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Non Smiley Smile Stuff => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on August 12, 2013, 03:13:32 PM



Title: ZAPPA!
Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on August 12, 2013, 03:13:32 PM
Who's a fan, and who other than myself considers Frank as much a musical genius as Brian (minus the vocal genius and pop touch)?

The early Mothers stuff is my fave stuff but all of it is fascinating!!!


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Amazing Larry on August 12, 2013, 03:18:54 PM
I'm definitely with you on thinking Frank was as much of a musical genius as Brian.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Jason on August 12, 2013, 03:23:29 PM
As far as musicians go, Zappa has few peers. I think the quality of his work began to decline around the time of Apostrophe, but he was ridiculously good from 1966-1974.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on August 12, 2013, 03:26:09 PM
As far as musicians go, Zappa has few peers. I think the quality of his work began to decline around the time of Apostrophe, but he was ridiculously good from 1966-1974.

Agree!

I do dig Sheik Yervberouti a lot though and Joe's Garage has some great stuff.

Nothing beats the Freak Out/Absolutely Free era, to me. Though the Beefheart stuff is amazing.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: SMiLE Brian on August 12, 2013, 03:38:02 PM
I love Zappa! I think he was best working with the mothers in the 1960s. "I love freak out!" and "Cruisin"....


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Amazing Larry on August 12, 2013, 03:45:02 PM
People forget how good Cruising With Ruben And The Jets is because of the shitty 80's overdubs. The original mix is sublime.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: SMiLE Brian on August 12, 2013, 03:46:50 PM
My friend gave me a needle drop of the album, so I can avoid the 1980s version.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on August 12, 2013, 03:49:04 PM
People forget how good Cruising With Ruben And The Jets is because of the shitty 80's overdubs. The original mix is sublime.

Yeah, I first heard it via the 80's version but was lucky enough to snag a vinyl version recently.....


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: alf wiedersehen on August 12, 2013, 03:51:53 PM
I'm a fan of Zappa, mostly his stuff with the original line-up of The Mothers.

His later solo work is okay too, but his sense of humor doesn't doesn't really mix with mine.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: SMiLE Brian on August 12, 2013, 03:55:47 PM
People forget how good Cruising With Ruben And The Jets is because of the shitty 80's overdubs. The original mix is sublime.

Yeah, I first heard it via the 80's version but was lucky enough to snag a vinyl version recently.....
Anyway the wind blows! ;D

Studio Z version of "love of my life"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9-_aDS70vc


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Niko on August 12, 2013, 04:46:11 PM
The Mothers are still touring as the Grandmothers of Invention. I saw them this summer, and they were absolutely incredible - one of the best shows I've ever seen.

If you're a Zappa fan, go see that show!


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on August 12, 2013, 04:51:54 PM
People forget how good Cruising With Ruben And The Jets is because of the shitty 80's overdubs. The original mix is sublime.

Yeah, I first heard it via the 80's version but was lucky enough to snag a vinyl version recently.....
Anyway the wind blows! ;D

Studio Z version of "love of my life"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9-_aDS70vc

Awesome!!!! Thanks SB :)


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: the professor on August 12, 2013, 06:06:19 PM
do you all know that Frank is buried in an unmarked grave in the same cemetery where Carl is buried?


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: seltaeb1012002 on August 12, 2013, 06:24:34 PM
Lumpy Gravy is amazing. And sort of similar to SMiLE in the way that it contains variations on a theme, with other little sections mixed in. Man, so freaking good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apTPXPBMBXk


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on August 12, 2013, 11:58:15 PM
The Mothers are still touring as the Grandmothers of Invention. I saw them this summer, and they were absolutely incredible - one of the best shows I've ever seen.

If you're a Zappa fan, go see that show!

Oh man! Where was this??


