DreamTheaterForums.org Dream Theater Fan Site

General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: Nihil-Morari on May 14, 2009, 03:25:02 PM

Title: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 14, 2009, 03:25:02 PM
This should be here as well.


Appreciate, discuss, ask or do anything else. There can't be enough Zappa.


To start off: I'd like to present to you: A sneek peek of the new Zappa Plays Zappa DVD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wb-b4s-0ps&fmt=22 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wb-b4s-0ps&fmt=22)

And there's already one thing that I'm thrilled about: Billy The Mountain is on it!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on May 14, 2009, 03:26:17 PM
Yeeeee!  Whats the previous ZPZ one like?  And who's seen the latest Live in Paris DVD?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: brakkum on May 14, 2009, 03:28:34 PM
Very cool to see Vai in the audience on that trailer. But i really hope the ZFT can organize another amazing gone as the first tour was, that was one of the greater musical experiences of my life.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 14, 2009, 03:50:16 PM
Yeeeee!  Whats the previous ZPZ one like?  And who's seen the latest Live in Paris DVD?
I guess that's one of his bootleg dvd's that are circling around.
I've got the Live in Barcelona one. What's the trackslist on this one?


I have yet to see ZPZ, they're in Holland next week, play 3 shows, and I can't come to either one of them.

The previous ZPZ dvd is playing in my DVD player right now, it's one of the best music DVD's I've ever seen. Great quality of audio and video, and great band.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 14, 2009, 03:51:12 PM
"Billy the Mountain" without Flo & Eddie?  Hmmm...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on May 14, 2009, 03:55:25 PM
Yeeeee!  Whats the previous ZPZ one like?  And who's seen the latest Live in Paris DVD?
I guess that's one of his bootleg dvd's that are circling around.
I've got the Live in Barcelona one. What's the trackslist on this one?


I have yet to see ZPZ, they're in Holland next week, play 3 shows, and I can't come to either one of them.

The previous ZPZ dvd is playing in my DVD player right now, it's one of the best music DVD's I've ever seen. Great quality of audio and video, and great band.

Yeah i just looked it up, its like a half hour boot from 1980 I think, not sure of the tracklist.  I think Billy the Mountain is on it?

I was considering purchasing the ZPZ dvd, might just have to now under your reccomendation. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 14, 2009, 03:58:08 PM
Yeeeee!  Whats the previous ZPZ one like?  And who's seen the latest Live in Paris DVD?
I guess that's one of his bootleg dvd's that are circling around.
I've got the Live in Barcelona one. What's the trackslist on this one?


I have yet to see ZPZ, they're in Holland next week, play 3 shows, and I can't come to either one of them.

The previous ZPZ dvd is playing in my DVD player right now, it's one of the best music DVD's I've ever seen. Great quality of audio and video, and great band.

Yeah i just looked it up, its like a half hour boot from 1980 I think, not sure of the tracklist.  I think Billy the Mountain is on it?

I was considering purchasing the ZPZ dvd, might just have to now under your reccomendation. 

You should really buy it, it's fantastic.

And considering the DVD is only 30 minutes, I don't think Billy the Mountain is on it.
The shortest version is 24 minutes, and that is because it was edited really much.
The longest version was 52 minutes.

And I know it's not the same without Flo and Eddie, but I guess it rocks!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Sigz on May 14, 2009, 04:05:27 PM
The only zappa album I have is Hot Rats. I've only given it one or two spins so far, its not bad, but it seems very jam-oriented.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: brakkum on May 14, 2009, 04:13:39 PM
The only zappa album I have is Hot Rats. I've only given it one or two spins so far, its not bad, but it seems very jam-oriented.

yep, but only trying that album is pretty much a sin.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on May 14, 2009, 04:19:33 PM
The only zappa album I have is Hot Rats. I've only given it one or two spins so far, its not bad, but it seems very jam-oriented.

yep, but only trying that album is pretty much a sin.

I didnt enjoy Hot Rats as much as the other Zappa fans i know.  I much prefer One Size Fits All and the whole 'Fusion' era.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: glaurung on May 14, 2009, 08:04:39 PM
Where would a good place to start with Zappa be? It's kind of intimidating to get started with him because of the massive discography.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on May 14, 2009, 08:13:02 PM
Where would a good place to start with Zappa be? It's kind of intimidating to get started with him because of the massive discography.

I started with Strictly Commercial, then Hot Rats, Apostrophe, on to One Size Fits All.  I reckon the live stuff is where its at though, Roxy and Elsewhere, Baby Snakes and Live in New York are awesome
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 14, 2009, 11:26:07 PM
That's a pretty good course right there.  It will provide a taste of different eras, different sides of Frank (and the Mothers) and both live and studio recordings, which are equally important.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 15, 2009, 01:07:53 AM
I'm not a fan of Hot Rats myself, and instead I'd say you should listen to Just Another Band From LA. That's a fun Mothers record.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: James007 on May 15, 2009, 08:33:17 AM
Two words: Lather
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Dr. SeaWolf on May 15, 2009, 08:33:34 AM
I freaking love Hot Rats.  The Grand Wazoo and Apostrophe are both great albums too.  Frank was a genius on guitar, and I love his bizarre sense of humor.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 15, 2009, 11:59:36 AM
I'm not a fan of Hot Rats myself, and instead I'd say you should listen to Just Another Band From LA. That's a fun Mothers record.

Just Another Band from L.A. is a great record, my favorite from the Flo & Eddie period.  But there are already three live albums with crazy sketch bits in the list, and the early composer-Zappa period needs to be represented.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 16, 2009, 03:19:28 AM
I'm not a fan of Hot Rats myself, and instead I'd say you should listen to Just Another Band From LA. That's a fun Mothers record.

Just Another Band from L.A. is a great record, my favorite from the Flo & Eddie period.  But there are already three live albums with crazy sketch bits in the list, and the early composer-Zappa period needs to be represented.

Yeah, you're probably right. And to prove that, I'll listen to Hot Rats right now!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: monk on May 17, 2009, 12:02:59 AM
I have hot rats and live in paris 1980 where to go from here?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 17, 2009, 07:23:04 AM
Apostrophe or Roxy & Elsewhere.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 17, 2009, 12:16:00 PM
Roxy is great.

Or you can start with the first three "You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore" sets.
The first is really a compilation of everything, the second is a great concert from the Roxy era, and the third is a mostly later Zappa style compilation.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on May 17, 2009, 09:51:23 PM
Get The Dub Room Special.  :)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 26, 2009, 12:14:37 PM
So now after the recommendating has been gone, we start appreciating:

Appreciate and guess this song:



"This has to be the one with all the right notes on it...

And this is a hard one to play"


I totally love it, especially this version.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 26, 2009, 12:44:01 PM
Be-Bop Tango (of the Old Jazzman's Church) from Roxy & Elsewhere
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 26, 2009, 12:45:08 PM
Oops, forgot the appreciation.

"George, make them dance."

Dit!

"Now, now..."
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 26, 2009, 01:55:39 PM
 :tup

Everytime I hear someone introducing himself as "Carl", I immediately react with 'Rick and Jane'.

Another great thing about Zappa: there are really moments on his records that make you laugh out loud.
What about the entire 'Hi Ho Silver' joke on YCDTOSA 3? Gets me everytime.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on May 26, 2009, 06:57:29 PM
"My toilet blew up yesterday afternoon/The plumber he said 'never flush a tampoooon'"

and

"I got a job doin radio PROOOHMOOOOH"  :lol everytime.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 27, 2009, 12:16:52 AM
"I got a job doin radio PROOOHMOOOOH"  :lol everytime.

Yeah, that one is great! Especially all the different live versions. The line after it 'And none of the jocks can even tell I'm a homo', changes every night.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on June 24, 2009, 02:24:51 PM
Just listened to 'Montana for the first time in a while.  How awesome is the Ike-ettes part??  So wicked!  Don't know how they managed to sing that!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 25, 2009, 11:30:24 AM
I read a fun story about that in his biography.

He asked the Ikettes to sing that part, and they asked to be paid by every minute they sang on the album.
Frank warned them that there were difficult part, but they wanted to be paid for 2 minutes (or so), because they were only singing two minutes.

In the end it took them a week to learn it, and they got incredibly underpaid.
Always funny to hear people underestimate to play Franks music.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 25, 2009, 01:41:05 PM
Excellent!  They could have negotiated for the time it took them to learn it, but they (only) wanted to be paid for the performance time.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on June 25, 2009, 02:15:31 PM
I read a fun story about that in his biography.

He asked the Ikettes to sing that part, and they asked to be paid by every minute they sang on the album.
Frank warned them that there were difficult part, but they wanted to be paid for 2 minutes (or so), because they were only singing two minutes.

In the end it took them a week to learn it, and they got incredibly underpaid.
Always funny to hear people underestimate to play Franks music.

Hahahaha awesome.  I also remember hearing how once they'd finally nailed it, they got Ike Turner in to have a listen to it and he hated it.  "What is this shit?" or something along those lines.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jasc15 on June 25, 2009, 02:27:55 PM
The only 2 Zappa albums i have are The best band you never heard in your life, and Tinseltown Rebellion which i haven't seen mentioned here.  I really like them both, but how do they compare with some of his other highly rated material?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on June 25, 2009, 02:47:30 PM
I like TBBYNHIYL.  although the version of Inca Roads is decidedly average, its fun to hear all the covers.  Tinseltown I havent really gotten into.  Brown Shoes is awesome though.  And Vinnie Colaiuta is probably my favourite Zappa drummer
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 25, 2009, 04:01:58 PM
The only 2 Zappa albums i have are The best band you never heard in your life, and Tinseltown Rebellion which i haven't seen mentioned here.  I really like them both, but how do they compare with some of his other highly rated material?

I consider them both "later" Zappa, which isn't necessarily bad, but it has a different vibe.  Early Mothers stuff was so unstructured that a lot of it seems pretty pointless to me.  Yes, I understand what they were going for, but heck, my friends and I also recorded ourselves fucking around for a few hours with various pieces of musical equipment; that doesn't make it art.

By the early 70's, however, he'd definitely found his voice and I like just about everything from that period.  He was stretching out as a composer and had learned some things about arrangement.  It's interesting to me listening to those early "orchestral" works being performed by the what he had available to him at the time: rock ensembles.  But he was also at his most creative in terms of just plain insanely funny songs and stage shows.  The Flo & Eddie years, the Roxy & Elsewhere band.  Those are the shows that inspired the phrase "You can't do that on stage anymore".

I have the two you mention, and they're both great.  The demented cover of "Stairway to Heaven" is awesome!  But you can almost hear how Frank had started to get a bit bored with the format by then.  He was skewering a lot of topics seemingly just because he could, getting a bit political and downright cynical, and it reminds me a bit of what happened to George Carlin towards the end.  He went from funny, to funny and cynical, to just bitchy and not really very funny anymore.  Frank was still pretty funny in the 80's, but this is some of the last stuff he did before he retired from live performance and went all "serious composer" on us, and you can feel that he's taken the "funny rock" format about as far as he could go.

Seriously, if you like those two, you really need to check out some of his 70's material.  There are plenty of good suggestions already here in this thread, but man, it's hard to go wrong with Roxy & Elsewhere.  Still my all-time favorite Zappa.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 26, 2009, 03:21:23 PM
I agree on nearly all accounts with you Orbert, but I really think you should give the Mothers some more love.

I fell in love with Freak Out! lately. There are some fun songs on there, ranging from happy and simple songs, to modern classical compositions. And though not all Mothers albums are as great as Freak Out!, I still think a couple deserve more love than 'recording ourself fucking around with various pieces of musical equipment'.


Other than that: wonderful analysis.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Genowyn on June 26, 2009, 03:32:51 PM
You know I've been playing too many video games when the first person that came to mind when I saw this thread was this guy:

(https://img2.cdn.crunchyroll.com/i/spire4/02202008/8/3/3/f/833fd602d845b0_full.gif)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ZBomber on June 26, 2009, 03:38:55 PM
Maybe 2 weeks ago me and my friend got high. We went back behind my pool house and lit up a joint... we came back inside and we decided we were gonna listen to some music. He says "Dude, I brought the perfect thing." He then handed me a record, which I would put on the turntable. It was One Size Fits All. This was my first exposure to Zappa.... and it was an amazing moment.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 26, 2009, 05:07:11 PM
One Size Fits All was my very first exposure to Zappa/Mothers as well.  I was 12 years old, and they played it on the "Midnight Album Hour".  I still remember laughing my ass off to "Po-Jama People" and of "Evelyn, A Modified Dog".  ("Arf!" she said)

I agree on nearly all accounts with you Orbert, but I really think you should give the Mothers some more love.

I fell in love with Freak Out! lately. There are some fun songs on there, ranging from happy and simple songs, to modern classical compositions. And though not all Mothers albums are as great as Freak Out!, I still think a couple deserve more love than 'recording ourself fucking around with various pieces of musical equipment'.

Yeah, I guess I was a bit harsh on the early stuff.  There's a lot more structured stuff than there is unstructured, and most of it is fun, and amusing the first couple of plays.  I guess I still have bad memories of great anticipation surrounding the fourth side of Freak Out! only to find that it was, seemingly, just them fucking around and letting the tapes roll.  Or am I thinking of something else?  I haven't listened to the early stuff in a long time.  "Help, I'm a Rock" is fun.  "You Didn't Try to Call Me", "Plastic People", and of course "Call Any Vegetable" are fun, but they just don't have the replay value of the later stuff.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 27, 2009, 03:14:47 AM
The fourth side of Freak Out! is indeed just some fucking around, or so it seems.
It's his ode to modern classical composers using technology, something that became very popular a couple of years before Zappa recorded that song (The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet), composers like Stockhausen and Varese.

I don't quite get that song either, but the rest of that record is fun, happy music.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on May 14, 2010, 04:25:48 PM
Has this really not been posted in since June??

Anyway, going to get my ZPZ tickets in a few minutes  :D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on May 14, 2010, 06:01:46 PM
Done!
First row balcony. Fuck that orchestra shit.
:caffeine:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 14, 2010, 11:25:23 PM
I love Zappa's fusion stuff; Hot Rats and The Grand Wazoo are probably my two favorite CDs of his.  I am also pretty high on Zoot Allures and Apostrophe (').

I like both One Size Fits All and Over-Nite Sensation, but I have never gone nuts over them like a lot of Zappa fans do; I wouldn't call either a favorite.  

Joe's Garage has some great stuff, but gets somewhat tedious after a while.

I doubt I will ever come close to getting all of his CDs. :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on May 15, 2010, 12:58:41 AM
Really? Joe's Garage is probably my favorite of the limited selection I have. It was my first  :heart
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 16, 2010, 02:48:53 PM
I just got Joes Garage, it's my 40th Zappa release that I've got.

And it ranks a bit higher than that on my Zappa list, but I'm not too keen on it either. I like parts, and like some jokes, but if you compare that one to Just Another Band From L.A., man, that one makes me laugh every time, while being amazed by both music quality and compositional quality.

Joe's Garage lacks a bit of all three things most Zappa records have.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 16, 2010, 09:22:02 PM
Maybe, but I don't know if that's a fair comparison.  Frank had completely different goals with those two albums.  Just Another Band from L.A. is a chronicle, a document of a band and of a performance.  Joe's Garage is a concept album, a story, and a political statement. 

I'm not sure if comedy was one of the goals of Joe's Garage; it seems more like an aspect to his writing that couldn't help but show up.  More than anything else, it was meant to make you think, and hopefully entertain you along the way.  JABFLA was primarily meant to entertain, and if it gave you anything to think about, that's fine too.  Frank got into more "serious" music and issues later in his career.  This may have lessened the breadth of his appeal, but like anyone else, I'm sure he got bored with doing the same things all the time.


Anyway, I came into this thread to report that I heard "Blessed Relief" from The Grand Wazoo on the radio today, on the local listener-supported jazz station, WDCB from College of DuPage (Chicago area).  A jazz station!  Fucking awesome.  I heard the title track a while back, too.  Apparently somebody got ahold of The Grand Wazoo and has been having fun foisting it upon unsuspecting jazz fans.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on May 16, 2010, 09:26:57 PM
Its a pretty jazzy album though isn't it?  I love the riff from Eat That Question!  Killer!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 17, 2010, 11:20:24 AM
It is jazzy.  But jazz is not the first genre people think of when someone mentions Zappa.  It's probably not the second or even third.  To hear it on public radio in a serious context was very cool.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 09, 2010, 09:53:51 PM
Zoot Allures is so great.  "The Torture Never Stops" FTW!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Arcaeus on June 09, 2010, 09:59:00 PM
Frank Zappa is an overrated, uninteresting and talentless hack, and all artists who were influenced by him are, similarly, absolute shit. I can't even begin to fathom how anyone could possibly find him an innovator, much less good.















































no just trolling he's fucking awesome but you should have seen the look on your faces
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 09, 2010, 10:04:40 PM
Nah, that was too obvious.  :biggrin: :lol

"You father's waiting for you in the tool shed."  That line always makes me :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Arcaeus on June 09, 2010, 10:06:05 PM
In all seriousness now, I've heard plenty of his songs and enjoy them, but I've yet to get my hands on an album (it doesn't help that this discography is ridiculously large). What would be the best place to start?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 09, 2010, 10:08:39 PM
I am hardly a Zappa authority, but...

I started with Hot Rats and that worked like a charm; it is mostly instrumental and has a strong fusion vibe going on; same with The Grand Wazoo, which is great, too.  I think Apostrophe (') and Zoot Allures would both be great starters, as well.


Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Arcaeus on June 09, 2010, 10:09:51 PM
Thanks :tup I'll be grabbing one of those along with Radiohead's Kid A
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 09, 2010, 11:59:57 PM
I am hardly a Zappa authority, but...

I started with Hot Rats and that worked like a charm; it is mostly instrumental and has a strong fusion vibe going on; same with The Grand Wazoo, which is great, too.  I think Apostrophe (') and Zoot Allures would both be great starters, as well.

Those are all excellent suggestions, because they'd each make great "starter" Zappa albums, and are also great albums anyway.  The only one I'd add to the list is Roxy & Elsewhere.  That one's a must-have.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 10, 2010, 01:54:18 AM
"Smash every creep in the face with a rock"
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on June 17, 2010, 12:54:37 AM
The new keyboardist for the ZPZ band is kickass... and he can sing too! When we saw them the other week (awesome show btw) for a second we thought it was Scheila.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R5W_swKHJI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKsTOnMGRnU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCH42mAEwmU


Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on June 17, 2010, 05:23:28 AM
Just discovered Joe's Garage. What a fantastic album!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Slain on June 17, 2010, 05:42:19 AM
Yeeeee!  Whats the previous ZPZ one like?  And who's seen the latest Live in Paris DVD?

The previous ZPZ dvd is playing in my DVD player right now, it's one of the best music DVD's I've ever seen. Great quality of audio and video, and great band.

I completely agree. I bought it, not knowing a whole lot about Frank Zappa, and it completely got me into his stuff. Great Quality DVD, there's really not one thing to complain about it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on June 17, 2010, 05:47:15 AM
The new keyboardist for the ZPZ band is kickass... and he can sing too! When we saw them the other week (awesome show btw) for a second we thought it was Scheila.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R5W_swKHJI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKsTOnMGRnU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCH42mAEwmU




Nice!  You can't have a Zappa tribute band without having an awesome keyboardist with the pipes to match.  That's like, a Zappa trademark :lol  That and unisons involving marimba's :D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on June 17, 2010, 12:34:01 PM
Fuck yes.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 18, 2010, 06:16:46 AM
Yeeeee!  Whats the previous ZPZ one like?  And who's seen the latest Live in Paris DVD?

The previous ZPZ dvd is playing in my DVD player right now, it's one of the best music DVD's I've ever seen. Great quality of audio and video, and great band.

I completely agree. I bought it, not knowing a whole lot about Frank Zappa, and it completely got me into his stuff. Great Quality DVD, there's really not one thing to complain about it.

Exactly, it might be the most tight band I've ever seen on DVD.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ClairvoyantCat on June 21, 2010, 08:56:34 AM
Yeah, I think that Dvd is one of Zappa's best moments, actually.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: SPNKr on December 09, 2010, 05:35:44 PM
Hot Rats is FUCK AMAZING. I listened to it last night and I have it on again this morning. It's just so great.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on December 09, 2010, 06:00:19 PM
Hot Rats is FUCK AMAZING.

:lol

I never really cared for the album as a whole eh.  Some good songs, fo sho.  FO SHO.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ZBomber on December 09, 2010, 06:07:29 PM
I ordered Burnt Weeny Sandwich as a Christmas present for myself. Can't wait to listen to it.  :hat
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on December 09, 2010, 06:33:37 PM
That's a bit of a 'miss' Zappa album for me, but I hope to our dear lord that you enjoy it!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ZBomber on December 09, 2010, 06:38:30 PM
That's a bit of a 'miss' Zappa album for me, but I hope to our dear lord that you enjoy it!

Considering the state I'll be in when I listen to it, I shouldn't have a problem enjoying it.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 09, 2010, 06:39:54 PM
I ordered Burnt Weeny Sandwich as a Christmas present for myself. Can't wait to listen to it.  :hat

its probably the best of the later-Mothers albums. If youre into the 60s albums, you should have no problem enjoying it. I'd put it in my top 20 Zappa albums (which, when you consider his output, is very good)


EDIT: it's much more enjoyable that Weasels Ripped My Flesh. title track = fu38o2qtvibr649qtq3i 9y732y

i also agree that Hot Rats is overrated (except Peaches en Regalia). Better things were to come.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 09, 2010, 10:41:31 PM
You all is silly.  I can listen to Hot Rats end to end, then start it again.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 09, 2010, 10:47:17 PM
You all is silly.  I can listen to Hot Rats end to end, then start it again.

its a great album, one of his best. but i never understood why it's his most popular album as far as ive seen.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Birch Boy on December 09, 2010, 10:49:34 PM
I love Frank Zappa (And The Mothers Of Invention).

Seeing Zappa Plays Zappa play Apostrophe (') in it's unmitigated entirety in a week.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 09, 2010, 11:01:44 PM
You all is silly.  I can listen to Hot Rats end to end, then start it again.

its a great album, one of his best. but i never understood why it's his most popular album as far as ive seen.

Isn't that a bit of a contradiction?  It's great, one of his best, but you don't understand why it's his most popular?

Actually, I wouldn't call it his best; I couldn't pick a single "best" Zappa album.  But it's definitely up there.  Part of that, admittedly, is because it came so early in his career, but showed an incredible amount of sophistication as far as composition and arrangement.  Up to this point, The Mothers were known for silly, funny, and/or raunchy songs.  Hot Rats gave us a peek of the composer that Zappa would become, and I actually enjoy it more than his "serious" works.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 10, 2010, 01:58:37 AM
Actually in terms of composing, I've always considered Hot Rats to be somewhat weak. There are some cool composed themes and chord progressions on there, but when you compare it to something like 'Who are the brain police'? I don't know.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 10, 2010, 10:16:39 AM
You all is silly.  I can listen to Hot Rats end to end, then start it again.

its a great album, one of his best. but i never understood why it's his most popular album as far as ive seen.

Isn't that a bit of a contradiction?  It's great, one of his best, but you don't understand why it's his most popular?

Actually, I wouldn't call it his best; I couldn't pick a single "best" Zappa album.  But it's definitely up there.  Part of that, admittedly, is because it came so early in his career, but showed an incredible amount of sophistication as far as composition and arrangement.  Up to this point, The Mothers were known for silly, funny, and/or raunchy songs.  Hot Rats gave us a peek of the composer that Zappa would become, and I actually enjoy it more than his "serious" works.

you would think, being he was a popular artist at the time, that an instrumental (mostly) album would not become his most popular. i dont know...

i agree, he would also explore the jazz-fusion realm with much more success in subsequent albums (The Grand Wazoo, Roxy & Elsewhere, One Size Fits All). Hot Rats seems like there's more jamming going on, at least on the second half.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 10, 2010, 11:30:08 AM
If I had to pick a favorite Zappa period, it would have to be that mid-early 70's period (Wazoo, Roxy, One Size, but don't forget Over-Nite Sensation) because of the jazz-fusion angle.  That's some wicked fun stuff.  I've been a Zappa fan since that period, and it's the one I tend to return to the most.

George, make them dance.

Dit!

I agree that there's a lot of jamming and improv on Hots Rats.  When I said it showed sophistication, it was in the context of a first serious instrumental opus (whatever that means).  I wouldn't say it's "better" than his later stuff, I just enjoy it more.  There's something about the raw, young, indulgence of it all, the whole package, that I find really exciting.  Any time I go back and listen to the first or second album by a band or artist that's been around for decades, it's a neat trip.  There were The Mothers, but this was Frank's first solo album.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ZBomber on December 10, 2010, 11:32:14 AM
I love Frank Zappa (And The Mothers Of Invention).

Seeing Zappa Plays Zappa play Apostrophe (') in it's unmitigated entirety in a week.

HOLY DICK

WHAT WHERE

I NEED TO KNOW THIS SOUNDS AMAZING
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Birch Boy on December 10, 2010, 01:36:06 PM
I love Frank Zappa (And The Mothers Of Invention).

Seeing Zappa Plays Zappa play Apostrophe (') in it's unmitigated entirety in a week.

HOLY DICK

WHAT WHERE

I NEED TO KNOW THIS SOUNDS AMAZING
Beacon Theatre in New York next Friday.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ZBomber on December 10, 2010, 01:42:25 PM
I love Frank Zappa (And The Mothers Of Invention).

Seeing Zappa Plays Zappa play Apostrophe (') in it's unmitigated entirety in a week.

HOLY DICK

WHAT WHERE

I NEED TO KNOW THIS SOUNDS AMAZING
Beacon Theatre in New York next Friday.

Pooping myself.

I guess they're playing in Boston too, gonna see if my friend wants to go.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 11, 2010, 12:52:57 AM
You all is silly.  I can listen to Hot Rats end to end, then start it again.

As can I.  Same goes for The Grand Wazoo, which I always consider its sister. :hat
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on December 11, 2010, 01:12:27 AM
If I had to pick a favorite Zappa period, it would have to be that mid-early 70's period (Wazoo, Roxy, One Size, but don't forget Over-Nite Sensation) because of the jazz-fusion angle.

Yeah I like fusion Zappa the best too.  Although I have a soft spot for Synclavier Zappa as well. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 11, 2010, 02:51:45 AM
George, make them dance.

Dit!


I love Zappa quotes, and this one is a really good one.

Apart from that, I really agree with you on the youthfullness of Hot Rats, and on the best Zappa era. You seem to have a great Zappa taste.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 11, 2010, 06:43:19 AM
*takes a bow*
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: PlaysLikeMyung on December 11, 2010, 07:23:54 AM
the muffin man is seated in the laboratory of the utility muffin research kitchen

reaching for an oversize chrome spoon, he gathers an intimate quantity of dried muffin remnants

and brushing his scapular aside, proceeds to dump these inside of his shirt
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 11, 2010, 12:49:33 PM
Some people like cupcakes better.

I, for one, care less for them.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 11, 2010, 02:27:49 PM
Ketchup is a vegetable!

Oh and I really laugh everytime when I hear this:
"Smash every creep in the face with a rock"
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: SPNKr on December 11, 2010, 11:51:09 PM
You all is silly.  I can listen to Hot Rats end to end, then start it again.

As can I.  Same goes for The Grand Wazoo, which I always consider its sister. :hat

The Grand Wazoo is awesome. I heard for the first time last night.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 12, 2010, 12:43:39 AM
George, make them dance.

Dit!


I love Zappa quotes, and this one is a really good one.


well, this is a story about the boogers of Marty Ferellis

BOING!

8 o' clock wake up!!!

Ketchup is a vegetable!

isn't is 'cabbage is a vegetable'? and Frank is cut off by the music in the middle of saying 'vegetable'. or is this another part?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 12, 2010, 02:46:16 AM
Both ;)

The Cabbage one is on one of his first albums (I think We're Only In It For The Money), Ketchup is on an end-80ies album. Can't remember that one.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 12, 2010, 08:27:51 AM
Both ;)

The Cabbage one is on one of his first albums (I think We're Only In It For The Money), Ketchup is on an end-80ies album. Can't remember that one.

it's Absolutely Free.

oh, and which 80s album is that from? i have just about everything FZ related
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 12, 2010, 09:04:25 AM
Going to look that up rightaway.


Aaah finally, not very easy to find, I believe it's Ike Willis who shouts it during 'When the lie's so big', so it's not in all lyric sites.

On a side note: Broadway the hard way might be the best post-Joe's Garage album. (Apart from the YCDTOSA series).
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 12, 2010, 08:54:45 PM
Going to look that up rightaway.


Aaah finally, not very easy to find, I believe it's Ike Willis who shouts it during 'When the lie's so big', so it's not in all lyric sites.

On a side note: Broadway the hard way might be the best post-Joe's Garage album. (Apart from the YCDTOSA series).

how about Make a Jazz Noise Here? same band
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 12, 2010, 11:07:31 PM
I thought Make a Jazz Noise Here was the '88 band, also known as The Best Band You Never Heard in Your Life.  But I believe there are at least three official releases from that band, and Broadway the Hard Way might be the other one.  I can't remember now.

Anyway, that was an incredible band.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: SPNKr on December 13, 2010, 01:08:11 AM
Time for Hots Rats AND The Grand Wazoo in one go. This is going to be great.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 13, 2010, 05:33:18 AM
Time for Hots Rats AND The Grand Wazoo in one go. This is going to be great.

Actually I'll join you in that. Great idea!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 14, 2010, 11:30:47 AM
I have some catching up to do with my new albums...

Can't wait for the ZPZ show Friday!!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 17, 2010, 12:29:30 PM
Hey birch, where are you sitting again tonight??
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 18, 2010, 11:43:54 PM
I don't know about the rest of you, but every time I listen to Zoot Allures, I am convinced that it is one of Zappa's best.  From what I have heard, I'd put it up there with Hot Rats, The Grand Wazoo and Apostrophe (').
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: brakkum on December 19, 2010, 02:17:40 AM
This is a Frank Zappa ensemble myself and my drummer kinda put together at McNally Smith College of music, check it out!

Purple Lagoon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O2Et62Hc-4
Peaches en Regalia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eni9C1hfIYc
Uncle Meat Main Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM3stvx4iBU
Black Page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMgDpMS1GMI
King Kong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8pamVD9rgU
Oh No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Cnc2UqYOs
Son of Mr. Green Genes (with variations)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SBN9tHnOQ0

Hope you enjoy.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 19, 2010, 07:14:58 AM
I don't know about the rest of you, but every time I listen to Zoot Allures, I am convinced that it is one of Zappa's best.  From what I have heard, I'd put it up there with Hot Rats, The Grand Wazoo and Apostrophe (').

I love the title track, and the amazing combo of "Black Napkins" and "The Torture Never Stops" but the regular songs don't grab me the way the some others do.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 19, 2010, 12:07:57 PM
Wow Brakkum. That is incredible.
I've always wanted to do that at my conservatory, but I never found enough Zappa fanatics to actually pull it off.

Great songs you've chosen too, some of my very favourite Zappa tunes there.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Birch Boy on December 19, 2010, 06:42:08 PM
Hey birch, where are you sitting again tonight??
Sorry, I was banned. :P

I was on the upper balcony. I was amazed by the show. What a great venue and performance! They were better than the two previous times that I saw Dweezil's band. But one thing put a major dent in the whole experience.

THE MERCHANDISE STAND GAVE ME AN OLD TOUR SHIRT. I took it out of the bag when I got home to realize that the towns on the back were the towns from the summer tour (which I have a shirt from, and they matched up perfectly)! At the stand, a current one was hanging and that's the one that I told the lady to get, and it's an old one. I'm SO pissed, because I get a shirt at every concert I go to, and now I don't have one from this one. I e-mailed DweezilZappaWorld.com and Zappa.com. Hopefully I'll be able to get a new one. Couldn't find any online.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 19, 2010, 07:06:15 PM
Shit! Maybe emailing them will help. Obviously they screwed up.

And yeah, I agree, amazing performance. Were you in Row J, by chance??
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Birch Boy on December 19, 2010, 07:08:23 PM
I WAS!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 19, 2010, 07:27:35 PM
I think you may have been sitting almost directly in front of me if I remember pics you posted correctly (but I was a little too... out of it... to say anything because I wasn't sure if it was you. Long story :lol). Which seat #??
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Birch Boy on December 19, 2010, 07:30:19 PM
We were 101 - 104, so I think I was in 103. I was wearing a Metallica sweatshirt with my Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa tour shirt. We moved to our correct seats during "Uncle Remus" I think, because it was dark and we were rushing since we were late and accidentally sat in the wrong seats.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 19, 2010, 07:33:36 PM
Okay, then it's a good thing I didn't lean over the seat and whisper something about llamas because it wasn't you :lol

The dude had the same hair and looked around the same age as you but was wearing green... and our seats were in the 30s.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Birch Boy on December 19, 2010, 07:35:09 PM
:lol

I forgot exactly which song it was, but the solo jams were INCREDIBLE. I know it wasn't "Inca Roads"'s jam session that they usually do, it was much earlier in the set.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 19, 2010, 08:17:18 PM
Yes  :metal

It was also very cool to hear Frank and Dweezil playing together...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on June 27, 2011, 05:32:10 PM
Just have to point out that today is the 45th anniversary of Freak Out!

Everybody listen to it and freak out in celebration...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 28, 2011, 06:57:45 AM
I accidentally celebrated it then! Every morning I shower to Zappa's music. And this morning I Freak Out'ed while showering!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: MetalManiac666 on June 28, 2011, 12:51:40 PM
I accidentally celebrated it then! Every morning I shower to Zappa's music. And this morning I Freak Out'ed while showering!

Long ass shower.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on June 29, 2011, 12:07:02 AM
 :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 29, 2011, 12:57:53 AM
^^

Nah, second half was this morning, but still, nowhere near the entire album.
Why am I defending myself here? Haha.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on June 29, 2011, 02:58:28 AM
Seriously. The only thing that matters is you were all wet and soapy while listening to it :eyebrows:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 29, 2011, 03:01:23 AM
aww right.

