I was an early adopter of Zappa. I got a friend to bring back the US version of Freak Out back from Chicago for me. Unlike the puny UK version which was one disc, this was a mighty double album in a gatefold sleeve. Bought Uncle Meat as soon as it came out. It’s still playing in my head. I saw the Mothers live in Manchester in 1969.
Nice! A first pressing of that once passed through my hands, but I sold it, which I now consider an error. Uncle Meat I only bought a few years ago, but increasingly I think it's one of his best albums.
I have Trout Mask Replica somewhere in the house. It's definitely very weird, but it's not as musically complex or varied as Zappa so I don't return to it as often. I do find it remarkable that the two supreme outsiders of rock met each other as teenagers in the same small California town. The only equivalent encounter I can think of is Joe Satrianai and Steve Vai attending the same high school in New Jersey. Or, I suppose, Squarepusher and Guthrie Govan attending the same grammar school in Chelmsford.
I did listen to a fair bit of Tom Waits back in the day and especially like the albums he made for Robert Wilson's theatrical productions (Black Rider, Alice, Blood Money). Your mentioning him makes me think I should take them out and give them a spin...
I recently read about one of these obscure places that a strange abundance of cultural figures had something to do with. I'll try to dig it up and post something about it soon. Tom Waits is excellent in my opinion, though my musical palate is not as seasoned as I would like.
Among Zappa's virtues what that he was a social and musical satirist of the first order. To answer the question "Does humor belong in music", yes, it does. And he was one of the great ones who put it there.
In a boring world, you've got a fabulous eye for the truly weird, often funny, and worth noticing.
Thank you! I do my best.
I was an early adopter of Zappa. I got a friend to bring back the US version of Freak Out back from Chicago for me. Unlike the puny UK version which was one disc, this was a mighty double album in a gatefold sleeve. Bought Uncle Meat as soon as it came out. It’s still playing in my head. I saw the Mothers live in Manchester in 1969.
Nice! A first pressing of that once passed through my hands, but I sold it, which I now consider an error. Uncle Meat I only bought a few years ago, but increasingly I think it's one of his best albums.
What are your thoughts on Captain Beefheart DK? And Tom Waits? I hope you'll write about them one day.
I have Trout Mask Replica somewhere in the house. It's definitely very weird, but it's not as musically complex or varied as Zappa so I don't return to it as often. I do find it remarkable that the two supreme outsiders of rock met each other as teenagers in the same small California town. The only equivalent encounter I can think of is Joe Satrianai and Steve Vai attending the same high school in New Jersey. Or, I suppose, Squarepusher and Guthrie Govan attending the same grammar school in Chelmsford.
I did listen to a fair bit of Tom Waits back in the day and especially like the albums he made for Robert Wilson's theatrical productions (Black Rider, Alice, Blood Money). Your mentioning him makes me think I should take them out and give them a spin...
I recently read about one of these obscure places that a strange abundance of cultural figures had something to do with. I'll try to dig it up and post something about it soon. Tom Waits is excellent in my opinion, though my musical palate is not as seasoned as I would like.
Among Zappa's virtues what that he was a social and musical satirist of the first order. To answer the question "Does humor belong in music", yes, it does. And he was one of the great ones who put it there.
That was the name of the concert they broadcast on British TV all those years ago....
I enjoyed the article. I’m a big fan, Daniel! Cheers!
Glad to hear it — thank you!