It is irresistible. He was sort of the first doo woo revivalist? Only a few years after it faded from charts? I was always surprised Sha Na Na played at Woodstock. Then again, everyone smiles at doo wop. Thanks for comment!
Although a lot of that had to do with the musicians he chose to associate with, early in his career. The very first Mothers band were steeped in the old street corner singer aesthetic, deeply. Zappa had that too, but as an ironic sideline. To him, it was just another voice in his experience that he could use and manipulate. The man never forgot anything.
I like/love Zappa. As an adolescent, I smirked guiltily with my buddies over the silly and sexist lyrics but also luxuriated when he soloed. In university, I tried to follow 200 MOTELS when it was screened on retro movie night and started understanding why Zappa was skewering America. After that, I been listening to his earlier albums with the Mothers, picking up the patterns in the patchwork quilt of those late '60s-early '70s releases. As an adult, I made the connection between Zappa the arranger and jazz fusion, Zappa the composer and 20th C classical music, Zappa the social critic and post-modernism. During the lockdown, I lined up all of the albums I'd accumulated and listened to them in order. The breadth of the material and the sheer joy of execution was impressive. Despite being long gone (into that 'chrome plated megaphone of destiny'), his "Family Trust" keeps releasing archival material of high quality and astounding musicality. Although never politically correct, we certainly need Zappa now, more than ever. We're very lucky to have his music, words and ideas to bolster us in these challenging times. By all means, Robert, dig in. I look forward to more of your observations on this American icon and rock legend.
Yes, I love Frank! I bought that album when it was first released and I remember how different this was from anything else anybody had ever put out. Some of the songs hit you right away, others had to marinade in your brain awhile. Some have aged better than others, as you said “Trouble Every Day “ is as relevant now as it was then. That album was ahead of its time, and Frank as a musician/composer/songwriter/band leader is STILL ahead of his time.
This is a fascinating reaction. I’m a Zappa lifer fyi. Imo all 5 of your takeaways are excellent reasons to listen to Zappa. As far as the next two releases go, they are both amazing. We’re Only In It For The Money is my all time favorite Zappa release. It’s high art for your ears. Or at least for mine.
I LOVE this Album ! I was 15 when I first heard 'Weasels Ripped My Flesh' , ( I made my way back to "Freak Out" soon after this album...) and I thought "What the Hell is going on here ? " I had to hear more ...... Next Album to come along , was 'Hot Rats' .......'Willie The Pimp' just tore my head off ......More Musical Explorations ensued , and it was really beginning to get sonically interesting ! The Musical 'Treasure Map' had been Revealed , and I have still been taking The Zappa Expedition all over the place ever since......Tracing the so called musical 'roots' of Zappa or anyone else that , you happen to find that inspires you to such musical nirvanas in your brain , can lead you intellectual insights in Musical Lands that you might have not have ever dreamed of , had you not discovered the Genius of Mr. Zappa ....! Thank You Robert from Portland for putting this Video together ! It explains a lot of what I feel in my musical brain ...... p.s. The Beatles , also , played Kazoos on Sgt. Pepper.....! Lol.
I love Frank Zappa music. To me just about everything else if boring, and likely why I saw him 66 times in concert. It takes you through just about every style of music, and really requires you to listen deeply, and all these years later, I am still hearing something new in compositions that I have listened to thousands of times.
Thank you for that excellent review- I'm glad you enjoyed the album. Zappa seems to be getting more relevant with time, both his music and messages ("Project/Object") appeal because there's a cohesive viewpoint that even when it goes overboard or falls into the absurd, is still authentic. But the music- while not noted as a progressive rock musician I see him the same way as Dali saw himself- Frank wasn't a Progressive Musician, he was Progressive Rock. He is the embodiment of music that you can learn from with every single listening and I've very thankful for Joe Travers the "vaultmeister" for continuing to provide us with hours and hours of new recordings every single year!
Great Video I think all your observations were well thought out and legitimate arguments for all your comments I am a lifelong Zappa fanatic If you want to learn more try find video call the Freak Out List You might find the sections on jazz and classical very interesting
That’s a fantastic and honest review from someone who’s unfamiliar with Frank’s oeuvre but who’s willing to give it a shot. I think you’d like his next two LPs- they’re definitely worthwhile looking into. In terms of presentation and production they’re almost unmatched for the time. They’re still two of my favorite albums to this day. Plus, you’ll be happy to notice there’s no kazoos.