Freak me out Frank, freak me out.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 29, 2011, 08:57:52 AM
Seriously. The only thing that matters is you were all wet and soapy while listening to it :eyebrows:

And here comes the water!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on June 29, 2011, 10:49:57 AM
And here comes... the ice pick in the forehead!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on July 01, 2011, 04:57:26 AM
Bend over an' spread 'em, here comes my BULLET
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 01, 2011, 11:42:48 PM
Your father is waiting for you in the toolshed. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on July 02, 2011, 01:39:32 AM
Fantastic news superhero of the current economic slump

(I can only imagine non Zappa fans trying to follow this)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 06, 2011, 05:33:20 AM
Btw, I'm doing a zappathon right now. Started a couple of weeks ago, listening to every Zappa album there is, Freak Out to Hammersmith Odeon.
I just started with Zappa in New York, and man, what a massive project this is.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on September 06, 2011, 09:00:58 AM
I've thought about doing that, but feared that I might be totally insane by time I was done.  Being partially insane is bad enough.  Also, I'm not sure if I have them all.  I have 43, so I think I'm missing a few.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on September 06, 2011, 12:35:46 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 07, 2011, 02:28:54 AM
I've thought about doing that, but feared that I might be totally insane by time I was done.  Being partially insane is bad enough.  Also, I'm not sure if I have them all.  I have 43, so I think I'm missing a few.

Officially I believe there are 96 albums. So yeah, you're missing a few. I've got everything digital, but try to listen to as much physical copies as my planning can stand. (Mostly I listen to my zappathon in the train)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on September 07, 2011, 08:02:09 AM
AMG lists 75 "main albums", but even though they have a separate section for compilations and another for singles and EPs, that number still includes a bunch non-album releases, plus tributes and stuff.  I would say the real figure is closer to 60 or 65.  I'm curious as to where you get the number 96.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 07, 2011, 08:13:46 AM
23 rows of 4 on the official Zappa site. So that's 92, sorry. And that lists for example both the 2disc and the 4disc edition of MOFO, or the Old Masters Box Sets. But then again it doesn't list the AAAFNRAA bundles, or any best of's, Beat The Boots, or any other oddities.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on September 07, 2011, 08:38:44 AM
Okay, I found the discography at zappa.com, but honestly, there's a bunch stuff in there that I don't know if I'd count.  Aren't the Old Masters a compilation series?  Mothers of Prevention, Does Humor Belong in Music?, even the MOFO stuff.  Once you get to the 90's, it's hard to tell what to consider an "real" album and which ones are straight-out money grabs by Gail & Co.  Those last several rows were all released after Frank's death.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 07, 2011, 08:51:01 AM
Yeah, I've been wondering about that too. Maybe I'll stop after Phase III. But then again I'm very curious about the Joe's ...-series.

And yeah, the Does Humour.. and Baby Snakes albums are basically the same audio as the dvd's, but those are great, and the records were released because Zappa wanted too.
Oh and Lather does cost a lot of time, haha. Listening to New York, Studio Tan and Sleep Dirt twice isn't a pain though.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on September 07, 2011, 10:43:09 AM
What is the deal with all the Joe's.. stuff, anyway?
I went into a record store and saw like a million of them and had no idea what they were.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on September 07, 2011, 03:53:52 PM
I was wondering the same thing.  The original albums were Joe's Garage, Act I, and then the double LP Joe's Garage, Acts II & III.  I've also seen them packaged together as a triple LP and a double CD.

But the others, (Joe's Corsage, Joe's Domage, etc.) all came out after Frank's death and those are the ones I'm really suspicious of.  The track listings seem to indicate a mix of familiar and new (to me) stuff, which makes them tempting, but I'd feel a lot better with a few reviews to read.  The album titles are obviously meant to form an association with Joe's Garage but the track listings don't bear that out.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 07, 2011, 03:56:05 PM
I believe it's just rarities from the vault (garage for that matter). But what they are exactly I don't know, but I know that there's a very cool very early version of Honey Don't You Want A Man Like Me on one of em.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on September 07, 2011, 04:08:33 PM
It's a tough situation.  We know that Frank recorded literally everything, and we know that there have to be many hidden treasures.  But when it's anyone other than Frank putting the tracks together and doing the liner notes, I still feel like it's not a "real" Zappa/Mothers album.  And yet, this is the best we're gonna get now that he's gone.

I'm not one of those who loves to dig into 500 different live versions of the same songs, so in any one of those later releases, there's maybe 50% stuff I don't really care about.  I rarely find myself preferring a live version of a song, even a really good live version, over the studio version I've been listening to for 30 years.  Usually it's somewhat interesting, amusing at best.  Frank loved to play with the arrangements, so there will be parts sped up, parts missing, extra stuff injected, and overall it usually just sounds "wrong" to me.  I'm sure that most people aren't as anal as I am, but I'm probably not alone in feeling that way either.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on September 07, 2011, 05:33:57 PM
I hear that.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 08, 2011, 01:35:29 AM
Yeah, I agree with that, some really give some amazing insight in his life, his way of composing or how tunes developed. But other releases are just too much. The newest two that I've seen (Hammersmith Odeon and Philly '76) are just two live albums I think. But I'll listen to them soon.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 03, 2011, 07:15:20 AM
I've arrived at YCDTOSA 2, man this is some project. And I must say I don't like most of his output in the mid 80's.
I mean, Francesco Zappa? That was difficult to get through.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on October 03, 2011, 11:09:29 AM
I agree on the 80's stuff.  He was getting a bit too "out there" for even my taste.

YCDTOSA 2 is awesome, but I still prefer Roxy & Elsewhere to it.  Probably because I'd heard it first.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 03, 2011, 01:41:24 PM
Yes true. And I've found out that I know the YCDTOSA series less well than I thought. I know some tracks really, really well, or some passages. With the best known one 'Don't Eat That Yellow Snow' off of No. 1 (man that track's great), but a lot I have apparently skipped in the past.

Well I guess I'll need a couple more weeks to finish all the albums he made when he was alive, I'll make a top +/-60 then, I guess, haha.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on October 20, 2011, 06:00:49 PM
I'm finishing up my first listen of Freak Out. This is some great stuff.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 20, 2011, 06:24:02 PM
I've arrived at YCDTOSA 2, man this is some project. And I must say I don't like most of his output in the mid 80's.
I mean, Francesco Zappa? That was difficult to get through.

Francesco Zappa is not a real Zappa album, as it contains music than Frank found at a library that was written by a 19th century composer named Francesco Zappa, and played the music on his synclavier (I think), and presented it as an album. So that one doesn't count.

I consider the '88 band the best thing about 80s Zappa (besides the early 80s albums)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 21, 2011, 02:26:14 AM
I'm finishing up my first listen of Freak Out. This is some great stuff.

Yes, yes it is.

And Darkshade, well, since Zappa released it, it is a Zappa album. I know he didn't write the music himself, but he arranged it for synclavier.

Oh and, yesterday, in my local cd shop, the owner came to me: "Thought you'd like this"
A new zappa album, "Feeding the monkeys at ma mansion".

And although I've only heard 15 minutes or so, this must be his most tasteful synclavier music. I'm not really fond of Jazz from Hell, Francesco Zappa or Meets the mothers of Prevention, but this is different. If you like the sound of the synclavier, but you don't like the rushed compositions, this one is the thing for you. More space, more air, less Schonberg/Webern, more Debussy/Gorecki. (well sort of).
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 21, 2011, 09:22:13 AM
I never got into the bulk of Freak Out, but Trouble Every Day and Help I'm a Rock are both pretty sweet. :coolio
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 22, 2011, 11:00:31 AM
I like Freak Out because it starts out so pedestrian, and gradually gets weirder and weirder and weirder and weirder and weirder and weirder and weirder and weirder and weirder

But I only listen to it on occasion.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on October 22, 2011, 01:45:31 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on October 22, 2011, 01:54:37 PM
The roommate of a friend of mine was home one time when we didn't realize she was, and we were out in the living room smoking non-tobacco and cranking Freak Out!  We listened to all four sides (fuck yeah vinyl) and when it was done we were just kinda sitting there and she wandered out of her room, half asleep.  We had no idea anyone else was home.  So we asked what she thought, and she said some of it was okay, but most of it sounded like "a nightmare".  We busted out laughing, because it actually made sense.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on October 22, 2011, 06:01:28 PM
I think I might actually like Freak Out! more than the late Beatles output.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: LieLowTheWantedMan on October 22, 2011, 06:04:23 PM
Am I the only one who really doesn't get the hype of Joe's Garage? Like it starts out great but after Why Does It Hurt When I Pee? it goes right downhill. Dong Work for Yuda and Watermelon in Easter Hay being exceptions.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on October 22, 2011, 10:30:52 PM
I used to feel that way, sortuv.  Act I is terrific, never a dull moment.  With Acts II and III, the story kinda fizzles out and things get really weird for a while, but I think that might be the idea.  I never cared for either Dong Work or Keep It Greasy, but I love the mood in Outside Now and He Used to Cut the Grass.  Packard Goose is kinda fun, but what really saves it for me is Frank's amazing work in Watermelon in Easter Hay.  Whoa.  It took me a while to really get into the later parts of Joe's Garage, but once I did, it definitely took hold.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on October 23, 2011, 01:02:53 AM
Act 1 is pure genius. The only highlight for me for the rest of the acts is Watermelon in Easter Hay.

After listening to Keep It Greasey, I could definitely tell that Frank produced Grand Funk Railroad's Good Singin' Good Playin'
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 23, 2011, 01:18:11 AM
Act 1 and Shiek Yer Bouti are my favorites things from the late 70s Zappa stuff. ...Easter Hay is great of course
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on October 23, 2011, 03:14:29 AM
I pretty much love all of Joe's Garage...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 23, 2011, 08:04:13 AM
Big confession: I never 'got' Joe's Garage either. The sound just doesn't stand out compared to what he did before (New York, Sheik etc.) and after (You are what you is, Ship Arriving...)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on October 23, 2011, 01:03:38 PM
Part of it is just the mystique of doing a concept album.  It's a major work, so you get some points for even trying it, but you still have to have mad skills to make it work and do it right.  I figure if anyone can do that, it's Frank, but I can see why Joe's Garage doesn't work for some people.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 23, 2011, 01:07:42 PM
Well, actually. Joe's Garage was an after-recording made concept album. The concept and the Central Scrutinizer narrations were added later, to make some sort of story.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on October 23, 2011, 01:58:45 PM
Really??
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on October 23, 2011, 02:39:12 PM
Did not know that.  Damn, today has been a day of enlightenment!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on October 23, 2011, 02:39:57 PM
First the kids in Stand and Deliver really cheated, and now this.  Life seems so meaningless now...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ClairvoyantCat on October 23, 2011, 03:07:14 PM
I've been meaning to try more Zappa for a long time; I've only heard Hot Rats (which I enjoyed but wasn't wild about) and a scatter of this and that which I've forgotten, mostly.  I remember really liking that one song called "Outside Now." 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on October 23, 2011, 07:27:33 PM
Outside Now is awesome.  One of the moody ones from Joe's Garage.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on October 23, 2011, 08:11:36 PM
Catholic Girls still makes me laugh
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: LieLowTheWantedMan on October 23, 2011, 08:19:36 PM
Catholic Girls is pretty awesome. One of the songs from Joe's Garage that REALLY loses me is Sy Borg though. I really cannot stand that song.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on October 23, 2011, 08:22:06 PM
Well, it is from Act II after all. But really, when Joe meets L Ron Hoover, the story and album just kind of take a nosedive only to be revitalized by a few songs here and there
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 24, 2011, 02:32:00 AM
Really??

Yeah, although I have to verify that, wait a minute.

Well, not the best but no-one on the zappa forums goes wild when the poster makes statements about the concept being added later, and most of the songs being written before the actual album recordings. (I.E. before the concept was added)
https://www.zappa.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=13987&view=next

Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 24, 2011, 08:44:08 AM
I do think that Joe's Garage gets a bit tedious after a while.  On their own, I like almost every song on the album, but by the time A Token of My Extreme kicks in, I start losing interest when trying to go start to finish.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on October 27, 2011, 03:22:38 AM
Yeah, parts II and III were something of a letdown for me as well after the great act I.

What I cant'get over is the awesome live versions they performed of Freak Out! with the '74 ensemble (i.e. on the bootleg 'audacity').
Napoleon Murphy Brock was somewhat of a character, but he sang the HELL out of those tunes! For instance, 'How could I be such a fool?' The harmonies are fantastic as well. Always loved the vocal parts live of Ike Willes and Ray White as well. Outstandig vocalists.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 27, 2011, 03:28:15 AM
You mean "Unmitigated Audacity" off of Beat The Boots?

I must say that (Apart from 'tis the season to be jelly' which I have on vinyl) I have never really dug into BTB.
I will totally listen to that in a minute!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on October 27, 2011, 03:35:23 AM
Yeah, that's the one! The sound isn't all that great but the entire first half is great, imo. BTB is off course, just that, a bunch of boots, but I always loved listening to some of those, just for the humor in between songs that sometimes literally had me rolling with laughter.

"this is the b- side of our new single which we send out to radiostations, who never play them anyway. The stomp on them and break them instead because they rather play songs by bands that are cute and have shiny hair. Not that there's anything wrong with us, other then we're all ugly and over fourty....' (something like that anyway).
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: rogerdil on October 27, 2011, 01:00:50 PM
Listened to Over-Nite Sensation for the first time in ages.  What a great album, my favorite of his studio albums.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on October 28, 2011, 01:55:57 AM
Overnight Sensation, Apostrophe ', One size fits all, you can't go wrong with those.
Also, although its' a very different animal, I love Hot Rats and The Grand Wazoo.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 28, 2011, 09:43:37 AM

And Darkshade, well, since Zappa released it, it is a Zappa album. I know he didn't write the music himself, but he arranged it for synclavier.


I was just making sure people were aware of the fact.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 28, 2011, 09:47:33 AM
Overnite Sensation and One Size Fits All both came highly recommended when I was first getting into Zappa, but, while I like both, neither of them knock my socks off or anything.  I will always go for Hot Rats, Zoot Allures, The Grand Wazoo and Apostrophe (') before just about anything else I have by him.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 28, 2011, 09:49:29 AM
^ If we're talking that era of Frank, Roxy & Elsewhere takes the cake
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 28, 2011, 09:49:50 AM
Totally.














Totally
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on October 28, 2011, 11:58:50 AM
Totally.  Easily my favorite from that period.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on November 15, 2011, 07:54:04 PM
I'm listening to "We're Only in it for the Money" right now. This guy is a fucking nutcase.  :lol

So far, I've heard Freak Out!, Ship Arriving too Late to Save a Drowning Witch, Hot Rats, and this. I probably prefer them in that order, but I think this one might sit nicely beside Freak Out! if it keeps being this awesome. Where should I go next?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on November 15, 2011, 08:28:12 PM
Roxy & Elsewhere.  That is always the next album you should listen to.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 16, 2011, 12:32:41 AM
Speaking of which, where's that DVD?!  ;)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 16, 2011, 12:52:10 AM
I'm listening to "We're Only in it for the Money" right now. This guy is a fucking nutcase.  :lol

So far, I've heard Freak Out!, Ship Arriving too Late to Save a Drowning Witch, Hot Rats, and this. I probably prefer them in that order, but I think this one might sit nicely beside Freak Out! if it keeps being this awesome. Where should I go next?

Well....the Zappa musiverse is so diverse, it all depends on where your interests lay. I remember hearing '200 motels' for the very first time, thinking 'That's it?' Boy, was I wrong. And for all references and hot poop: The Real Frank Zappa Book, people.

On topic: I just played the first three albums again after quite a while and was again amazed how well thought out these concepts all were. I mean, we're talking about the age before digital recording here. There must have been weeks spent on editting all those burps, quirks, and whatever it all is alone. But listen to the great instrumental interplay for instance on 'Mom & Dad', the piano, the guitar, bass and drums alone. Not to mention the fantastic lyrical content. 'Harry, you're a beast', 'Bowtie daddy' 'Let's make the water turn black' 'Flower pop'? Has there EVER been a more scathing satire about hippy-dom>? If you dig all that, I think you're ready to experience
Uncle Meat.  :eek

Also, for other great recordings of the first mothers, try 'Ahead of their time' and Burnt Weenie Sandwich'

Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 16, 2011, 02:59:58 AM
I've actually just listened to Ahead of their Time, again yesterday. Man they were great in that period, a bunch of randomness in the first half of the album, but the second half is just a good old mothers show.

But I totally can't wait for Carnegie Hall! 4 CD's of Flo & Eddie.



Oh and I've found the Roxy DVD, in a cradle beneath the Vatican, surrounded by poodles, funny cars and white persons.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 16, 2011, 03:10:51 AM

Oh and I've found the Roxy DVD, in a cradle beneath the Vatican, surrounded by poodles, funny cars and white persons.


Yeah, not in our lifetime, mate....  :D

BTW, I'd love that Carnegie Hall release...goddamn my credit status...  :facepalm:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 16, 2011, 03:12:34 AM
Oh yeah, I can't buy that either. I'm totally broke, and that's not good for a Zappa fan.
70-80 bucks for Philly 76, Hammersmith Odeon, Buffalo, OZ, Carnegie Hall... Man too much stuff to buy.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 16, 2011, 04:01:04 AM
Can you believe those prices? I mean, I know it's good product, but come on....
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 16, 2011, 04:09:21 AM
Yeah I know.

BTW, get your one-eyed ass over in the 'Biggest fan' thread, I'm eager to see how big of a Zappa fan you are (I think you outscore me)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 16, 2011, 06:14:02 AM
Yeah I know.

BTW, get your one-eyed ass over in the 'Biggest fan' thread, I'm eager to see how big of a Zappa fan you are (I think you outscore me)

Well....I knew you'd be surprised.....  :mehlin
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 16, 2011, 08:50:31 AM
1! 2! 3! 4!

Randandandurandandandurandandandurandaa!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 16, 2011, 08:51:30 AM
Oh, btw, listened to the first disc of CPIII in the train, now I'll pop in disc two.

And yes, I'm still only at album 63 of my Zappathon.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: 7StringedBeast on November 16, 2011, 10:31:53 AM
Just posting to say, I have a few Zappa albums, but haven't even listened to them all yet.  However, I do consistently listen to Sheik Yerbouti and Joe's Garage.

Sheik is just awesome and catchy and hilarious with a lot of great songs on it.

Joe's Garage is the same, but the story is pretty cool and the overall message and story about how music becomes outlawed and life just turns to shit makes you think a bit.

It's a way of liiiifeee.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 16, 2011, 10:53:25 AM
Get You Are What You Is....you´ll love it.  Trust me.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 16, 2011, 03:32:39 PM
Yeah, totally, I always see Sheik and You Are as a duo.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: 7StringedBeast on November 16, 2011, 04:16:19 PM
Word I'll check it out.  I also have burnt weeny sandwich.  I can't say I was too into it when I listened to it though.  Was totally different than the other stuff.  I think I need to check out some of his more fusion stuff.  When I saw ZPZ twice they were playing a lot of different stuff that I had never heard, but it was so awesome live.  I saw them play Apostrophe live and that was awesome.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on November 19, 2011, 09:16:14 PM
Listening to Roxy & Elsewhere right now. It's quite excellent so far.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on November 19, 2011, 09:57:58 PM
:tup

It is all excellent.  The last track, "Be-Bop Tango (of the Old Jazzman's Church)" may challenge you, but stick with it.  The payoff at the end is well worth it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on November 19, 2011, 10:03:39 PM
Be-Bop is by far the highlight of the whole thing so far. The dancing segment is just amazing.  :metalol:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 20, 2011, 05:33:38 AM
Be-Bop is by far the highlight of the whole thing so far. The dancing segment is just amazing.  :metalol:

Be bop is beyond amazing, the theme of that song is so incredibly difficult to play.


Carl! Rick and Jane!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on November 20, 2011, 07:20:09 AM
George, make them dance!

dit!

Now, now...


I love the way he gets everyone up at the end, turns on the house lights, then hits them with some solid R & B that just smokes.  What a way to end a show, send 'em out dancing and grooving.

Anything you wanna do
Is all right
You wanna do anything you wanna do
It's all right
Yeah
Because you know you came to the right place
Tonight
(gimme some of that wine, darlin'!)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 21, 2011, 06:36:21 AM
Cheepnis. Man, I almost died laughing when I heard that.

Also, LOVE the guitar solo in Son of Orange Valley.  :metal


'She's just a pinguin in bondage, boyyyyy....'
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 21, 2011, 06:57:38 AM
It's out today! Carnegie Hall, with a 46 minute version of Billy the Mountain on it.




Too bad I don't have any money.....
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 21, 2011, 07:30:27 AM
Argh, Have you heard the news?  :facepalm:Can't afford no shoes....
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on November 21, 2011, 09:35:05 AM
I think I'm becoming somewhat of an addict. Between Zappa and Devin Townsend, they both cover enough ground that I'm not sure what else I would ever need to listen to.

Listening to We're Only In it For the Money again, and it's amazing that someone who hates the hippie culture so much managed to make better hippie music than the hippies themselves.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 21, 2011, 09:52:23 AM
Zappa and Townsend is exactly what I'm listening to too. Although Devy's harder work is too hard for my tastes, I love to listen to Ghost as an alternative for the crazyness that is Zappa.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: 7StringedBeast on November 21, 2011, 10:14:06 AM
The "You can't do that on stage anymore" discs are awesome.  I've been listening to Volume 3 (I think) and it's great.  Great live band.ß
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on November 21, 2011, 11:20:35 AM
It's out today! Carnegie Hall, with a 46 minute version of Billy the Mountain on it.

Whoa!  I must.

Too bad I don't have any money.....

Yeah, me too.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 21, 2011, 03:25:44 PM
The "You can't do that on stage anymore" discs are awesome.  I've been listening to Volume 3 (I think) and it's great.  Great live band.ß

Most fun on stage, on that disc. The Hi Ho Silver sections are really awesome.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: 7StringedBeast on November 21, 2011, 04:19:11 PM
The "You can't do that on stage anymore" discs are awesome.  I've been listening to Volume 3 (I think) and it's great.  Great live band.ß

Most fun on stage, on that disc. The Hi Ho Silver sections are really awesome.

Oh my god I was loving those!  Everytime he said Hi Ho silver they all crack up and then I would start smiling.  Great stu- HI HO SILVERRRRR
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 22, 2011, 02:28:18 AM
That's a barrel of laughs, that one, how about: 'Massimo!' in Nig Bizz? fighting your way through teargass, what fun!  ;D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 22, 2011, 05:19:50 AM
That's a barrel of laughs, that one, how about: 'Massimo!' in Nig Bizz? fighting your way through teargass, what fun!  ;D

Or the poetry section in the Don't Eat The Yellow Snow Suite on YCDTOSA1.

Or... the award for most fun goes to:

The Groupie Routine also on Stage 1. Much more fun version than the Do You Like My New Car? on Fillmore.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: 7StringedBeast on November 22, 2011, 10:25:44 AM
Do you guys know what that Hi Ho Silver thing was all about?  Is there any back story to that nonsense?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 22, 2011, 12:03:27 PM
Do you guys know what that Hi Ho Silver thing was all about?  Is there any back story to that nonsense?

Yes, I believe the liner notes said it was a comic book hero. Or at least a line out of that comic book.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 22, 2011, 12:05:37 PM
Sorry, apperantly it's from The Lone Ranger:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDedUcmvgL8
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 22, 2011, 12:20:57 PM
´Masked man´s a fag´...  :laugh:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: 7StringedBeast on November 22, 2011, 12:41:52 PM
Sorry, apperantly it's from The Lone Ranger:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDedUcmvgL8

Yeah I know that, I was just wondering why they kept saying it during the show and if anyone knew the story of why it was repeated so much.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 22, 2011, 01:12:55 PM
Oh no, just on stage humor. Check out the Flo and Eddie period (Fillmore East most notably) for more of that on stage insiders jokes that crack up the members of the band, but aren't easy to understand.

What's the Uncle Meat song again... Sleeping in a Jar, has lyrics, but all insiders jokes.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: 7StringedBeast on November 22, 2011, 01:18:38 PM
Ah ok cool
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Algo Fonix on December 12, 2011, 11:57:53 AM
I've been listening to pretty much nothing but Zappa for the past week or so. Grabbed Hot Rats and Sheik Yerbouti and love them both. I think I'll need to let them sink in before I expand any more, though.

I'm kind of ashamed to have heard about Zappa's genius for so long and I didn't listen sooner.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 12, 2011, 03:25:25 PM
But at least you listen now.  That's the important thing.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 13, 2011, 01:37:31 AM
Oh no, just on stage humor. Check out the Flo and Eddie period (Fillmore East most notably) for more of that on stage insiders jokes that crack up the members of the band, but aren't easy to understand.

What's the Uncle Meat song again... Sleeping in a Jar, has lyrics, but all insiders jokes.

"Patrick is a vegetable!" "Aaaahh!"
"Stop holding your pickle!"
"She'll whip up some soup for you too!"
"and they'll complain if I talk about this horrible pizza during the show...."

This is one of the things that makes Zappa such a joy to listen too. A lot of it is explained (for instance in the YCDTOSA booklets), but most of it isn't and you'll have to figure it out for yourself. Took me decades to figure out that the 'song about flying saucers' Inca Roads isn't about flying saucers at all....


it's about a booger that landed...On Ruth! :D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 13, 2011, 07:26:32 AM
It's 'Ketchup is a vegetable' right?

Oh wait, but he says something different on another album right?

Man all that conceptual continuity is driving me mad, haha.

"Maaaaad, with... desire!"
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 13, 2011, 03:47:23 PM
Cabbage is a vegetab----
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: E.S. on December 14, 2011, 12:18:15 AM
Call any vegetable...   :neverusethis:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2011, 02:06:19 AM
Cabbage is a vegetab----

Aah yes, that's the original. And live he turns it in ketchup
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 14, 2011, 12:56:14 PM
HELP I'M A ROCK
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2011, 01:01:36 PM
It's a drag being a cop, I think I'd rather be the mayor.



BTW, still going strong with my public transport zappathon. Had to go by train again today, listened to album 71: Halloween today. And I don't know, one of the first ZFT albums that's doesn't really have anything special. I know, it's nice to hear a recording with Shankar, and the Vinnie Coliuta solo is good, but there isn't a single track that is better than 'good'.

And I'm looking forward to album 72 Joe's Corsage. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 14, 2011, 01:03:21 PM
I tried listening to Absolutely Free the other day, but it didn't grab me like Freak Out! Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch, or We're Only In it For the Money did.

I think I might get Apostrophe next.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2011, 01:06:30 PM
Wait a tick... Freak, Money and Ship?! Strange combo.
How about trying a You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore? I'd recommend 2 or 3 for you.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 14, 2011, 01:13:41 PM
I don't know why I like Ship so much. All I know is that No Not Now is probably one of the catchiest songs I've ever heard.

As an aside, the guitar work in Nanook Rubs It is fucking awesome.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2011, 01:16:46 PM
Oh yes, Nanook rocks balls. And No Not Now is great, I just thought you wouldn't like the production. (Oh and in the case of catchy-ness, have you heard Let Me Take You To The Beach? ;) )
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 14, 2011, 01:18:45 PM
I think the production is my favorite part about the album. It's so 80s. Haven't heard that song, but I'll check it out after Apostrophe's over.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2011, 01:21:18 PM
You're listening to Apostrophe as we speak? Cool! After the Yellow Snow Suite, my favourites are Cosmik Debris and Stinkfoot, both in my top 10 Zappa songs, I think.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 14, 2011, 01:23:21 PM
Cosmik Debris is NGFFFFFFFFFFF SO GOOD.

What else does he have like this one? It's kicking my ass.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2011, 01:36:15 PM
You HAVE to check out YCDTOSA 2 now. That band is so much fun.

Oh and Roxy and Elsewhere is the best album with that band.

But more of those bluesy fun tracks? Just wait for the album closer, haha.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 14, 2011, 01:37:07 PM
On it right now. My goodness. :metalol:

Got Roxy already. Very enjoyable. I guess I'll get YCDTOSA 2 then.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2011, 04:33:22 PM
Nice, I love how we see you're Zappa quest live on DTF here, haha.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 14, 2011, 04:54:04 PM
Yeah, that's the beauty of the internet. He is quickly becoming my second favorite musician (Nobody will ever touch Devin Townsend, of course). I'll probably listen to Overly Long Acronym Vol. 2 tonight.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 15, 2011, 02:21:50 AM
IIiiiiiiiiii come from noowheeere....and you must go there....'

'Valley girl, she's a valley girl...'

'What happenend to you? George has a tape of it? Ok, we'll use that next show!'  :rollin

'Ricky don't lose that number...you don't wanna lose that number, Ricky...'
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 15, 2011, 05:39:42 AM
Yeah, that's the beauty of the internet. He is quickly becoming my second favorite musician (Nobody will ever touch Devin Townsend, of course). I'll probably listen to Overly Long Acronym Vol. 2 tonight.

Yeah, I totally understand. I'd love to see your reaction of Room Service, or Approximate.


Oh yeah, and the George Duke quote is great. The Gorilla Suit quotes are great too.
Oh and "Room 33 is right next to 44, right? And that's the room that's got the smell of the dogs coming out of it... -I haven't even told you 'bout the dogs yet."
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 15, 2011, 06:15:37 AM
Evelyn a modified dog...

Poodle lecture!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 15, 2011, 12:33:15 PM
HOw does everyone here feel about Lather? I think it's a top 5 Zappa album, including many FZ classics
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 15, 2011, 12:35:52 PM
I'm having trouble with not seeing it as a compilation album. Instead of seeing the three albums it comprises as 'parts of lather' I still see Lather as those three albums combined.

Apart from that it's long, and I've only listened to it totally, a couple of times.


In short: I'm having difficulties with it, but it can definitely be a top 10 Zappa album for me.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 15, 2011, 12:44:35 PM
Check your PM's, Nihil.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 15, 2011, 12:46:43 PM
I've had it for a while, and still have never gotten all the way through it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 15, 2011, 12:59:38 PM
I'm having trouble with not seeing it as a compilation album. Instead of seeing the three albums it comprises as 'parts of lather' I still see Lather as those three albums combined.

Apart from that it's long, and I've only listened to it totally, a couple of times.


In short: I'm having difficulties with it, but it can definitely be a top 10 Zappa album for me.

But the tracklisting is completely different. Aside from some of the Zappa New York tracks, (since I have ZNY for a while before Lather), it feels like an epic 3 part album; even the ZNY tracks are a little different from the ones on ZNY (different mixes, slightly longer track lengths.)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 15, 2011, 01:04:55 PM
Oh yeah I know, that's why I said it feels like a compilation. Like a best of of that era. And yeah, the different mixes and edits are mostly cool (apart from the shorter Titties and Beer, haha) but like I said, it doesn't really grip me.

But I'll have a try again after I finish my zappathon, haha.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: rogerdil on December 15, 2011, 02:05:45 PM
Jesus, Fifty-Fifty/Zombie Woof and of course the last two songs on Over-Nite Sensation, so fucking great.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 15, 2011, 02:19:41 PM
I'm a total sucker for Zomby Woof. The original is awesome, all the live versions are great, and the Zappa Plays Zappa version from the first DVD is incredibly awesome. (That Vai guitar solo!!!)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: rogerdil on December 15, 2011, 02:25:25 PM
Shit, I've never heard the Zappa Plays Zappa version, gotta get on that.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 15, 2011, 02:28:38 PM
Yes. You got to. If you can stand Vai's wanky side, you'll enjoy it.

Man it makes me smile even thinking of it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 15, 2011, 02:52:12 PM
My favorite version of Zomby Woof is on Best band You Never Heard In Your Life. That version is hot fire.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Phoenix87x on December 15, 2011, 04:00:03 PM
Need some help guys.

    I have just recently got into Frank Zappa, maybe about 4 months ago and at this point, the only album I have is Hot Rats. I

absolutely love Hot Rats and I need some advice on where to go next. Any suggestions?

Thanks 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 15, 2011, 04:51:02 PM
Need some help guys.

    I have just recently got into Frank Zappa, maybe about 4 months ago and at this point, the only album I have is Hot Rats. I

absolutely love Hot Rats and I need some advice on where to go next. Any suggestions?

Thanks 

The Grand Wazoo

if you want to check out similar albums but with vocals, check out One Size Fits All, or Roxy & Elsewhere
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 15, 2011, 04:52:40 PM
and speaking of The Grand Wazoo, I dont know about you guys, but I prefer this track order (which I think is the original track listing)

For Calvin (& His Next Two Hitchhikers)
The Grand Wazoo
Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus
Eat That Question
Blessed Relief
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 16, 2011, 12:42:56 AM
I'm having trouble with not seeing it as a compilation album. Instead of seeing the three albums it comprises as 'parts of lather' I still see Lather as those three albums combined.

Apart from that it's long, and I've only listened to it totally, a couple of times.


In short: I'm having difficulties with it, but it can definitely be a top 10 Zappa album for me.

I'm having the EXACT same problem. Although as a work in itself, I think it holds up great.

I'm just thinking with all the live tracks: 'that used to be followed by...etc'
I'm in awe of the Waka/Jawaka, Studio Tan tracks though.... totally majestic. Also, all the Sheik yerboutti percussion tracks are a bit tiresome I think.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 16, 2011, 04:36:36 AM
and speaking of The Grand Wazoo, I dont know about you guys, but I prefer this track order (which I think is the original track listing)

For Calvin (& His Next Two Hitchhikers)
The Grand Wazoo
Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus
Eat That Question
Blessed Relief

Never really thought about that, I'll try it once!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 16, 2011, 08:18:13 AM
"I will love the police as they kick the shit out of me."
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 16, 2011, 09:55:08 AM
"I will love the police as they kick the shit out of me."

That song was on my work-out playlist last year. I laughed out loud on many occasions during that section, I loved the puzzled looks people gave me, especially when they could hear just a tiny bit of the music.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 16, 2011, 10:34:52 AM
and speaking of The Grand Wazoo, I dont know about you guys, but I prefer this track order (which I think is the original track listing)

For Calvin (& His Next Two Hitchhikers)
The Grand Wazoo
Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus
Eat That Question
Blessed Relief

Never really thought about that, I'll try it once!

first time I tried it, it put a whole new perspective on the album. I appreciate it more because of it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on December 17, 2011, 03:46:13 PM
Hey guys, what is "Feeding The Monkeys at Mah Mansion?" I've been searching for info, but none seems to come up.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 18, 2011, 03:37:16 AM
His most tasteful Synclavier work ever. Longer more drawn out pieces, not the fast bleepy-bloppy on other synclavier albums.