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Jay on August 13, 2013, 12:57:09 AM
I for the life of me can't figure Frank Zappa. Everybody and their brother talks about him being a genius but whenever I try to listen to him I'm just left confused. I just now listened to "don't eat the yellow snow and nanook rubs it"(I don't even know if that's the title, or if the youtube link is two songs put together) and all I can say is...."what?!?".  :lol I mean, it makes no musical sense whatsoever to me. It's like ten songs put into one, with no real structure to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Qw3Foa_XE

I have to admit that "Great Googily Moogily!" is an awesome thing to say. Especially unexpectedly, when everything in the house has gotten just a little to quiet.  >:D


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Amazing Larry on August 13, 2013, 02:34:36 AM
I for the life of me can't figure Frank Zappa. Everybody and their brother talks about him being a genius but whenever I try to listen to him I'm just left confused. I just now listened to "don't eat the yellow snow and nanook rubs it"(I don't even know if that's the title, or if the youtube link is two songs put together) and all I can say is...."what?!?".  :lol I mean, it makes no musical sense whatsoever to me. It's like ten songs put into one, with no real structure to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Qw3Foa_XE

I have to admit that "Great Googily Moogily!" is an awesome thing to say. Especially unexpectedly, when everything in the house has gotten just a little to quiet.  >:D
These may be easier to digest for a Zappa novice:
Black Napkins (Live on The Mike Douglas Show)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q0nImsfMvE
Aybe Sea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnAnpOUUzow
Willie The Pimp (Featuring the late, great Captain Beefheart on vocals.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKtQflWz3lA
Jelly Roll Gum Drop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PQ1a2COlg4


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: beatnickle on August 13, 2013, 06:01:56 AM
 One of the interesting things about Zappa is that he never fell for the whole drug, hippie,  love-in movement. He saw through it much like G. Harrison did when he visited Haight Ashbury. Only Zappa never fell for it. He lampooned the hell out of it in "We're Only in it for the Money" which I love.  ( Eric Clapton is one of the voices in "Are You Hung Up")
 Yeah, I know, he lampooned everything. Much like Groucho Marx...... he refused to belong to any club that would have him as a member.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: zane7570 on August 13, 2013, 08:30:21 AM
I adore the music of Frank Zappa. One Size Fits All is my favorite album from beginning to end, but there are many many great albums in his discography. There are a few albums I'm not so crazy about but even these have tracks I love.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on August 13, 2013, 11:58:24 AM
I for the life of me can't figure Frank Zappa. Everybody and their brother talks about him being a genius but whenever I try to listen to him I'm just left confused. I just now listened to "don't eat the yellow snow and nanook rubs it"(I don't even know if that's the title, or if the youtube link is two songs put together) and all I can say is...."what?!?".  :lol I mean, it makes no musical sense whatsoever to me. It's like ten songs put into one, with no real structure to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Qw3Foa_XE

I have to admit that "Great Googily Moogily!" is an awesome thing to say. Especially unexpectedly, when everything in the house has gotten just a little to quiet.  >:D

Try this :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=girnJH7tvpM


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Myk Luhv on August 13, 2013, 12:10:41 PM
I feel like Zappa is one of those people I should like -- and have tried to like -- but cannot get into. I think his work with the Mothers is probably my favourite but even that stuff I'm not hugely interested in. His solo stuff has some good stuff as well but even there it's few and far between for me. Maybe I should try again since the last time I bothered I was a teenager. I remember liking Freak Out! and We're Only In It For The Money, Hot Rats, some of Sheik Yerbouti and that's probably it. I like what Wilson and Alroy (http://www.warr.org) say about Zappa: "Much of the confusion arises because Zappa had at least six distinct musical personalities or facets: the Psychedelic Satirist, the Serious Avant-Garde Composer, the Fusion Bandleader, the Potty-Mouthed Reactionary, the History-Minded Obsessive and the Just Plain Rock And Roller. One personality usually dominates any given record, and the typical listener will love one or more facets, hate at least one, and be indifferent to the rest." Running with that, I'd say I prefer the Psychedelic Satirist, then Rock and Roller and History-Minded Obsessive. The rest I don't care about, and actively dislike his reactionary stuff.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: alf wiedersehen on August 13, 2013, 01:36:23 PM
I remember liking Freak Out! and We're Only In It For The Money...

If you like these albums, you may also like Absolutely Free. It's the oft-ignored album between those two mentioned, and it's pretty good too. There is one song that tends to be too repetitious and drags. But, that's really the only complaint I have about the album.