@@RobertsRecordCorner Sorry to disappoint and contradict, but there are kazoos all over his next album, mainly because he didn't have the budget to hire an orchestra!
I have been a Zappa fan since the late 1960s. He made about 60 albums in his lifetime and there are another 60 or more posthumous records. His output can be overwhelming to the newcomer. However, I think starting at the beginning with Freak Out and following through chronologically is a pretty good way to start.
Interesting reflexions!!! I was confronted with Zappas music first through my friends in the early 70s. "Fillmore East" & "We're only in it for the money" were early purchases. According from my note I didn't own a copy of the debut until 1984, but I must have heard most of the songs earlier. To most of the albums before "Hot Rats" and "Chunga's revenge" I was quite ambivalent. None was easy to take in. My amasement for this first album came even later. It contains so much strange references to events and music which haven't even happened yet. Or, I guess, it was an inspiration, directly or indirectly (?), to genres to come. Also I have been interested in the list of inspiring people. And sort of surprised when he claimed in interviews that with a few adds the list was still valid. It may be supported by the facts that much of the last orchestral pieces recorded in the end of his life-time reminds a lot of those first 3-4 albums to some extent. With access to RUclips and Spotify in later days it is also interesting to explore those of the artist which were musicians or composers. Only after my taste has matured I was ready to take in many of the genres. (Like is checking modern Zappa covers, sometimes with new arrangements or styles. Latest discovery were "Chironomids outerspace group" - as a biologist I like the name - covers "It can't happen here" in Italy 2016! So much effort to keep to the original, even more than Dweezil did).
@@erikahlander3489 Thanks for the comment. I'm impressed you have notes about when you got albums! I should do this. Create a music journal of when i get something new or listen to something new.
I'm a 64 year old who was aware of Frank Zappa in my teens. What I discovered with time is that the older I get the more I appreciate the vast variations of his catalogue. Many pieces are so dense that you do need various re-listens to fully perceive and hopefully enjoy what's going on. As for Zappa's album catalogue with the original Mothers of Invention (1966-69), they are all interesting and unique in their own way but his records get even better after he started attracting a more proficient cast of musicians, which he did. Sometimes recycling the moniker Mothers (1970-71) and Mothers of Invention (1973-75).
In our house there has only ever been one poster on display of Frank Zappa. As the children grew up they started to question the poster. And I rarely played any Frank in the house when someone was home. One day my son asked about Frank and could I suggest an album to listen to. I gave him You Are What You Is. Just like you he had that cd on replay for about 3 months because every time he would listen to a track, there was something new he would find. He now has everything Frank released on cd. My job as a parent is done.😉
I bought Strictly Commercial ("best of" double album so that doesn't count) after he died to learn more about him. His lyrics aren't to my taste but I find him fascinating as a musician. I have watched more interviews with him on RUclips than watched his music.
I have tended to watch interviews with him for years, even though I hadn't taken his music all that seriously for many years. I had Sheik way back when, like age 14, and the one with Valley Girl too. Maybe Apostrophe? Been since high school. I was impressed with some of the classical music I heard in the documentary -- the Kronos Quartet bits. I wish he didn't lean so heavily into juvenille lyrics or delivery. I guess it's part of what makes a "freak" a freak. Maybe I'll get over it. I do wake up every day with those Freak Out! haunting melodies running through my head. Thanks for watching senor!
Frank Zappa is my favorite guitar player. He could play any style of music. I thought Road Ladies on Chunga's Revenge sounded like BB King. Gumbo Variations is one of my favorite MZ and MOI albums, So is Overnight Sensation and the Grand Wazoo. Frank was clearly a genius and he was Profound. I wish he was still with us along with George Carlin so we could hear what he thought of all the political turmoil we are going to go through again. He jammed with Jimi Hendrix and Jimi was blown away by what Frank played.
Frank Zappa often takes the piss out things, but his love of Doo-Wop is genuine. He wrote a song for the Penguins three years before Freak Out, called Memories of El Monte.
@@RobertsRecordCorner Also appeared on the Steve Allen show, pre fame, playing a bicycle (available on RUclips) and wrote the theme song for The World's Greatest Sinner. He purchased a 5 track recording studio when the Beatles were still recording on a two track, but got busted for recording lewd audio tapes for the local police.