IMO a must have if you like his synclavier work.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on December 18, 2011, 07:39:47 AM
I haven't even heard his synclavier work. I'll have to try it though.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 18, 2011, 01:05:41 PM
I remember seeing an interview with Frank back when he'd been using a Synclavier for only a little while.  He was very excited about it because it could play stuff he could compose that was physically impossible for humans to play.  He viewed it not just as an instrument for performance, but also an aid to composition.  Physical limitations were no longer an issue.  So I think he went a little nuts at first coming up with (and recording) stuff that really, really pushed the envelope.

I picked up Jazz From Hell shortly after that and remember thinking that it sounded pretty much how I expected it to, given what Frank had said.  Very clever stuff, complex, interesting from both a musical and intellectual position, but not really stuff I was going to listen to repeatedly.

I've heard of "Feeding The Monkeys at Mah Mansion" but had no idea what it was.  I might check it out.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 19, 2011, 12:09:17 AM
Yeah you should. If you like the 'idea' of the synclavier, but 'couldn't really approach its statistical density, in its basic form', Monkies is a great album.

That being said, I haven't listened to it more than 2-3 times either. Not yet.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on December 21, 2011, 03:03:31 PM
Today would have been his 71st birthday. I wish I could go back in time and experience one of his concerts.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 21, 2011, 07:52:10 PM
Yep. I am listening to a shitload of records to celebrate  :D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 21, 2011, 08:27:43 PM
I got to see Frank once, on the "Crush All Boxes" tour, ultimately immortalized on the album Tinseltown Rebellion.  It was an amazing show, but dampened by a few factors.  I thought for sure that I'd posted an account/review of the concert here, but I just went through the entire thread and I guess I didn't.  Crap.  Maybe I'll search around for it, because I don't feel like typing it all up again right now.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 21, 2011, 10:17:58 PM
Well, either way it better end up here somehow  :police:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 21, 2011, 10:33:23 PM
I found it.  Man, time flies when you're having fun.  I posted this on another forum almost six years ago.

----------

The one and only time I got to see Frank was during the "Crush all Boxes" tour, which led to the "Tinseltown Rebellion" live album. He was asking people (well, girls) to "donate" their panties by tossing them onstage. Some asshole threw a whiskey bottle.

With a wave of his hand, Frank stopped the band cold, in the middle of a great jam. He called for the house lights, which revealed some confusion on the main floor, presumably somebody get the crap beaten out of him. He was taken away, and Frank lectured us on proper concert etiquette. I'm being polite - he was pissed, and rightfully so, and his restraint was admirable. The Masonic Theater in Royal Oak, Michigan is a beautiful, amazing venue, and Frank commented on that, and how even in such a place, people will act like idiots. Eventually, he calmed down some, turned and yelled "3! 4!" and the band picked up right where they'd left off. It was like he'd hit the Pause button, then released it.

Anyways, as soon as the final chords of the last song finished echoing, the house lights came up and the message was clear: No encore for you!

Even as I was disappointed, I admired the integrity (?) which led him to conclude that this audience did not get an encore. No amount of applause, cheering, screaming or yelling was going to "earn" us one; it was decided earlier. Ego? Yeah, probably. But somehow I didn't blame Frank. I was pissed at the moron who threw the bottle.

Other impressions: The way the band stopped on a dime was awesome, only surpassed by how they resumed at, as far as I could tell, the exact point where they'd stopped. Stories about Frank's total command of the ensemble abound, but I got to witness it first-hand. I only wish the circumstances leading to it were more positive.

I'm not sure what I expected, but I remember being surprised at how his guitar solos came up. There were (I believe) five times during the show when Frank took a "spotlight solo". Crazy song or jam is proceeding on stage, then the tempo and mood suddenly change, stage lighting switches to blues and reds, and a spotlight comes on. Frank strolls forward into the spotlight and takes his solo. It is amazing, of course. Then the lights, music, and mood return to what was going on before, or maybe move on to something else.

Obviously it was Frank's show and his band, but I generally expect a guitar solo to "grow out of" the song. You know, it's normally played over the same progression as a verse or chorus. For each of these events, however, it was very clear what was happening: The Maestro will now take a solo! It was quite unlike anything I'd ever seen/heard before, and I honestly didn't think much of it. For me, it's not just the solo, it's how it compliments everything else going on in the song. Switching to a different key, time, or tempo specifically for the duration of the solo seemed artificial, and seemed like a massive indulgence of ego (which I guess was the unexpected part). If the band is jamming in 11/8, I want to hear the solo played over the same pattern. What can he come up with? Don't throw in a 4/4 blues solo, then return to the 11/8 riff to finish the song; solo in 11/8!

It made me think of the Shut Up 'n' Play Yer Guitar series. A collection of solos extricated from their host songs. Without the context of the songs themselves, the solos don't do much for me. Great playing, but somehow just hearing the solo doesn't do it for me.

I haven't seen much Zappa on video (The Dub Room Special and some SNL clips), but his solos in those performances are not so blatantly emphasized in anything else I've seen. The way it worked that night was very different.

Another impression: At the time, I only had maybe half a dozen Zappa/Mothers albums. Since Frank's shows tended to draw from all periods, I didn't know a lot of the songs they played. Again, with most bands, that's not a big deal. If you don't know the song, but it's got a good beat and catchy harmonies, no problem. But a lot of Frank's music takes a few (or more) listens to really "click" with me, so there was a lot of unfamiliar stuff and no opportunity for it to sink in, when I guess I was thinking I'd get to hear more of my favorites and maybe even sing along. My buddy and I were most familiar with the Flo & Eddie period and the Roxy & Elsewhere album. The shows we "knew" had a theme, an ongoing patter between tunes, or something. Collecting panties is cool, but reminding us to donate them every couple of songs isn't quite the same as a permeating theme to the show, which was otherwise just a collection of songs.

Don't get me wrong. The show was still great. It's not possible for me to come away from a great performance by talented musicians and not be impressed. But Frank does things his way, regardless of the "norm" for any given situation, and his live performances were clearly no different. I'm glad I got to see him, and I would probably be in a better position to appreciate it now. But that's not going to happen now, so what I'm left with is memories of seeing one of my all-time favorite musicians, and having to rate it an honest 7 or 8, tops, on a scale of 10.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 21, 2011, 11:38:42 PM
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing  :D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 22, 2011, 03:51:48 AM
Very cool, and exactly how I would think a Tinseltown-era show would be. To be honest, that album isn't great, he was searching for a 'new style' I guess. When I think of the fact that In New York was only 3 years before that album, I go crazy. How could such a great band go for such a greasy, polished (commercial?!) sound.

It's far from my favourite zappa period that one, but maybe it had to do with him being focussed on in the media, more and more. He became more a man of his political views, his crazy song subjects, and it was less and less about the music. Maybe that pissed him off somehow, and made him have that 'on stage attitude'.
I wasn't even alive back then, so maybe you could confirm that Orbert?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 22, 2011, 04:51:59 AM
Well, I don't agree to that. Tinseltown Rebellion may not have been the greatest live album he released, but I thought it contained great versions of 'Easy Meat' (however heavilly overdubbed it was), Brown shoes, The young sophisticate, Ain't got no heart and Peaches en regalia.

Hell, I even enjoyed the 'Blue light' and 'Pick me, I'm clean'.... It was the overlong soloing I got tired of, though.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 22, 2011, 05:05:47 AM
Well, I agree with it being 'enjoyable', but I really have to think of a live zappa album that I enjoy less.
And yes the soloing, that was Orberts point. If you listen to the guitar solo albums, it is often impossible to hear of wich song they were originally part, possibly because they evolved from a song, into a jam, into the guitar solo that is on those albums. The other possibility is that you just don't hear how they were created. It could very well be in the same way as on tinseltown, just stop the actual track, and start a 4/4 modular jam. (Although there are bootlegs of every era, I can't really recall how it happened on those).

The final possibility is that he just wasn't in good shape, guitar wise on that tour. You can lose creativity of course, especially when you're writing classical scores and playing around with the earliest versions of the synclavier (I think) instead of playing guitar.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 22, 2011, 06:59:54 AM
I must admit I don't own any of the 'shut up and play your guitar' or 'guitar' albums. I just don't see the point of just throwing some solo's on a record, without the context of the song around it. I think you must be a very adept fan to enjoy those, sonically.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 22, 2011, 07:21:48 AM
Hmmmm, well yes and no. I'm intrigued by Zappa's solo style. If you play it to any guitar teacher in the world they'll have loads of comments on style, build-up, scales, rhythmic patterns etc. but there's something about them. I must say that I enjoy the Shut Up albums every once in a while. Not all 3 of them in a row, but since each album is 'only' 35 minutes long, it's doable. Try it once, I'm sure you'll like it. (I'd recommend the first Shut up album, not the guitar ones)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ghost on December 22, 2011, 08:31:40 AM
So I remember listening to some of "Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar" and not enjoying it. Any recommendations for a newbie?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 22, 2011, 08:35:01 AM
So I remember listening to some of "Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar" and not enjoying it. Any recommendations for a newbie?

Starting out with it isn't a good idea, no, haha. Why don't you try Roxy and Elsewhere, that one is very likeable! Let me know what you think!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ghost on December 22, 2011, 08:50:19 AM
Sure, Thanks!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 22, 2011, 09:11:18 AM
Yeah, it was mostly the soloing thing that was weird.  As I said, solos are usually much more organic, more integrated into the song structure.  At this show, four of five solos were completely separate sections of the music, and to me it was just weird.  I love his solos, but as part of the song, not some separate entity.

And maybe the political bullshit was getting to him at the time.  I'm not sure how that would really manifest itself.  The show featured great music, but I guess I was expecting a more cohesive show rather than just a collection of songs.  That's actually a pretty stupid complaint, now that I look at it.  Most concerts are just a collection of songs, unless they're performing an album in its entirety or something.  But there was no stage patter, nothing like the Flo and Eddie days, or even little bits like on Roxy & Elsewhere, so it was basically a song I don't know followed by another song I don't know, and then a song I recognize but don't really care about ("I Don't Wanna Get Drafted") then another song I don't know.  Then it was over, and the house lights came up almost immediately.  "Go home now. This audience does not get an encore because some asshole ruined it for you. Scream all you want; I'm already halfway to the bus."

Oh yeah. There was a "clothes line" strung across the stage, and as panties were tossed onto the stage, they were collected and hung up.  At the beginning of the show, Frank gave the girls some pointers about how to do this.  If they were wearing a skirt, it was simple, but if they needed to go to the bathroom to remove them, that would be fine.  If they're French cut with just a tiny bit on each side, just rip it at both sides and pull them up through the front or back.

After the tour, the panties were all laundered and made into a quilt.  I know there were some better pictures at some point, because I've seen them, but these are the best I could find.

Front:

(https://www.arf.ru/Misc/Quilt/Front.jpg)

Back:

(https://www.arf.ru/Misc/Quilt/Back.jpg)

Close-up of front top:

(https://www.arf.ru/Misc/Quilt/Detail_Top.jpg)

Close-up of front bottom:

(https://www.arf.ru/Misc/Quilt/Detail_Bottom.jpg)

With the artist (the woman):

(https://www.arf.ru/Misc/Quilt/Artist.jpg)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 22, 2011, 11:55:44 AM
That does actually looks pretty cool. As to how one dreams up a concept like that, `a quilt made of panties´ I don´t even dare to wonder... ;D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: MetalManiac666 on December 22, 2011, 12:25:14 PM
it really doesn't get more egotistical does it :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 22, 2011, 09:06:53 PM
I want one!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 23, 2011, 04:43:45 AM
I want one!


 :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 23, 2011, 04:58:05 AM
I want one!

Get on the bus  :xbones
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 23, 2011, 05:33:03 AM
What's everybody's favorite ZFT/posthumous Zappa album?

Currently I've listened to about 21 of them, means I've missed about 6. My top picks would be:

Lather
A Memorial Tribute
OZ
Joe's Corsage
Quadiophiliac
Buffallo
Hammersmith
Feeding Mah Monkies
Carnegie Hall

And there's a lot of obscure material, like Joe's Domage, of which I can't find a clue of why it is released, to be honest.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 23, 2011, 09:26:58 AM
I only have Läther out of all of those, and I haven't managed to get through it.  As I mentioned upthread, I'm having trouble embracing the posthumous releases.  Partly because I see them as little more than money-grabs by Gail & Company, partly because Frank had no hand in selecting or editing the music on them (for obvious reasons, but still), and partly because I'm kinda burnt out on Frank.

From what's been said here, though, Feeding Mah Monkies sounds interesting due to the "tasteful" Synclavier work, and Carnegie Hall sounds fun because of the 40-something minute version of "Billy the Mountain" which is probably my favorite "epic" from the early years.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 23, 2011, 11:19:20 AM
Yeah, I see what you mean, but I must say that a couple of those posthumous releases were actually edited and compiled by Zappa himself. But you're right, most of em are sort of like an audio-encyclopedia, for fans only, and a couple even for collectors only.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Jonnycumlately on December 24, 2011, 11:48:06 PM
Saw Zappa three times including this seat that was right under his left foot and with to me the best line up he had.
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/Jonnycumlately/SignatureImage.jpg)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 25, 2011, 12:27:42 AM
73! What a year for Frank!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 25, 2011, 01:34:41 AM
Wow!  That would've been something to see.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 26, 2011, 01:22:48 PM
Wow!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Jonnycumlately on December 29, 2011, 02:32:14 AM
Wow!  That would've been something to see.
Hard to believe its almost forty years ago. Many people have called the '73 line up the best that he put together - it was certainly amazing.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 29, 2011, 08:04:01 AM
My favorite lineup for sure.

Let's face it; everyone who played with Frank was top-shelf.  He wouldn't have it any other way.  But something about that band, and maybe also the times, the material they had to work with, and everything else, really came together.

Anything you want to do... is all right
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 29, 2011, 04:00:58 PM
My favorite lineup for sure.

Let's face it; everyone who played with Frank was top-shelf.  He wouldn't have it any other way.  But something about that band, and maybe also the times, the material they had to work with, and everything else, really came together.

Anything you want to do... is all right

 :heart
It was you who posted the love of that part of Roxy right? Ever since you've said that, it has been growing to be my favorite piece of music ever written.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 29, 2011, 05:03:06 PM
Yeah, I think I've raved about Roxy & Elsewhere way too many times, in this thread alone.  Easily my favorite Zappa/Mothers album of all time.

OF ALL TIME!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 30, 2011, 04:40:27 AM
A full week's supply of D'artangian onion rings!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 14, 2012, 06:06:06 AM
So let's start the speculations. What's the next release gonna be?

Orrrr, something I've been thinking about for a while, since official release #100 is coming into sight, what kind of monster work is that gonna be?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 14, 2012, 11:53:51 AM
I think Ive also raved about Roxy a lot. Lather too. Both those albums, along with Waka/The Grand Wazoo and the trio of Overnite/Apostrophe/One Size are the crème de la crème of 70s Zappa albums.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 14, 2012, 11:55:00 AM
Number 100? It could be disappointing...







...











or it could be the Live at the Roxy full box set of 2 DVDs and 3 CDs

But they should release that sooner than when they reach release #100
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 14, 2012, 12:05:46 PM
Well, Roxy is kinda the obvious answer, right? But I so hope for that to be the next release.


Oh my Zappa marathon is at 86 - Philly now. And I must say that both making of's (MOFO and Project/Object) are not too great. Apart from the original version of Lumpy Gravy, there is practically nothing to bother about. The 84 version of We're Only In It... is totally awful.
Imagine the Ruben & The Jets remix with new drums and bass, but worse. Scott Thunes just ripps apart every tiny break there is, with some obnoxious bass fill.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Phoenix87x on February 04, 2012, 04:13:46 AM
My 2nd ever Zappa album just came in the mail yesterday. One Size Fits All.

    And I must say that this album is truly incredible. Its like going on a musical journey and I have never heard anything like this in my life. Absolutely amazing  :metal
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on February 04, 2012, 05:23:50 PM
Yay!  The was the first Zappa/Mothers album I ever heard.  It was the "Midnight Album Hour" on the local AM radio station back in the 70's.  I still remember "Po-Jama People" and "Evelyn, A Modified Dog" cracking me up.  I was 13 and in junior high.  No wonder I turned out so demented.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 05, 2012, 01:43:16 AM
Haha! I remember that I heard a couple of the most well known Zappa albums very late.
I knew most of the You Can't Do That- series well before I heard Over-nite and One Size. Well, that turned out good as well, cause YCDTOSA Vol. 2 is great live alternative for those albums and that band.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on February 05, 2012, 07:03:12 AM
True, but it's good to know the original source material, as it helps gives perspective regarding where the live versions came from.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 05, 2012, 07:12:47 AM
Oh totally! My route has been weird, but naming your live compilations 'You can't do that on stage anymore', grabbed my attention so much in such a vast discography, that I couldn't resist to listen to that first.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on February 05, 2012, 04:46:22 PM
I must be a lot older than you (which is true of most other posters here, so I guess it's not surprising) because those compilations came "later" to me.  I think even the "Beat the Boots" series predated them, didn't they?

A lot of the fun of a new Zappa/Mothers release was... well, first finding out that it had happened in the first place, as this was pre-Internet. Then figuring out what "kind" of album it was. Was it live, studio, or a mixture? Was it instrumental, crazy stuff with vocals, jazzy, electronic, or what? You never knew for sure, and all you could do was guess.

The first Zappa album I bought was Sheik Yerbouti, which was a hybrid album. The liner notes were extensive, and included whether each track was recorded live or studio, if there were overdubs or not, or just a few, where it was recorded, and sometimes who played what. There are pieces that were literally composed in the editing phase. The bass track from one recording extricated and synched with the drum track from another to form a duet, and in the notes he points out that "all that sensitive interplay never actually occurred".  Holy shit!  It was like a glimpse into the mind of a musical sculptor or something, someone who didn't just write, perform, and record music, but actually created it, and invented his own methods for creating it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 05, 2012, 11:49:11 PM
The liner notes of Sheik are great, I've read those with joy as well, the album itself is very non-personal, in my opinion, but seeing into the mind of the master makes the album more vulnurable.
Oh and how I'd love to live in a pre-internet world sometimes. I got to know Zappa via my uncle, who fave me (off the top of my head) Sheik and Stage 3. No wait, Roxy too! But after that I downloaded everything and wiki'd all those albums even before listening to them. Some I got very interested in, I guess based on reviews that I read, and I omitted others, up until I recently did my Zappathon.

Oh and the Beat The Boots sets are from 91 and 92, so about the same time as the second set of 3 'Stage series'. 

And I'm from '89, so you're probably twice as old as I am  ;)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on February 06, 2012, 10:13:28 AM
Actually more than twice as old.  But it's not the age, it's the mileage.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on February 06, 2012, 10:51:17 AM
So Joost, how is ´Philly´ btw? I´m dying for some ´new´ Zappa...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 07, 2012, 08:05:18 AM
Actually more than twice as old.  But it's not the age, it's the mileage.

Exactly!


So Joost, how is ´Philly´ btw? I´m dying for some ´new´ Zappa...

Well.... I think my recommendations for 'new' Zappa records (2002-2012) are this:


1. Very good records, definitely worth checking out:
OZ
QUAdiophilliac
Buffalo
One Shot Deal
Philly 76
Hammersmith
Feeding The Monkies at ma Mansion
Carnegie Hall

2. Worth checking out, because of the historical-ness
Joe's Corsage
Joe's XMASage
Joe's Menage
Lumpy Money Project/Object

3. Worth checking out, just great music
Halloween
Imaginary Diseases
Dub Room Special
Wazoo

4. Not worth checking out/for the real collectors only
Joe's Domage
Trance-Fusion
MOFO
Greasy Love Songs
Congress Shall Make No Law


All of those 'category 1' records are band/live albums, with the exception of Monkies, that's some of his best synclavier work he's ever done.
But really, you can't go wrong with Philly, OZ, Buffalo, Hammersmith, Carnegie, QUAdiophilliac (great audio quality) or One Shot Deal (lots of great guitar solo's)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on February 07, 2012, 08:21:21 AM
OK, thanks. I already have Oz, btw, but this definitely sifts through the rubble.

Now to save some cash... :justjen
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 16, 2012, 12:32:22 AM
I watched the Classic Albums documentary about Apostrophe and Over-Nite Sensation. I had heard Apostrophe once or twice before, but the doc was so entertaining that I decided to get Over-Nite Sensation as well. Fantastic stuff.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 16, 2012, 08:50:37 AM
I watched the Classic Albums documentary about Apostrophe and Over-Nite Sensation. I had heard Apostrophe once or twice before, but the doc was so entertaining that I decided to get Over-Nite Sensation as well. Fantastic stuff.

True! That is the one where Dweezil has the original tapes and shows the camera the different parts in Zomby Woof right? Very very entertaining!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 16, 2012, 09:12:10 AM
I watched the Classic Albums documentary about Apostrophe and Over-Nite Sensation. I had heard Apostrophe once or twice before, but the doc was so entertaining that I decided to get Over-Nite Sensation as well. Fantastic stuff.

True! That is the one where Dweezil has the original tapes and shows the camera the different parts in Zomby Woof right? Very very entertaining!
I really enjoyed the xylophone player's comments on how a lot of the stuff he wrote used sus2 chords instead of the normal triad. That was something I never really picked up on until I started to really look for it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on March 16, 2012, 05:55:44 PM
So, on the subject of Over-Nite and Apostrophe, which one do you guys think is better?

I'd pick Over-Nite. Near perfect album.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 16, 2012, 11:23:48 PM
I love both Over-Nite Sensation and its sibling One Size Fits All, but Apostrophe has the Nanook suite, Cosmik Debris, and the title jam, so it wins.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 17, 2012, 05:43:30 AM
Tough call for me. I've only heard them each a few times. Over-Nite has Dinah-Moe-Hum which has to be one of the funniest songs I've ever heard, but like Orbert said, the Nanook suite and Cosmik Debris is tough to argue with.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 17, 2012, 06:11:18 AM
For me, of those three it's Apostrophe first, then One Size Fits All as a close second, and while Over-nite Sensation has the best live songs on it (I think), it's my least favorite of the three.


But of course the live album of that period, Roxy and Elsewhere, rocks like hell.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 17, 2012, 08:07:34 AM
Po-Jama People always cracks me, and has that great solo.  Evelyn, a Modified Dog also kills me, for some reason.  I'm the Slime is fun.  There are so many great songs from that era.  It's hard to rank them for me; I just did it in response to what Mosh said.  Pretty much everything that band did was incredible.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 17, 2012, 08:37:32 AM
Apostrophe all the way.  Over-Nite Sensation has never really done it for me. *shrug*
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on March 17, 2012, 05:24:29 PM
Over-night is my favorite Zappa album. (So far :)) But One Size Fits All comes close, Inca Roads is better than anything on Over-Nite or Apostrophe imo.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 17, 2012, 08:45:30 PM
Listened to Roxy and Elsewhere again today. Cheepnis has to be my favorite Zappa song at the moment. IT'S SO CATCHY.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 17, 2012, 10:41:04 PM
♫ Go to da shelter,
♫ My baby my baby,
♫ Go to da shelter,
♫ Go to da shelter

♫ Go to da shelter,
♫ My baby my baby,
♫ Go to da shelter
♫ Go to da shelter


I love how his intro to the song turns into a little story of its own, and the audience applauds at the end of it, then they finally start the song.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 18, 2012, 09:41:30 AM
One of the highlights of the album, just like the absolute intro on the album, with the entire 'backpages of the freepress' monologue.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on March 18, 2012, 02:06:27 PM
Apostrophe is probably my second favorite album, after Joe's Garage.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 19, 2012, 01:41:14 AM
Let me just say it right here.





I don't understand all the praise for Joe's Garage.






I mean it's a good album, but not close to my top ten Zappa albums, maybe not even top 20.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: MasterShakezula on March 19, 2012, 02:36:25 AM
I've something to put out, as well.

"Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar!" pretty much sums up my feelings about all the Zappa music I've heard.  The instrumental stuff is first-class; the rest is hit and miss.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 19, 2012, 03:02:17 AM
Hmm, that would've been my viewpoint too, if he only made those early/mid 80's albums. But the rest of his albums with lyrics (early mothers, albums with flo and eddie, broadway the hard way/best band/ycdtosa period) are just too good.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 19, 2012, 08:03:18 AM
Joe's Garage benefits from the same things that help any other story/concept album; it gets bonus points simply for being a larger work and having a certain degree of cohesion.  Beyond that, it still has to stand on its own merits, and it does have some problems.  It fizzles out in the second half.  The story slows down and is nearly lost for a while, and the humorous elements are all but gone, leaving you with a bunch of guitar solos and bad narration.  But some of those solos are incredible, and the story does have an ending of sorts, a la Catch-22.  I've always gotten the sense that Frank himself got a little bored with the concept.

As for the instrumental side versus the "funny" side, I can't agree.  Humor is subjective, and surely there will be some that doesn't work for you, but there's a lot of it, in several different flavors.  Depending on my mood, I can usually find something that will make me laugh.  My first exposure to Frank and The Mothers was the mid-70's band, but in college, it was the Flo and Eddie band that my roommate and I spent many, many hours listening to.  You can't do that on stage anymore.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on March 19, 2012, 08:54:12 AM
Yeah, he should have left it at pt. 1. That would have been perfect. After that, it becomes more or less, noodling with scarcely a pear here and there...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 19, 2012, 10:07:46 AM
Decided that Sheik Yerbouti and Joe's Garage will be the next stops on my Zappa odyssey. Any suggestions on which one to familiarize myself with first?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 19, 2012, 11:43:58 AM
Sheik Yerbouti.  As with all Zappa albums, the musicianship is top-notch and the playing is super tight, but overall this one has a great combination of funny, jamming, and pretty much all sides.  It also has excellent liner notes that, to me, enhance the experience.

And it closes with the amazing "Yo Mama" -- one of my favorite Zappa tunes of all time.  OF ALL TIME!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on March 19, 2012, 11:49:07 AM
Definetely Sheikh. The basis of almost all of the album is a live recording. And that band was tight.... :omg:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 19, 2012, 12:51:37 PM
Definitely Shiek Yer Bouti. One of his best albums, if not his last great album, as I don't feel most of his albums were as good as Shiek afterwards, though there's still great albums after it; Joe's Garage Act I being at the same level. (It WAS released separately from Acts II and III when it originally came out.)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 20, 2012, 08:03:56 PM
Getting into Sheik kind of backfired for the moment (though one could debate whether the outcome is good or bad). Apostrophe is pretty much the only thing I can find myself listening to lately. This album is just way too good.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on March 20, 2012, 08:08:56 PM
I fell in love with Sheik after hearing Broken Hearts Are For Assholes
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 20, 2012, 11:12:35 PM
Getting into Sheik kind of backfired for the moment (though one could debate whether the outcome is good or bad). Apostrophe is pretty much the only thing I can find myself listening to lately. This album is just way too good.

Give it some time.  The way it starts with the Doo-Wop parody "I Have Been in You" through me for a loop the first time I heard it, and I don't know if I've ever really recovered, to be honest.  But the rest of the album is pretty great.

It helped to learn later that he was specifically reacting to the Peter Frampton song "I'm in You" which he thought was about the stupidest thing he'd ever heard, and he held it as an example of the depths to which pop music had sunk in the later 70's.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 21, 2012, 01:11:23 AM
Getting into Sheik kind of backfired for the moment (though one could debate whether the outcome is good or bad). Apostrophe is pretty much the only thing I can find myself listening to lately. This album is just way too good.

Give it some time.  The way it starts with the Doo-Wop parody "I Have Been in You" through me for a loop the first time I heard it, and I don't know if I've ever really recovered, to be honest.  But the rest of the album is pretty great.

It helped to learn later that he was specifically reacting to the Peter Frampton song "I'm in You" which he thought was about the stupidest thing he'd ever heard, and he held it as an example of the depths to which pop music had sunk in the later 70's.

Yea, give Shiek a little time. I used to not care for it until I kept listening, and the albums starts off weird, but eventually rocks! and more classic Zappa tunes start appearing a few tracks in. City of Tiny Lights is one of his best songs.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 21, 2012, 01:46:58 AM
Getting into Sheik kind of backfired for the moment (though one could debate whether the outcome is good or bad). Apostrophe is pretty much the only thing I can find myself listening to lately. This album is just way too good.

Give it some time.  The way it starts with the Doo-Wop parody "I Have Been in You" through me for a loop the first time I heard it, and I don't know if I've ever really recovered, to be honest.  But the rest of the album is pretty great.

It helped to learn later that he was specifically reacting to the Peter Frampton song "I'm in You" which he thought was about the stupidest thing he'd ever heard, and he held it as an example of the depths to which pop music had sunk in the later 70's.

Yea, give Shiek a little time. I used to not care for it until I kept listening, and the albums starts off weird, but eventually rocks! and more classic Zappa tunes start appearing a few tracks in. City of Tiny Lights is one of his best songs.

I believe I've said this somewhere else in this thread, there are a lot of great live songs on that album (I thought my original quote was about Joe's Garage, but okay), they simple are better when played live, unoverdubbed. Sooo, if you want to get into the material on Sheik... just listen to Hammersmith Odeon, that album has a couple of the exact tracks that ended up being on the album. But then just live, no studio gizmo's. And it has a couple of legendary intro's, outro's and solo's.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 21, 2012, 07:16:28 AM
City of Tiny Lights is one of his best songs.

I love City of Tiny Lights.  The song is great, and man, that solo.  With the heavy flanger or whatever that is.

Also, this is the album that introduced me to Adrian Belew.  When he showed up later in the "new" King Crimson, it was so awesome.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on May 11, 2012, 09:27:34 AM
From the Zappa mailing list:
Quote
Hello Boys & Girls,

About 10 Years Ago, shortly after Al Gore invented the internet, we here at UMRK, where we feel it is our duty … decided to announce plans for the Roxy Performances to be unleashed at last on a wholly suspecting public and others besides.  What We Knew Then compared to What We Know Now about what is possible is something completely different.  I could romanticize and say that over here at the Other Side of the Miracle of Time & Space there is nothing stopping us but the Movie Monster.  Every Monster Movie has at least one.  Our Movie Monster is THE BUDGET.

Because of the condition the condition was in - no synch, no idea what was what, no idea of the actual coverage, no idea of the quality;  all the et ceterae that caused FZ to abandon the project completely - it took all this time (if you include all the other priorities and distractions) to get to this point, so near and yet so far:  All of the footage has now been transferred on a best light basis into HD and all camera angles have been "synched" by eye and heart and hand and edit to the original Nagra tapes.  We now need to identify all usable camera angles and begin the actual edit.  Still, we have miles to go in order to bring the best of the possibilities to a screen near you.  And we need your help.

We still have a few wrinkles but our irons are hot and the details of our plan for the next Official Release is bundled in a unique opportunity to participate in a special, social experiment designed to open lots of doors for all Artists and their fans everywhere.  Participate and You'll be First.  First with your own copy of a Soundtrack to The Roxy Performances.  First with your name credited in The Roxy Performances, The Movie.  And there are more Firsts.  Stay Tuned.

But first, a word from our sponsors.  We'll be back with all the relevant details right after the other Mothers' Day.

Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.

gz
:caffeine:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 11, 2012, 09:59:08 AM
Sweet!  One of my first Zappa/Mothers albums, and still my favorite.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: tofee35 on May 11, 2012, 02:58:54 PM
I have a fairly awesome thing that recently happened to me that is Zappa-related.

It turns out my fiance and her parents were close friends with the members of Missing Persons in the 80's (Terry Bozzio, Dale Bozzio, Warren Cuccurollo). I had no idea. All of them, of course, Zappa regulars at one time. So, I'm a huge fan of Joe's Garage. As some may know, Dale Bozzio played Mary. So, I met her the other day. She was a great person...very nice and kind. She signed an autograph for me that says. "To Anthony, I'm Mary, from the bus".  I didn't believe that she was Mary until she said "ya know, leather?" Then I told her how she was stuck to seat 38 etc. I was stoked. Anyway. That's my story.

Long live Zappa!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 11, 2012, 03:12:08 PM
I have a fairly awesome thing that recently happened to me that is Zappa-related.

It turns out my fiance and her parents were close friends with the members of Missing Persons in the 80's (Terry Bozzio, Dale Bozzio, Warren Cuccurollo). I had no idea. All of them, of course, Zappa regulars at one time. So, I'm a huge fan of Joe's Garage. As some may know, Dale Bozzio played Mary. So, I met her the other day. She was a great person...very nice and kind. She signed an autograph for me that says. "To Anthony, I'm Mary, from the bus".  I didn't believe that she was Mary until she said "ya know, leather?" Then I told her how she was stuck to seat 38 etc. I was stoked. Anyway. That's my story.

Long live Zappa!

 :metal

Very cool!


BTW, what do we think of the prices for the new ZFT vinyl albums? 230 dollars for Hammersmith Odeon on vinyl?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 11, 2012, 06:44:26 PM
Cool story!  Missing Persons were kinda cool, in an 80's way.  Not really my kind of music, but we had a girl singer for a while and did a bunch of Missing Persons songs.  They were fun and had reasonably interesting keyboard parts.  Obviously the music was top-notch.  Any who's played with Frank had to be awesome.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 12, 2012, 03:57:59 AM
Oh and my daily Zappa laugh is at the Lonesome Cowboy series. Burt, Jim and Nando. Man, especially the last one has me totally laughing out loud.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on June 06, 2012, 10:33:55 PM
I'm on a Zappa kick again. Listening to One Size Fits All, finally. No clue what I was waiting for on this one.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 06, 2012, 11:19:01 PM
One Size Fits All was my introduction to Zappa/Mothers.  I was like 12 years old.  Oh baby!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 07, 2012, 01:52:47 AM
I usually have a really good Zappa kick in late May/Early June, as I got into his music hardcore around that time in 1989.  Good times.  I should spin some Zappa later on today at work. :coolio
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 07, 2012, 02:34:56 AM
I'm on a Zappa kick again. Listening to One Size Fits All, finally. No clue what I was waiting for on this one.

Great, great album. I think I'll go for some YCDTOSA crazyness later today. Starting with 2 or 3 I think.
What's all of your favorite from that series?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 07, 2012, 02:39:46 AM
I'm REALLY partial to 1, but that's only because it's the one I've heard the most.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 07, 2012, 02:43:31 AM
I'm REALLY partial to 1, but that's only because it's the one I've heard the most.

1 IS really great though, that Yellow Snow suite edition is really funny. Oh and the intro to Be In My Video, and that version of The Dangerous Kitchen, and Big Swifty...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 07, 2012, 02:53:41 AM
One of the best live versions of The Torture Never Stops (better than the studio version IMO), The Groupie Routine :lol , Dumb All Over through Suicide Chump...

