Chunga’s Revenge

7 thoughts on “Chunga’s Revenge”

1. The first recorded example of one of FZ’s finest guitar vehicles (Chunga’s Revenge of course). Duh Duh Duhhhhhhhh whe ne neh whe ne neh, Duh Duhhhhhhhh whe ne neh whe ne neh. Oh yeah baby!!!!!!!!!!!

2. The album that introduced Flo and Edie to an unsuspecting world. This is really a transistional compilation containing material that could have been on “Hot Rats” (“Twenty Small Cigars”) and songs that previewed the storyline from “200 Motels.” The title track is one of FZ’s best guitar pieces.

3. Ok, folks, I’m such a Zappaholic, you will NEVER get anything even APPROACHING a negative pan-like review from this die-hard fan about any single Zappa work (although even the initiated have to admit that some are at least more FOCUSED than others), but I do have to admit here that “Chunga’s…” is not one of the Zappa works that I frequent often, although I know that I should, and there are wonderful bits on there. “Chunga’s…” is truly fascinating as it is definitely a transitional album for Frank. From track to track, you can hear the clear shifting away from the 20th century chamber rock of “Uncle Meat” and the 20th century jamming rock of “Hot Rats” (although “Twenty Small Cigars” is firmly from the “Hot Rats” sessions) directly toward the looser, wilder “groupie humor” approach of the Flo and Eddie years. Interestingly enough, when Frank embarks on the whole “200 Motels” work, he slams his 20th century orchestral works right along side the sloppy, jammy sound of the Flo and Eddie Mothers on songs like “Mystery Roach”, which still to me creates a weird clash even as an initiated listener. Anyway, back to “Chunga”, which does feature more Frank guitar work-out (“Chunga’s..”), and some kick-ass rock tunes, particularly “Tell Me You Love Me”, which features probably the most kickin’ unison ending riff of any rock tune I can even think of, and “Sharleena” quickly became one of the most-played Frank tunes he ever kept regurgitating in concert, even if it is not one of my favorites. To me, the beauty of “Twenty Small Cigars” is breathtakingly out-of-place here, but deserves to be anywhere, as it is one of Frank’s true masterworks, particularly in its thick, dense “It Must Be A Camel”-like arrangement. The stylistic uneveness of “Chunga’s Revenge” should not stop those interested in all things Frank from immersing themselves completely in its multi-varied riches. Incidentally, the whole “Zappa mythology” concerning the symbolism of the “mutant gypsy vacuum cleaner” as drawn on the inner gatefold by Cal Shenkel (and portrayed in flesh by Dick Kunk in the film “200 Motels”) is obviously very important to the whole Zappa “Project/Object” and “Conceptual Continuity” pursuit. So, for those who are busy flow-charting all the references and recurring themes in Zappa’s work in a small, dingy apartment somewhere in order to wrap up a thesis or something, I suppose that “Chunga’s Revenge” is a VERY important signpost. Anyway, it’s great, nonetheless.

4. Chunga’s Revenge was the first FZ record I ever heard. For a kid brought up on Top 40, it presented a bit of a challenge but it rocked, it jazzed and it amused. For my money, it was a much better album than the highly rated Hot Rats. More than 30 years later, I still think so.

5. arf arf arf!!!!!! this album totally rocks big time!! speceially the drum solo on “The Nancy & Mary
   Music……

6. Hard rockin’ ‘Tell Me You Love Me’, first appearance of ‘Chunga’s Revenge’ plus Aynsley Dunbar’s wicked drumming! Good early ’70s release. P.S. Dunbar once played with Kiss in the early 90s (‘Revenge’ era) but they decided to go for Eric Singer instead.

7. Since this album was remastered from the original tapes for the 2012 reissue I have been playing this edition over an over again. I can’t get enough of this. A fantastic album, beautifully recorded, mixed and produced. Overlooked and underrated because of the shitty earlier version. Get it!

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