I had in my head that the first Zappa I heard was Mothermania, which he seems to have had nothing to do with assembling. In 1970, a girl from the literal wrong side of the tracks traded it to me, I have no idea for what. But around the same time, possibly or probably before fall of 1970, FM radio My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama. August. But hear Directly From My Heart to You off of Weasels Ripped My Flesh, for 'authentic'.
I’m a lifelong Zappa fan thanks to my mom and uncle. Also, “We’re Only In It For The Money” is my favorite album of all time. Let me know what you think when you give it a listen. -Alex ❤
What you say about Sgt. Pepper having the same inspo list as Freak Out! is directly because the Beatles modeled Sgt. Pepper a lot after Freak Out! It was literally what they listened to the most during that period. Paul even went as far as saying it was them just ripping off Freak Out! One of the most important and amazing albums in rock history that barely gets mentioned nowadays, "Trouble Every Day" is way more relevant now than it was back then.
Excellent insights. Incredible talent, but it screams, "Don't take us seriously!", and unsurprisingly, I can't. I should add that I definitely can like funny music. An excellent garage rock record from 1966 is Black Monk Time by Monks. I laugh all the way thru that album, but the music is also great. I think it works better for me because it stays funny without being weird.
You hit the nail on the head: "I've never really known what to make of Frank Zappa: smug..." It's the smugness and self-seriousness that's always put me off. For somebody with a reputation for being outrageously funny and iconoclastic, he's always struck me as conservative and humorless underneath all the flash. For some reason I still like "Hot Rats," though...
You are dead right about two things: "Trouble Every Day" is the best song on the album -- it surpasses every protest standard of the period, got the band signed to a recording contract, and KAZOOS DO NOT BELONG ON ROCK RECORDS. I was OK with the kazoo when I was 14 years old, but jeez...
We're Only In It For The Money is, in my opinion, the absolute best Mothers album. Again, Frank's razor sharp wit 'n tongue in cheek perspective. This time it's a parody o' the whole hippie scene which in 1968 was a pervasive force. This is definitely a must hear sonic adventure. Be forewarned.
I couldn't begin to know which direction in Zappa's career you should pursue without knowing your interests. He went all over the place. You can take these things for granted: he loved music, and he hated stupidity and hypocrisy. The mess he sometimes made of those two things is something you will have to sort out for yourself. For me, the Uncle Meat and Burnt Weenie Sandwich albums are the best. YMMV
Thinking about the VALUE of Frank Zappa's music is similar to thinking if Stravinsky is still considered a great musician today. This is how you can think about Elvis...Jackson ... or Eminem
Frank Zappa's "obnoxiousness" is far less apparent on his first album than it would be later. His best albums, in my humble opinion, are 'Roxy & Elsewhere', 'Apostrophe', and 'Overnight Sensation'. And though I am a true fan of doo-wop, Zappa's contributions to the genre have always seemed like some kind of joke. The passion of many great doo-wop records may seem overly-dramatic and too innocent to be true but the singers never meant their songs to be treated as goofy comedy bits. Oh, and if you want to be treated to some Zappa absurdity, listen to 'Lumpy Gravy'; it makes 'Freak Out' sound like The Monkees.
I had Sheik Yourbouti as a 14 yr old. We'd sit around and laugh at the songs. It sort of stained for me what I thought of Zappa's music since I turned, oh, about 16. I can't remember if I heard the two you mention. Thanks for the suggestions!
I agree with your assessment - Zappa's obnoxiousness (and childish sense of humor) has always been a huge turn off. He's best when he's being sincere (check out 'Uncle Remus ', my vote for his best song) or when he shuts up and plays his guitar.
@@RobertsRecordCorner As far as instrumentals go, I'm not an expert but HOT RATS is pretty essential and the song 'Watermelon in Easter Hay' is beautiful
I got into Zappa in the mid 80s when I was a rather immature teenager. I liked all the rude words and the crazy music, but his discography is in distinct phases. The early Mothers work, then the benchmark Hot Rats, the Flo and Eddie years were a bit of a low-point, but the band from 73 to 75 with George Duke, Tom Fowler, Chester Thompson and Ruth Underwood is my favourite period - Zappa's version of fusion I guess. The music is just incredible. Then from Zoot Alores on it's more of a rock band sound, and the 80s I didn't like very much. I no longer listen to anything past '75.