Yeah. :hat :)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 07, 2012, 02:59:24 AM
One of the best live versions of The Torture Never Stops (better than the studio version IMO), The Groupie Routine :lol , Dumb All Over through Suicide Chump...

Yeah. :hat :)

Oh wow I forgot about The Groupie Routine, best version of that too.
And don't know about Torture, the Best Band You Never Heard version is great too. Wait a second, there isn't a Torture on Stage 1, or is there?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 07, 2012, 03:03:37 AM
Heh.  I love The Groupie Routine. :lol

And yes, there is most definitely a version of Torture on 1 - second disc, second song.  Haven't heard the Best Band version, I'll have to be on the lookout for that.  And, of course, there's Torture permutations all over Sheik Yerbouti.

Forgot to give major props to Yellow Snow though - that version is legendary. :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 07, 2012, 04:17:11 AM
Oh wow, I guess I have some old badly ripped version on my hard disc, I had to check my cd, but you're right.

But you should check that out, it's got all the Jimmy Swaggart puns in it, totally cool, and the actual song is played great.

Do you happen to know 'Australian Yellow Snow' too? That's off of 'One Shot Deal', totally different version, but very cool tool.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 07, 2012, 08:33:09 AM
I was on a Zappa kick about a month ago, and wound up going on Zappateers and getting a few shows from my favorite lineups. All soundboard, so they pretty much sound like a live album. I got one that features the Roxy lineup, one that is similar to the Buffalo lineup, and the show that is featured on Zappa's own bootleg series "Piquantique" with Jean-Luc Ponty; except the audio is exceptionally good, as opposed to the bootleg. Highly recommended.

Between all the shows, and other official live albums, I heard Cosmik Debris from every lineup. Different each time of course, but I think I got overload on that song  ::)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 07, 2012, 11:19:41 AM
Oh wow, I guess I have some old badly ripped version on my hard disc, I had to check my cd, but you're right.

But you should check that out, it's got all the Jimmy Swaggart puns in it, totally cool, and the actual song is played great.

Do you happen to know 'Australian Yellow Snow' too? That's off of 'One Shot Deal', totally different version, but very cool tool.

I'm obviously going to have to check both of those out - should be right up my alley. :biggrin:

Between all the shows, and other official live albums, I heard Cosmik Debris from every lineup. Different each time of course, but I think I got overload on that song  ::)

I like the "but I've got a sillllllver ball" version - I think it's from You Can't Do That 3?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 07, 2012, 12:25:08 PM
How about the "Best Band..." version? "BUT I GOT THE RING OF FIRE!"  :lol

The studio version of that line is classic, of course.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 07, 2012, 12:25:47 PM
I'm gonna have to spin that. :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 07, 2012, 12:28:49 PM
I'm gonna have to spin that. :lol

What, the Best Band version?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 07, 2012, 12:29:35 PM
Yep - I've only heard the Hi Ho Silver version. :blush
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 07, 2012, 12:45:09 PM
The Best Band You Never Heard in Your Life is awesome!  I love the psychotic cover of "Stairway to Heaven".
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 07, 2012, 01:27:13 PM
I totally need to spin that now.  Zappa covering Stairway is legendary, from what I've heard.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 07, 2012, 01:42:08 PM
According to the story, Frank had excused himself from rehearsal to use the bathroom and/or get some more coffee.  When he returned, he found that the band had been amusing themselves by playing "Stairway to Heaven".  Frank listened to a bit and said "That's nice, what is that?"

I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say that their cover of "Stairway" is not like the other covers on that album, and I believe that that reflects how Frank really felt about the song.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 07, 2012, 01:59:44 PM
The best part is the entire horn section playing the guitar solo. I listen to Frank's version a ton more than I do the original.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on June 07, 2012, 03:05:25 PM
I gave Absolutely Free another shot. Liking it much more this time around. Brown Shoes Don't Make It is probably the best Zappa song I've heard pre-1973.

I WANNA MAKE HER DO A NASTY ON THE WHITE HOUSE LAWN
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 07, 2012, 07:35:34 PM
I gave Absolutely Free another shot. Liking it much more this time around. Brown Shoes Don't Make It is probably the best Zappa song I've heard pre-1973.

I WANNA MAKE HER DO A NASTY ON THE WHITE HOUSE LAWN

Be a joik and go to woik! :lol
 
Absolutely Free is completely awesome. :coolio
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on June 08, 2012, 02:37:40 AM
'..my fellow Americans..*cough cough*' He's been sick..."
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 09, 2012, 12:02:08 AM
I haven't listened to any of the 60s stuff in a long time, especially Absolutely Free. That, and Uncle Meat are probably my favorites of that era.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 09, 2012, 12:06:40 AM
'..my fellow Americans..*cough cough*' He's been sick..."

Plastic people
Oh baby, now you're such a drag!
 
 :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 09, 2012, 05:12:03 AM
There's such an amount of plain humor on that album. Litteraly one of the only albums that can make me laugh out loud almost the entire time.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 09, 2012, 01:59:13 PM
The Duke of Prunes through Soft-Cell Conclusion and America Drinks through America Drinks & Goes Home are all classic examples of Zappa comedy.

And yes, humor DOES belong in music. :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on June 12, 2012, 05:23:44 PM
E-mail from the Zappa mailing list that I received today:
Dear people of earth & all the rest of you too,

I have long been so out of fashion - my python boot is too tight (I am sure you know the feeling when you have to kick some ass), my Law Suit is old and worn and shiny from so much pressing - my hair is tangled up in gray but I have to say, this is for you. Thanks. Wherever you are, whoever you've been, thank you for the energy in the direction of Frank Zappa and the love of his music. This is our common ground. Thanks. There is much more to come but we start at the VERY beginning. Wear your ears proudly. "Music is the Best!" - FZ.

xxx,

gz

------------------------------------------------

TIME TO FREAK OUT… FRANK’S BACK!

ZAPPA FAMILY TRUST REGAINS CONTROL OF ICONIC MUSICIAN’S EXTENSIVE CATALOG

GLOBAL LICENSE/DISTRIBUTION DEAL SIGNED WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES

CATALOG OF 60 RECORDINGS TO BE LAUNCHED WITH JULY 31 RELEASE OF 12 TITLES

Back home where it belongs, the music of FRANK ZAPPA is now back in the hands of the ZAPPA FAMILY TRUST.

To celebrate this, the estate has signed a global license and distribution deal with UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES to release 60 of the iconic composer’s recordings. The roll-out kicks off July 31 with 12 recordings, with another dozen recordings to be released monthly through the end of 2012.

“The ink is not yet dry on The Zappa Family Trust's worldwide deal with Universal Music Enterprises,” says Gail Zappa. “They made us the offer we couldn't refuse--for all the right reasons. It is a win-win for all of us, but mostly for Frank Zappa. Long may his baton wave. We are so ready to go.”

“The artist and composer, Frank Zappa, is one of the most important and influential artists in music history with his prolific body of work, including his breakthrough rock ‘n roll concept albums. We are honored that Gail Zappa and the Zappa Family Trust have entrusted us with his legacy. We intend to honor him and bring high quality releases, digital and physical, for his new and longtime fans,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President/CEO, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

Now fully back in hands of the Zappa Family Trust--headed by Zappa’s widow Gail Zappa--the releases will honor the iconic legacy of the composer, musician, bandleader and filmmaker. ZAPPA was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 (although the family would like to know where it is). The official biography: Frank Zappa, American composer, 1940-1993.

The UME deal is for the entire Zappa Catalog as it appeared on Frank Zappa's own independent label, Barking Pumpkin Records. Many of the original analog masters have been re-mastered for this occasion. Yes that's right, you heard right. The entire Catalog, in all its spiffnificent glory will launch July 31, just in time for Frank Zappa’s daughter DIVA’s birthday-- an occasion that will be celebrated along with GAIL, sister MOON UNIT and brothers DWEEZIL and AHMET.

For more information, go to www.zappa.com.

The initial 12 FRANK ZAPPA releases included in the ZAPPA/ UNIVERSAL deal set for July 31 are as follows. **Date signifies original year of release.

1. Freak Out! (1966)
2. Absolutely Free (1967)
3. Lumpy Gravy (1968)
4. We're Only In It For The Money (1968)
5. Cruising With Ruben & The Jets (1968)
6. Uncle Meat (1969)
7. Hot Rats (1969)
8. Burnt Weeny Sandwich (1970)
9. Weasels Ripped My Flesh (1970)
10. Chunga's Revenge (1970)
11. Fillmore East, June 1971 (1971)
12. Just Another Band From L.A. (1972)

###
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 12, 2012, 05:27:02 PM
Whoa, good news!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 12, 2012, 09:54:22 PM
Hmm.  This would effectively render the 1993 Ryko reissues null.  I wonder if they'll go back to the masters, especially for Roxy and Sheik Yerbouti.  Could be very interesting indeed.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on June 13, 2012, 01:18:53 AM
As nice as it is that they're preserving his music, this just feels like another 'cash-in' to me. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 13, 2012, 07:04:21 AM
Yeah, it is, just kinda dressed up.  But if it means that the music will sound better and/or we get some bonus tracks or something, then it's a good thing.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 13, 2012, 12:02:55 PM
As nice as it is that they're preserving his music, this just feels like another 'cash-in' to me.

Honestly, this was my first reaction.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 13, 2012, 03:22:01 PM
So I have to sell my 45 ryko cd's?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 13, 2012, 03:48:39 PM
Yes, all of them.  To me.  For a dollar apiece.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 14, 2012, 02:37:30 PM
Dammit.






To you?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 14, 2012, 02:40:42 PM
If it helps, I'll cover shipping, too.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 14, 2012, 02:43:01 PM
 :lol

Nah, today I bought 'You are what you is' on vinyl. I forgot about the totally extreme middle bit in Jumbo Go Away, it's crazy!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: tofee35 on June 21, 2012, 10:13:44 PM

So, I love St. Alphonzo's into Father O'Blivion... just two phenomenal pieces of music. The live versions all over youtube are stellar. 

I'm a drummer and have always failed miserably when attempting to learn a FZ song. I thought it'd be a good challenge to play St. Alphonzo since it's so rhythmically driven. After a bunch of takes, this was my best. The stickings for some of the parts were really difficult for me (especially at the end). Does anybody know who's playing these songs on the album? It sounds like two drummers at times. There are 3 drummers listed as playing on Apostrophe, so I'm not sure who it is on St. Alph/Father O'B.

I'm thinking I want to challenge myself to really dissect and learn these parts perfectly and well enough to be able to improvise around a bit. Maybe I'll try all of Apostrophe('). It's just fun. Anyway, I hope y'alls enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExQNRYaPydg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExQNRYaPydg)

Don't be afraid, the video and sound quality aren't bad.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on June 21, 2012, 11:44:27 PM
Apostrophe is god damn amazing. Seriously, it could very well be a top 10 album of all time for me by now.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 22, 2012, 02:51:19 AM
Cool cover! You gotta work on your timing on the 16th and 32th notes a bit though, especially since you want to do the entire album. But that's just a small thing!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 22, 2012, 02:53:14 AM

So, I love St. Alphonzo's into Father O'Blivion... just two phenomenal pieces of music. The live versions all over youtube are stellar. 

I'm a drummer and have always failed miserably when attempting to learn a FZ song. I thought it'd be a good challenge to play St. Alphonzo since it's so rhythmically driven. After a bunch of takes, this was my best. The stickings for some of the parts were really difficult for me (especially at the end). Does anybody know who's playing these songs on the album? It sounds like two drummers at times. There are 3 drummers listed as playing on Apostrophe, so I'm not sure who it is on St. Alph/Father O'B.

I'm thinking I want to challenge myself to really dissect and learn these parts perfectly and well enough to be able to improvise around a bit. Maybe I'll try all of Apostrophe('). It's just fun. Anyway, I hope y'alls enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExQNRYaPydg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExQNRYaPydg)

Don't be afraid, the video and sound quality aren't bad.

Dude.  WOW.  That was awesome! :clap: :hefdaddy
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: tofee35 on June 22, 2012, 08:35:46 AM
Cool cover! You gotta work on your timing on the 16th and 32th notes a bit though, especially since you want to do the entire album. But that's just a small thing!

You're spot on. I'm hoping that learning the whole album will encourage me to work on timing and the rudiments in general. Whenever I sit down to play the drums, I never actually practice anymore, it's all jamming to my favorite tunes. I really need to sit down and practice to get Zappa's catalogue in my repertoire. I can't even touch any of Vinnie Colaiuta's stuff. He's so groove and feel oriented.

So, do you happen to know who's playing drums on SAPB/FO'B on Apostrophe? They list Ralph Humphrey, Jim Gordon, Johnny Guerin, and Aynsley Dunbar as players on the album.

Apostrophe is god damn amazing. Seriously, it could very well be a top 10 album of all time for me by now.

It's just insane. The drumming, the musicianship in general, and all of the Zappa-ism nuggets on that album are really wow. So many people these days just don't get his music. I sent a few songs to my buddy the other day and he says "hey, this guy was like the original Weird Al". While on some levels he's right, I hope he breaks through that level of perception and can really enjoy FZ's music.

DebraKadabra, thanks alot!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on June 22, 2012, 02:55:20 PM
From what I found on the net, it looks like Ralph Humphrey was the drummer on the SAPB/FO'B movements (studio version, that is).
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on June 22, 2012, 11:41:18 PM
Apostrophe is god damn amazing. Seriously, it could very well be a top 10 album of all time for me by now.

It's just insane. The drumming, the musicianship in general, and all of the Zappa-ism nuggets on that album are really wow. So many people these days just don't get his music. I sent a few songs to my buddy the other day and he says "hey, this guy was like the original Weird Al". While on some levels he's right, I hope he breaks through that level of perception and can really enjoy FZ's music.
Humorous lyrics automatically degrades someone to Weird Al?

God damn...no wonder comedy rock bands have it rough.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: tofee35 on June 23, 2012, 05:23:36 AM
Apostrophe is god damn amazing. Seriously, it could very well be a top 10 album of all time for me by now.

It's just insane. The drumming, the musicianship in general, and all of the Zappa-ism nuggets on that album are really wow. So many people these days just don't get his music. I sent a few songs to my buddy the other day and he says "hey, this guy was like the original Weird Al". While on some levels he's right, I hope he breaks through that level of perception and can really enjoy FZ's music.
Humorous lyrics automatically degrades someone to Weird Al?

God damn...no wonder comedy rock bands have it rough.

Haha, yea, and I only give my buddy that connection because I'm a Weird Al fan and recognize that he and his band are really good performers. He's picked up some of the Zappa-isms and applied them to his music. On the surface, though, it sounds like a bad connection to make for sure.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 23, 2012, 08:34:08 AM
I have a lot of respect for Weird Al.  His songs aren't just funny songs sung to the same tune as the original; they're true parodies.  He carefully copies the rhythm and rhyme structure, and keeps key words and lines for maximum comedic effect.  Since about the third album, he's added the component of getting the music as close as possible as well, and again only deviated from that in calculated places.  He also does one or two "style parodies" per album, where the song is clearly meant to sound like a particularly band or artist, but no specific song.  These, in my opinion, require even greater skill than writing a good parody song.

If you've never heard Weird Al's tribute to Frank Zappa, you should.  It's called "Genius in France".  Find it and listen to it.  At nearly ten minutes, it's the most complex and intricate of them all, as befitting its subject.  Weird Al never comes right out and says who it's for (he never does), but it's pretty obvious to anyone who knows Frank's work, and it's just as obvious that it's done with the utmost respect for Frank, which is not necessarily true of most of Weird Al's targets.

Frank rarely directly lampooned anything, and when he did, it was open mockery.  Other than the fact that both he and Weird Al wrote "funny songs" their styles and approaches are completely different.  And of course Frank has the "serious composer" side to him that I don't think we've ever seen from Weird Al.  Both of them are geniuses, though.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: tofee35 on June 23, 2012, 09:04:42 AM
I have a lot of respect for Weird Al.  His songs aren't just funny songs sung to the same tune as the original; they're true parodies.  He carefully copies the rhythm and rhyme structure, and keeps key words and lines for maximum comedic effect.  Since about the third album, he's added the component of getting the music as close as possible as well, and again only deviated from that in calculated places.  He also does one or two "style parodies" per album, where the song is clearly meant to sound like a particularly band or artist, but no specific song.  These, in my opinion, require even greater skill than writing a good parody song.

If you've never heard Weird Al's tribute to Frank Zappa, you should.  It's called "Genius in France".  Find it and listen to it.  At nearly ten minutes, it's the most complex and intricate of them all, as befitting its subject.  Weird Al never comes right out and says who it's for (he never does), but it's pretty obvious to anyone who knows Frank's work, and it's just as obvious that it's done with the utmost respect for Frank, which is not necessarily true of most of Weird Al's targets.

Frank rarely directly lampooned anything, and when he did, it was open mockery.  Other than the fact that both he and Weird Al wrote "funny songs" their styles and approaches are completely different.  And of course Frank has the "serious composer" side to him that I don't think we've ever seen from Weird Al.  Both of them are geniuses, though.

Great post!  :tup I think you summed up the Weird Al connection to Zappa and this thread perfectly. "Genius in France" is definitely an awesome tribute too.

Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 25, 2012, 02:20:57 AM
Great post! Although over here in Europe I always get the impression that Weird Al gets a lot less recognition.

Oh and last saturday I found the Piquantique album from (I believe) the first Beat The Boots series in a second hand cd's section. Great stuff, Stockholm 1973. Great setlist too: Kung Fu - Redunzl - Dupree's Paradise - T'Mershi Duween - Father O'Blivion.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 25, 2012, 07:46:50 AM
Yeah, my impression is that Frank is much more admired and respected in Europe.  Here in the U.S., he's known for his humorous stuff and, towards the end, his political views and the fact that he was willing to take on "The Mothers of Prevention" and denounce them for the idiots they were.  There's not much recognition of his composer side outside of some esoteric music circles.

In general, not many take either Weird Al or Frank very seriously here.  It's understandable; they choose the type of work they would do, or it chose them, depending on how you look at it, and I'm sure they understand/understood it as well.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 25, 2012, 11:09:10 AM
Great post! Although over here in Europe I always get the impression that Weird Al gets a lot less recognition.

Oh and last saturday I found the Piquantique album from (I believe) the first Beat The Boots series in a second hand cd's section. Great stuff, Stockholm 1973. Great setlist too: Kung Fu - Redunzl - Dupree's Paradise - T'Mershi Duween - Father O'Blivion.

On Zappateers you can download the soundboard (live album quality) of the show the majority of Piquantique came from, which sounds 1000x better than the sound quality presented in Piquantique, which is awful, plus you get more songs. I think T'Mershi Duween is from a different show.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on July 18, 2012, 12:40:27 PM
Just felt like posting some more love for Absolutely Free. I never thought it was as great as Freak Out or We're Only in it For the Money, but now I've most certainly seen the error of my ways.

So, my Zappa odyssey hasn't made very many new acquisitions lately. I'm still pretty stuck on Joe's Garage and Sheik Yerbouti (in that I can't get into them), and Apostrophe is still a completely flawless piece of awesome. I've got One Size and Over-Nite Sensation too, but I can't tear myself away from Apostrophe long enough to give them a fair shake.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on July 18, 2012, 01:27:03 PM
Sheik Yerbouti was a grower for me, but once it clicked it clicked HARD.

I will agree about Apostrophe' though. :metal
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: tofee35 on July 18, 2012, 05:06:26 PM
Just felt like posting some more love for Absolutely Free. I never thought it was as great as Freak Out or We're Only in it For the Money, but now I've most certainly seen the error of my ways.

So, my Zappa odyssey hasn't made very many new acquisitions lately. I'm still pretty stuck on Joe's Garage and Sheik Yerbouti (in that I can't get into them), and Apostrophe is still a completely flawless piece of awesome. I've got One Size and Over-Nite Sensation too, but I can't tear myself away from Apostrophe long enough to give them a fair shake.

I have had that problem for 7 years only with Joe's Garage and the 90's comp Strictly Commercial. I listened to those albums so much and was frankly afraid to move on into the FZ repertoire. I had no idea where to start. I heard Over-Nite Sensation and Apostrophe were good, so I gave them a try. I still haven't heard anything from any other album. I'm obsessed with the two latest discoveries O-NS and A(')
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on July 18, 2012, 07:12:17 PM
You really can't go wrong with any of the You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore compliations.  Quality stuff there, from all incarnations of Frank/The Mothers.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 18, 2012, 09:53:31 PM
Aside from a couple of songs, Joe's Garage and Shiek YerBouti were 2 albums I wasn't very much into when I was first getting into Zappa. They later became 2 of my favorite Zappa albums, after much time spent on other Zappa albums, and understanding the scope of the man's music.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 31, 2012, 12:04:32 PM
Picked up the new remaster of Freak Out! yesterday, wasn't sure what to get first so I decided best start at the beginning. I don't have the original CD to compare but it looks great. All the liner notes are there, still Zappa's mix, and the jewel case is nice. I am definitely satisfied, and I look forward to more of these. Also a nice little touch is that the sleeves number each release.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on July 31, 2012, 01:01:58 PM
I don't know what to think of it. I mean, I have some vinyls, some rycko cd's, and now there's another master.

I really guess it's more of a 'we own it again now' type action.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 31, 2012, 07:09:07 PM
Well I got into Zappa about a year ago, and the Ryko CDs are painfully hard to find in stores. I'm glad they will all be easily accessible now.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on August 01, 2012, 06:22:16 AM
That's true. I'll buy a couple just to compare, but I don't have the cash to start all over again now, haha
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on August 02, 2012, 12:21:26 PM
Mosh, I was gonna ask you how the new remaster of Freak Out! compared to the Ryko release and then read your most recent post.

Never mind. :lolpalm:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on September 28, 2012, 08:12:50 PM
Got an e-mail from the mailing list, really awesome stuff is in bold:

Quote
Dear People of Earth,

Here's what's thrilling:

1. It is Moon's Birthday today! And this morning I was lucky enough to have a cold breakfast with Moon and Mathilda - Ice Cream Cake and the sun wasn't even up yet. Yay!

2. I know I do not have to remind you that next December 2013 is the 40th Anniversary of the Roxy Performances. Now that we have thoroughly identified all it's parts and participles, we will deliver The Movie without further incident and maybe only a little ado. In theatres, DVD and Blue-ray, sometime before December, 2013.

3. MEANWHILE . . . before this December 2012, in anticipation of The ACTUAL Movie, we are pleased to inform you that we are scheduling the release of the PREQUEL to the actual Soundtrack. Yes. You will! Appreciate the raw unbridledness of the 75 minutes and 49 seconds of Roxy without the Elsewhere. Further details on The Movie and P.S. (Prequel Soundtrack) as soon as the duckies are all lined up.

4. Oh, and did I mention a new series is about to launch - Road Tapes - on Vaulternative Records! We've taken direct aim at Halloween!

5. Thank you.

xxx,

gz
:caffeine:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on September 28, 2012, 09:30:23 PM
Man, it's about time!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on September 29, 2012, 05:14:50 AM
Wow...one can not deny that when she does things, Gail does things thouroghly. That ´ll probably cost another arm and a leg.... 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 29, 2012, 11:14:13 AM
Yes! It's finally happening. The people who were at these shows are probably exploding from excitement.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on September 29, 2012, 04:38:27 PM
The ones who are still alive, anyway.  :P

Roxy & Elsewhere was one of the first Zappa/Mothers albums I ever heard, and is still my favorite.  Pretty much the perfect combination of virtuoso playing, theatrics, humor, and social satire, plus Frank's spoken introductions.  I remember seeing a trailer for the movie years and years ago and went nuts for a while trying to find a copy.  I didn't even realize they'd made a movie, but since they had, I suddenly wanted to see it very badly.  So disappointing.  Now I realize why: The damned thing was never released!

And it still hasn't been, so I'm trying not to get too excited this time, either.  40 years later?  Really, Gail?  I'll believe it when I see it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on September 29, 2012, 06:07:04 PM
Roxy & Elsewhere was one of the first Zappa/Mothers albums I ever heard, and is still my favorite.  Pretty much the perfect combination of virtuoso playing, theatrics, humor, and social satire, plus Frank's spoken introductions.

It's not the first album I heard by Frank/The Mothers, but it's definitely my favorite too - and for many of the same reasons.

40 years later?  Really, Gail?  I'll believe it when I see it.

Yeah, agreed.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 30, 2012, 03:02:07 AM
Very, very cool. This could be the first official released show on video. I mean, instead of DHBIM and Baby Snakes, which are montages of all sorts of stuff. (unless I forget something right now)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on September 30, 2012, 07:06:19 AM
Well, there's the Dub Room Special, but it too is a montage of stuff, not a real concert video.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 02, 2012, 12:50:57 AM
Ah yeah, I knew I forgot at least one. Well and there are a couple of unofficial DVD's like The Torture Never Stops, or Barcelona 88. But when I want to just watch Zappa's music being played live, I usually grab Zappa Plays Zappa.

And I hope there'll be a great alternative with the Roxy blu-ray!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on October 02, 2012, 02:41:29 AM
And I hope there'll be a great alternative with the Roxy blu-ray!

I do too!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on October 02, 2012, 06:50:47 AM
Oh don't get me wrong; I would absolutely love to see it.  An actual concert video from Frank and Company, without claymation animations, backstage antics, rehearsal footage, etc., all mixed in.  I've waited for this literally for decades (I know it's been over 10 years, probably 20).  I'm just saying that I'm not getting my hopes up.  I'll believe it when I see it, and not before.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on October 02, 2012, 12:01:16 PM
^^ Pretty much that, yeah.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 04, 2012, 10:56:05 AM
Well the day the pre-sale goes up maybe.  ;)

But yeah, I get your point, it's still over a year away, and that could become two years in Gail's world in an instance.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on November 30, 2012, 04:25:39 PM
Another newsletter update:

Dear People of Earth who are interested in anything & everything concerning The Roxy Performances,

So you’ve always dreamt of being a music mogul and running your own record company, huh? But you ask yourself, “How could I get a Real Record Deal?” “I mean,” you say to yourself, “I think I could do this as well as anyone – I have important opinions to share.”  Well here’s your chance to be part of Zappa Music Business History and become an AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR of a Real (REAL!) Live (LIVE!) Zappa Record.  One more time for the world: Recorded by Zappa, Performed by Zappa, featuring some of your favorite Mothers, and Material, AND all under the Roof you’ve been waiting for:  The Roxy!  No ELSEWHERES about it.

What???  It’s True.  We here at Zappa Records are looking for a few good men and women – approximately 1,000 highly motivated, sensitive and discerning individuals – to sign up as Official Independent Distributors of a never-heretofore-released, thoroughly Authentic Zappa Master Recording.  And this is not just any thoroughly authentic Zappa Master Recording either. No, this is the one many of you have been beyond craving.  Please sit down to read this part:  This is the Roxy – the Soundtrack – yes, it is the introductory Soundtrack, the Prequel if you will – the Project/Object of your Dreams.  76 unadulterated minutes of fabulous frenzy await you.  And the opportunity of a life–time: Roxy By Proxy! Should it be determined that you become an Officially Licensed Authorized Zappa RBP Distributor, you can make as many copies of the record as you can possibly distribute – AND exce pt for reporting to us your sales & customers (just like any other record distributor) and paying us the publishing, YOU keep the money. AND you get to collect royalties from what is sold at Barfko-Swill AND you will also be entitled to a special wholesale price available to the OLAZRBPDs (Officially Licensed Authorized Zappa ROXY BY PROXY Distributor) exclusively.

Apart from being Official Release #96 this is a Music Biz First.  How is that you might well ask:  We figured you might like to participate in the wonderment so we have devised a way to let you in behind the scenes of every Artist’s necessity - a music distribution deal – but in this case we’ve cut to the chase. We need to get the record to you so why  shouldn’t you be part of the process?  You can help us help you by helping you help us.

So here’s the deal: getsome.zappa.com for all the information and the ACTUAL LICENSE.

Thanks in advance for your Consideration.

xxx,

gz

"Music is the Best!" ~FZ

Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on November 30, 2012, 04:58:37 PM
What in the blazing shit is Gail talking about?  She makes it sound like an awesome opportunity! but it seems to me more like they need distributors or something.  Does she suck so badly at running a company that even now, after all these years, she hasn't figured out how to do it, or at least hire someone who does know how?

Also, this sounds like audio only.  The "master" recording.  Great.  Yay.  Where's the video?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on November 30, 2012, 05:15:19 PM
I guess that's what she means by prequel. Album comes out first, video later.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on November 30, 2012, 07:44:02 PM
wat
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on December 01, 2012, 04:46:55 PM
Sounds like she wants to make it a grassroots fan effort, but I'm still looking for the proverbial catch since it sounds a little too good to be true.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 01, 2012, 05:43:08 PM
Well, you have to have some dough. It's $1007 for the master, plus the cost of manufacturing the CDs:

Quote
How Do I Manufacture the Physical CDs from the Master CD?  You may secure your own manufacturer to make copies of the Master CD.  Under this approach, you will owe us a mechanical royalty of $1.20 for each CD sold or delivered, payable per the terms of the distribution agreement. In the alternative, you may use the Zappa Family Trust’s authorized third party manufacturer to make copies of the Master CD.  Under this approach, each CD will be provided to you at the wholesale price of eleven dollars plus shipping and handling.  On all such sales, the mechanical royalty of $1.20 will be included in the price to you.  Further, for any sales of the physical CDs made by the Zappa Family Trust through its Barfko-Swill website, we will pay you a royalty based on a percentage of the difference between the retail price and wholesale price as set forth in the terms of the distribution agreement.

Some other points from https://getsome.zappa.com/roxy-by-proxy-the-license/ :

Quote
How Do I Make Money?  Each distributor may set the price for the Distribution CD and sell unlimited numbers of complete, physical CDs at the retail level. You will also participate in a royalty pool derived from sales of  ROXY BY PROXY CD on Zappa Records through Barfko-Swill at Zappa.com as described below.  Note:  You can give the CDs away as gifts!  There are no exclusive territories for each Distributor. 

Quote
Are There Distribution Restrictions?  Yes.  Distributors may only sell the CD at the retail level, which means you cannot contract with any music distribution company.  The CD or individual tracks may not be uploaded to file sharing sites (of any kind) for sale via digital download or sold via any other digital distribution method.

Quote
What Kind Of Marketing Materials Can I Use?  The Zappa Family Trust will provide each distributor with authorized marketing materials for use in advertising and promoting the Zappa CD Master Project.  Any and all marketing materials created by a distributor must be approved by us in writing prior to use by the distributor.

Quote
But Seriously, What Does This Really Mean? What it really means is that if we are all successful, the ZFT will have the budget to cover every possible expense necessary to make THE ROXY PERFORMANCES – The Movie, available just in time for each and every one of us to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Original Event.  And it will all be down to you! 

So looks like they're hoping to have the video out in a year if all goes well, Bob.

Also, I didn't realize his birthday was the "end of the world"  :lol

So perfect :metal


Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on December 01, 2012, 05:47:33 PM
Hm.  Maybe I'm being too paranoid, then. :lol

Also, I didn't realize his birthday was the "end of the world"  :lol

So perfect :metal

Yeah, it is rather fitting.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 01, 2012, 06:59:01 PM
I mean, I don't know if there's any hidden catch, but if you can't sell enough CDs you'll lose some dough. $1007 plus the cost of however many you manufacture ($11 each if you use their people), then being able to sell enough CDs at the right price, etc. etc. You have to be good at marketing or know a lot of Zappa fans... or just be rich and give them all as gifts  :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on December 01, 2012, 07:13:17 PM
I'm just too much of a skeptic sometimes. :-\
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 01, 2012, 07:21:18 PM
Nah, you should be. This is pretty weird.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on December 01, 2012, 07:22:26 PM
Just a bit, especially since the family has held this back for so long.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 03, 2012, 01:36:25 AM
Wish Gail would forgo all the zappa'esque 'lingo' and just give it to us straight. (remember Straight? ha ha).

Also, came across a cd called 'Road Tapes #1, appearantly recordings from '68. Anyone know if this is any good?

 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 03, 2012, 03:03:47 AM
Rrrrrright, I'd suggest to give the masters to distributors so they can well, distribute, and then they give us the cd, so we (consumers) can consume (right?), cause that's what we are here to do.

Apart from that, Road Tapes #1 is cool. A good add to the collection if you like that period (which I do). The quality is not great, but there's a cool bunch of on stage humor and a lot of goofy solo's.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 08, 2013, 01:58:01 PM
And 'Finer Moments' is almost a must-have.
Wow, such a bunch of awesome material. Great Mothers on stage randomness, Zappa's early electronic pieces, a massive Uncle Remus jam, another great great Billy the Mountain jam (way better than the Carnegie Hall one). Wonderful stuff!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 09, 2013, 02:01:43 AM
So, where's the 'Roxy soundtrack' we were promised in december?  :justjen
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on January 09, 2013, 02:02:47 AM
No shit! :angry:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Octavaripolis on January 09, 2013, 02:11:54 AM
So is there anyone here who's collected all the albums?   ;)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 09, 2013, 02:14:23 AM
Yeah well, I've tried...it's a work of a lifetime!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Octavaripolis on January 09, 2013, 02:16:36 AM
Yeah well, I've tried...it's a work of a lifetime!

My godfather is really close now.. He's just missing a couple of albums.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on January 09, 2013, 02:29:57 AM
Yeah well, I've tried...it's a work of a lifetime!

This, pretty much.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on January 09, 2013, 07:12:01 AM
So, where's the 'Roxy soundtrack' we were promised in december?  :justjen

Gail.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 09, 2013, 01:05:29 PM
So, where's the 'Roxy soundtrack' we were promised in december?  :justjen

Gail.

December next year, right? At least, that's what I understood.

And yeah, I'm trying to gather as much albums as I can. But I end up buying special Zappa stuff before buying albums such as Francesco Zappa, or Thing Fish.
As a result I've got 45 of his 94 official releases. But I've got 70 Zappa items (i.e. Cd's/Vinyl/Dvd's)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on January 09, 2013, 04:08:15 PM
So, where's the 'Roxy soundtrack' we were promised in december?  :justjen

Gail.

