Absolutely true about Cobra. I've found the CDs unlistenable, but I saw a couple local performances a couple years ago and they were great fun. Naked City is kind of in the same category for me BTW. Years ago I bought a copy of the Nonesuch CD and hated it. Later Wayne Horvitz organized a local band to do some of the Torture Garden material one night at the late lamented OK Hotel ballroom. Inexplicably I decided to go, and had a fantastic time! I guess I had to see it live to appreciate how insanely difficult the music is to play. Also it was as much fun as anybody's roller coaster. Everyone had a ball. Now, the NC material sounds great to me, but I STILL can't listen to the Cobra CDs. NP: Brad Mehldau "Largo" (No flames! I get it at work.) Dave
Joe Morris John Zorn's Cobra
I gained an appreciation for both of these artists when I saw them live. Cobra, in particular, has to be seen to be appreciated. I'd recommend a mediocre live performance over a good recorded one.