@@paulatB2B Totslly understand. I didn't like it a week ago. Then found parts so connected with by the second and third day. Soon melodies haunted me, usually in a good way. Then even the sound collages began to click for me. Thanks for the comment
@@RobertsRecordCorner Tonally, I hear a kazoo as just a sloppy sax. However, your point is taken - you don't like the addition to the songs. Well...I think that was intentional. Kazoos kind of convey goofiness, if played with that intent. I suppose Zappa used them in a sonically satirical way to make a political point. However, I used to play one to emulate (or more, suggest) the sound of a sax. It worked well in a recording, if treated appropriately. But, I get it; we all have our sound prejudices. Mine is the bagpipes, so, I kind of understand.
@ Inthink AC/DC, with their Scottish roots, used bagpipes really effectively in Long Way to the Top. I guess every instrument has its place? The first rock song, to many, Ike Turner's Rocket 88 features sax, was written by a sax player and sung by him too! Who knows?
Incidentally I described my reaction to kazoos as a jolt, and how it kind of pissed me off at first. I think that was the desired effect. So I don't oppose them in a Zappa song. But it grates!
@@RobertsRecordCorner I think you said it best, "it grates!". Good descriptor of the specific sound. I guess every instrument has its own emotive implications. Trombones are comical, clarinets can be mischievous, piccolos euphoric. Funny you mentioned AC/DC, the pipes are the one thing I feel kind of bring the song down a notch. Too monotonous. Thanks for sharing your opinions.
If you're sincere about discovering and getting a handle on Zappa, you'll need to move past his zany 'reputation'. His humorous and sometimes provocative lyrics, social & political commentary, and perceived smug attitude are all ancillary and ultimately unimportant- it's the music that counts. After all, "music is the best." Freak Out- while having a nostalgic, almost archaic appeal, has precious little suggestion of the treasures that await later in his catalog chronology. Most truly iconic artists improve as they mature, and never was this more the case than with Zappa. Not to cause a riot, but I'd suggest that he really begins to hit his stride with 1973's Overnite Sensation. The various bands he assembled from this point on, with simply astounding musicianship, are legendary. Luckily for you, there's a massive archive of live performances that illustrate that fact. Get to it!
Really wish Frank were still with us. Wonderful music mostly. Some of his jazz stuff is a bit hefty for me. He'd write fantastic lyrics about current affairs, sure he'd rip the crap out of that Orange Man Baby that the US has voted for!😂😂
Who? President Trump, who will stop the leftist US proxy war in Ukraine? Nah, Zappa was a conservative that loved Russia and rightly so. He would certainly decry the transitioning of children, pronoun nonsense and war against free speech Democrats love so much.
I miss his scathing satire too,and wish he was around today,he'd be releasing albums month. I collect half man half biscuit now for my social satire, but its so British I doubt they would translate to American
Frank always LOVED Doo Wop. shows up over his entire catalog
It is irresistible. He was sort of the first doo woo revivalist? Only a few years after it faded from charts? I was always surprised Sha Na Na played at Woodstock. Then again, everyone smiles at doo wop. Thanks for comment!
Although a lot of that had to do with the musicians he chose to associate with, early in his career. The very first Mothers band were steeped in the old street corner singer aesthetic, deeply. Zappa had that too, but as an ironic sideline. To him, it was just another voice in his experience that he could use and manipulate. The man never forgot anything.
Overnight Sensation, Apostrophe and One Size Fits All are MUST listens!
@@davidstoyanoff Will get there!
I like/love Zappa. As an adolescent, I smirked guiltily with my buddies over the silly and sexist lyrics but also luxuriated when he soloed. In university, I tried to follow 200 MOTELS when it was screened on retro movie night and started understanding why Zappa was skewering America. After that, I been listening to his earlier albums with the Mothers, picking up the patterns in the patchwork quilt of those late '60s-early '70s releases. As an adult, I made the connection between Zappa the arranger and jazz fusion, Zappa the composer and 20th C classical music, Zappa the social critic and post-modernism. During the lockdown, I lined up all of the albums I'd accumulated and listened to them in order. The breadth of the material and the sheer joy of execution was impressive. Despite being long gone (into that 'chrome plated megaphone of destiny'), his "Family Trust" keeps releasing archival material of high quality and astounding musicality. Although never politically correct, we certainly need Zappa now, more than ever. We're very lucky to have his music, words and ideas to bolster us in these challenging times.
By all means, Robert, dig in. I look forward to more of your observations on this American icon and rock legend.
@@DeanJonasson I love your post. Thank you for sharing
Yes, I love Frank!