Also, the new reissue sticks both sides of a single in the album, where the "side" ends and before the other one begins.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on August 13, 2013, 01:38:32 PM
I remember liking Freak Out! and We're Only In It For The Money...

If you like these albums, you may also like Absolutely Free. It's the oft-ignored album between those two mentioned, and it's pretty good too. There is one song that tends to be too repetitious and drags. But, that's really the only complaint I have about the album.

Also, the new reissue sticks both sides of a single in the album, where the "side" ends and before the other one begins.

which could lead us into a whole maze of a topic: which Zappa issues/reissues, CDs to look for and what to avoid!!


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Paulos on August 13, 2013, 02:43:00 PM
I likes me a bit of Zappa, should be going to see Zappa Plays Zappa later this year.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Niko on August 13, 2013, 08:12:05 PM
The Mothers are still touring as the Grandmothers of Invention. I saw them this summer, and they were absolutely incredible - one of the best shows I've ever seen.

If you're a Zappa fan, go see that show!

Oh man! Where was this??

I saw them in Portland at the best venue I know - the Aladdin. Not a bad seat in the place, and the crown looooved them. They played the entire "One Size Fits All" album.

Here's their next 6 shows:
https://www.songkick.com/artists/593492-grandmothers-of-invention


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Gabo on August 13, 2013, 09:34:32 PM
My favorite Zappa song is Any Way The Wind Blows. Zappa could write a great pop song when he wanted, evidently.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Jay on August 13, 2013, 09:58:29 PM
I for the life of me can't figure Frank Zappa. Everybody and their brother talks about him being a genius but whenever I try to listen to him I'm just left confused. I just now listened to "don't eat the yellow snow and nanook rubs it"(I don't even know if that's the title, or if the youtube link is two songs put together) and all I can say is...."what?!?".  :lol I mean, it makes no musical sense whatsoever to me. It's like ten songs put into one, with no real structure to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Qw3Foa_XE

I have to admit that "Great Googily Moogily!" is an awesome thing to say. Especially unexpectedly, when everything in the house has gotten just a little to quiet.  >:D
These may be easier to digest for a Zappa novice:
Black Napkins (Live on The Mike Douglas Show)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q0nImsfMvE
Aybe Sea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnAnpOUUzow
Willie The Pimp (Featuring the late, great Captain Beefheart on vocals.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKtQflWz3lA
Jelly Roll Gum Drop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PQ1a2COlg4
Thanks for those links.  :) As of now I've only listened to Black Napkins. Great song.  ;D I didn't realize that he was such a great guitar player.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Mike's Beard on August 13, 2013, 11:08:02 PM
These days I think I may be an even bigger Zappa fan than a Beach Boy fan. My top 5 Zappa albums are

One Size Fits All
The Grand Wazoo
Burnt Weenie Sandwich
Zappa In New York
You Are What You Is

At his peak I'd say he was the best guitar player on the planet. Listen to his soloing on Willie The Pimp and wonder why people weren't drooling over his playing like they were Hendrix


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Amazing Larry on August 13, 2013, 11:16:04 PM
I remember liking Freak Out! and We're Only In It For The Money...

If you like these albums, you may also like Absolutely Free. It's the oft-ignored album between those two mentioned, and it's pretty good too. There is one song that tends to be too repetitious and drags. But, that's really the only complaint I have about the album.

Also, the new reissue sticks both sides of a single in the album, where the "side" ends and before the other one begins.

which could lead us into a whole maze of a topic: which Zappa issues/reissues, CDs to look for and what to avoid!!
Just get the new ones. The ones that were newly remastered (most of them) sound FANTASTIC.


Title:
Post by: zachrwolfe on August 13, 2013, 11:20:14 PM


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: alf wiedersehen on August 13, 2013, 11:22:54 PM
I am a total Zappa ignorant (couldn't name a single song or album). What is recommended to begin my Zappa obsession/hatred/indifference?

Well, the beginning, Freak Out!, is a great place to start.
It's probably one of those records that you have to give time to sink in. It was for me, at least...


