Willy Smax

The True History Of The Traveling Wilburys

Spring, 1988: George Harrison asks Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty to spend a day in the studio at Bob Dylan's L.A. house. The result is "Handle With Care." He liked the process so much that the five of them, plus Jim Keltner, spend a week in May at Dave Stewart's house, where they write and record a song a day to produce an album. We watch the creative process: group efforts ("Dirty World" is a found poem) and individual ones (Dylan's lyrics for "Congratulations'). Petty calls them "a bunch of friends who happened to be really good at making music." The album, released in October, goes platinum. The rock video for "End of the Line" is a eulogy for Orbison (1936-1988).

Zappa's Universe

This live recording is a true gem for Zappa fans. It features acrobatic muscianship of the highest order played straight from the heart and mind. Mike Keneally's guitar work left my jaw slack especially after hearing him play Jazz Discharge Party Hats in which he both talks and doubles his vocal pitches with the guitar at the same time. Additionally he plays Zappa's impossible synclavier composition Night School with pin point accuracy. Steve Vai, guitar god and the king of impossible guitar parts gives a burning heartfelt rendition of Zappa's Sofa. This is one of Vai's best performances captured on disc.