*ding ding ding*
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Man-Erg on January 10, 2013, 06:38:03 AM
I want to get into Zappa and so far I've heard only Stinkfoot (the song) and I love it. What albums should I get? Probably Apostrophe, Hot Rats, One Size Fits All, but what else?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 10, 2013, 06:46:03 AM
I want to get into Zappa and so far I've heard only Stinkfoot (the song) and I love it. What albums should I get? Probably Apostrophe, Hot Rats, One Size Fits All, but what else?

In New York, Roxy and Elsewhere are two other great albums to start. And then probably start with Freak Out! and work your way slowly through different periods in his catalogue.
Have a great journey! If you have more questions, or need any other recommendations, just ask!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 10, 2013, 08:09:43 AM
Don't forget Zoot Alures, Them or Us, You Are What You Is, Hot Rats, The Grand Wazoo.


Just for starters, that'll  do.  :P
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 10, 2013, 08:11:30 AM
Don't forget Zoot Alures, Them or Us, You Are What You Is, Hot Rats, The Grand Wazoo.


Just for starters, that'll  do.  :P

Maybe Your Are What You Is and Hot Rats. I don't find Them or Us that mandatory and The Grand Wazoo is interchangable with Hot Rats, for starting up. Buuuut, You Are What You Is, ís a good pop album. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on January 10, 2013, 11:49:48 AM
DEFINITELY Roxy And Elsewhere and Sheik Yerbouti.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 12, 2013, 03:45:49 PM
I've come to the conclusion that Apostrophe is a near-perfect album. I could probably still listen to it several times a day and not get tired of it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on March 12, 2013, 06:40:35 PM
It is pretty wonderful  :heart
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 13, 2013, 09:18:37 AM
It's really an album that I never get tired of. I just love the sound of it.

BTW, a nice picture of my Zappa collection:
(https://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/644454_488018694579844_1763775861_n.jpg)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 13, 2013, 09:50:48 AM
I love how Sheik Yerbouti seems to jump right out at you.  Or maybe he just jumps out at me.  Sheik Yerbouti was my first Zappa album, and in some ways is still my favorite.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on March 13, 2013, 05:08:07 PM
 :metal
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on March 13, 2013, 07:32:09 PM
I love how Sheik Yerbouti seems to jump right out at you.  Or maybe he just jumps out at me.  Sheik Yerbouti was my first Zappa album, and in some ways is still my favorite.

Sheik Yerbouti is definitely a favorite of mine.  Not only do you have Frank, but you have Adrian Belew too! :metal
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on March 13, 2013, 07:55:11 PM
Sheik is one of my favorites too. I think it's my favorite as far as production goes. I love how Frank would mix live and studio tapes.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 13, 2013, 08:26:05 PM
That's a nice Zappa collection, Nihil-Morari. I'll post a picture of mine once I get the last couple of 2012 reissues in the mail.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 13, 2013, 09:50:57 PM
Yeah, going from live to studio and back again seamlessly is pretty freaking cool.  "City of Tiny Lites" comes out of nowhere, live.  That solo is amazing.  I think my favorite "twofer" from Frank is the amazing one-two punch of "Wild Love" and "Yo' Mama".  Another freakin' amazing solo there.  And ending with a live song, with the "Good nights", like the whole thing was a concert, even if most of it was studio.

And yeah, Sheik Yerbouti was my introduction to the great Adrian Belew.  When he showed up in King Crimson a few years later, I was like :omg:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 13, 2013, 10:07:43 PM
Sheik YerBouti took a while to sink in for me when I was new to Zappa, I never got into the album as a whole, just certain songs. Over time, after being into Zappa for a while, I decided to put it on and everything clicked. It was hilarious, but just the way the tracks flow made it for an awesome Zappa album that I now say is at least top 10 of his best, if not top 5. There was so much raw energy, probably from Frank being pissed about the Lather situation.

The 2012 reissue sounds phenomenal.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on March 14, 2013, 01:59:21 AM
Sheik Yerboutti was also my first Zappa record and it hooked me instantly. The musicianship is amazing.
Most of the basic tracks of most songs are live recordings, btw. (although heavily overdubbed, obviuously)

'Don't fool yourself girl, it's going right up your poop-shoot' (aiaiiaiaiaiai) I know it's kindergarden level humor, but it left me giggling in stitches for minutes, for some reason....  :rollin
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 14, 2013, 05:51:23 AM
I guess I'm somewhat alone on Sheik. I'm not that fond of it. I mean, it's a laugh, has great musicianship and some great solo's, but it never really grabbed me. In my opninion Zappa has done waaay better. Same goes for Joe's Garage. Maybe it's the sound of those album.
I must admit though that listening to the original master of Sheik on vinyl was way better than the Ryko CD.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on March 14, 2013, 08:05:21 AM
Looking back on it I agree that he has done way better, musically. I think it had A LOT to do with the fact that he was indeed very pissed off with Warner Brothers at that stage, and more or less in a 'fuck you' mood. He had a lot of material lying around, which he had no outlet for, at least not in the way he wanted to release it. Lather fell through, and he was positively fuming with rage about that and it would show in releases for years to come. He even performed with a banner on stage stating 'Warner Brothers Sucks'.

It's no surprise he started the Zappa label not long after that. Yes, 'Joe's Garage' was a nice idea, but it wasn't brilliant en volume 2 plods on for far too long.
I'm really surprised he managed to release an album like 'Ship arriving too late to save a drowning witch, which has some brilliant songs on it.

Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 14, 2013, 08:24:46 AM
As with so many things, it can depend a lot on how and when you came to it.  I'd heard One Size Fits All years earlier, before I'd started collecting my own music.  Frank had a minor radio hit with "Dancing Fool" which was pretty funny, and I remembered hearing One Size Fits All, so I picked up Sheik Yerbouti.  Since it was my first, I dove right in.  I was immediately thrown off by the opener, "I Have Been in You" not because of the content, but because of the 50's doo-wop sound.  But it grew on me.  And "Flakes", "Broken Hearts are for Assholes" and "I'm So Cute" are all gold, as far as I'm concerned.  Then things get crazy and experimental, and I like that kind of thing, sometimes.  There's a few iffy tracks in between, but also some killers, and it finishes strong.

Has he done better?  Probably.  Has he done way better, musically?  That depends on your taste and opinion, of course.  Maybe it's sentimental value, maybe it's just because I'm so familiar with it, but I can listen to Sheik Yerbouti over and over, and it's a Top Five for me.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on March 14, 2013, 11:14:42 AM
Alright, maybe not way better.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 14, 2013, 11:19:40 AM
Well okay then.



:P
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 14, 2013, 04:06:46 PM
I really think that for a man that can write The Bebop Tango, The Black Page, Billy the Mountain, Montana and other instrumental and vocal greatness, most of Sheik is underwhelming. Like I said, the vinyl made it a bit better, and Hammersmith Odeon helped, but Broken Hearts -> I'm so Cute -> Jones Crusher, is really way below his best.
On the other hand, there are a lot of good moments, never really the 'big grin'-moments that I get on a lot of other Zappa releases.

It could well be that I started Zappa with Roxy and New York, and explored the Freak Out years after that.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jammindude on March 14, 2013, 04:15:36 PM
"Whizzing and pasting and pooting through the daaaaayyyy...."

(sometimes I just get that line stuck in my head for days...)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 14, 2013, 06:16:05 PM
My introduction to Zappa was fucking weird. I listened to Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch first because of Valley Girl, and loved the whole album. I didn't check out any of his other stuff until much later though. I eventually got Freak Out!, We're Only In it For the Money, and Roxy. Roxy just confused me since I hadn't heard any of his jazzier material yet. I loved Freak Out! and WOIIFTM though. After I got into Apostrophe and Overnite Sensation, I appreciated Roxy a lot more.

I still think Sheik is pretty overrated, and I also feel the same way about Hot Rats. *runs away*
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 15, 2013, 02:28:32 AM
I agree with Hot Rats.
Well different strokes... right?

I can't get enough of Fillmore, Just Another Band, and Absolutely Free, but some folks don't like that stuff that much.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 15, 2013, 06:27:01 AM
I agree with Hot Rats.
Well different strokes... right?

I can't get enough of Fillmore, Just Another Band, and Absolutely Free, but some folks don't like that stuff that much.
Absolutely Free took a long time to click for me, but now it's easily one of my favorites. I'd say WOIIFTM just barely edges it out for my favorite from that early period though. Brown Shoes Don't Make It is utterly brilliant.

In related news, I'm listening to Weasels Ripped My Flesh for the first time right now.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 15, 2013, 07:23:38 AM
Weasels Ripped My Flesh is pretty good.  When I originally built my collection years ago, I had to pick and choose, since I had limited funds, so Weasels was one that I skipped.  Years later, a friend of mine had it, and it was one of his favorites, so we ended up listening to it a lot.  It was so cool hearing "new" Zappa/Mothers from that period, stuff I didn't know inside out like the others but just as good.

I always envy people being exposed to stuff for the first time.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 15, 2013, 08:24:30 AM
It's pretty nerdy and slightly pathetic, but a lot of my life's motivation is based on the sole fact that I haven't heard everything that Zappa has released. I'm taking it very slow so as to not overload myself, and it's kind of become one of my life's goals to become reasonably familiar with as much of his material as humanly possible. I'm constantly in awe at the amount of albums he's put out, and one of my favorite things about how he releases music is that he'll do live albums of material that isn't on any of the studio albums. It keeps the live albums fresh and unique since you can't get a lot of those songs anywhere else. It took some getting used to though, because it kind of bummed me out at first that there wasn't a studio version of Cheepnis. Then I realized that Zappa's bands were always so ridiculously talented that live versions were almost always just as polished as a studio recording would have been.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on March 15, 2013, 10:25:15 AM
Burnt weenie sandwich....now THAT ending!!  :omg:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 15, 2013, 12:44:48 PM
I had to take a look in my collection to find out that I do own Weasels, don't own Burnt Weeny though.
Both are quite the same for me, great ways of seeing how Zappa went from phase one (which is a high school diploma stuffed with a gym sock) to phase two (which is a college degree stuffed with absolutely nothing at all) (well actually from mothers to solo)
If I remember correctly, both are left overs from early mothers, tours etc.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 15, 2013, 01:44:49 PM
It is amazing how radically varied his music is. Going from Freak Out! to Roxy is practically two different worlds, and they're not even a decade apart.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 15, 2013, 01:54:25 PM
It is amazing how radically varied his music is. Going from Freak Out! to Roxy is practically two different worlds, and they're not even a decade apart.

And then glue in Lumpy Gravy and the 200 Motels movie, and you've got an image of his madness. In 10 years. You think DT has changed since Six Degrees?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 15, 2013, 02:02:24 PM
That's not really a valid comparison, though.  DT is a band, and a brand.  They've put a lot into establish their sound and their fanbase, and can't just decide to change things radically.  Well, they could, but at the risk of rocking the boat.

Frank has always done exactly what he's wanted to do, artistically, and he has many sides to his art and to his personality.  He made rock music because he could, and used the money to fund his increasingly more ambitious musical projects.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 15, 2013, 02:14:42 PM
Yeah I know.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 15, 2013, 02:22:55 PM
Well okay then.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on March 15, 2013, 10:05:12 PM
I can't get enough of Fillmore, Just Another Band, and Absolutely Free, but some folks don't like that stuff that much.

It took a little time for Absolutely Free to click, but it clicked HARD once it did.  Weasels took a bit longer, but I really dig that album too.

Both are quite the same for me, great ways of seeing how Zappa went from phase one (which is a high school diploma stuffed with a gym sock) to phase two (which is a college degree stuffed with absolutely nothing at all)

 :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :tup
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 16, 2013, 02:25:59 AM
 :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 16, 2013, 11:07:15 AM
You get nothing with your college degree.  I'm sorry, I forgot.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 16, 2013, 11:54:40 AM
DUMMY UP
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 16, 2013, 12:04:47 PM
I heard it again. Somebody said "Dummy up!"
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 16, 2013, 12:14:38 PM
Let me tell you something. Do you like monster movies? I LOVE monster movies.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 16, 2013, 12:43:38 PM
Waitaminute!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 16, 2013, 12:44:30 PM
Listening to Cucamonga for the first time ever. Interesting listen for sure, but I think it's enjoyable.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: PuffyPat on March 17, 2013, 01:45:07 AM
A really cool look at the gear that Dweezil is using. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvok4jEH4hE)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on March 17, 2013, 07:16:41 PM
You get nothing with your college degree.  I'm sorry, I forgot.

"Well, if you get nothing... that's what I want!"
"A true Zen saying, 'Nothing is what I want.'"

Let me tell you something. Do you like monster movies? I LOVE monster movies.

And there's always a girl who falls down and twists her ankle.  Hey, of course there is!

 :lol

Just typing that out cracks me up. :lol :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 17, 2013, 08:38:03 PM
The weaker sex and everything, twisting her ankle on behalf of the little ice cream cone.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on March 17, 2013, 09:50:58 PM
:lolpalm:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 18, 2013, 04:19:36 AM
I've been on a total Zappa high the last few days. I've tracked down some pretty nice bootlegs (A Snail in my Nose and Paralipolemi...) two good sounding early Flo & Eddie boots. Then I saw this on Zappa's facebook this morning:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coG2EakB97g
 :heart
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 18, 2013, 05:47:10 AM
I'm constantly amazed by how Zappa managed to get so many incredible musicians together into a huge band and not have it collapse over conflicting egos. That video was really fun to watch even though I'm not all that familiar with the song. The stage presence is just great.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on March 18, 2013, 06:37:57 AM
I'm constantly amazed by how Zappa managed to get so many incredible musicians together into a huge band and not have it collapse over conflicting egos. That video was really fun to watch even though I'm not all that familiar with the song. The stage presence is just great.

Well, then you've obviously not read about the '88 band and how it 'imploded' midtour due to jealousy, infighting and just plain inabillity to accept authority (any other than Frank's). You should look it up, it's pretty funny (and stupid).  ;D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 18, 2013, 07:14:06 AM
Yeah, that's the first thing I thought of, too.  The Best Band You Never Heard in Your Life, which imploded, or "self-destructed" before it could reach most of the cities it had booked.

Also, Frank was a very, very demanding band leader.  His musical knowledge, skill, and virtuosity were well known, but he tended to demand the same from his band.  There are some, but very few, who can play at that level, and fewer still who also had the personality to make it work.  That's why some guys played with him for years, and others lasted maybe one tour or one album.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 18, 2013, 09:22:39 AM
I've been on a total Zappa high the last few days. I've tracked down some pretty nice bootlegs (A Snail in my Nose and Paralipolemi...) two good sounding early Flo & Eddie boots. Then I saw this on Zappa's facebook this morning:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coG2EakB97g
 :heart

That's from the same show as The Dub Room Special with the '74 lineup. Awesome!!! I don't understand why the ZFT didn't release the entire show, at least from that one (the 1981 show is alright, but mixed with the 74 lineup, just sounds wrong, luckily there's only 2 tracks from that band on TDRS.)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on March 18, 2013, 01:33:13 PM
I'm constantly amazed by how Zappa managed to get so many incredible musicians together into a huge band and not have it collapse over conflicting egos. That video was really fun to watch even though I'm not all that familiar with the song. The stage presence is just great.

Well, then you've obviously not read about the '88 band and how it 'imploded' midtour due to jealousy, infighting and just plain inabillity to accept authority (any other than Frank's). You should look it up, it's pretty funny (and stupid).  ;D
I had not read that, though it does sound interesting. I had sort of assumed that every band was reasonably successful since I always see how great everything was with the '74 band, and from the research I've done I never noticed Frank to have any sort of feuds with band members or ex-band members.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 31, 2013, 09:35:27 AM

Finally got around to listening to Playground Psychotics for the first time yesterday. It was enjoyable, had that Mystery Disc/Lost Episodes vibe with all the field recordings. However, the version of Billy The Mountain on there seemed superior to the original JABFLA version.

Been going through the albums I still need, so what are your opinions on the recent albums from the last few years?

Philly '76
Hammersmith Odeon
Carnegie Hall
Feeding the Monkies At Ma Masion
Road Tapes Vol. 1
Finer Moments

I have Finer Moments, and it is quite enjoyable album. I don't have any of the others above, though I've listened to HO once over a year ago. I don't like that Carnegie Hall has a Persuasions set before FZ's two shows, and it's a more expensive album, so I haven't been trying to get it in any rush.

I'm looking to get Buffalo but also another from the list above. Which would be the best one to get first?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on March 31, 2013, 12:00:45 PM
Only heard Finer Moments. I liked it, harkens to Weasels which  is pretty cool. The 2nd disc was mostly forgettable though, don't think it needed to be a double album.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 31, 2013, 12:53:07 PM

Finally got around to listening to Playground Psychotics for the first time yesterday. It was enjoyable, had that Mystery Disc/Lost Episodes vibe with all the field recordings. However, the version of Billy The Mountain on there seemed superior to the original JABFLA version.

Been going through the albums I still need, so what are your opinions on the recent albums from the last few years?

Philly '76
Hammersmith Odeon
Carnegie Hall
Feeding the Monkies At Ma Masion
Road Tapes Vol. 1
Finer Moments

I have Finer Moments, and it is quite enjoyable album. I don't have any of the others above, though I've listened to HO once over a year ago. I don't like that Carnegie Hall has a Persuasions set before FZ's two shows, and it's a more expensive album, so I haven't been trying to get it in any rush.

I'm looking to get Buffalo but also another from the list above. Which would be the best one to get first?

Best to worst:
Cargnegie Hall
Hammersmith Odeon
Road Tapes
Philly
Finer Moments
Monkies (Only if you're into his synclavier stuff)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on March 31, 2013, 06:23:00 PM

Finally got around to listening to Playground Psychotics for the first time yesterday. It was enjoyable, had that Mystery Disc/Lost Episodes vibe with all the field recordings. However, the version of Billy The Mountain on there seemed superior to the original JABFLA version.

I absolutely LOVE Playground Psychotics - Flo and Eddie are in fine form throughout, and I agree that the PP version of Billy The Mountain could very well be superior to the JABFLA version.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 01, 2013, 02:33:29 AM

Finally got around to listening to Playground Psychotics for the first time yesterday. It was enjoyable, had that Mystery Disc/Lost Episodes vibe with all the field recordings. However, the version of Billy The Mountain on there seemed superior to the original JABFLA version.

I absolutely LOVE Playground Psychotics - Flo and Eddie are in fine form throughout, and I agree that the PP version of Billy The Mountain could very well be superior to the JABFLA version.

Make that the three of us. I don't really listen to the LA version anymore. Just PP or Carnegie.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on April 13, 2013, 12:01:50 PM
Has anyone seen Project/Object (Ike Willis, Ray White, Tom Fowler, Ed Mann)? They're playing at a venue that's like 10 minutes away from me so I'm thinking about checking them out. Is it worth the $18?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 13, 2013, 01:13:35 PM
Has anyone seen Project/Object (Ike Willis, Ray White, Tom Fowler, Ed Mann)? They're playing at a venue that's like 10 minutes away from me so I'm thinking about checking them out. Is it worth the $18?

Not sure. On Zappa.com people there say they're really good (and will play songs that Zappa Plays Zappa won't play, like some of the more offensive stuff, and the 80s stuff.)




Finally got around to listening to Playground Psychotics for the first time yesterday. It was enjoyable, had that Mystery Disc/Lost Episodes vibe with all the field recordings. However, the version of Billy The Mountain on there seemed superior to the original JABFLA version.

I absolutely LOVE Playground Psychotics - Flo and Eddie are in fine form throughout, and I agree that the PP version of Billy The Mountain could very well be superior to the JABFLA version.

Make that the three of us. I don't really listen to the LA version anymore. Just PP or Carnegie.

How is Carnegie Hall? I don't like how the opening band is featured on it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on April 13, 2013, 02:17:14 PM
Has anyone seen Project/Object (Ike Willis, Ray White, Tom Fowler, Ed Mann)? They're playing at a venue that's like 10 minutes away from me so I'm thinking about checking them out. Is it worth the $18?

I have heard they put on a great show. I am gonna let my friends know they're playing in Jersey; they should go!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on April 13, 2013, 02:48:10 PM
Looks like I'll go!

I still need to see Zappa Plays Zappa. I missed the last two shows they played in CT (one was a festival appearance and I was on vacation during the other).
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on April 13, 2013, 03:07:49 PM
Yes you do! They put on such a fun show. I see them every time I can.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 14, 2013, 04:36:45 AM
How is Carnegie Hall? I don't like how the opening band is featured on it.

You don't? Well, I think it gives a nice complete view of the evening. And I love how such a close-harmony group was actually the opening act back then. And the Billy the Mountain version is nice. Not better than PP, but it is completer, with all the additional jams etc.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 14, 2013, 12:27:42 PM
How is Carnegie Hall? I don't like how the opening band is featured on it.

You don't? Well, I think it gives a nice complete view of the evening. And I love how such a close-harmony group was actually the opening act back then. And the Billy the Mountain version is nice. Not better than PP, but it is completer, with all the additional jams etc.

I'll check it out eventually of course, I'm going through whatever posthumous albums I still need, but I was wondering how much of a priority it was to get Carnegie Hall. I just got a couple BTB albums like Electric Aunt Jemima and The Ark (well, actually the full show from Zappateers.com), and Buffalo, and I want to get Road Tapes Vol. 1 and Feeding The Monkies At Ma Maison so I have a lot of Zappa listening to still do.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 30, 2013, 10:02:00 PM
https://barfkoswill.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=971_62209

Roxy By Proxy coming September 20th. Looks like it's the real deal this time.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 30, 2013, 10:22:51 PM
I'm almost excited about this, but not quite.  No track list, no real information.  I'll believe it when I see it, and at this point, I'll have to wait for reviews before buying it.  I simply don't trust Gail and the ZFT the way I did Frank, and cannot assume that this will be an amazing and awesome release.

But... it's good news and at least a step in the right direction.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 30, 2013, 10:34:17 PM
Fair enough. I've been happier with the ZFT since the remaster campaign. Finer Moments and Token Of His Extreme DVD were great gestures too. But I agree that the lack of tracklist is frustrating.

Oh, I forgot to mention that there are liner notes by Ruth!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on July 31, 2013, 06:51:57 AM
So wait, before releasing the video of the show, they re-release the audio? I mean, I hope there are other tracks on here than on the original Roxy. No word on it being a double album either, so maybe it isn't the entire show. We'll see.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 31, 2013, 07:45:56 AM
Yeah, I'm trying to figure out exactly what "Roxy by Proxy" means.  It rhymes and is clever; I get that.  But almost no Zappa album title is without some kind of hidden meaning.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 31, 2013, 10:55:43 AM
From what I understand it's the complete Roxy show without the "elsewhere" portions. So I imagine the tracklist would be this: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/frank-zappa/1973/the-roxy-west-hollywood-ca-bd025d2.html
Proxy probably just refers to people outside of ZFT have authority to distribute this.

So nothing we haven't heard already on Roxy or Helsinki, but I'm always up for a new recording of RDNZL!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on July 31, 2013, 02:03:16 PM
From what I understand it's the complete Roxy show without the "elsewhere" portions. So I imagine the tracklist would be this: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/frank-zappa/1973/the-roxy-west-hollywood-ca-bd025d2.html
Proxy probably just refers to people outside of ZFT have authority to distribute this.

So nothing we haven't heard already on Roxy or Helsinki, but I'm always up for a new recording of RDNZL!

Oh Totally!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Lucidity on July 31, 2013, 02:07:56 PM
I'm looking to get into some Zappa, but his discography is so vast and intimidating that I don't know where to start. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Lolzeez on July 31, 2013, 02:16:58 PM
I'm looking to get into some Zappa, but his discography is so vast and intimidating that I don't know where to start. Any suggestions?
Apostrophe.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 31, 2013, 02:30:10 PM
Depends on what you want. If you want some mindblowing fusion and guitar playing, get Hot Rats. If you want some awesome rock songs, get Overnite Sensation and Apostrophe. What sort of music do you like?

I started with One Size Fits All. Not as acclaimed as the other classics from that era, but regardless, Inca Roads had me hooked from the start.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Lucidity on July 31, 2013, 02:33:42 PM
I like prog and jazz, but I don't like really silly music; I prefer more serious, structured songs, which I know aren't always Zappa's thing.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 31, 2013, 02:39:51 PM
You definitely want Hot Rats then, no question. After that, get Waka/Jawaka and Grand Wazoo.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Lucidity on July 31, 2013, 02:53:38 PM
Thanks guys!  :tup
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 31, 2013, 08:54:29 PM
So.... Fucking... Excited for Roxy By Proxy. I could give two shits about the video, I want the MUSIC!!!

I like prog and jazz, but I don't like really silly music; I prefer more serious, structured songs, which I know aren't always Zappa's thing.

Actually, they're usually his thing, but he liked to sometimes have the silly stuff on top of the serious structured songs.

Personally, based on your tastes, you need these 10 Zappa albums. Pick and choose:

Over-nite Sensation
Apostrophe (')
One Size Fits All
The Grand Wazoo
Waka/Jawaka
Hot Rats
Roxy & Elsewhere
Make A Jazz Noise Here
The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life
Lather
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 31, 2013, 09:26:39 PM
RBP is being released in September? Another reason it's going to be a great month.

Now all we need is the announcement for the upcoming Uncle Meat Project Object, '73 w/ JLP band live album, '88 band live album, and Dance Me This!!!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 31, 2013, 09:27:25 PM
Lather is great but I wonder if it'd be too overwhelming for a new fan. Tons of material.

Also, and this is just personal opinion, I think the best material on Lather can (and should) be found on Zappa In New York.

I remember reading somewhere that the JLP album was gonna be the next Road Tapes installment. Dunno how true that is though.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Lucidity on July 31, 2013, 09:36:30 PM
So.... Fucking... Excited for Roxy By Proxy. I could give two shits about the video, I want the MUSIC!!!

I like prog and jazz, but I don't like really silly music; I prefer more serious, structured songs, which I know aren't always Zappa's thing.

Actually, they're usually his thing, but he liked to sometimes have the silly stuff on top of the serious structured songs.

Personally, based on your tastes, you need these 10 Zappa albums. Pick and choose:

Over-nite Sensation
Apostrophe (')
One Size Fits All
The Grand Wazoo
Waka/Jawaka
Hot Rats
Roxy & Elsewhere
Make A Jazz Noise Here
The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life
Lather

Thanks a bunch!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Lolzeez on August 01, 2013, 01:17:50 AM
Man I forgot how much I liked Waka/Jawaka. I really like the jazzy elements.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Theme Dreater on August 02, 2013, 02:31:08 AM
I'm looking to get into some Zappa, but his discography is so vast and intimidating that I don't know where to start. Any suggestions?

Yeah, if you dig prog One Size Fits All would be an excellent place to start. As far as silly stuff goes though, I think it's hard to find a Zappa album without some silly lyrics.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on August 02, 2013, 11:01:31 AM
True. And if you don't like silly, Overnite/Apostrophe probably aren't good starters.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Lucidity on August 02, 2013, 10:24:36 PM
I'm listening Hot Rats all the way through right now... and damn is this amazing. Locing every second. Thanks for the recommendations guys  :tup
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on August 02, 2013, 11:42:51 PM
Glad you're enjoying! Hot Rats is one of the best, I always love listening to it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on August 03, 2013, 04:08:39 AM
Thouroughly enjoying Buffalo at the moment!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 03, 2013, 06:11:48 PM
Buffalo is one of my favorite posthumous releases. The band is so tight, Frank is ON during this show.

I've been thinking about Roxy By Proxy, this is something I've been looking forward to ever since I got into Zappa. Roxy & Elsewhere is one of those Zappa albums I listened to so much that I burnt myself out on them and couldn't listen to them again the same way for a long time.

It's rumored that Madrid '88 is the next ZFT release, followed by a 1973 Road Tapes vol.2. One more album and then Dance Me This official release #100. Do you think the ZFT will put out 5 new albums by the end of 2013? It'd be like FZ was back again!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on August 04, 2013, 04:32:38 AM
Philly ´76 isn´t bad either!  :metal
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 04, 2013, 06:47:31 AM
Philly ´76 isn´t bad either!  :metal

The most funky Zappa since the 73-74 bands.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sueño on August 06, 2013, 05:50:33 PM
In honor of the passing of a former Zappa collaborator, I submit these videos of George Duke:

Always loved his contribution to Frank Zappa's band...

...Village of The Sun / Echidna's Arf (Of You) & Don't You Ever Wash That Thing?
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEZwa1Funh0     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT6I3ZJeme4





Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on August 07, 2013, 12:53:21 PM
Both an awesome, awesome new release (maybe even my favourite Zappa release of all time?!) and a great way to say goodbye to 'The Man With The Gorilla Suit On'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cy1WJSPaCU
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Sir GuitarCozmo on August 07, 2013, 01:43:04 PM
I played Mr. Big on the jukebox at the bar recently.  Some dude asked me who it was.  This turned into a discussion about virtuoso guitarists and such and the guy asked if I like Zappa.  I only know the few Zappa songs I may ever hear on the radio.  He insisted that I get Over-Nite Sensation and listen to it.  Thoughts?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on August 07, 2013, 01:51:05 PM
I agree with that guy. Overnite is one of Zappa's best albums, lots of tasty guitar playing.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on August 07, 2013, 02:33:23 PM
Also, it's primarily "song-based" and the songs themselves are pretty accessible, especially by Zappa standards, so it's a good starting point.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on August 07, 2013, 03:00:52 PM
Over-nite Sensation is a great Zappa album but only Zombie Woof and Montana really showcase guitar playing. I'd recommend it highly to you mostly because I believe your sense of humor would really be tickled by Dina-Moe Humm and maybe Camarillo Brillo.

Joe's Garage probably has my favorite guitar work from Frank but if you're not overly familiar with Frank and enjoy his satirical side then you'd probably find long stretches of WTF!?

I'll have to give this some extra thought.

[edit]Added a hyphen to the album title so as not to be berated for improper spelling by a certain board member[/edit]
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sueño on August 07, 2013, 03:02:12 PM
Also, it's primarily "song-based" and the songs themselves are pretty accessible, especially by Zappa standards, so it's a good starting point.

Hey -- you saw the bit about George Duke's passing, didn't you?  A real loss.  :(
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on August 07, 2013, 03:12:25 PM
Overnite Sensation is a great Zappa album but only Zombie Woof and Montana really showcase guitar playing. I'd recommend it highly to you mostly because I believe your sense of humor would really be tickled by Dina-Moe Humm and maybe Camarillo Brillo.
I dunno about that, I'm The Slime has some really good guitar playing, even if it isn't long soloing. And don't forget Fifty-Fifty, which is one of my favorite Zappa solo sections.

Quote
Joe's Garage probably has my favorite guitar work from Frank but if you're not overly familiar with Frank and enjoy his satirical side then you'd probably find long stretches of WTF!?
Watermelon In Easter Hay has my favorite guitar playing. Rest of the album is a bit of a let down for me though, except for Act I, which is pretty awesome. Would've liked more guitar playing and less story.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on August 07, 2013, 03:19:44 PM
And don't forget Fifty-Fifty, which is one of my favorite Zappa solo sections.
  :facepalm: I hate going by memory from work! I completely forgot about Fifty-Fifty.

I get the criticism of Joe's Garage and why it's not on a lot of fan's radar but I really dig his dreamy melancholy lead in Outside Now from Act II and all of Act III up to A Little Green Rosetta.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on August 07, 2013, 04:07:18 PM
Also, it's primarily "song-based" and the songs themselves are pretty accessible, especially by Zappa standards, so it's a good starting point.

Hey -- you saw the bit about George Duke's passing, didn't you?  A real loss.  :(

Yeah, I listened to Roxy & Elsewhere in honor of George.  I was going to post that I'd done so, but that seemed kinda lame, so I didn't.  But it was good.  George was so cool.

And I'm old enough, I'd heard of George Duke and knew his work before being turned on to Zappa, so discovering that he'd played with Frank in the 70's was awesome.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on August 07, 2013, 04:27:44 PM
That's awesome, that you knew him before he joined Zappa.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on August 07, 2013, 05:14:08 PM
That's almost, but not quite what I said.  I was familiar with George before I was familiar with Frank, but not before they'd actually joined up.

My first Zappa was One Size Fits All in 1975, but this was before I was buying albums.  I heard it on The Midnight Album Hour on our local radio station and always remembered "Po-Jama People" and "Evelyn, A Modified Dog" because they cracked me up.  I did not know at the time who George was or that he played on that album.  I didn't buy my first Zappa until Sheik Yerbouti in 1979.  By then, I was familiar with George Duke's fusion/funk stuff like Reach for It and Faces in Reflection which came out in the mid 70's.

A friend of mine thought Sheik Yerbouti was awesome and went to get some Zappa, and got Roxy & Elsewhere.  George Duke of course is on that album, which was pretty cool.  This inspired me to dig further into Frank's earlier 70's stuff (which I probably would have done anyway) and found that George was on a lot of it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on August 07, 2013, 07:41:15 PM
One Size Fits All was my first album too!  :tup

I still love it, but as far as those classic 70's albums goes, it's kinda at the bottom of my rankings.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on August 07, 2013, 08:52:13 PM
Yeah, One Size Fits All was towards the end of that era, of that chapter in the Zappa chronology.  But it's still pretty awesome IMO, and I'll always have a soft spot for it.  You never forget your first.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on August 07, 2013, 09:10:58 PM
Yea I feel the same way. I always listen to it and think, "Wow, I had no idea what I was getting into."  :lol

The studio albums tend to be a level below the live albums anyway. The live stuff is where it's at, especially during that era. Lots of my favorite tracks from the 70's like Montana, Inca Roads, and Black Napkins all have superior live versions.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on August 08, 2013, 06:26:13 AM
My favorite guitar work of Zappa's mostly appears on Apostrophe, I've noticed. Nanook Rubs It is full of absolutely delicious licks, and Cosmik Debris and Stinkfoot both have fabulous solos. And the title track is a wonder of jammy goodness.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on August 08, 2013, 07:32:57 AM
Have you heard the news?
What news? Can´t afford a paper!
Can´t afford no shoes....
Hii Yaahaa

One size fits all is a fantastic album.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Lucidity on August 09, 2013, 07:18:18 PM
Just bought Hot Rats at a local record store   ;D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on August 09, 2013, 09:11:31 PM
https://barfkoswill.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=971_62209 (https://barfkoswill.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=971_62209)

Roxy By Proxy coming September 20th. Looks like it's the real deal this time.