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Amazing Larry on August 13, 2013, 11:29:56 PM
I am a total Zappa ignorant (couldn't name a single song or album). What is recommended to begin my Zappa obsession/hatred/indifference?
Well, my first Zappa was Absolutely Free, but I'm sure to most ears the vocals would be a little off putting (If you've heard the album, you know what I'm talking about.)
I'd say, start with Hot Rats and if you're feeling adventurous, listen to Burnt Weeny Sandwich and We're Only In It For The Money.
If you're not feeling adventurous, backtrack a bit and listen to Freak Out and then go chronologically through the albums.

P.S. Make sure you listen to the original mix of Hot Rats, which is on the current cd reissue.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Fire Wind on August 14, 2013, 06:45:37 AM
For UK folks, there're still tickets available for 200 Motels performed at the RFH -

http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/frank-zappas-200-motels-71696


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Mike's Beard on August 14, 2013, 09:42:03 AM
I am a total Zappa ignorant (couldn't name a single song or album). What is recommended to begin my Zappa obsession/hatred/indifference?
Well, my first Zappa was Absolutely Free, but I'm sure to most ears the vocals would be a little off putting (If you've heard the album, you know what I'm talking about.)
I'd say, start with Hot Rats and if you're feeling adventurous, listen to Burnt Weeny Sandwich and We're Only In It For The Money.
If you're not feeling adventurous, backtrack a bit and listen to Freak Out and then go chronologically through the albums.


I love Burnt Weeny but if that had been the first Zappa album I'd ever heard I would have ran for the hills and never looked back.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Amazing Larry on August 14, 2013, 08:23:56 PM
I am a total Zappa ignorant (couldn't name a single song or album). What is recommended to begin my Zappa obsession/hatred/indifference?
Well, my first Zappa was Absolutely Free, but I'm sure to most ears the vocals would be a little off putting (If you've heard the album, you know what I'm talking about.)
I'd say, start with Hot Rats and if you're feeling adventurous, listen to Burnt Weeny Sandwich and We're Only In It For The Money.
If you're not feeling adventurous, backtrack a bit and listen to Freak Out and then go chronologically through the albums.


I love Burnt Weeny but if that had been the first Zappa album I'd ever heard I would have ran for the hills and never looked back.
Uncle Meat and Burnt Weeny are my favorites.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on August 15, 2013, 07:15:26 PM
I am a total Zappa ignorant (couldn't name a single song or album). What is recommended to begin my Zappa obsession/hatred/indifference?
Well, my first Zappa was Absolutely Free, but I'm sure to most ears the vocals would be a little off putting (If you've heard the album, you know what I'm talking about.)
I'd say, start with Hot Rats and if you're feeling adventurous, listen to Burnt Weeny Sandwich and We're Only In It For The Money.
If you're not feeling adventurous, backtrack a bit and listen to Freak Out and then go chronologically through the albums.


I love Burnt Weeny but if that had been the first Zappa album I'd ever heard I would have ran for the hills and never looked back.
Uncle Meat and Burnt Weeny are my favorites.

Mike and Bruce should cover this live :) :) :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3xiXyGA7os


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Amazing Larry on August 15, 2013, 07:51:36 PM
I am a total Zappa ignorant (couldn't name a single song or album). What is recommended to begin my Zappa obsession/hatred/indifference?
Well, my first Zappa was Absolutely Free, but I'm sure to most ears the vocals would be a little off putting (If you've heard the album, you know what I'm talking about.)
I'd say, start with Hot Rats and if you're feeling adventurous, listen to Burnt Weeny Sandwich and We're Only In It For The Money.
If you're not feeling adventurous, backtrack a bit and listen to Freak Out and then go chronologically through the albums.


I love Burnt Weeny but if that had been the first Zappa album I'd ever heard I would have ran for the hills and never looked back.
Uncle Meat and Burnt Weeny are my favorites.

Mike and Bruce should cover this live :) :) :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3xiXyGA7os
Holy sh*t, that'd be perfect, but who would do the pachuco falsetto?


