The Zappa Motherlode: 12 albums reissued this month and 48 more by the end of the year...

The first set of Zappa’s mammoth series of reissues is reviewed in the new issue of Uncut, dated October 2012, and in shops now. To accompany David Cavanagh’s in-depth, three-page examination of the dozen re-releases, here’s a feature from November 2010’s Uncut (Take 162), in which members of the guitarist and composer’s various bands recall the madness and precision that went into some of his most important works. Interviews: John Lewis __________________________

The Frank Zappa Family Trust, headed by Zappa’s widow Gail Zappa, have signed a global license and distribution deal with Universal Music to release 60 of the iconic composer’s recordings. The campaign begins on July 31 with 12 recordings, with another dozen recordings to be released monthly through the end of 2012.

Former Frank Zappa bassist Roy Estrada has been jailed for 25 years for child abuse.

They're part of a three-day festival geared towards Zappa

Early Motherly love from Zappa vaults

Previously unreleased Zappa album exclusively available in new surround sound format

Oddball compilations from late rock satirist's extraordinarily prolific career chosen by band-member fans

A character study of a singular, irascible obsessive

Shadows In The Night is now on sale....