Nice and all but I WANT VIDEO DAMMIT!!! :censored
 
I also listened to part of Playground Psychotics and all of Roxy and Elsewhere in honor of George Duke.  RIP, man... :hefdaddy :'(
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 11, 2013, 12:29:40 PM
Just bought Hot Rats at a local record store   ;D

Good job. I recently listened to the 2012 UMe Hot Rats, and I was really diggin' it. I've had the 80s remix one for years, and couldn't quite get into the new version with the analog/vinyl mix because I was so used to the remix version, though I enjoyed the fact that it was different. But now the original vinyl version clicked, I understand those who can't get into the remix version.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 03, 2013, 10:31:25 AM
So Roxy By Proxy (the album prequel to the actual movie) is being delayed every week. I still doubt if we'll ever get to see the movie.

The good news is: a Finnish show from 73 (with Jean Luc Ponty) has been announced (and I think even already released) as the second part of the Road Tapes series. That should be a great show, that band is great, and known for a famous video bootleg from that same tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKpd0l-O77U Really a great show to watch, full TV special, an hour long great Zappa music live.

And then this:
(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1385730_596734437041602_1882006891_n.jpg)
I found this on a shelf in a record store, the people there didn't know it was Zappa, it doesn't even say it on the box, but it turns out (and this is had me bouncing) that it's a very rare 10LP box set, it came out right before the You Can't Do That... series, and it was said back then that is was a better set than those CD's. There are a couple of complete shows from 68 all the wat up to tracks from 85. So a very diverse box set.
And the best thing is: they didn't know what it was so I got it for only 50 euro's, apparently it's being sold on ebay for over 4 times as much.  :D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on November 03, 2013, 01:48:54 PM
Holy crap!!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 03, 2013, 02:00:31 PM
It's even better than I thought. The sound quality is off the hook. Incredible LP with the Flo and Eddie band, I'm guessing much earlier in the tour than Fillmore, the dialogues aren't as crazy as later. The 68-69 band double LP sounds like any officially released album from that time, and has some awesome stuff like 'The Duke', which later became 'Little House I Used To Live In' and 'The String Quartet' as some sort of 24 minute Uncle Meat Medley.
I haven't even listen to anything but man this is awesome.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on November 03, 2013, 05:14:30 PM
Awesome!! Gots to start searching the record stores...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on November 03, 2013, 07:57:05 PM
Wow, I'd forgotten about The Mystery Box.  I remember it coming out, and it's pretty much what you've described.  I'm not surprised that some people have no idea what it is, even people who work in used record stores.  Good find!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: CharlieDominietzsche on December 30, 2013, 02:06:44 PM
Has anyone else heard The Yellow Shark? This has to be the hidden gem of Zappa's career. It's one of the best sounding orchestral recordings I've ever heard, and the renditions of Dog Breath, Uncle Meat, Be-Bop Tango, Pound For A Brown, and G-Spot Tornado are delightful.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 30, 2013, 02:24:00 PM
I have it.  It's good stuff.  :tup
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 31, 2013, 08:52:03 AM
So, where's Roxy?  ???
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 31, 2013, 09:13:02 AM
:soon:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on December 31, 2013, 08:17:02 PM
:soon:
  :rollin

Last email from the ZFT said that it ships in January, so maybe :soon: won't be so far away. But then again, it's the ZFT.

Has anyone else heard The Yellow Shark? This has to be the hidden gem of Zappa's career. It's one of the best sounding orchestral recordings I've ever heard, and the renditions of Dog Breath, Uncle Meat, Be-Bop Tango, Pound For A Brown, and G-Spot Tornado are delightful.
I have it, one of the better classical Zappas. It's really nice that Zappa got see a classical performance of his work that he could be satisfied with during his lifetime and the song list is really killer. The liner notes are also really great, very thorough and gives a good look at what the preparation was like.

As for hidden gem, with a discography as large as Frank's, there are a lot. I don't see a lot of people talk about Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention; I think that's a fine album.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on February 18, 2014, 08:39:06 PM
Seeing ZPZ tomorrow playing Roxy. Someone hold me.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on February 18, 2014, 11:11:13 PM
Seeing ZPZ tomorrow playing Roxy. Someone hold me.
I'm finally seeing ZPZ next month. Can't wait!!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 19, 2014, 09:05:23 AM
Still haven't seen them, I really wish they come back to europe, but since it's Dweezil, I guess he won't stop touring until he's 100 years old (which is when his grandson would take over).

Anyone heard Joe's Camouflage already? I've heard it once, but I wasn't in the situation to listen properly.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Konrad on February 19, 2014, 02:33:40 PM
Best version ever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC_wcFDpLmw

Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on February 20, 2014, 10:02:24 AM
Holy fucking shit that show was good. If anyone's on the fence about seeing ZPZ, just do it. They're ridiculously faithful to the original recordings, although still with a little improv, just like a typical FZ show would have been. Roxy was absolutely amazing to see live, and they didn't miss a single note.

Got a downright sexy Apostrophe shirt too.  :hat
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on February 20, 2014, 10:34:31 AM
Got a downright sexy Apostrophe shirt too.  :hat

Pics or... you know.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on February 20, 2014, 05:39:19 PM
 :lol

I saw them Friday here in Denver, and they were amazing! I've seen them maybe 7 times now and that was one of my favorites.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on February 21, 2014, 09:55:41 PM
I wanted to catch that Denver show too, but wasn't able to go. :(

Hopefully I'll catch them next time they're in town. I'd love to hear Frank's music live.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 25, 2014, 03:41:37 PM
I'd love to see these guys again, but it just isn't the budget this year.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on March 02, 2014, 10:34:10 PM
I just got back from seeing ZPZ, and holy shit were they good!! I knew they'd kick ass, but I wasn't expecting them to be this good! I can only imagine what it was like to actually see Frank Zappa himself in concert.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on March 06, 2014, 09:55:44 AM
I was just thinking about Dweezil's take on Frank's guitar playing and how he's somehow emulated his dear ol' dad yet has made it his own. Take Inca Roads from the DVD, he has made Frank's lead more legible and easier for mere mortals to follow yet I can close my eyes and totally see Frank. It's different, yet the same.

Dweezil's done such a fine job with his band. It's amazing that he can match the musicianship of the old bands yet never surpass them.

I don't know. I love it!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 06, 2014, 10:26:29 AM
I had a little trouble with the original concept behind Zappa Plays Zappa, at first anyway.  It struck me as a cash grab, Dweezil cashing in on his father's reputation.  I heard he was getting together former Mothers and others who'd played with Frank, to give some credibility, but it still seemed wrong somehow.  I eventually came around to realizing that this is amazing music and should be played, and of course it makes perfect sense that Dweezil lead it and others who've played the music be in the band.  So... cool.  My feelings on the whole ZPZ thing did a 180.

In looking at recent lineups, however, I don't see many names that I recognize.  It seems like it really is "The Dweezil Zappa Band".  Now, that is still going to be a step or two up the scale from your average tribute band, and that's on top of the fact that this is insanely difficult music to begin with.  No one in their right minds would try to do a Zappa tribute band.  None except for another Zappa.

So okay, this is great music, and I do believe that Dweezil is doing this because this music should be played live and appreciated, and to honor his father's work, and yeah, maybe make some money too.  I just wish more of the original guys were in the band, like at first.

I'm not sure what my point was anymore.  I'm glad people are digging the shows, but somehow I have no desire to see them.  I might check out the DVD if one falls into my lap.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 06, 2014, 10:42:09 AM
I love Dweezil's solo-ing, and I love the band, but to me it's not very different from another tribute band. I know, Dweezil's in there, and I know his solo-ing sounds like his dad's, I know. But still, something's missing, I don't like the exact copies of the jokes Frank made during the shows, but I can't see how they should've done it differently.

I'm somewhat torn, it's great that this music gets to a new generation (of listeners, players and releases (I'd love a ZPZ blu-ray release)), but it still seems like a copy/paste job, sometimes (how difficult it even is to copy/paste Frank's music is obvious, but stil...)
Dweezil's solo-ing makes it more musical, but I would've loved this band to get their own jokes, running gags, or even an own Groupie Routine.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: 7deg_inner_happiness on March 06, 2014, 08:21:04 PM
I've never seen ZPZ live.  Sometimes I think I should check them out.  I just don't think it could compare to my one experience seeing Frank play live in 1984.  His band put on such a great show!  Any thoughts?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 06, 2014, 10:05:18 PM
I think that might be my problem, too.  I saw Frank in 1980, and while that particular show had some issues (my review is earlier in this thread), that was a great band and I'm glad I saw them.  I'm sure Dweezil and company are great, too, but once you've seen the real thing, it's hard to get excited about a cover band, even if it's a great cover band.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on March 07, 2014, 06:58:43 AM
I disagree. I saw Frank and his band quite a few times from the late 70's and through the following decade--including the now infamous "Tinseltown Rebellion" tour. That was the year I turned 21 so I was legally blasted for the first time :biggrin: Imagine my surprise as Frank started soliciting panties and the woman next to me pulled down her pants and whipped off a pink pair. Frank gave them a quick sniff and then flipped them back to Vinnie for his judgement.

There is no way that Dweezil and his band can recapture the chaos and spontaneity of Frank's concerts but somehow the music took a backseat to the one-ups-manship of finding out who could be the most weird. Frank always won. I remember him getting pissed off when the band would miss one of his ques and make them start a song over. Or he'd just gloss over the mistakes and ridicule his own band. It sometimes made for uncomfortable moments in the show because he could be such a downer or an asshole to what were always world class musicians.

ZPZ are respecting the music with sharp performances and a near reverence for the satire. It makes for a different kind of show but I like the focus on the music...in some ways even more than the concerts I saw with Frank. They both have their place.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 07, 2014, 07:22:19 AM
Was she hot?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on March 07, 2014, 08:00:36 AM
 :lol

Oh, Orbert, you had to go there! Yes. Yes she was!

Another thing that was cool about those 70's shows is the diversity of the audience. You'd have young punks like me who liked the counterculture aspects of going to a Zappa show, who were usually high from one flavor of 'trendy chemical amusement aids' or another. You'd have the casual novelty-music fans who would be standing around looking a bit lost and confused. You'd have the musicians who were there to absorb the performance and always seemed impatient with the antics of the band and the crowd. But, oddest of all was the back of the venue where the entire faculty of the University of Utah music department from buttoned down concert masters to aging-hippie guitar teachers--they would all be lined up watching with rapt attention and even taking notes!  :lol

Fun times.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 07, 2014, 11:35:27 AM
I should have clarified when I said it's hard to get excited about checking out a tribute band, even a really good one.  I meant for me.  And that's probably a bit overly cynical.  I still appreciate good music performed well, especially in a live setting.  As I said, if someone dropped a ZPZ DVD in my lap, I'd check it out.  I just don't think I'd pay for tickets and go to the show.  But that's just me.

So I didn't really disagree with what you said, and had to instead focus on the other important issue, and that was the chick next to you who whipped her jeans down and plucked her panties off.  I mean, this is important.  If you're gonna put that image in everyone's heads, we need to know a bit more about her appearance in order to visualize things properly, wouldn't you say?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on March 08, 2014, 12:02:01 PM
:lolpalm:

I'd be happy to pay to see ZPZ over and over again. Not all of us had the opportunity to see Frank.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 10, 2014, 02:05:05 PM
So, any more Zappa fans over here? I must say that however the price is extremely high (over 50 dollars in my local cd store), I MUST have Roxy By Proxy. I will wait for a little while though, maybe release #100 will be the Roxy blu-ray, and there must be a deluxe edition with the CD.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on May 10, 2014, 02:35:13 PM
Based on recommendations, I've only listened to Hot Rats so far, which is amazing. It might be one of my favorite albums ever. His discography is so massive that I'm not sure where to check next though, so I've held off on it for a while.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 10, 2014, 02:53:45 PM
Based on recommendations, I've only listened to Hot Rats so far, which is amazing. It might be one of my favorite albums ever. His discography is so massive that I'm not sure where to check next though, so I've held off on it for a while.

Try Waka/Jawaka, or The Grand Wazoo. If you want to check something more poppy, go for Apostrophe, or Roxy and Elsewhere. You can't go wrong with either of those two.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on May 10, 2014, 03:17:27 PM
Based on recommendations, I've only listened to Hot Rats so far, which is amazing. It might be one of my favorite albums ever. His discography is so massive that I'm not sure where to check next though, so I've held off on it for a while.

Try Waka/Jawaka, or The Grand Wazoo. If you want to check something more poppy, go for Apostrophe, or Roxy and Elsewhere. You can't go wrong with either of those two.

Thanks! :tup The Grand Wazoo has actually been on my list for a while now, so I'll probably check out that one first.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 11, 2014, 01:48:56 AM
Cool! Let me know what you think. I totally didn't get into Zappa because of his jazzy side, so I'd be interested to hear what you think of those albums from your point of view.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: DebraKadabra on May 11, 2014, 04:55:46 PM
Best version ever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC_wcFDpLmw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC_wcFDpLmw)

Now... I LOVE me some Flo and Eddie, but no - the album version absolutely SLAYS this one IMO.  Plus, you just cannot go wrong with Absolutely Free (and Jimmy Carl Black on the "rutabaga" call :biggrin: ) - that album kicks all kinds of ass.

(although I love the CAV excerpt on Playground Psychotics... )
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 24, 2014, 11:51:48 AM
Just put back Sheik Yerbouti back on the shelf.  Loved it so much I had to listen to Yo' Mama twice.

Somehow I don't think The Who's By Numbers is going to quite measure up, but you never know.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 25, 2014, 01:02:06 AM
Just put back Sheik Yerbouti back on the shelf.  Loved it so much I had to listen to Yo' Mama twice.

Somehow I don't think The Who's By Numbers is going to quite measure up, but you never know.

Sounds like a good joke  :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 26, 2014, 11:48:48 PM
Yo' Mama is one of my all-time favorite Zappa songs.  I love that solo.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 02, 2014, 04:40:57 AM
So I bought the Thing Fish vinyl box set, original release, including a pamphlet announcing The Old Masters Box One. But yeah, the album... I thought it might be better on vinyl. Well, in all fairness, it is. But by all means, I would LOOOOVVVEEEE to hear the album without all the Ike Willis stories. There's not a single note being played without someone talking over it.
At first I thought it would be the intro to the album (in the past I've never made it past the first couple tracks), but I'm way past halfway right now, and man it's getting annoying.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on June 09, 2014, 08:56:11 PM
Cool! Let me know what you think. I totally didn't get into Zappa because of his jazzy side, so I'd be interested to hear what you think of those albums from your point of view.

So after eons of getting acquainted with The Grand Wazoo, I think it's really grown on me and it's likewise fantastic. :tup Blessed Relief would be the only song I thought was just ok, but everything else was great, the title track, Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus and Eat That Question being clear highlights for me. I know I've not fully delved into his work, but Zappa is a clear genius.

Off to W/J next.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jammindude on June 09, 2014, 09:06:10 PM
I bought Absolutely Free last week, and I'm preparing myself (hopefully) for an upcoming album discussion.

After I digest this, I'm hoping to pick up Lumpy Gravy. I won't be able to get EVERY album for any potential discussion (for obvious reasons) but I love what I'm hearing so far.  :tup
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on June 10, 2014, 08:20:52 AM
I just checked out Spotify for reference on how easy participation in the discog thread would be. I'm honestly shocked. They have damn near everything that we'd be covering. They have pretty much every studio album (I think. Nihil would probably be able to tell if any were missing), and quite a bit of live stuff. No bootlegs or anything, but they have all 6 YCDTOSAs and a lot of other stuff.

This is going to be fucking awesome.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 10, 2014, 02:25:31 PM
I bought Absolutely Free last week, and I'm preparing myself (hopefully) for an upcoming album discussion.

After I digest this, I'm hoping to pick up Lumpy Gravy. I won't be able to get EVERY album for any potential discussion (for obvious reasons) but I love what I'm hearing so far.  :tup

Prepare yourself for some madness. Lumpy Gravy isn't called his magnus opus for nothing. It's a strange album, but you'll enjoy it after Freak Out, and Absolutely Free. If Lumpy was your third album after, say, You Are What You Is, and Sheik Yerbouti, then it would've been a much bigger shock.

And Ulti, I think that since there are that many albums on there, that every official release is on there. It would be strange if say 4 of the 99 were missing, I guess they've bought the rights, or however spotify does their business. I'm a teacher so I'll have a six week vacation starting in about 4 weeks, which will give me enough time to prepare!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on June 10, 2014, 03:20:16 PM
All I know is they have all the ones I have (44 now I think) and a LOT that I don't.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on July 23, 2014, 07:27:01 AM
Man, Joe's Garage took the most time of any album I've ever heard to "click" and become massively enjoyable, but my god it's awesome. I know there's a lot of theory that the story was just sort of shoehorned into a bunch of unrelated music, but I think it flows alarmingly well anyway.

And the drums. Jesus christ.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on July 23, 2014, 09:05:46 AM
Yeah, my understanding was that a lot of the Scrutinizer parts were added later and stuff to make stuff flow better, but I also love it  :D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 23, 2014, 11:06:38 AM
All I know is they have all the ones I have (44 now I think) and a LOT that I don't.
Are you in the USA? I don't know about other countries but US spotify only has everything that was part of the recent remaster campaign. So a LOT of the posthumous albums are missing.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on July 23, 2014, 11:40:15 AM
All I know is they have all the ones I have (44 now I think) and a LOT that I don't.
Are you in the USA? I don't know about other countries but US spotify only has everything that was part of the recent remaster campaign. So a LOT of the posthumous albums are missing.
I'm in the USA, yeah. I wasn't sure of the general consensus about the posthumous albums. I've always ignored them (mostly because I already have plenty of Zappa to digest). Are they actually good?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 23, 2014, 03:31:27 PM
Some are good, some are not so good. It really depends on what you want. For example: The recent Finer Moments is a great early Mothers recording and is a must if you want more from that lineup, Hammersmith is a great recording from the Belew/Sheik Yer Bouti era, and Carnegie Hall has some great Flo and Eddie stuff (including a 40 minute rendition of Billy the Mountain). I would suggest starting by deciding which lineups/eras you like the most and then finding posthumous albums from those times. They're really great if you want more material from a particular era. Or if you're a Zappa nut like me who can't get enough after 62 albums. :D

Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on July 23, 2014, 03:35:37 PM
I'm particularly fond of the mid-70s lineup (Roxy, YCDTOSA vol. 2, etc.). Any good ones from that time period?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 23, 2014, 03:44:56 PM
The complete Roxy show was released this year, I haven't got to it yet but it's Roxy and I can't imagine them messing that one up. There's Dub Room Special and A Token Of His Extreme, on both DVD and CD, those are both musts for fans of that period. Then there's Road Tapes #2, which was recorded in Helsinki the same year as YCDTOSA, but features the great Jean Luc Ponty on violin. These are all worth checking out IMO.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on July 23, 2014, 03:50:08 PM
I still haven't listened to Roxy By Proxy. I really have no idea why as Roxy's one of my favorite Zappa albums.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on August 11, 2014, 05:41:57 AM
You shold! It´s Resplended! It´s Roxy with bells on!!  :omg: The band is in fine, fine form on this.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 04, 2014, 07:09:04 AM
21 years  :heart


Bought Them or Us, my 91st Zappa album. Got a couple on both CD and vinyl, and a couple of bootlegs, I guess I've got about 70 of his official releases now.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on December 04, 2014, 07:32:51 AM
Isn't 70 almost all of the official releases?

God, I haven't listened to Zappa in so long.  I will remedy this.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 04, 2014, 11:21:14 AM
Fix it!


No, 99 official releases so far. Far out!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on December 04, 2014, 12:44:28 PM
Je-heeee-sus!!! 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on December 04, 2014, 05:20:13 PM
Just listened to my favourite - One Size Fits All.

I'll be damned if Inca Roads doesn't just fix everything.  <3
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on December 04, 2014, 10:53:08 PM
One Size Fits All was my introduction to Zappa. Bought the album on a whim (chose it because I had heard Inca Roads before) and I was floored. Became a Zappa nut instantly. Gotta say though, since getting some fantastic live versions of that material on Best Band and YCDTOSA 2, I haven't gone back to that album in a very long time.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 05, 2014, 02:35:19 AM
The Stage 2 version is great, as is the version on A Token of my Extreme. That song is really everything a Zappa song needs, great groovy stuff, a hard section and an always changing solo. One of my favorites.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 05, 2014, 07:40:45 AM
One Size Fits All fucking rules. It took much longer to sink in for me than some of the other 70s material, but I love it now.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 05, 2014, 09:47:56 PM
Oh man, I totally forgot yesterday was Frank's death-day (and I had no internets to remind me) but I was listening to the Mothers all day! Weird.

 :heart

I think I'm almost ready to get my Zappa tramp stamp.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 06, 2014, 04:13:20 AM
Oh man, I totally forgot yesterday was Frank's death-day (and I had no internets to remind me) but I was listening to the Mothers all day! Weird.

 :heart

I think I'm almost ready to get my Zappa tramp stamp.

You're getting a Zappa tattoo? The moustache would be cool, especially for a woman. BTW, I really think we need a Zappa-emoticon on DTF.

(https://www.flipflopflyin.com/portfolio/images/omm/Zappa.gif)

(https://www.zappateers.com/bb/images/smiles/zappafrance.gif)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 06, 2014, 09:44:07 AM
Ha! I agree.

And yes, I was planning on getting the mustache on my lower back, because it's a very cliche tattoo spot for women but that particular image would be anything but cliche  :lol
I also was considering getting lyrics or something else on the sides of it but not sure yet.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 07, 2014, 02:13:47 AM
"What's the ugliest part of your body"

Oh man, there are tons of cool quotes and lyrics you could use. I agree that spot, combined with that tattoo is really cool.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 07, 2014, 03:51:21 AM
Yeah, so many possibilities! I'll start thinking about it soon, but open to suggestions :D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 07, 2014, 10:41:31 AM
"Don't come in me, in me Don't come in me, in me..."

I'll let myself out.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 07, 2014, 12:57:54 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jammindude on December 07, 2014, 01:01:24 PM
Left side of the mustache: "Why if she were my daughter I'd....."   Right side of the mustache:  "What would you do, daddy?"

Too far? 

 :angel:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on December 07, 2014, 09:04:39 PM
 :rollin

Oh man, that would be amazing.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 08, 2014, 07:02:00 AM
 :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 08, 2014, 12:25:12 PM
Left side of the mustache: "Why if she were my daughter I'd....."   Right side of the mustache:  "What would you do, daddy?"

Too far? 

 :angel:
Jesus.  :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Phoenix87x on December 16, 2014, 06:42:26 PM
Just heard Black Napkins...

Holy shit  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 16, 2014, 06:50:22 PM
Black Napkins is awesome.  Zoot Allures is a bit uneven for me, with some absolute favorites (Black Napkins, The Torture Never Stops) and a few that I could live without.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on December 16, 2014, 07:39:07 PM
Torture Never Stops is so fucking great. ZPZ opened with it and totally fucking nailed it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on December 16, 2014, 07:40:23 PM
I've never been a fan of Torture Never Stops, especially on that album.

Black Napkins is great, as is the title track and Find Her Finer. Everything else is a bit forgettable. And on top of that, like I mentioned with One Size Fits All, the best tracks here have far superior live versions that make the studio ones obsolete.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 17, 2014, 01:38:15 PM
I've never been a fan of Torture Never Stops, especially on that album.

Black Napkins is great, as is the title track and Find Her Finer. Everything else is a bit forgettable. And on top of that, like I mentioned with One Size Fits All, the best tracks here have far superior live versions that make the studio ones obsolete.

'Torture' is a hit or miss with me... There are wonderful versions (off the top of my head New York, Buffalo, Philly) mainly because of great solo's, and a great atmosphere. But there are bad versions too. I've never liked any of the monotonous versions (like on Stage 4), and when it doesn't lift off, it's mainly a jam in A minor (again off the top of my head)

As for Zoot Allures: I mainly dislike the sound of the record. 6 of the songs have really become live classics, but I rarely play the record.

In other news: I've been reading Freak Out! - My life with Frank Zappa, by Pauline Butcher. It's a good book about Zappa, she's describing him as a god, in everything he does. She was a British secretary, not a musician or music lover at all, who eventually moved in with Frank and Gail. It's fun to read some of the more personal stuff, mostly about people showing up at his house. (Eric Clapton drops by, states his name, and she says 'oh great, and what do you play?') Some cool anekdotes, and a very light read.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on December 18, 2014, 08:19:42 AM
In other news: I've been reading Freak Out! - My life with Frank Zappa, by Pauline Butcher. It's a good book about Zappa, she's describing him as a god, in everything he does. She was a British secretary, not a musician or music lover at all, who eventually moved in with Frank and Gail. It's fun to read some of the more personal stuff, mostly about people showing up at his house. (Eric Clapton drops by, states his name, and she says 'oh great, and what do you play?') Some cool anekdotes, and a very light read.

I loved that book! The slow degradation of her good opinion of Frank was fascinating. The insight into The Mother's personal lives and specifically Frank's mindset was completely mesmerizing. It humanised them in a way that made my appreciation of their achievements grow exponentially. Great read.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 19, 2014, 03:02:02 AM
So her opinion will fade? Very cool! Most of all it's a total different book than most Zappa biographies. I'm also reading a biography by Barry Miles, and all stories, facts, and everything around it, is stated like he was some hero of a couple of hundred years ago.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on December 19, 2014, 06:21:01 AM
Oops, I guess I should have prefaced my comment with a spoiler alert.

Sorry Nihil-Morari!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 19, 2014, 08:45:27 AM
Haha, no problem! I guess you can see it coming. It starts off as a love story more or less, but since her name isn't Gail, you can see trouble.

Oh by the way, last month I ordered something off of Zappa's official website. Apart from the fact that it apparently takes ages, the shipping rate is really high. So I thought I'd order a whole lot at once, y'know, to balance out the shipping costs. I ordered:
Joe's Corsage
Carnegie Hall (can't wait to have that one!)
Imaginary Diseases
Buffalo
One Shot Deal

But since it's taking this long, I couldn't contain myself this afternoon at a second hand store and bought:
You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore 5
YCDTOSA 6
Trance-Fusion
and some sort of weird bootleg, great quality, I believe I don't know the recordings, so that's awesome 'Live in USA' (recorded in 63, 67 and 68)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 19, 2014, 09:56:02 AM
'Live in USA' (recorded in 63, 67 and 68)

What?!  That would predate The Mothers.  Frank always said he recorded everything and kept everything; are these recordings of his high school garage band or something?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 19, 2014, 10:25:25 AM
Nothing new, a track he performed on his high school (I believe), it's on The Lost Episodes, or Mystery Disc (Opus 5). The second track they date to 1963 is called 'We Are The Mothers, This Is What We Sound Like'. Which is bullshit of course. 1963 is pre-mothers, and it's impossible that Opus 5, and that track were performed at the same venue in the same year. I believe it was a piece of spoken word anyway. Will have to check back.

Anyway, as if the mailman heard me, moments after my last post the doorbell rang, and my 5 Zappa records albums are in!
Oh man, I've got 15 cd's to check out, and 2 weeks of holiday in front of me.  :D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 19, 2014, 02:25:48 PM
Ha ha, good luck!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Sycsa on December 21, 2014, 01:19:08 PM
I asked this on the DT side, with no answer so far, so I concluded I'd have a better chance here:

Which Zappa song(s) inspired the solo section of Beyond this Life? Thanks!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on December 21, 2014, 05:44:45 PM
On the commentary for Metropolis Live, MP mentions the album Tinseltown Rebellion. I think specifically the song Easy Meat.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 21, 2014, 06:32:35 PM
I always thought it was more the overall sound. The poly-brass-like keyboard sound, with a bit of marimba in it, and the weird tuplets. Some sort of Black Page-very-light-version on a beat.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 21, 2014, 09:04:18 PM
Same here.  I don't think it directly mimics any particular song, but overall it has a very Zappa sound.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 08, 2015, 10:29:34 AM
So last week I entered the last two additions to my Zappa collection in my excel sheet of all the records I've got, and I noticed that I've gone from 98 to 100 Zappa items in my collection. So today I spread out all my Zappa Cd's, Dvd's, Lp's, and vinyl singles, together with all the Zappa books and Zappa-covered magazines on a table and just stared at it for a couple of hours.
Man this man made a lot of music, and man I've got a lot of it. I counted that I still don't own 27 official releases (23 if you don't count the three Old Masters box sets, and the Itunes only release of Baby Snakes' audio), most of those are only available through his site, with extreme shipping costs to Europe. Well, maybe you'd like to see pictures, so here goes.
Please note the Zappa moustache on brushed aluminium that was made especially for me a year ago.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10945035_828142950567415_5884748146247053916_n.jpg?oh=fe9564ec291356192349008aafac827f&oe=559148F8&__gda__=1432870290_679ea494dede47655fedd9d5767ba6ad)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10422133_828142937234083_4687974541484754061_n.jpg?oh=f0d5c1ab49b5b9a556f23217513081c3&oe=5561E636&__gda__=1432146574_4719150a806bf785bb894e60dd8843a1)

(https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10959416_828142927234084_17770655390896968_n.jpg?oh=34bdc87537a03136df010abebca018d2&oe=555B5A76)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10924746_828142940567416_1966347235641300266_n.jpg?oh=98d8892e534a352a31105b16cd6533cc&oe=5563EBA1&__gda__=1432122059_28d49fda5e2eedcc4314cba8da084469)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jammindude on February 08, 2015, 10:49:14 AM
Does this mean an album discussion thread is in the works?   And yes...I understand that this would be a two year undertaking.    :rollin
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 08, 2015, 11:22:24 AM
Does this mean an album discussion thread is in the works?   And yes...I understand that this would be a two year undertaking.    :rollin
It's totally in the works. I'm trying to work ahead, I've written a preamble and the first two albums (sorta), so there's only 97 albums left.  :D

In all seriousness, I'd love to do it, but I've gotta work ahead maybe 15 records so that I can keep up when I actually start posting.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on February 08, 2015, 11:37:53 AM
That's awesome  :metal

My collection is growing but still just a small fraction of that.

Hey, do you have Civilization Phaze III? I just recently read about it so I ordered it but have not had time to listen yet.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 08, 2015, 12:38:26 PM
That's awesome  :metal

My collection is growing but still just a small fraction of that.

Hey, do you have Civilization Phaze III? I just recently read about it so I ordered it but have not had time to listen yet.

I do! I wonder how yours looks, I know they still make it, but I don't know in what way or form.

Well, it's somewhat acquired taste. It's Zappa MAGNUM OPUS, as the critics tend to describe it. But the fact of the matter is that it's a synclavier album. And that's not for everyone. If you like albums like Jazz From Hell, or the newer Feeding The Monkies At Ma Mansion, then you're in for a treat. But if you don't it'll be a difficult one to get through.

The best part for me is the direct link to Lumpy Gravy, Zappa's first real solo album. It's made up of noises, and surreal conversations along with composed music. Where on Lumpy Gravy that music was done by an orchestra on CIII it's done by some sort of early sampler. I'd love to hear what you think of it. I think I'll give it a spin right now, it's been too long.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on February 08, 2015, 12:53:44 PM
That's really, really impressive.  I'm rather proud of having over 40 albums, a few dozen of which are original vinyl, but your collection blows mine away.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 08, 2015, 12:59:11 PM
Well what can I say? It's a good time to be a Zappa fan. Most of the times when I buy a random album, by any artist, I'll add a Zappa album to my basket. Mostly they're just 8 or 9 euro's, there's just a couple items in my collection that we're over 20 euro's. Things like the two box sets, and the bootlegs, well and the things Gail put out. They're really expensive. I believe Carnegie Hall was 35 euro's (like 40 dollars) and the packaging isn't that nice.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on February 08, 2015, 04:36:53 PM
Yeah, a lot of the stuff that's being put out now is so expensive, but one of the local stores here has an awesome collection and a lot of the used stuff is cheap and in fine condition. They also have a lot of vinyl, but many of those are very pricey.
As for Civilization Phaze III, I do not believe it's still in print. I got mine for $30 on Amazon and what's left on there now is more expensive (from $38 used up to $157 new!). I can take a pic if you want, though, and will definitely let you know what I think! Maybe I should listen to Lumpy Gravy again first, cause it's been a while.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on February 08, 2015, 07:27:23 PM
Hell, I've only got 43 albums (only digital, sadly), and it's still a daunting amount of music. I've started listening to them all while wasting my life on Candy Crush Saga. It at least makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something. I just listened to Uncle Meat all the way through for the first time and it was quite good. I was always scared off by it being 2 hours but there's a lot of great stuff on it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 09, 2015, 01:36:58 AM
Yeah, a lot of the stuff that's being put out now is so expensive, but one of the local stores here has an awesome collection and a lot of the used stuff is cheap and in fine condition. They also have a lot of vinyl, but many of those are very pricey.
As for Civilization Phaze III, I do not believe it's still in print. I got mine for $30 on Amazon and what's left on there now is more expensive (from $38 used up to $157 new!). I can take a pic if you want, though, and will definitely let you know what I think! Maybe I should listen to Lumpy Gravy again first, cause it's been a while.

Yeah, especially vinyl is terribly expensive. Listening to Lumpy first could be a good idea, I'd love to hear what you think about Civilization!

Hell, I've only got 43 albums (only digital, sadly), and it's still a daunting amount of music. I've started listening to them all while wasting my life on Candy Crush Saga. It at least makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something. I just listened to Uncle Meat all the way through for the first time and it was quite good. I was always scared off by it being 2 hours but there's a lot of great stuff on it.

I once did a 'Zappathon' too. With every album you get more respect for the amount of music  that man has made. I must say that after that 9 or 10 months I felt like he's put out a lot of filler too, but it was an amazing project. As for Uncle Meat, I think it's a great album, I still love King Kong, even after the 150th version, and the first disc is a great collection of old Mothers music. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on February 24, 2015, 09:51:24 AM
This headline (from my Yahoo! News feed) is quite deceiving, but I had to read the article anyway.

How Frank Zappa ruined Jeb Bush's wedding pictures (https://www.vox.com/2015/2/23/8091925/jeb-bush-wedding-photo)

Since I have a brain, I have very little respect for any of the Bushes, and the idea that Frank Zappa ruined one of their weddings amuses me.  Sadly, that's not what happened at all.  It was simply one Bush screwing things up for another Bush, and blaming Frank Zappa, who had literally nothing to do with it other than being the subject of some other pictures that the photographer took.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 24, 2015, 10:17:56 AM
Wow...

