocal section from a Santa Monica gig, Zappa's vocal section from the Chicago late show, the first guitar solo from The Ritz, and the second solo from the Chicago late show. As well as that, it all contains studio overdubs, some of which render the basic tracks almost unrecognizable.
'Envelopes' and 'Teenage Prostitute' are also live with studio overdubs, while 'The Dangerous Kitchen' is the same recording as on 'The Man From Utopia' but mixed differently, giving more prominence to Steve Vai's guitar. 'Chalk Pie' is a different mix to that on the 'Guitar' album, and 'We're Turning Again' is a combination of recordings from Santa Monica and Salt Lake City. 'Alien Orifice' is an unreleased version from Salt Lake City, and 'The Jazz Discharge Party Hats' is the same mix as on 'The Man From Utopia'. 'The Torture Never Stops' guitar solo is a previously unreleased take, and 'What's New In Baltimore?' is a different mix to that on 'Frank Zappa Meets The Mothers Of Prevention', as the guitar solo is longer, and it has fewer studio overdubs. 'Moggio' is the same recording as used on 'The Man From Utopia', but a different mix, and it's followed by a previously unreleased take of the guitar solo from 'The Black Page #2'. 'Clownz on Velvet' is an unreleased recording from The Ritz in November 1981, with Al Di Meola guesting on lead guitar, and 'Frogs with Dirty Little Lips' features Zappa's son Ahmet. It's a shame that 'Chalk Pie' went unreleased, as the continuity is excellent, as is the track selection, and while this may not be for newcomers to Zappa's music, it's certainly an essential listen for fans of the great man.
Track listing
01 Drowning Witch
02 Envelopes
03 Teen-Age Prostitute
04 The Dangerous Kitchen
05 Chalk Pie
06 We're Turning Again
07 Alien Orifice
08 The Jazz Discharge Party Hats
09 The Torture Never Stops - guitar solo
10 What's New In Baltimore?
11 Moggio
12 The Black Page #2 - guitar solo
13 Clownz On Velvet
14 Frogs With Dirty Little Lips
this is a treat. there must be tons of Zappa boots that could use your skills. thanks so much.
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