I bought that album when it was first released and I remember how different this was from anything else anybody had ever put out.
Some of the songs hit you right away, others had to marinade in your brain awhile.
Some have aged better than others, as you said “Trouble Every Day “ is as relevant now as it was then.
That album was ahead of its time, and Frank as a musician/composer/songwriter/band leader is STILL ahead of his time.
@@georgegonzalez1996 Thanks for the comment!
@
Thank you for the video, it was very well done.
This is a fascinating reaction. I’m a Zappa lifer fyi. Imo all 5 of your takeaways are excellent reasons to listen to Zappa. As far as the next two releases go, they are both amazing. We’re Only In It For The Money is my all time favorite Zappa release. It’s high art for your ears. Or at least for mine.
Frank is one of the all time greats
His work during the 60’s & 70’s is just incredible as are the Musicians he chose to work with
Love the kazoos, just like I love the xylophone, it shouldn't be in a rock song either, but it works. 😎
I LOVE this Album ! I was 15 when I first heard 'Weasels Ripped My Flesh' , ( I made my way back to "Freak Out" soon after this album...) and I thought "What the Hell is going on here ? " I had to hear more ...... Next Album to come along , was 'Hot Rats' .......'Willie The Pimp' just tore my head off ......More Musical Explorations ensued , and it was really beginning to get sonically interesting ! The Musical 'Treasure Map' had been Revealed , and I have still been taking The Zappa Expedition all over the place ever since......Tracing the so called musical 'roots' of Zappa or anyone else that , you happen to find that inspires you to such musical nirvanas in your brain , can lead you intellectual insights in Musical Lands that you might have not have ever dreamed of , had you not discovered the Genius of Mr. Zappa ....!
Thank You Robert from Portland for putting this Video together ! It explains a lot of what I feel in my musical brain ...... p.s. The Beatles , also , played Kazoos on Sgt. Pepper.....! Lol.
Zappa always had great musicians in his band
You must not have heard Freak Out!
Frank wrote the most beautiful melodys and music. To top it off, he threw a wrench tearing it apart. Tension, to sculp it in art.
more than Ever, Zappa is worth listening to
Remarkable Video for Musicfans, where ever they 1966 are. Great work, great Job!
greetings
walter, nuremberg, gemany
I love Frank Zappa music. To me just about everything else if boring, and likely why I saw him 66 times in concert. It takes you through just about every style of music, and really requires you to listen deeply, and all these years later, I am still hearing something new in compositions that I have listened to thousands of times.
@@JeffLauniere1 66? Amazing
Thank you for that excellent review- I'm glad you enjoyed the album. Zappa seems to be getting more relevant with time, both his music and messages ("Project/Object") appeal because there's a cohesive viewpoint that even when it goes overboard or falls into the absurd, is still authentic. But the music- while not noted as a progressive rock musician I see him the same way as Dali saw himself- Frank wasn't a Progressive Musician, he was Progressive Rock. He is the embodiment of music that you can learn from with every single listening and I've very thankful for Joe Travers the "vaultmeister" for continuing to provide us with hours and hours of new recordings every single year!
Great Video
I think all your observations were well thought out and legitimate arguments for all your comments
I am a lifelong Zappa fanatic
If you want to learn more try find video call the Freak Out List
You might find the sections on jazz and classical very interesting
@@jessem470 Thank you!!
That’s a fantastic and honest review from someone who’s unfamiliar with Frank’s oeuvre but who’s willing to give it a shot. I think you’d like his next two LPs- they’re definitely worthwhile looking into. In terms of presentation and production they’re almost unmatched for the time. They’re still two of my favorite albums to this day. Plus, you’ll be happy to notice there’s no kazoos.
@@Monetize_This Ha! Thank you. Will check them out
@@RobertsRecordCorner Sorry to disappoint and contradict, but there are kazoos all over his next album, mainly because he didn't have the budget to hire an orchestra!
@ That seems like a fair excuse!!
@@peeper879 where are the kazoos on Absolutely Free? What song?!
@@Monetize_This am I wrong?
I have been a Zappa fan since the late 1960s. He made about 60 albums in his lifetime and there are another 60 or more posthumous records. His output can be overwhelming to the newcomer. However, I think starting at the beginning with Freak Out and following through chronologically is a pretty good way to start.
@@williamfarr8807 It can be fun to have an artist's full catalog to explore that way. thanks for the comment
Interesting reflexions!!!