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on August 15, 2013, 08:34:46 PM
I am a total Zappa ignorant (couldn't name a single song or album). What is recommended to begin my Zappa obsession/hatred/indifference?
Well, my first Zappa was Absolutely Free, but I'm sure to most ears the vocals would be a little off putting (If you've heard the album, you know what I'm talking about.)
I'd say, start with Hot Rats and if you're feeling adventurous, listen to Burnt Weeny Sandwich and We're Only In It For The Money.
If you're not feeling adventurous, backtrack a bit and listen to Freak Out and then go chronologically through the albums.


I love Burnt Weeny but if that had been the first Zappa album I'd ever heard I would have ran for the hills and never looked back.
Uncle Meat and Burnt Weeny are my favorites.

Mike and Bruce should cover this live :) :) :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3xiXyGA7os
Holy sh*t, that'd be perfect, but who would do the pachuco falsetto?

Dweezil as a special guest :)


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: MBE on August 15, 2013, 09:56:16 PM
My favorite Zappa song is Any Way The Wind Blows. Zappa could write a great pop song when he wanted, evidently.
Yeah I like that one too.


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Jay on August 15, 2013, 10:42:04 PM
I for the life of me can't figure Frank Zappa. Everybody and their brother talks about him being a genius but whenever I try to listen to him I'm just left confused. I just now listened to "don't eat the yellow snow and nanook rubs it"(I don't even know if that's the title, or if the youtube link is two songs put together) and all I can say is...."what?!?".  :lol I mean, it makes no musical sense whatsoever to me. It's like ten songs put into one, with no real structure to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Qw3Foa_XE

I have to admit that "Great Googily Moogily!" is an awesome thing to say. Especially unexpectedly, when everything in the house has gotten just a little to quiet.  >:D
These may be easier to digest for a Zappa novice:
Black Napkins (Live on The Mike Douglas Show)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q0nImsfMvE
Aybe Sea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnAnpOUUzow
Willie The Pimp (Featuring the late, great Captain Beefheart on vocals.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKtQflWz3lA
Jelly Roll Gum Drop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PQ1a2COlg4
I just thought I'd follow up to say that Willie The Pimp COOKS!!  ;D  :rock


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: alf wiedersehen on August 15, 2013, 11:00:55 PM
I am a total Zappa ignorant (couldn't name a single song or album). What is recommended to begin my Zappa obsession/hatred/indifference?
Well, my first Zappa was Absolutely Free, but I'm sure to most ears the vocals would be a little off putting (If you've heard the album, you know what I'm talking about.)

Yeah, the vocals can be.. raw.
That being said, I really like the backing vocals on "Soft Cell Conclusion."


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Outtasight! on August 16, 2013, 10:51:05 AM
Broadway the hard way, bongo fury and freak out are my favourites. The best band you never heard, joes garage, you are what you is and in it for the money are also fantastic. Theres so much zappa to discover, its a great journey!


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: JK on August 25, 2013, 04:08:02 AM
I used to be a huge fan. I bought everything of his up to Weasels Ripped My Flesh (i had to sell them all to buy cat food). I stopped just before Flo and Eddie joined the band----not sure if that's significant.

I'd say my favourite FZ albums are two middle-period ones: Overnite Sensation (even Ian Underwood is smiling on the cover) and the truly astonishing One Size Fits All. That said, i could name scores of favourite tracks from all over...


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: Orange Crate Art on August 28, 2013, 02:26:34 PM
I'm a big fan. Uncle Meat and We're Only In It For The Money are my two favorite Mothers albums. I absolutely love Cruisin' For Burgers, Dogs Breath, Lonely Little Girl and Let's Make The Water Turn Black. Everybody Frank Out!


Title: Re: ZAPPA!
Post by: JK on March 26, 2018, 06:11:37 AM
Lotsa good stuff in this thread. And it's always a pleasure to reboot an old Zappa topic!

Looking through Frank's contributions to other people's albums, I was astonished to find he'd produced one by Grand Funk Railroad:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Singin%27,_Good_Playin%27

He even guested on guitar on one track, the blistering "Out To Get You":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cPJxtWDGZI