That's hardly ruining someones wedding, now is it?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on April 30, 2015, 02:41:22 PM
Forgot to post this in here! Saw ZPZ at the local symphony hall last week, and what a fucking show! They even brought five players from the symphony on to play The Grand Wazoo and Peaches, which was amazing! We had seats in the dress circle right behind the symphony people so that was really cool to watch. Dweezil was conducting them and the audience in our cheering  :lol
The set was kickass. Some other highlights for me were Sinister Footwear ( :hefdaddy), Montana, Cosmik Debris, Status Back Baby/Big Leg Emma (was not expecting that!), I'm So Cute, Dancin' Fool, pretty much everything else... and of course it was cool to hear One Size Fits All in its entirety (40th anniversary), even though it's not an album I'm incredibly familiar with.
Really fucking fun show.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on April 30, 2015, 03:50:15 PM
Sounds pretty awesome.  One Size Fits All was the first Zappa/Mothers album I ever heard.  Our local FM station used to have the "Midnight Album Hour" where they'd play an album in its entirety.  It was new at the time, and as you might expect, I'd never heard anything like it.  I specifically remember "Po-Jama People" and "Evelyn, A Modified Dog".  It's still one of my faves today, and part of the reason I'm so messed up.   :biggrin:

Who sang "I'm So Cute"?  Terry's not back with them, is he?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on April 30, 2015, 04:37:10 PM
Ah, good ol' One Size Fits All! I clearly remember sitting around with my pals...*ahem*..partaking...and listening to "Evelyn" over and over until we could sing it word perfect. When my pal Scott got his own apartment, he got a puppy which he named "Arf". Several months later, when he had her spayed, he renamed her Evelyn...well, because she was now modified.  :lol

Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on April 30, 2015, 04:49:52 PM
Wow, let's see if I can do this from memory.

Evelyn, a modified dog, viewed the quivering fringe of a special doily draped across the piano with some surprise.  In the darkened room, where the chairs dismayed, and the horrible curtains muffled the rain, she could hardly believe her eyes.  A curtain breeze of garlic breath which sounded like a snore, somewhere near the Steinway, or even from within, had caused the doily fringe to waft and tremble in the gloom.  Evelyn the dog, having undergone further modification, pondered the significance of short-person behavior in pedal-depressed panchromatic resonance and other highly ambient domains.  "Arf!" she said.

That's gotta be pretty close.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on April 30, 2015, 04:51:40 PM
Also, I completely love the chords that George plays.  I need to learn that song sometime.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on April 30, 2015, 04:54:35 PM
The only lyric I had different is.

"A curious breeze of garlic breath..."

I may be wrong.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on April 30, 2015, 04:57:12 PM
Speaking of the piano, I always had the image in my head that it was played on one of those plastic toy pianos. Do you know what it was played on, Orbert?

[edit] I just listened to the song and realize it's just a normal piano!  :lol Man, I really needed to lay off the hooch back then. [\edit]
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on April 30, 2015, 05:18:22 PM
 :lol

Orbert, if I remember correctly the keyboardist (Chris something) sang "I'm So Cute." That guy can get quite high!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on April 30, 2015, 08:36:43 PM
The only lyric I had different is.

"A curious breeze of garlic breath..."

I may be wrong.

No, you're correct.  I knew the right word (really!) but wrote the wrong word.  Still thinking about those horrible curtains.

:lol

Orbert, if I remember correctly the keyboardist (Chris something) sang "I'm So Cute." That guy can get quite high!

Trying to find out who it was online.  Failing.  So thanks!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on April 30, 2015, 08:41:16 PM
His name is Chris Norton, and you would think he was a girl if you only saw the back of his head while hearing him sing  :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on April 30, 2015, 09:06:20 PM
But... is he so cute?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on April 30, 2015, 10:48:09 PM
Maybe just regular cute.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on April 30, 2015, 11:00:09 PM
Good enough. :tup
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on May 01, 2015, 12:27:28 AM
That sounds like a kick-ass show, Jackie! There is another Zappa tribute band out there comprised of some ex-bandmembers. (I think Ike Willis is in there) called Banned From Utupia.

They're touring quite a bit as well. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 01, 2015, 02:55:10 AM
I'm going to see them this september.

And in other news, did you all know that Dance Me This is coming? Zappa's 100th official release. His last official completed album that was left on the shelf (I read that somewhere, so don't hold me to it). Just synclavier work, is anyone looking forward to it?

https://barfkoswill.shop.musictoday.com/Product.aspx?pc=ZPCD170 (https://barfkoswill.shop.musictoday.com/Product.aspx?pc=ZPCD170)
(https://zappa.com/whatsnew/images/2015/Dance-Me-This-DigipakWN.jpg)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on May 01, 2015, 03:20:34 AM
Not very, not too fond of his synclavier work.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on May 01, 2015, 06:39:35 AM
Listened to Overnite/Apostrophe/Roxy/One Size in the car yesterday. Brilliant stretch of albums there.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 01, 2015, 07:07:57 AM
Truly.  That band was the best.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on May 01, 2015, 08:46:20 AM
Not a huge fan of the synclavier stuff but will still be interesting to hear some of his last works.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on May 01, 2015, 08:48:03 AM
That sounds like a kick-ass show, Jackie! There is another Zappa tribute band out there comprised of some ex-bandmembers. (I think Ike Willis is in there) called Banned From Utupia.

They're touring quite a bit as well.

Never heard of them! Sounds like their lineup changes from what I see on the website. Can't find any tour dates.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 01, 2015, 08:11:00 PM
As much as I like a lot of Zappa's stuff, I've never quite gotten the fascination many have with Over-Nite Sensation and One Size Fits All.  I don't dislike either, but neither does a lot for me.

My go-to Zappa albums remain Hot Rats, The Grand Wazoo, Apostrophe and Zoot Allures.  And Joe's Garage, if I have lots of time. :lol :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Ultimetalhead on May 01, 2015, 10:13:14 PM
I've really developed a new love for One Size lately. It's goofier than its predecessors but somehow more musically mature. Some of the rhythms (Andy especially) are really nutty.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on May 02, 2015, 10:43:48 AM
Hey, what's new in Baltimore?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 02, 2015, 03:56:03 PM
Hey, what's new in Baltimore?

I see what you did there.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on May 03, 2015, 05:33:46 AM
More Trouble Every Day, appearantly....
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 03, 2015, 03:20:35 PM
Listened to Make A Jazz Noise Here today. What are your thought on that? My uncle (a big Zappa fan otherwise) thought it was good, but every solo was ruined by random noises. I sorta see what he means, but the band pieces are really well arranged, and the band is flawless.

King Kong, however, proves his point exactly. The intro (0:00-1:32) is awesome (so tight!) but the solo's (apart from the first one (1:32 - 4:00, or maybe even up unto 5:00), Brecker Brothers!) are, well, stuff...



(https://youtu.be/tdLZ0aVPTic) for those who don't own it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on May 03, 2015, 04:19:51 PM
Oh yeah, I've never heard that version before. It's aiight.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on May 03, 2015, 04:44:41 PM
I can see that point, or hear it, rather.  It seems to me that Frank, while obviously very serious about his music, always had a "goofy" or "silly" side which infused most of his work.  It's almost like he didn't want us to take it too seriously, or something.  The early Mothers stuff was so out-there that it's hard to say how seriously we're supposed to take any of it, the mid-late-70's stuff always had humor, but even on later instrumental albums, where the "serious composer" side of him was in full force, there was always a bit of wackiness.

It usually doesn't bother me, since, like most guys, I've never quite grown up.  I'm one of those, "yeah, but there's always room for one gross joke" kind of guys.  So goofing off and making weird noises during a solo or even during an ensemble section is usually overlooked.  I can see how it can be distracting, though.  It does get to be a bit much for even me sometimes.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Phoenix87x on June 14, 2015, 07:32:55 AM
Can someone recommend some more Zappa songs like Blue Napkins?


I'm absolutely in love with blue napkins  :heart
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 14, 2015, 08:27:24 AM
Watermelon in Easter Hay springs to mind, check that one out.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on June 16, 2015, 12:57:52 AM
watched a couple ZPZ vids on youtube.  great stuff. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on June 16, 2015, 03:07:43 AM
Can someone recommend some more Zappa songs like Blue Napkins?


I'm absolutely in love with blue napkins  :heart

Not to be a dick, but don't you mean Black Napkins?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 16, 2015, 07:25:55 AM
Can someone recommend some more Zappa songs like Blue Napkins?


I'm absolutely in love with blue napkins  :heart

Not to be a dick, but don't you mean Black Napkins?

Maybe he meant Pink Napkins.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 16, 2015, 08:18:42 AM
In other news: Dance me This has of course been delayed. And when I asked my local record store what the price would be, they said it would be around 40 euro's. For a single CD. For years those prices have been shooting up, with the old posthumous Zappa releases being around 25 euro's, all the way through a few years ago, when I bought Feeding the Monkies new for 27 euro's, and the Road Tapes for 33 (double disc), but now all of a sudden a single CD for 40?! I don't know if that is actually going to be the price, but I hope not.

Furthermore, about half  a year ago I bought Carnegie Hall, 4 disc box set, about 45 euro's, I believe. I figured that it would look nice, but it actually sort of is the cheapest way to pack 4 CD's. This afternoon I saw the vinyl box set of Wazoo in a record shop. Never saw that one before, I nearly jumped the gun and bought it right away. 95 euro's was a bit steep so I checked the set better. The set had a cheap feel all over it. For instance on the side of the records it said 'Wazoo - disc one - disc one' and 'Wazoo - disc two', the third record is Joe's Domage, but I guess (and that would really be bad) it autocorrected on the side of the sleeve to Joe's Damage. The back was called Joe's Domage.

Everything considered I don't like the way ZFT is making profit of Zappa's last official releases. These are the last real Zappa approved releases (either he once said he'd make a collection of certain songs, or he actually mixed it, ready for release), and they are pricey, I get that. But none of them actually deserve the amount of cash you get charged.

After release #100, Dance me This, things'll get different. Release #101 for instance, is a modern ensemble, playing 200 Motels. Sort of like a cover version. I guess the next step is that Dweezil will release his ZPZ albums as official Zappa releases.

That's it, thanks for reading.  :chill
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on June 16, 2015, 08:45:14 AM
Wow that´s real shitty the way they overpriced that....
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on June 16, 2015, 09:53:22 AM
If these final releases were priced high, but were high quality and clearly meant to honor the Zappa legacy, I'd be cool with that.  If they'd skimped a bit on the packaging, but the price was that of a comparable regular release, I guess that would be okay, too.  It's what's inside that counts, after all.

But this combination of cheepnis with the packaging (including typos and other shit) and higher-than-normal pricing is ridiculous and nothing less than a black mark on Frank's work.  I'm sure Frank himself doesn't care either way, but damn, you'd think his family would at least proofread what they're putting out there.  What the fuck, Gail?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 16, 2015, 01:20:53 PM
If these final releases were priced high, but were high quality and clearly meant to honor the Zappa legacy, I'd be cool with that.  If they'd skimped a bit on the packaging, but the price was that of a comparable regular release, I guess that would be okay, too.  It's what's inside that counts, after all.

But this combination of cheepnis with the packaging (including typos and other shit) and higher-than-normal pricing is ridiculous and nothing less than a black mark on Frank's work.  I'm sure Frank himself doesn't care either way, but damn, you'd think his family would at least proofread what they're putting out there.  What the fuck, Gail?

Well yes, that exactly. I'm getting comfort from reading the same things on Zappa forums as well, it's not that it's just annoying for a regular fan, but the die hard fans are fed up with it too.
Anyway, I guess that it stops with release #100, but I'd be happy to be proven otherwise.


(that's good news actually for the Zappa discography discussion thread  ;) )
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on June 17, 2015, 03:54:30 AM
Can someone recommend some more Zappa songs like Blue Napkins?


I'm absolutely in love with blue napkins  :heart

Not to be a dick, but don't you mean Black Napkins?

Maybe he meant Pink Napkins.

Black Napkins on the album, the other colours are live Napkin jams.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 26, 2015, 04:53:10 AM
I've finally started my Frank Zappa discography thread. If any of you are interested in taking a closer look at all of Zappa's albums over the next year/years take part!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on September 27, 2015, 05:13:41 AM
Will do!  :tup
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on October 07, 2015, 04:11:09 PM
I've been running into Facebook posts that say Gail Zappa died today...yet I can't find any official news. Can anyone confirm this?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on October 07, 2015, 06:06:35 PM
RIP Gail.  Now you can join Frank.  In... uh... the ground. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on October 07, 2015, 06:10:30 PM
I've been running into Facebook posts that say Gail Zappa died today...yet I can't find any official news. Can anyone confirm this?
https://www.zappa.com/

RIP
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 07, 2015, 06:26:48 PM
RIP - one of the most important non-musicians in the progressive music world.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on October 08, 2015, 12:19:42 AM
Aw. Rest in Peace, Gail.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 08, 2015, 12:43:33 AM
She did a lot of great work, and was always very important to Frank. Rest in piece Gail.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on October 09, 2015, 12:49:05 AM
RIP Gail. I read that she went peacefully at home, so hooray for hospice!

Here's a dumb little story I can only tell in this thread: I have been talking to a guy on OkCupid for a while whose initial message mentioned the fact that I had Zappa listed in my profile. We finally met last night after at least a month of on/off talking. I didn't think about this when I set the location, but the coffee shop we met at is near a shopping center that has some "art" walls with quotes on them. One of the quotes (which takes up three little walls) is from "Call Any Vegetable." So after we had coffee I told him I had a surprise and took him to the wall. He was like  :eek :D :dangerwillrobinson: and I scored major points, obviously.

After that we walked around a bit and eventually started making out outside of a library. At one of the breaks in our makeout session I said to him, in my best Sy Borg voice, "You are a funn person" followed by "I like you. I want to kiss you always."

I am a total dork, and it totally paid off. We have another date Monday  :D
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 09, 2015, 01:13:25 AM
RIP Gail. I read that she went peacefully at home, so hooray for hospice!

Here's a dumb little story I can only tell in this thread: I have been talking to a guy on OkCupid for a while whose initial message mentioned the fact that I had Zappa listed in my profile. We finally met last night after at least a month of on/off talking. I didn't think about this when I set the location, but the coffee shop we met at is near a shopping center that has some "art" walls with quotes on them. One of the quotes (which takes up three little walls) is from "Call Any Vegetable." So after we had coffee I told him I had a surprise and took him to the wall. He was like  :eek :D :dangerwillrobinson: and I scored major points, obviously.

After that we walked around a bit and eventually started making out outside of a library. At one of the breaks in our makeout session I said to him, in my best Sy Borg voice, "You are a funn person" followed by "I like you. I want to kiss you always."

I am a total dork, and it totally paid off. We have another date Monday  :D

 :heart that's awesome  :lol


Bout To Crash, you should head over to the Zappa Discography Thread, people've been asking about your tattoos  ;)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on October 09, 2015, 06:37:51 AM
 :lol

He should have said, "You'll love it. It's a way of life."
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on October 09, 2015, 09:15:13 AM
It's so nice when Zappa fans find each other in this mindbending chaos we call life.  It truly warms the heart.   :heart
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on October 10, 2015, 02:06:10 AM
Right? Good stuff. And we uh, did some stuff to a Zappa playlist tonight  :D

:lol

He should have said, "You'll love it. It's a way of life."

He totally should have. I'm going to scold him next time I see him. Or howsabout some bondage and humiliation?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on October 31, 2015, 09:22:14 PM
Roxy the Movie is out!!

Anybody watch it yet? I picked it up today but probably won't be able to watch it until tomorrow. Crazy that they've released it finally!

Packaging is pretty cool. Some liner notes by the film editor explaining why it took so long and of course a word from GZ. Comes with a soundtrack, although I'm not sure if any of the material on it is different from the original Roxy and Roxy By Proxy albums. Might be different recordings of the same songs (he recorded 4 nights) but I haven't checked yet.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 01, 2015, 04:58:03 AM
Roxy the Movie is out!!

Anybody watch it yet? I picked it up today but probably won't be able to watch it until tomorrow. Crazy that they've released it finally!

Packaging is pretty cool. Some liner notes by the film editor explaining why it took so long and of course a word from GZ. Comes with a soundtrack, although I'm not sure if any of the material on it is different from the original Roxy and Roxy By Proxy albums. Might be different recordings of the same songs (he recorded 4 nights) but I haven't checked yet.

I've seen bits of it, and it's great! Can't judge on the audio quality, cause I was watching on a laptop, but the video looked great! The track listing is interesting. Most of the good roxy songs have already been released, on YCDTOSA 1, Roxy and Elsewhere and Roxy By Proxy, but I believe there are some new bits. I've seen a list. No wait, that was a list of 'released so far'. I'll update when I get a full list.
Going off to buy the blu ray later today, and watch the hell out of it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 02, 2015, 12:41:27 PM
Great news about The Roxy Movie.

Yet another release has been announced already!!!

Official Release #101 has been announced for December - "200 Motels: The Suites"

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12118678_10153006273821920_4600113569910763073_n.jpg?oh=88c7672a61475c57b7d4baf0f0281e1e&oe=56AF1ADA)


https://www.amazon.de/dp/B016Z4697C

Not sure why The Roxy Movie (which contains a CD) is not #101, and 200 Motels: The Suites is #102, but lots of things don't make sense in the chronological sense of Zappa's canon. Then again, the DVD/Blu-ray releases are never counted, only when it's a separate CD-only release, like Roxy By Proxy, Token of His Extreme and Dub-Room Special, etc...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 02, 2015, 12:57:00 PM
Also, chronologically, does Dance Me This precede, or follow up Civilization Phaze III?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on November 02, 2015, 09:32:55 PM
I think Dance Me This precedes it. It's hard to say though because he mentioned both in interviews at the same time.

On the CD, Roxy soundtrack is listed as 101.2 or something like that. I don't have the disc on hand (been playing it constantly in the car!). Very strange. There's a rumor that we're going to get yet another Roxy release with all 4 shows or something like that.

200 Motels: The Suites is going to be the 2013 Disney Hall performance.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 03, 2015, 07:35:34 AM
I think Dance Me This precedes it. It's hard to say though because he mentioned both in interviews at the same time.

On the CD, Roxy soundtrack is listed as 101.2 or something like that. I don't have the disc on hand (been playing it constantly in the car!). Very strange. There's a rumor that we're going to get yet another Roxy release with all 4 shows or something like that.

200 Motels: The Suites is going to be the 2013 Disney Hall performance.

OK. My guess was that he finished DMT in 1993, and the story surrounding CPIII was that he worked on it until he couldn't anymore, that it was the very last thing that he worked on, and with it also being a big project, was chosen to be released first, and then for whatever reason, the ZFT took 21 years to release DMT, apparently due to hard drive issues.

Where did you buy the Roxy Movie? I'm assuming your talking about the CD that comes with the movie, not Roxy By Proxy (which I believe is #99, I haven't bought it yet.)

Yes, it's weird that something recorded after 1993 is going to be considered an official release, though 200 Motels has not gotten a reissue like the rest of Zappa's first 62 albums, and the sound on the original album is one of Frank's worst, so maybe this is the best they can do since they don't have the rights to the album.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 03, 2015, 08:34:56 AM
I think Dance Me This precedes it. It's hard to say though because he mentioned both in interviews at the same time.

On the CD, Roxy soundtrack is listed as 101.2 or something like that. I don't have the disc on hand (been playing it constantly in the car!). Very strange. There's a rumor that we're going to get yet another Roxy release with all 4 shows or something like that.

200 Motels: The Suites is going to be the 2013 Disney Hall performance.

OK. My guess was that he finished DMT in 1993, and the story surrounding CPIII was that he worked on it until he couldn't anymore, that it was the very last thing that he worked on, and with it also being a big project, was chosen to be released first, and then for whatever reason, the ZFT took 21 years to release DMT, apparently due to hard drive issues.

Where did you buy the Roxy Movie? I'm assuming your talking about the CD that comes with the movie, not Roxy By Proxy (which I believe is #99, I haven't bought it yet.)

Yes, it's weird that something recorded after 1993 is going to be considered an official release, though 200 Motels has not gotten a reissue like the rest of Zappa's first 62 albums, and the sound on the original album is one of Frank's worst, so maybe this is the best they can do since they don't have the rights to the album.

I've actually bought both new versions of the new Roxy release. A DVD/CD package, and a BluRay, I believe they're available everywhere starting this week.

I'm not really interested in an orchestra playing arrangements made by someone of Zappa's music. I'll check it out, of course, but I don't really get it either.

Writing up Uncle Meat at the moment btw, that one's a lot better than I seem to remember it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 03, 2015, 08:50:27 AM
Uncle Meat´s awesome. They found their sound there, I think.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on November 24, 2015, 05:33:41 AM
I thought there was a discussion of this vid already in this thread, but I went back three pages and couldn't find it.

My Roxy the Movie arrived the other day, and I watched it.  I was not sober.  Holy crap.  I had to stop it twice and take intermissions because watching that much concentrated awesomeness was blowing my mind.

It's one thing to listen to a band like this play this incredibly difficult, intricate music, and it's another to watch them do it.  For one thing, you never know exactly what was live and what was overdubbed on a Zappa/Mothers album.  Here, watching them do it, you realize that it almost didn't matter.  They were that good anyway.

I've seen reviews saying they wish it was longer.  Well, don't we all.  But the video itself was amazing.  I liked that it wasn't just a video version of Roxy & Elsewhere, of which I literally know every note.  Starts with a track not from the album, and actually a lot of it wasn't from the album.  Good!  More to dig into.

Also interesting is noting the edits Frank made when creating the album.  Seeing/hearing the live footage was quite revealing sometimes.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 24, 2015, 06:15:17 AM
Yeah, I noticed some edits in his intro speeches, that was cool to notice. I love the movie, I just have to try to not watch it too often.

BTW, the 200 Motels orchestral version (release 101) is up on youtube. And although I'm still convinced that releasing something as an original release just because Zappa wrote the notes is wrong, it's a pretty cool document. The orchestra sounds amazing, and I believe (can't be sure though) that they've been very true to his compositions. It's too weird to hear Flo and Eddie being portrayed by two totally different types of vocalists though. It's a cool listen if you like Zappa's more straightforward classical work, not his synclavier stuff.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 24, 2015, 06:20:19 AM
Great post, Orbert. The dvd is indeed awesome. And why am I always surprised that musicians I don't expect it of, like Ralph Humprheys are such bad asses? I knew Chester Thompson was a great drummer, but I had no idea HHymprey was doing a lot of the heavy lifting! And Tom Fowler with that bad ass cigar! Watching the band is a fantastic experience, you can clearly see Frank enjoying the quality of the musicianship here.   :hefdaddy
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 24, 2015, 06:25:18 AM
Great post, Orbert. The dvd is indeed awesome. And why am I always surprised that musicians I don't expect it of, like Ralph Humprheys are such bad asses? I knew Chester Thompson was a great drummer, but I had no idea HHymprey was doing a lot of the heavy lifting! And Tom Fowler with that bad ass cigar! Watching the band is a fantastic experience, you can clearly see Frank enjoying the quality of the musicianship here.   :hefdaddy

And even so he referred to that band as 'clearly underrehearsed'. Which makes my jaw drop even more. If you see George Duke FLY on the Be Bop Tango, how on earth is that underrehearsed?  :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 24, 2015, 06:27:43 AM
Sure he's just fucking with us. In the liner notes of the 'Helsinki Concert' (YCDTOSA #2) he states that by the time they got to that point in the tour, the band could've probably performed the material blindfolded and at triple the speed. Under-rehearsed....with Zappa?! My ASS! 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 24, 2015, 01:51:28 PM
I think the Roxy movie discussion sparked in the discography thread.

I watched about half of it once, like 2 weeks ago, so I need to find a chance to watch it again.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on November 24, 2015, 03:25:33 PM
I think the Roxy movie discussion sparked in the discography thread.

Ah, I think you're right.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on November 24, 2015, 07:08:22 PM
BTW, the 200 Motels orchestral version (release 101) is up on youtube. And although I'm still convinced that releasing something as an original release just because Zappa wrote the notes is wrong, it's a pretty cool document.
I agree, but given the cirumstances I think it's ok to give this release a pass, as long as releasing official albums made after Frank's death doesn't become a regular thing.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 25, 2015, 06:52:13 AM
BTW, the 200 Motels orchestral version (release 101) is up on youtube. And although I'm still convinced that releasing something as an original release just because Zappa wrote the notes is wrong, it's a pretty cool document.
I agree, but given the cirumstances I think it's ok to give this release a pass, as long as releasing official albums made after Frank's death doesn't become a regular thing.

Yeah, that's true. We'll see what the next couple of things will be.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 25, 2015, 07:58:27 AM
BTW, the 200 Motels orchestral version (release 101) is up on youtube. And although I'm still convinced that releasing something as an original release just because Zappa wrote the notes is wrong, it's a pretty cool document.
I agree, but given the cirumstances I think it's ok to give this release a pass, as long as releasing official albums made after Frank's death doesn't become a regular thing.
.

Yeah, that's true. We'll see what the next couple of things will be.

I believe part of it is due to the fact that the ZFT can't get the rights to 200 Motels for some reason. I don't believe they ran out of material to release
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 26, 2015, 09:44:39 AM
For the third year in a row, Thanksgiving brings immense cravings for Zappa music. From here til some time in January, the season just seems like a perfect time to brush up on some Frank. Listening to a mix of things right now, as I'm holding off on some albums for the discography thread. This time of year is also generally considered the Zappadan, a time of celebrating the life and work of Frank Zappa, specifically Dec 4 to Dec 21, but it's really the whole holiday season.

Anyone else get like this during this time of year?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on November 26, 2015, 10:26:35 AM
Zappa is mostly fall/winter listening for me definitely. Probably because that's the time of year it was when I started really getting into him. My first time hearing Overnite was the day after christmas one year and it blew my mind.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 26, 2015, 12:16:36 PM
For me it's more of a happy music, so more like spring and summer for me. In winter I tend to listen to darker music.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 09:08:41 PM
Any love for Bogus Pomp? the symphonic extraordinaire   :metal
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 09:09:56 PM
Great news about The Roxy Movie.

Yet another release has been announced already!!!

Official Release #101 has been announced for December - "200 Motels: The Suites"

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12118678_10153006273821920_4600113569910763073_n.jpg?oh=88c7672a61475c57b7d4baf0f0281e1e&oe=56AF1ADA)


https://www.amazon.de/dp/B016Z4697C

Not sure why The Roxy Movie (which contains a CD) is not #101, and 200 Motels: The Suites is #102, but lots of things don't make sense in the chronological sense of Zappa's canon. Then again, the DVD/Blu-ray releases are never counted, only when it's a separate CD-only release, like Roxy By Proxy, Token of His Extreme and Dub-Room Special, etc...

I guess I know what I'm getting for Christmas!  :yarr
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 04, 2015, 04:17:31 PM
RIP Frank. 22 years now.

We miss you, and need you in this political/terrorist climate more than ever.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 14, 2016, 12:55:32 PM
I was driving home last night, and some song came on the radio that I'd never heard before.  Sounded kinda like Stevie Ray Vaughn, but I wasn't sure.  My car stereo has a text display that can show up to 13 characters, and it says

WILLIE THE WI

and the first thing I think of is "WILLIE THE WIMP" because it rhymes with "WILLIE THE PIMP" from Hot Rats.  I chuckle to myself.  I'm so clever.  Obviously that's not the name of the song, because that would be a stupid name.  It was just kinda funny to think that someone would write a song called "WILLIE THE WIMP".

If the name of the song is longer than 13 characters, it scrolls after a few seconds.  An "M" appears, then a "P", then spaces until it's all gone.  Then it repeats.  Seriously?  The song is "Willie the Wimp"?

It was. The song is a tribute to Willie Stokes, a Chicago mobster, alias "Willie the Wimp" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Stokes).

The track I heard is from Stevie Ray Vaughn's album Live Alive (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Alive).

So I was right about it being SRV, and right about the song title, even though it was a guess and I was sure it couldn't possibly be right.  So either Frank had heard of Willie the Wimp and decided to write a song called "Willie the Pimp", or possibly it's just a coincidence.  Willie Stokes was born in 1937 and died in 1986, so he had the nickname before the song, but the song may have been inspired by the guy.

The world may never know.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: matthewmatt on July 14, 2016, 01:06:20 PM
I was driving home last night, and some song came on the radio that I'd never heard before.  Sounded kinda like Stevie Ray Vaughn, but I wasn't sure.  My car stereo has a text display that can show up to 13 characters, and it says

WILLIE THE WI

and the first thing I think of is "WILLIE THE WIMP" because it rhymes with "WILLIE THE PIMP" from Hot Rats.  I chuckle to myself.  I'm so clever.  Obviously that's not the name of the song, because that would be a stupid name.  It was just kinda funny to think that someone would write a song called "WILLIE THE WIMP".

If the name of the song is longer than 13 characters, it scrolls after a few seconds.  An "M" appears, then a "P", then spaces until it's all gone.  Then it repeats.  Seriously?  The song is "Willie the Wimp"?

It was. The song is a tribute to Willie Stokes, a Chicago mobster, alias "Willie the Wimp" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Stokes).

The track I heard is from Stevie Ray Vaughn's album Live Alive (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Alive).

So I was right about it being SRV, and right about the song title, even though it was a guess and I was sure it couldn't possibly be right.  So either Frank had heard of Willie the Wimp and decided to write a song called "Willie the Pimp", or possibly it's just a coincidence.  Willie Stokes was born in 1937 and died in 1986, so he had the nickname before the song, but the song may have been inspired by the guy.

The world may never know.

Zappa being... well, Zappa, I am 99 % sure it was intentional.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 14, 2016, 01:17:45 PM
If Frank had heard of him, then yeah, it was definitely intentional.  Would Frank have even heard of some obscure black mobster from Chicago?  That's the only thing that makes me wonder.  Obviously it's not impossible or anything.  If he happened to hear something about Willie the Wimp, then it makes perfect sense that he'd write a song called "Willie the Pimp".
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: matthewmatt on July 14, 2016, 01:22:33 PM
I get it, but since he was never really afraid of obscure references (Eddie, Are You Kidding?), I'm simply more willing to believe this is one of them... until proven otherwise, that is.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 14, 2016, 01:25:04 PM
Ah, that's true.  All those references to local places around Southern California on those early albums.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on July 14, 2016, 05:58:20 PM
That's kind of funny. I'm sure it was intentional knowing him.

I forgot to tell you guys I got to see Dweezil and his band open for Umphrey's at Red Rocks recently and it was amazing. Unfortunately, due to all of this stupid bullshit fighting in the family (they didn't outright say this, but it's the only explanation) they spent about 1/4 of their set playing other bands' music. A 20-minute medley covering everything from Rush to Duran Duran to really any 70s or 80s classic you can think of. For five minutes it was cool. When we reached the 10-minute mark I was like "Okay that was cute. Now where's the rest of the Zappa music?" At 15 my friend and I were like "WTF?!" and then after about 20 it ended. They are such an incredible and tight band and they did it very well. But if this is a thing they are now going to have to do at every show to avoid a fight with Ahmet, I won't be quite as eager to see them anymore. Bummer and very lame.

BUT the rest of the set was pretty badass, at least. Their rendition of Keep it Greasey totally killed me. Such a blast dancing around to that.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 14, 2016, 06:24:21 PM
Wow, I haven't heard anything about this.  This was Zappa Plays Zappa?  But Ahmet's being a dick about something?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 14, 2016, 07:37:10 PM
That's kind of funny. I'm sure it was intentional knowing him.

I forgot to tell you guys I got to see Dweezil and his band open for Umphrey's at Red Rocks recently and it was amazing. Unfortunately, due to all of this stupid bullshit fighting in the family (they didn't outright say this, but it's the only explanation) they spent about 1/4 of their set playing other bands' music. A 20-minute medley covering everything from Rush to Duran Duran to really any 70s or 80s classic you can think of. For five minutes it was cool. When we reached the 10-minute mark I was like "Okay that was cute. Now where's the rest of the Zappa music?" At 15 my friend and I were like "WTF?!" and then after about 20 it ended. They are such an incredible and tight band and they did it very well. But if this is a thing they are now going to have to do at every show to avoid a fight with Ahmet, I won't be quite as eager to see them anymore. Bummer and very lame.

BUT the rest of the set was pretty badass, at least. Their rendition of Keep it Greasey totally killed me. Such a blast dancing around to that.
Wow. I wanted to go to that but had work, now I'm glad I didn't.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on July 15, 2016, 03:26:55 AM
There's legal infighting going on in the family, basically, Ahmet restricting Dweezil the use of the family name (get this, Dweezil being the ONLY familymember being able to perform his father's music) for want of a part of the winnings on the performed material during the tour.  ??? Check Dweezil's site for all the 'Poop'. Appearantly, there's so much poop these days, it's not funny anymore.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 15, 2016, 07:04:36 AM
Wow.  No, I haven't been following any of that.

Dweezil always seemed to me to be the one most like Frank.  Obviously he looks quite a bit like him and has inherited the musical talent, but also just seems like a really cool guy.  Moon is just a kinduv nutty whacked-out chick.  But Ahmet I could never read.  He seemed angry about something all the time, a bit arrogant and abrasive, but I couldn't tell if that was just his persona or what.  To find out that he really is an asshole doesn't surprise me.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on July 15, 2016, 08:26:10 AM
Yeah, the whole thing is really lame. Dweezil is so talented and obviously passionate about his dad's music, and Ahmet appears to just be a douche at this point.

Wow. I wanted to go to that but had work, now I'm glad I didn't.

Nah, you still missed a totally badass set. Plus, Red Rocks! And Umphrey's was a lot of fun, even though I don't know them well at all.
They have a new singer in the band who is really amazing. Scheila is still my fave- that woman can blow and sing like it's nobody's business.
As much as it sucks, I think they're just trying to find ways to keep playing without drama. I'm sure this whole thing will continue to unfold...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: WebRaider on July 15, 2016, 09:37:54 AM
Wow, I haven't heard anything about this.  This was Zappa Plays Zappa?  But Ahmet's being a dick about something?


I don't know where to find another link about it but this video Dweezil posted on his FB explains it a little.

https://www.facebook.com/DweezilZappaOfficial/videos/1275814179102895/
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 15, 2016, 10:27:37 AM
Haven't really taken a side with the drama as both sides of the story seem to be leaving out key information. Also for selfish reasons, I like what Dweezil does and frankly the ZFT has improved significantly since Ahmet took the reigns.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 15, 2016, 11:07:09 AM
Currently trying to find out who the brunette is, the one who plays sax and keyboards and sings.  She's hot.  Kinda reminds me of Minnie Driver when she was hot.