I was confronted with Zappas music first through my friends in the early 70s. "Fillmore East" & "We're only in it for the money" were early purchases. According from my note I didn't own a copy of the debut until 1984, but I must have heard most of the songs earlier. To most of the albums before "Hot Rats" and "Chunga's revenge" I was quite ambivalent. None was easy to take in. My amasement for this first album came even later. It contains so much strange references to events and music which haven't even happened yet. Or, I guess, it was an inspiration, directly or indirectly (?), to genres to come. Also I have been interested in the list of inspiring people. And sort of surprised when he claimed in interviews that with a few adds the list was still valid. It may be supported by the facts that much of the last orchestral pieces recorded in the end of his life-time reminds a lot of those first 3-4 albums to some extent. With access to RUclips and Spotify in later days it is also interesting to explore those of the artist which were musicians or composers. Only after my taste has matured I was ready to take in many of the genres.
(Like is checking modern Zappa covers, sometimes with new arrangements or styles. Latest discovery were "Chironomids outerspace group" - as a biologist I like the name - covers "It can't happen here" in Italy 2016! So much effort to keep to the original, even more than Dweezil did).
@@erikahlander3489 Thanks for the comment. I'm impressed you have notes about when you got albums! I should do this. Create a music journal of when i get something new or listen to something new.
I'm a 64 year old who was aware of Frank Zappa in my teens. What I discovered with time is that the older I get the more I appreciate the vast variations of his catalogue. Many pieces are so dense that you do need various re-listens to fully perceive and hopefully enjoy what's going on. As for Zappa's album catalogue with the original Mothers of Invention (1966-69), they are all interesting and unique in their own way but his records get even better after he started attracting a more proficient cast of musicians, which he did. Sometimes recycling the moniker Mothers (1970-71) and Mothers of Invention (1973-75).
@@marcribe6483 Thank you for the comment. Are there a few particular favorites of his you have?
Great artist. Watch 200 Motels!
I think that, in this episode, what is so horrifying for Larry is the mustache!
I love the guy, I love the music, my life is better since I know him ( almost 40 years ago now).
Great video 👍
Thank you for watching!
great video thx
In our house there has only ever been one poster on display of Frank Zappa. As the children grew up they started to question the poster. And I rarely played any Frank in the house when someone was home. One day my son asked about Frank and could I suggest an album to listen to. I gave him You Are What You Is. Just like you he had that cd on replay for about 3 months because every time he would listen to a track, there was something new he would find. He now has everything Frank released on cd. My job as a parent is done.😉
The two follow ups are even better!
Thanks! Will be looking for them -- I see them pretty often.
I bought Strictly Commercial ("best of" double album so that doesn't count) after he died to learn more about him. His lyrics aren't to my taste but I find him fascinating as a musician. I have watched more interviews with him on RUclips than watched his music.
I have tended to watch interviews with him for years, even though I hadn't taken his music all that seriously for many years. I had Sheik way back when, like age 14, and the one with Valley Girl too. Maybe Apostrophe? Been since high school. I was impressed with some of the classical music I heard in the documentary -- the Kronos Quartet bits. I wish he didn't lean so heavily into juvenille lyrics or delivery. I guess it's part of what makes a "freak" a freak. Maybe I'll get over it. I do wake up every day with those Freak Out! haunting melodies running through my head. Thanks for watching senor!
Zappa in New York, any album with Ruth Underwood is awesome. Zappa plays Zappa is awesome.
Frank Zappa is my favorite guitar player. He could play any style of music. I thought Road Ladies on Chunga's Revenge sounded like BB King. Gumbo Variations is one of my favorite MZ and MOI albums, So is Overnight Sensation and the Grand Wazoo. Frank was clearly a genius and he was Profound. I wish he was still with us along with George Carlin so we could hear what he thought of all the political turmoil we are going to go through again. He jammed with Jimi Hendrix and Jimi was blown away by what Frank played.
Frank Zappa often takes the piss out things, but his love of Doo-Wop is genuine. He wrote a song for the Penguins three years before Freak Out, called Memories of El Monte.
@@seed_drill7135 Did not know that!
@@RobertsRecordCorner Also appeared on the Steve Allen show, pre fame, playing a bicycle (available on RUclips) and wrote the theme song for The World's Greatest Sinner. He purchased a 5 track recording studio when the Beatles were still recording on a two track, but got busted for recording lewd audio tapes for the local police.
