BANNED FROM UTOPIA - So Yuh Don't Like Modern Art

Posted: 12/13/02

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Jazz with comedic backdrop

Released: 10/08/02

Label URL: www.favorednations.com

Artist URL:

Banned From Utopia is made up of former members of Frank Zappa's studio and live bands. Formed in 1994 to perform at the Stuttgart Jazz Festival as a tribute to Frank, these guys decided to turn this into a long-term project, recently recording this debut. Is this material metal? No. Is it hard rock? Well, there is some hard rock guitar within the overall jazz fusion style. There are other elements present, as well, including funk and country. Weird stuff, but not all that weird when you consider it is inspired by Mr. Zappa.

So Yuh Don't Like Modern Art includes reworked versions of six of Zappa's instrumental songs ("Dupree's Paradise," "Sinister Footware 2nd Movement," "Twenty Small Cigars," "Tink Walks Amok/Thirteen," and "Filthy Habits"), plus four original songs. As you'd expect, much of this material is tongue-in-cheek, especially the opener "Freeway Vigilante," which tells the tale of a gun tottin' chick, and the self-explanatory "Jailbait Babysitter." The originals fit comfortably within the Zappa tradition and will definitely please longtime fans.

The Bloody Truth: The jazzy style is definitely out there at times but the talent of these guys cannot be denied. While this certainly isn't what we usually focus on here, it's kinda refreshing to hear something a bit different. Open minded people, check these wackos out.