Edit: Oh, that's Scheila!  Cool.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jammindude on July 19, 2016, 06:30:22 PM
Is the album discussion going to continue?  I was really enjoying it.

I *just* bought Lumpy Gravy, and I've been spinning Uncle Meat as well.   
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Imaginos on July 19, 2016, 08:55:35 PM
I hope it continues. I've only just recently started to get into Zappa and I'd love to follow along with the thread.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 19, 2016, 09:00:20 PM
It's my favorite thread on the forum currently, so I hope so.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on July 20, 2016, 01:22:13 AM
Wow, I haven't heard anything about this.  This was Zappa Plays Zappa?  But Ahmet's being a dick about something?


I don't know where to find another link about it but this video Dweezil posted on his FB explains it a little.

https://www.facebook.com/DweezilZappaOfficial/videos/1275814179102895/

Well, he posted a long email-conversation/reaction piece on his site a while ago, refuting some claims made by Ahmet (who does sound like a whiney bitch) but off course, as ever, the truth will be somewhere in the middle. He also claims that Gail was the one that ran the Zappa Family Trust (and Vaulternative records) into the ground due to mismanagement. So yeah, things weren't too rosey in the Zappa Familyhood, to say the least.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on July 20, 2016, 06:42:56 AM
Currently trying to find out who the brunette is, the one who plays sax and keyboards and sings.  She's hot.  Kinda reminds me of Minnie Driver when she was hot.

Edit: Oh, that's Scheila!  Cool.

That would be ubber talented and yes foxy Scheila Gonzales.

https://www.dweezilzappaworld.com/pages/bio-scheila-gonzalez
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: BanksD on July 21, 2016, 05:11:21 PM
I decided to finally take the plunge and explore the world of zappa. So far I've only heard (in discog order): Freak Out, Lumpy Gravy, Uncle Meat, Hot Rats, Weasels ripped My Flesh Waka/Jawaka, Over Night Sensation, and Apostrophe. So far I think I like Uncle Meat, Hot Rats, and Apostrophe the most. Definitely looking forward to checking out more.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 21, 2016, 10:03:27 PM
Try one of the live albums next, that's where Zappa gets really fun. Roxy is the obvious first choice.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 22, 2016, 08:07:24 AM
Seconded.  Roxy & Elsewhere.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 24, 2016, 12:36:50 PM
I also hope the discography thread continues soon.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on July 24, 2016, 03:16:12 PM
Have you all heard about this new documentary out? I'm hoping to go see it next weekend...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 24, 2016, 10:19:53 PM
Yes, but I'm having a hard time figuring out when/where it is showing. I know it's in Denver and maybe the Mayan? Do you know when the showings are?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: BanksD on July 25, 2016, 11:30:16 AM
Took the advice given and listened to roxy and elswhere...REALLY enjoyed it, probably now in the top 3 of all the Zappa I've heard so far (my other two favorites being Hot Rats and Uncle Meat).
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on July 25, 2016, 05:21:18 PM
Yes, but I'm having a hard time figuring out when/where it is showing. I know it's in Denver and maybe the Mayan? Do you know when the showings are?

https://www.landmarktheatres.com/denver/mayan-theatre

I'm planning to go Sunday afternoon if you want to join our crew! Not sure on showtimes yet though since they're not up.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 25, 2016, 07:44:18 PM
Would love to but I usually work on Sunday. :( I'm off Wednesday so I'm probably going to give that a shot.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on July 26, 2016, 09:07:28 AM
Sweet, let us know how it is!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on July 27, 2016, 04:29:36 AM
https://www.dweezilzappaworld.com/posts/1982286-response-to-my-brother-s-open-letter (https://www.dweezilzappaworld.com/posts/1982286-response-to-my-brother-s-open-letter)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on July 27, 2016, 04:31:39 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmC8luEWgAAHPhi.jpg)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on July 27, 2016, 05:31:54 AM
I'm sure this has been brought up at some point in this thread, or maybe it hasn't. What is everyone's favorite Zappa albums?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on July 27, 2016, 07:35:57 AM
One size fits all, We're only in it for the money, You are what you is.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 27, 2016, 07:36:34 AM
https://www.dweezilzappaworld.com/posts/1982286-response-to-my-brother-s-open-letter (https://www.dweezilzappaworld.com/posts/1982286-response-to-my-brother-s-open-letter)

Has the jury reached a verdict?

It has, Your Honor.  Ahmet is being a dick.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 27, 2016, 08:58:51 AM
I'm sure this has been brought up at some point in this thread, or maybe it hasn't. What is everyone's favorite Zappa albums?
Two from each decade:
Hot Rats, We're Only In It For the Money
Zappa In New York, Sheik Yer Bouti
YCDTOSA 2: The Helsinki Tapes (recorded in the 70s but released 1988), Tinseltown Rebellion
The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life, Make A Jazz Noise Here
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 27, 2016, 07:52:14 PM
Sweet, let us know how it is!
Good stuff. I was expecting a lot of it to be stuff I've already seen before but they surprised me with some new interview/concert footage. Was a very "surface level" view of Frank but still very enjoyable.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: The Curious Orange on July 28, 2016, 06:21:34 AM
I love the underrated (and unfortunately badly dated) Broadway the Hard Way.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on July 28, 2016, 08:50:34 AM
Sweet, let us know how it is!
Good stuff. I was expecting a lot of it to be stuff I've already seen before but they surprised me with some new interview/concert footage. Was a very "surface level" view of Frank but still very enjoyable.

Awesome, still planning on going Sunday!

And I couldn't make it all the way through that letter, but ughh.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on July 28, 2016, 09:29:39 AM
One size fits all, We're only in it for the money, You are what you is.

I've heard One Size Fits All and We're Only in it for the Money. Those are two really good ones.

I'm sure this has been brought up at some point in this thread, or maybe it hasn't. What is everyone's favorite Zappa albums?
Two from each decade:
Hot Rats, We're Only In It For the Money
Zappa In New York, Sheik Yer Bouti
YCDTOSA 2: The Helsinki Tapes (recorded in the 70s but released 1988), Tinseltown Rebellion
The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life, Make A Jazz Noise Here

Hot Rats and Tinseltown Rebellion are my two favorites. Sheik Yer Bouti (awesome title) is another really good one.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 28, 2016, 10:29:13 AM
Sorry to be the pedant, but this is Zappa.  Serious business.  The title of the album is Sheik Yerbouti.  It's the name of the persona on the cover.

(https://imgur.com/2AiEzxO.png)

Best part is, for years, I didn't realize that the correct pronunciation of the word "sheik" is "shake", thus it's even a better pun than I thought.  Mostly people I knew pronounce it "sheek", and still do.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on July 29, 2016, 12:21:40 AM
I didn't know that either! Awesome!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: matthewmatt on July 29, 2016, 12:46:04 AM
I'm sure this has been brought up at some point in this thread, or maybe it hasn't. What is everyone's favorite Zappa albums?

Absolutely Free, Burnt Weeny Sandwich, Waka/Jawaka, Apostrophe, Joe's Garage, Hot Rats, Zappa in New York, Roxy & Elsewhere, You Are What You Is (though the third side gets a bit tedious at times, I admit), Sheik Yerbouti, probably Uncle Meat as well. Though my most listened to albums nowadays are those from the You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore series.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on July 29, 2016, 01:59:38 AM
Sheik Yerboutti was the first Zappa album I ever heard and it clicked instantly with me. I remember thinking about the title: 'gee, that's really clever'.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 29, 2016, 07:47:13 AM
I'd heard One Size Fits All years before, but that was in junior high and I had no money.  Sheik Yerbouti came out when I when in high school and had a job, so it was the first Zappa I actually owned.  He had a minor radio hit with "Dancing Fool" (a song about a guy who can't dance?!  :lol) and "sheek yerbouti" seemed to be a pun which fit the dancing theme.

Years later, I was watching some news thing about Arab oil and they were talking about the sheiks who were all multi-zillionaires, and they kept pronouncing it "shake".  Then it hit me: "shake yerbouti".  :omg:

Also, to this day the guitar solo in "Yo Mama" is still my favorite.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on July 29, 2016, 08:39:04 AM
Yeah, I remember losing my shit laughing out loud when I heard ´Flakes´ for the first time. The second album by him I listened to was Joe´s Garage.... instant fan.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on July 29, 2016, 11:27:21 PM
I'd heard One Size Fits All years before, but that was in junior high and I had no money.  Sheik Yerbouti came out when I when in high school and had a job, so it was the first Zappa I actually owned.  He had a minor radio hit with "Dancing Fool" (a song about a guy who can't dance?!  :lol) and "sheek yerbouti" seemed to be a pun which fit the dancing theme.

Years later, I was watching some news thing about Arab oil and they were talking about the sheiks who were all multi-zillionaires, and they kept pronouncing it "shake".  Then it hit me: "shake yerbouti".  :omg:

Also, to this day the guitar solo in "Yo Mama" is still my favorite.

Fuck yeah that solo

Joe's Garage was the first album for me (recommended by one of you weirdos on dt.net, I believe) but it didn't stick initially. It wasn't until a friend played Muffin Man and Dinah Moe for me that I thought I should go give it a try again, and I fell in love.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 30, 2016, 09:19:27 AM
Muffin Man was one of my firsts too, but it was Inca Roads that instantly made me a fan.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on July 30, 2016, 10:20:59 AM
I had some trouble with Joe's Garage at first, too, and this was after I was already a Zappa fan.  I was a major proghead by then and thought "Really Frank, a concept album?"  The whole thing being narrated by The Central Scrutinizer was wacky, but not itself a horrible idea.  It actually kinda worked, because as with most concept albums, you do need narrative to tie things together.  The whole homoerotic/mechoerotic thing with Gay Bob and Sy Borg was weird and frankly a turn-off.  It didn't help that I'm 100% straight (sorry dudes) and some of my friends took to calling me Gay Bob "to be funny".  The episode with Joe from work didn't really help, either.  (Weird, his name was Joe.  I never thought about that before, although to this day, when I picture Joe from Joe's Garage, he looks like Joe from work.)

But eventually I realized that the story of course was insane as only Frank could do it, parody of the highest order, and the music as always was great.  The story seems to get a bit lost in Acts II and III, but the solos... wow.  And since the music is always more important to me than the concept anyway, I ended up liking it.  But as with most concept albums, I have my favorite parts and rarely have time to listen to the whole thing, and just listening to individual tracks seems somehow wrong.  Which is dumb, but there you go.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 30, 2016, 10:26:25 AM
I have a hard time getting through all of it. There's a ton of good stuff but it's long and I'm not really a fan of that sound he was developing from the late 70s through the early 80s.

The solos are awesome though. Love the xenochrony stuff.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: matthewmatt on July 30, 2016, 10:47:21 AM
Also, Stick It Out is really funny.

"Fick mich, du miserabler Hurensoooohn!"
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on July 30, 2016, 11:57:29 PM
Yeah, I love that whole storyline :lol
There are a few weak spots, but overall I love the album.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: bout to crash on July 31, 2016, 05:31:26 PM
Sweet, let us know how it is!
Good stuff. I was expecting a lot of it to be stuff I've already seen before but they surprised me with some new interview/concert footage. Was a very "surface level" view of Frank but still very enjoyable.

I agree with most of this. Some pretty common footage (Steve Allen show, Crossfire, the PA state trooper, the one towards the end of his life) but also a bunch of stuff I hadn't seen and some great concert moments. I just about lost it a few times, especially that interview with the lady on the couch, whoever she was. And his comments on his own drug use :rollin
Definitely worth a watch. Places it's playing for the rest of you: https://sonyclassics.com/eatthatquestion/dates.html
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 31, 2016, 05:35:15 PM
Awesome! As far as archival footage goes, I was actually mostly intrigued by some of the concert recordings they showed from the original Mothers. I don't think I've seen that before and I hope the ZFT releases it in full. Or maybe some sort of box set of archival footage.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on July 31, 2016, 06:34:09 PM
I'm listening to Tinseltown Rebellion now. Easy Meat is such a killer track!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: matthewmatt on August 01, 2016, 05:29:54 AM
By the way, has anyone else realised only relatively recently that the person on the cover of Hot Rats isn't Frank?  :facepalm:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on August 01, 2016, 07:17:08 AM
At first glance, I thought it was Frank, but upon closer examination, you can see that it's not him at all.  The eyes aren't right.  In fact it looks like a chick.  Of course, this was back in the vinyl days when the picture was much larger, easier to see.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on August 01, 2016, 11:25:31 AM
I believe the person on the cover is one of Frank's many groupies.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on August 01, 2016, 11:45:35 AM
Something like that.  She was their babysitter.

Her name is Christine Frka, a member of Frank's Girls Together Outrageously project, aka the GTO's.  She is also the one generally credited for connecting Frank with Alice Cooper and Frank ultimately signing Alice Cooper.

What, you didn't know that Frank "discovered" Alice Cooper?  True story.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: matthewmatt on August 01, 2016, 01:09:35 PM
What, you didn't know that Frank "discovered" Alice Cooper?  True story.

I knew about that and, frankly, the AC debut sounds rather different accordingly...
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on January 17, 2017, 05:46:50 PM
The documentary Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words (2016) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5275830/) is making the rounds on Starz or one of those other second-tier premium channels, and I recorded it and checked it out.  Very nicely done.

It's literally just a collection of interviews and archival performances, but they're arranged and sequenced in such a way as to give you an excellent view into Frank's mind.  Frank's gone, of course, but rather than having a bunch of people giving their views on Frank or "reminiscing" or whatever, it's all him, and I'd never seen most of it before.  Basically chronological, there's a lot of black-and-white footage in the older stuff, and the newer stuff is color and generally better quality, but none of it is really horrible, and all of it is worthwhile.

Five barking pumpkins out of Five.  Would watch again (and probably will).  :tup
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on February 22, 2017, 03:05:55 AM
So NIhil, Any chance of reviving that Discography-thread?   :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on February 22, 2017, 07:31:44 AM
The documentary Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words (2016) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5275830/) is making the rounds on Starz or one of those other second-tier premium channels, and I recorded it and checked it out.  Very nicely done.

It's literally just a collection of interviews and archival performances, but they're arranged and sequenced in such a way as to give you an excellent view into Frank's mind.  Frank's gone, of course, but rather than having a bunch of people giving their views on Frank or "reminiscing" or whatever, it's all him, and I'd never seen most of it before.  Basically chronological, there's a lot of black-and-white footage in the older stuff, and the newer stuff is color and generally better quality, but none of it is really horrible, and all of it is worthwhile.

Five barking pumpkins out of Five.  Would watch again (and probably will).  :tup

I watched this for the first time last week. It was so good, yet I couldn't help shedding a few tears at the end. Frank died from the exact same cancer I survived and it doesn't seem fair to the world. I dare say we have needed him these past 20 + years.

I give it four Arfs + one Telefunken U47
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on February 22, 2017, 09:41:35 AM
With leather?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on February 22, 2017, 10:06:00 AM
Läther?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on February 22, 2017, 10:31:45 AM
You'll love it.  It's a way of life.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on February 22, 2017, 10:34:55 AM
 :lol  We could probably go on like that for days.

Just follow the magic footprints.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jammindude on February 22, 2017, 12:08:07 PM
So NIhil, Any chance of reviving that Discography-thread?   :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 26, 2017, 09:51:21 AM
So NIhil, Any chance of reviving that Discography-thread?   :biggrin:

Hi guys, was just thinking about that actually. I don't see it happening in the near future, but I've always said that somehow I'm going to finish it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on February 27, 2017, 03:13:57 AM
 :tup
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on February 27, 2017, 08:18:29 AM
I'm ready when you are, Nihil!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 01, 2017, 06:43:32 AM
Totally getting back into it. Even made me stack up my Zappa collection.  :biggrin:

(https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/17038714_1319407241440981_9068109197871324340_o.jpg?oh=1b2e9cc672078fda0210adc003b12203&oe=592949DE)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on March 01, 2017, 07:25:48 AM
Nice collection!

My piece of resistance (can't be bothered to look up the correct spelling) is a giant six-foot poster of Frank that my sister procured for me.  This was back in the 80's, Frank was playing somewhere near her, and as they did in the old days, these were posted on walls all around town, like six or eight of them all in a row, a media blast.  She took one and sent it to me.  I have no idea where it is right now, or I'd take a picture of it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ytserush on April 01, 2017, 10:18:17 AM
The documentary Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words (2016) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5275830/) is making the rounds on Starz or one of those other second-tier premium channels, and I recorded it and checked it out.  Very nicely done.

It's literally just a collection of interviews and archival performances, but they're arranged and sequenced in such a way as to give you an excellent view into Frank's mind.  Frank's gone, of course, but rather than having a bunch of people giving their views on Frank or "reminiscing" or whatever, it's all him, and I'd never seen most of it before.  Basically chronological, there's a lot of black-and-white footage in the older stuff, and the newer stuff is color and generally better quality, but none of it is really horrible, and all of it is worthwhile.

Five barking pumpkins out of Five.  Would watch again (and probably will).  :tup

Didn't know about this. I'll check it out.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on April 01, 2017, 10:29:05 AM
There was some discussion earlier in this thread about the posthumous albums going for ridiculous prices. In case anyone hasn't heard, just about every posthumous album (that wasn't reissued already) is now available on streaming sites and Amazon for very reasonable prices. The only missing albums I've noticed are Trance-Fusion and the 4 disc MOFO.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 02, 2017, 02:53:00 AM
And the 5.1 audio DVD's: Halloween en Quadiophilliac.
Great stuff that all CD's will be rereleased (or have been rereleased if you're from the US). I'm not sure about the packaging, possible all albums will be thin digipacks, I'll order a single one, or possible two or three to check that out, if they look good I guess I will make my Zappa collection near-complete. That would mean ordering 10, but with these prices that's very doable. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: WebRaider on April 02, 2017, 06:42:18 PM
Ok people, I think I'm finally at a place in my musical listening where I absolutely want to dig into all things Zappa. I have heard numerous individual pieces and I think I've listened to Joe's Garage and Zoot Allures in whole previously.

Although I really love musicianship all around (which is obviously a good thing with Zappa), I find that I connect most instantly with guitar and I know Zappa has had stellar solos and guitar parts throughout his music. If I wanted to start this journey with individual songs; list songs where I can find the juiciest guitar?

I know "Watermelon in Easter Hay" and "Black Napkins" off the top (they are so, so great) . Feel free to list as many songs you all think I would gravitate to initially!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on April 02, 2017, 06:48:33 PM
Inca Roads
RDNZL (You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore 2)
Montana
Yo Mama
All of Hot Rats

Also there are three albums that are nothing but guitar solos. Shut Up n Play Yer Guitar (originally 3 separate records, now available as one double album), Guitar, and Trance-Fusion. These are worth hearing.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 28, 2017, 08:58:01 AM
The re-releases of nearly all posthumous albums are now out in Europe too. They look really nice, and are remarkably cheap. Listening to Philly 76 now, which is really an awesome live album.

In other news: apparently there is a massive boxset coming. 18 hours of material from a string of shows (Helloween 1977) where the Baby Snakes movie was made from. Among the shows is what Zappa fans call 'the best Zappa live show ever'. Two days of early and late shows of over 1,5 hours each, and then two single night shows of over 3 hours. With extra's I guess.

I'm first and foremost interested to see what the material will be, and what it will cost. I mean, if it's 6 shows, will it mean that we get 6 times Disco Boy, or 6 Poodle Lectures? On the other hand, that will mean 6 versions of Black Napkins. (There is even talk of video, but we'll have to wait and see)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on April 28, 2017, 11:17:41 AM
That sounds really cool, but damn, why?  Why not just release the individual shows for a reasonable price, rather than a huge thing that will cost so much that only very, very few people will buy it?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on April 28, 2017, 11:21:47 AM
Is there an official announcement on that yet? It sounded like it's also possible that they do a compilation of the shows or just select 1 or 2.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 28, 2017, 11:38:44 AM
The only thing official are from Adrian Belew's Facebook page:

"multi-tasking on the plane by writing liner notes for a new Zappa release.
oh, I should have mentioned it a new box set all 6 shows from halloween at the palladium in new york, 1978. 18 hours worth!
it's the shows the Baby Snakes movie was made from."

And then two quotes on how divided the Zappa community is by the Ahmet - Dweezil stuff.

"speaking of nasty: I devoted a few more hours today to the writing of the zappa liner notes and I'm now having second thoughts.
already I am reading divisive and somewhat nasty remarks from the hard core zappa types.
maybe I should just cater to my fans, who by comparison are a much friendlier bunch.
it seems like an ugly time to be involved in frank's universe.
I only agreed to write something because of my love and respect for the man himself and what he means to my life.
damned if you do, damned if you don't."

"...another tenet I have always held: once you commit there is no choice to be made. at some point soon I will finish the liner notes just as I committed to do.
but I want it publicly known it's only out of respect for Frank and the rest of us who made those performances happen. I have nothing to do with the current Zappa universe. my loyalty is only to the memory of Frank. I owe him a debt but I owe no one else."


So it seems that we actually do get all 18 hours worth of music. I could see them releasing a double album of all highlights, like Yes' 14 cd set of 7 the same shows. (although that actually had the same setlist every night, so that made a best of easier) Or even separate volumes and one big set.
But we'll have to wait and see.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on April 28, 2017, 11:47:51 AM
Good call on Progeny, I could see them doing a 2 cd sampler and then the full set for the hardcore fans.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 28, 2017, 02:18:14 PM
So I guess there's nothing left in the vault? Why aren't they releasing the hundreds of completed and partially-completed "new" Zappa compositions from the 80s and 90s first?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 28, 2017, 02:36:55 PM
Well, yeah, I get why they would hold on to the Synclavier stuff a little longer. But I would've loved the series of Australian shows from summer 73 first. But yeah, there's a lot of good stuff. I do get the urge to release Baby Snakes shows though.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on April 28, 2017, 03:39:20 PM
I haven't heard everything but I've actually been more impressed with the vault releases since Ahmet took over (another reason this family drama is annoying, it seems like Dweezil is the one getting fucked over but Ahmet has admittedly done a really good job with the ZFT stuff so far). But so far we finally got the Roxy movie, two really good Project/Objects, and some interesting live artifacts.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 20, 2017, 03:08:52 AM
I rarely buy bootlegs, but I bought Puttin On The Ritz on vinyl a while ago. Finally checking it out and the band is on fire. Really cool to hear a full 'as-it-was' show of the 81 band. Most of the 80's live releases are so heavily overdubbed that it doesn't feel like a live release anymore. The instrumental bit in Jumbo Go Away is crazily fast!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Herrick on April 25, 2019, 09:14:33 PM
Last night I went to the "Hologram" concert. I'm not a huge Zappa fan but I like what I've heard. I've been slowly checking out his music over the past few years. A friend of mine had an extra ticket. When we went to see Dream Theater a couple weeks ago, he mentioned this dude couldn't go so I said I'd go with him.

The "hologram" was kinda cool when it appeared but it was a rare occurrence. And "Frank's" guitar was loud as fuck, drowning out the keyboards and xylophone-type instrument. It was mostly an animated Frank Zappa on the screen. The animations were cool but it took attention away from the real musicians on stage and I did not like that. All the dudes on stage were Zappa Veterans who I've been watching on the old concerts on YouTube...except for the drummer.

Ahmet sang a couple songs I didn't know. I could've done without his antics. He talked a lot while introducing the musicians who were already introduced earlier. Nothing wrong with giving credit to these great musicians but it went on a little long.

On the bright side, the band sounded fucking phenomenal. Ray White's guitar was kinda drowned out. Mike Keneally really nailed Zappa's weird style. Scott Thunes' bass was always audible but not always distinct. Bobby Martin's keys weren't always audible nor was Ed Man's...xylophone-type instrument. Martin and White's vocals sounded good.

Overall it was a good experience. I was born in 1981 so obviously, I couldn't see Zappa himself play. It would've been cooler (and I believe more authentic) to catch a Zappa Plays Zappa concert but this was pretty good and it was great to see some of these Zappa Veterans in the Flesh.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on April 25, 2019, 10:04:48 PM
Sounds like there was more positive than negative about it.  Anyone who played with Frank, or can play his music, is a beast, and when you put that much talent together on a stage, it's gonna be a good show unless you really fuck it up.  Sounds like they didn't, or mostly didn't.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ytserush on April 28, 2019, 12:51:56 PM
No hologram for me but I did listen to Jazz From Hell again yesterday.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on April 28, 2019, 08:29:28 PM
Jazz from Hell is awesome!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 04, 2019, 06:53:22 PM
Frank left us 26 years ago today.

(https://i.imgur.com/H8mlto2.jpg)

Frank Vincent Zappa
December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: The Curious Orange on December 05, 2019, 01:41:15 AM
Whatever happened to the Zappa discography thread? I really miss that, it got up to 1984 or so and then stopped. That thread made me check out some albums I'd never heard before and turned me from someone who'd heard a bit of Frank's stuff over the years into a die hard fan. Ho Hum.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: ChuckSteak on December 05, 2019, 02:26:53 AM
Frank left us 26 years ago today.

(https://i.imgur.com/H8mlto2.jpg)

Frank Vincent Zappa
December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993
REMEMBÀ ZAPPA!  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jammindude on December 06, 2019, 10:10:40 AM
I wish the album discussion thread would come back. :-[
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on December 06, 2019, 11:09:29 AM
I wish the album discussion thread would come back. :-[
we can make it happen. Where would you want me to start? (I'll preface this by saying that I don't own every album by him, not even all those who were released during his lifetime)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: El Barto on December 06, 2019, 11:38:25 AM
I wish the album discussion thread would come back. :-[
we can make it happen. Where would you want me to start? (I'll preface this by saying that I don't own every album by him, not even all those who were released during his lifetime)
Hot Rats. I'll be seeing Dweezil play it next month and don't know anything about it. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on December 06, 2019, 11:46:01 AM
I wish the album discussion thread would come back. :-[
we can make it happen. Where would you want me to start? (I'll preface this by saying that I don't own every album by him, not even all those who were released during his lifetime)
Hot Rats. I'll be seeing Dweezil play it next month and don't know anything about it.
ah right ok. I like it quite a bit. It features lots of things to love about Frank (musical sophistication, acerbic and satirical lyrics, Cpt. Beefheart features on it too, even a homage to Carlos Santana) and I guess it's the first one which featured his compostional technique called xenochrony (it's kind of an overdub with rhythms, google it, it's fun), Jean Luc Ponty features on violin as well. (as does Ruth Underwood on percussion along with Frank himself, we will see her on quite a few more albums)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 06, 2019, 12:58:28 PM
Nihil-Morari got all the way to #39: The Perfect Stranger before the Zappa Discography thread stalled out last year.  His later stuff is harder to follow and organize.  Do we really want to start the discography all over again?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on December 06, 2019, 01:13:00 PM
I'm fine with anything you choose to do.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jammindude on December 06, 2019, 01:25:34 PM
I was just hoping NM would pick up where he left off, but he kinda disappeared.  :-[

Anyone know what happened?
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 06, 2019, 02:21:28 PM
Oops.  I double-checked, and while the Zappa Discography Thread saw action last year, it's been over two years since NM posted in it, or any other thread.  Up to that point, he was active, then poof.  No idea.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Mosh on December 07, 2019, 10:11:23 AM
I really want to see the Zappa discography discussion return. I've thought about PMing NM, maybe I did, I can't remember at this point.  :lol

But really, while I don't post here much I do read a lot and would love to help out any way I can.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jammindude on December 07, 2019, 10:27:37 AM
If nothing else, NM's reviews have been a big help to me as I've been going through and slowly buying the discography.   As it is, I have picked up albums 1-14 (Freak Out - Just Another Band from LA) and I already own a few others.   

I took a detour from buying them in chronological order and bought Lumpy Money and The Roxy Movie on a whim (I've listened to the music several times, but still haven't watched the movie.  Maybe I'll do that today).   But then I've taken a break since then.   I love nearly every note.   Some albums are a bit spotty, but every album has something I love on it. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on December 07, 2019, 10:47:09 AM
If nothing else, NM's reviews have been a big help to me as I've been going through and slowly buying the discography.   As it is, I have picked up albums 1-14 (Freak Out - Just Another Band from LA) and I already own a few others.   

I took a detour from buying them in chronological order and bought Lumpy Money and The Roxy Movie on a whim (I've listened to the music several times, but still haven't watched the movie. Maybe I'll do that today).   But then I've taken a break since then.   I love nearly every note.   Some albums are a bit spotty, but every album has something I love on it.
yes, go ahead, it's a great film IMHO (and a very worthy companion to Roxy And Elsewhere as well). I love it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on December 07, 2019, 02:46:31 PM
The Roxy Movie is great.  I went ahead and bought it and I'm glad I did. :)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Phoenix87x on January 04, 2020, 06:29:14 AM
I'll admit I'm slacking in my exploration of his work, but there's so much of it that it can be tough.

But this morning I listened to Studio Tan for the first time. Boy, what an experience. To this day there's really nothing like this.

Adventures of Gregory Peccary is fun, quirky and well made, but not my cup of tea. I theroughly enjoyed Revised music for Guitar and RDNZL though.

So many more albums to go  :lol
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on January 04, 2020, 06:53:01 AM
I'll admit I'm slacking in my exploration of his work, but there's so much of it that it can be tough.

But this morning I listened to Studio Tan for the first time. Boy, what an experience. To this day there's really nothing like this.

Adventures of Gregory Peccary is fun, quirky and well made, but not my cup of tea. I theroughly enjoyed Revised music for Guitar and RDNZL though.

So many more albums to go  :lol
discovering Frankie is a great ride (and thoroughly enjoyable, at least for me), have fun exploring. I love Studio Tan entirely btw
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jammindude on January 04, 2020, 09:35:23 AM
Is anyone getting the new Hot Rats re-release?   It looks really awesome, and I only own the old Ryko version (not remastered) so I was thinking of plopping down the $$$. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on January 04, 2020, 05:10:09 PM
I hadn't heard anything about it before now.  Frank liked to twiddle with things.  The original CD wasn't exactly the same as the original vinyl, so if this is from the same mix (or master or whatever) then it'll bug me every time I hear it.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: The Curious Orange on January 05, 2020, 10:01:18 AM
I do wish the ZFT would release more complete live shows in their Vaulternative series, releasing anniversary editions of albums we've already got is all well and good, but I want more live stuff, something from the 88 tour would be ideal!
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: jammindude on January 05, 2020, 11:06:12 AM
I just checked and it looks like the album proper is the 1987 mix on disc 5.   But everything else in the set seems to me a mixture of some jams along with what basically amounts to floor sweepings.   

I guess the set also comes with a board game.   Seems a bit gimmicky.   But some of the jam sessions sound like they could be cool. 

https://store.zappa.com/the-hot-rats-sessions-box-set-preorder.html
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: njfirefighter on January 08, 2020, 08:22:16 PM
I'll admit I'm slacking in my exploration of his work, but there's so much of it that it can be tough.

But this morning I listened to Studio Tan for the first time. Boy, what an experience. To this day there's really nothing like this.

Adventures of Gregory Peccary is fun, quirky and well made, but not my cup of tea. I theroughly enjoyed Revised music for Guitar and RDNZL though.

So many more albums to go  :lol
discovering Frankie is a great ride (and thoroughly enjoyable, at least for me), have fun exploring. I love Studio Tan entirely btw


I like studio Tan as well. Gregory Peccary is a riot..Hello Gladys....Mildred...  :lol Let me take you to the beach is great too, complete with bongos jam by Don Brewer of Grand Funk.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on January 08, 2020, 09:36:12 PM
I love the bongos in Let Me Take You to the Beach!  With all the crazy-ass percussion that shows up in Frank's music, we don't get bongos a lot.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Podaar on January 09, 2020, 05:45:28 AM
Studio Tan is awesome. Frank is bitchin'. Music is the best.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on January 09, 2020, 05:49:51 AM
Studio Tan is awesome. Frank is bitchin'. Music is the best.
Like OMG. Totally. (says his daughter, and us as well)
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on January 09, 2020, 08:41:37 AM
Information is not knowledge.
Knowledge is not wisdom.
Wisdom is not truth.
Truth is not beauty.
Beauty is not love.
Love is not music.
Music is THE BEST.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: The Curious Orange on January 14, 2020, 05:48:25 AM

Wisdom is the domain of the Wis, which is extinct.
Beauty is a French phonetic corruption of a short cloth neck ornament currently in resurgence.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: sneakyblueberry on January 16, 2020, 04:03:36 PM
I felt like some Inca Roads the other night, so I watched a video of the Zappa Plays Zappa band.  Straight after, I watched the version from the Dub Room Special.  I always thought that ZPZ did a great job of performing Frank's music, but A/B'ing the two like that was eye-opening.  Zappa's band from that era, Chester, Ruth, NMB, George Duke, etc was sooooo tight and super untouchable.  The difference was clear from the opening notes - a lot of it came from Chester's drumming I thought - his groove and feel is impeccable, and I thought that was largely absent from the ZPZ performance.  Almost like the song was missing a little bit of that magic. 
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: Orbert on January 16, 2020, 05:31:53 PM
That doesn't surprise me.  The ZPZ band are great, but they are in a certain sense just a "tribute band" (for lack of a better word) and you're comparing them to the real thing.  The fire and polish of playing insanely difficult music for years just can't be imitated.
Title: Rachel Flowers with Zappa Plays Zappa
Post by: Orbert on February 19, 2020, 10:58:16 AM
I found this on another site.

Rachel Flowers with Zappa Plays Zappa (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RvBMHXLGms&feature=youtu.be)

Rachel Flowers is of course the babe who stunned the world a few years back with her incredible covers of Emerson Lake & Palmer (and Emerson solo) on the keys, but I didn't know she also plays guitar.  And damn, she's good.  Dweezil lets her take the first solo in Montana.  It starts around 2:00.

Yep, no stage presence at all.  She's totally blind, has been almost since birth.  Doesn't matter.  I'm still madly in love with her.  Incredible talent.
Title: Re: The Zappa Thread
Post by: El Barto on February 19, 2020, 11:07:25 AM
Speaking of chicks in ZPZ, I didn't know until yesterday that Cian Coey was no longer with them. She was an integral part of what they were doing. Dude's still got an amazing band, so it'll be alright, but it is a big loss. No idea why she split, although it's certainly possible she just wants to keep doing her various Vegas gigs.