He not only wrote songs, but he owned and lived in his own recording studio "Studio Z" before Freak Out.
Memories of El Monte is Zappa in a nutshell.
I had in my head that the first Zappa I heard was Mothermania, which he seems to have had nothing to do with assembling. In 1970, a girl from the literal wrong side of the tracks traded it to me, I have no idea for what. But around the same time, possibly or probably before fall of 1970, FM radio My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama. August.
But hear Directly From My Heart to You off of Weasels Ripped My Flesh, for 'authentic'.
I’m a lifelong Zappa fan thanks to my mom and uncle. Also, “We’re Only In It For The Money” is my favorite album of all time. Let me know what you think when you give it a listen.
-Alex ❤
Thanks Alex!! I will listen before long.
@ Are you on Instagram? I have a page dedicated to my record collection
What you say about Sgt. Pepper having the same inspo list as Freak Out! is directly because the Beatles modeled Sgt. Pepper a lot after Freak Out! It was literally what they listened to the most during that period. Paul even went as far as saying it was them just ripping off Freak Out! One of the most important and amazing albums in rock history that barely gets mentioned nowadays, "Trouble Every Day" is way more relevant now than it was back then.
Excellent insights. Incredible talent, but it screams, "Don't take us seriously!", and unsurprisingly, I can't. I should add that I definitely can like funny music. An excellent garage rock record from 1966 is Black Monk Time by Monks. I laugh all the way thru that album, but the music is also great. I think it works better for me because it stays funny without being weird.
Thanks for this -- and the Monks recommendation. I do not know the Monks!
You hit the nail on the head: "I've never really known what to make of Frank Zappa: smug..." It's the smugness and self-seriousness that's always put me off. For somebody with a reputation for being outrageously funny and iconoclastic, he's always struck me as conservative and humorless underneath all the flash. For some reason I still like "Hot Rats," though...
@@bacarandii Never heard that one. Will get around to it!
Great review. Now that you did this go ahead with 60 next albuns...😅
@@pedrozappa Ha! Will get to that tomorrow!
You are dead right about two things: "Trouble Every Day" is the best song on the album -- it surpasses every protest standard of the period, got the band signed to a recording contract, and KAZOOS DO NOT BELONG ON ROCK RECORDS. I was OK with the kazoo when I was 14 years old, but jeez...
There's a kazoo in Hendrix Crosstown Traffic
We're Only In It For The Money is, in my opinion, the absolute best Mothers album. Again, Frank's razor sharp wit 'n tongue in cheek perspective. This time it's a parody o' the whole hippie scene which in 1968 was a pervasive force. This is definitely a must hear sonic adventure. Be forewarned.
I couldn't begin to know which direction in Zappa's career you should pursue without knowing your interests. He went all over the place. You can take these things for granted: he loved music, and he hated stupidity and hypocrisy. The mess he sometimes made of those two things is something you will have to sort out for yourself. For me, the Uncle Meat and Burnt Weenie Sandwich albums are the best. YMMV
I think the part with "Play your harmonica, son" refers to Bob Dylan ...
It can't happen heeeere!
I love Frank Zappa.
So i forgive him the rude humor and kazoo too
@@AlexisHeFe Good policy
Uriah Heep has a kazoo solo in The Magician's Birthday, a sidelong prog epic.
Uncle Bernies Farm !
Thinking about the VALUE of Frank Zappa's music is similar to thinking if Stravinsky is still considered a great musician today. This is how you can think about Elvis...Jackson ... or Eminem
Zappa was very on the nose, hard not to with a schnauzer like that
Frank Zappa's "obnoxiousness" is far less apparent on his first album than it would be later. His best albums, in my humble opinion, are 'Roxy & Elsewhere', 'Apostrophe', and 'Overnight Sensation'. And though I am a true fan of doo-wop, Zappa's contributions to the genre have always seemed like some kind of joke. The passion of many great doo-wop records may seem overly-dramatic and too innocent to be true but the singers never meant their songs to be treated as goofy comedy bits.
Oh, and if you want to be treated to some Zappa absurdity, listen to 'Lumpy Gravy'; it makes 'Freak Out' sound like The Monkees.
I had Sheik Yourbouti as a 14 yr old. We'd sit around and laugh at the songs. It sort of stained for me what I thought of Zappa's music since I turned, oh, about 16. I can't remember if I heard the two you mention. Thanks for the suggestions!
