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Randy & Zako's racy Racer X, the rock opera, enjoyed a critically acclaimed off-Broadway run in the late '90s until the time when then-mayor Rudolph Giuliani declared a cleanup of Time's Square and its adjoining theatre {as opposed to theater} district. Perhaps because Racer X was rated X, the album itself eclipsed the showstage spectacle that Randy and Zako had so fondly [fondle-y] dreamed. Immediately at the start, the omni-pleasant "Racer X Theme" sets forth a catchy melodic tone for what is to wheel your audiotape spool around some unprecedented laps. Zako's background vocals, witness, are fitting and flavorful. In "Racer X," R & Z effect pockets of inspired stringery to glorify the central character of this theme album. "Complicated Man" continues this heartfelt tribute to SpeedRacer's stepbrother, with Zako finely delivering a rare lead vocal amid the throb of Randy's telling bass. The song's intro, especially, offers some of the finest music in all of Industrydom. The radio version of this particular number, in fact, enjoyed deserved commercial success while Racer X, the rock opera, shone in its heyday. "Touch Me, Heal Me" reverts to the more familiar R & Z genre, serving as a bridge in the storyline progression leading to "Maryann" ...where Racer earns his "X" (although the audiotape performance is conspicuously absent of the shocking Costume Reveals and controversial Wardrobe Malfunctions executed on Broadway). The shared vocals are a highlight of this track, if you will, and the total performance flows professionally. "Hero Racer X" yields to uncanned laughter as the storyline conflict finds ample resolution via Randy & Zako word & plectrum. Every showtune should be so happily ended. "Racer X Theme (reprise)" crosses the Finish line to the sound of a checkered flag stitched with the unbridled art & entertainment inherent in the works of Randy & Zako. -- reviewed by Yeldarb Teaneck