I agree with your assessment - Zappa's obnoxiousness (and childish sense of humor) has always been a huge turn off. He's best when he's being sincere (check out 'Uncle Remus ', my vote for his best song) or when he shuts up and plays his guitar.
Thanks for the suggestions!
@@RobertsRecordCorner As far as instrumentals go, I'm not an expert but HOT RATS is pretty essential and the song 'Watermelon in Easter Hay' is beautiful
Sorry Sal, FZ is not for everyone
I seem to recall that "Uncle Remus" was one of the songs where he got some major input from another band member, George Duke.
I got into Zappa in the mid 80s when I was a rather immature teenager. I liked all the rude words and the crazy music, but his discography is in distinct phases. The early Mothers work, then the benchmark Hot Rats, the Flo and Eddie years were a bit of a low-point, but the band from 73 to 75 with George Duke, Tom Fowler, Chester Thompson and Ruth Underwood is my favourite period - Zappa's version of fusion I guess. The music is just incredible. Then from Zoot Alores on it's more of a rock band sound, and the 80s I didn't like very much. I no longer listen to anything past '75.
I've owned the album for years but always take it off after a few tracks because it irritates me.
@@paulatB2B Totslly understand. I didn't like it a week ago. Then found parts so connected with by the second and third day. Soon melodies haunted me, usually in a good way. Then even the sound collages began to click for me. Thanks for the comment
You hate kazoos. Ok. Do you hate alto saxophones?
@@TheOriginalFILIBUSTA I don't. Do you see them as similar?
@@RobertsRecordCorner Tonally, I hear a kazoo as just a sloppy sax. However, your point is taken - you don't like the addition to the songs. Well...I think that was intentional. Kazoos kind of convey goofiness, if played with that intent. I suppose Zappa used them in a sonically satirical way to make a political point. However, I used to play one to emulate (or more, suggest) the sound of a sax. It worked well in a recording, if treated appropriately. But, I get it; we all have our sound prejudices. Mine is the bagpipes, so, I kind of understand.
@ Inthink AC/DC, with their Scottish roots, used bagpipes really effectively in Long Way to the Top. I guess every instrument has its place? The first rock song, to many, Ike Turner's Rocket 88 features sax, was written by a sax player and sung by him too! Who knows?
Incidentally I described my reaction to kazoos as a jolt, and how it kind of pissed me off at first. I think that was the desired effect. So I don't oppose them in a Zappa song. But it grates!
@@RobertsRecordCorner I think you said it best, "it grates!". Good descriptor of the specific sound. I guess every instrument has its own emotive implications. Trombones are comical, clarinets can be mischievous, piccolos euphoric. Funny you mentioned AC/DC, the pipes are the one thing I feel kind of bring the song down a notch. Too monotonous. Thanks for sharing your opinions.
yes, I do. Almost all of it. The Synclavier tunes aren't 'music' for me, they're digital compositions, and lack life. Audio math?
If you're sincere about discovering and getting a handle on Zappa, you'll need to move past his zany 'reputation'. His humorous and sometimes provocative lyrics, social & political commentary, and perceived smug attitude are all ancillary and ultimately unimportant- it's the music that counts. After all, "music is the best." Freak Out- while having a nostalgic, almost archaic appeal, has precious little suggestion of the treasures that await later in his catalog chronology. Most truly iconic artists improve as they mature, and never was this more the case than with Zappa. Not to cause a riot, but I'd suggest that he really begins to hit his stride with 1973's Overnite Sensation. The various bands he assembled from this point on, with simply astounding musicianship, are legendary. Luckily for you, there's a massive archive of live performances that illustrate that fact. Get to it!
Really wish Frank were still with us. Wonderful music mostly. Some of his jazz stuff is a bit hefty for me. He'd write fantastic lyrics about current affairs, sure he'd rip the crap out of that Orange Man Baby that the US has voted for!😂😂
He was gone way too young. Would be fascinating to have him around now
Who?
President Trump, who will stop the leftist US proxy war in Ukraine?
Nah, Zappa was a conservative that loved Russia and rightly so. He would certainly decry the transitioning of children, pronoun nonsense and war against free speech Democrats love so much.
I miss his scathing satire too,and wish he was around today,he'd be releasing albums month. I collect half man half biscuit now for my social satire, but its so British I doubt they would translate to American
@@colincampbell2153poor leftist, cry some more.