Your point about the sampled voices. They didn't have the technology back then. Zappa is a hard task master and demands perfection from all those around him. Montana and the whole album are not his most jazzy or Avant Gard. Zappa is fabulous because of his fusions. He literally fuses every style of music. Not all at once. His fusions are usually 2/3/4 styles mashed up, but those styles will vary from track to track and album to album. He covers styles as varied as doo-wop and classical, jazz, blues, rock, Avant Gard, soul, disco, funk, you name it. He is one the great musical geniuses. There are no neutrals when it comes to Frank Zappa. You either love him or hate him/ The one thing you can say about Zappa is that he is never dull. Unlike a lot of artists, I say artists and nowadays they aren't, they don't get the opportunity to be artists, his music is always different, always interesting. even though sometimes people find it hard. The more you listen to Zappa the more understandable and the more enjoyable it is. Don't give up. Consume Zappa wholeheartedly. You will find, in a short while that you cannot live without Zappa. He will probably cause you to disdain modern popular music, which is drab and dull by comparison.
For a similar unbelievably tight recording done without any of the modern technology, try "Trout Mask Replica" by Captain Beefheart. It's a VERY difficult album to get into and appreciate, but, like Zappa, Beefheart was relentless in rehearsals and they basically cut most of the album on first takes. And, despite how chaotic it sounds, none of it was improvised.
@@submandave1125 Beautiful album. I have a copy. You are correct. At first it sounds like anarchy, but as you listen it begins to make more and more sense.
I guess you could go through studio engineering hell and set something like this up on a Mellotron, but it really sounds like they sang it slower and at a lower pitch and then just sped up the tape.
My only objection to your your post is "you either love him or hate him"....Zappa has tons of music and I put some of it at the top of my favorite things to listen to. Other things he does is just to difficult to get behind. I guess what I'm saying, music wise, is that I love some and am not on board with some (hate is a strong word, just haven't figured it out yet)
Zappa always surrounded himself with top notch musicians, he was something of a perfectionist when it came to his music. His drummers were especially fantastic, they had to be, with all the odd time signatures and changes Frank incorporated into his stuff. Saw him three times live, every time was an exceptional treat.
Tina Turner loved working with Zappa, and she enthused about the experience to her husband/abuser/manager Ike. When Ike heard what she'd been doing with Frank he banned her from working with him. Also, the part you talk about where the singing includes "his name is Tiny Little" was indeed sung live, but at half speed, so that when it was played back at the right speed the vocals were pitched an octave higher. There were no samplers in those days. Lyrics? Zappa was an absurdist and anarchic Dadaist. His lyrical style is detached, remote, observational, contemplative and cruelly analytical. His primary interest is in the ridiculousness of human beings. He seldom writes from character (unlike Dylan, for example), and often when people think he is writing from an invented point of view he is actually writing from his own perspective (I Ain't Got No Heart and Yo Mama being two rare autobiographical lyrics). In Montana Frank is using dental floss as a metaphor to describe what he thinks about the ordinary jobs that people have, and he is observing his own entrapment within an industry that he clearly hates being part of. When he suggests that he might move to Montana soon to grow dental floss, he also imagines being his own boss, the work being easy and rewarding both financially and spiritually, but by using the metaphor of an impossible crop he is at the same time pointing out how ludicrous it would be for him to do anything else but music. Your description of the bees as being another metaphor for Frank's own music is spot on. Everyone else wants the sweet stuff, but not Frank. He will take the wax, melt it down and make it into something that lasts a lot longer than honey! (But it's still wax - impermanent, another of Zappa's viewpoints, the transient nature of creative expression.) Regarding vocals the Germans have a name for it "sprechgesang", and Zappa did it many times, although he was a good singer. You may not know that the voice you hear on Montana was several tones lower than Frank sounded before he was assaulted in late 1971 and had his neck broken. He spent two years in a wheelchair and wrote some amazing instrumental music, but when he got back to singing the difference was amazing. He now had a low, rich, mahogany kind of voice we first experienced on this album, especially with I'm The Slime.
Ike didn't care so much that he kept them from working at his own studio, or cashing Frank's check. I don't think Ike was as bothered as it is made out to be. Plus a lot of what Tina and Co. recorded with Frank didn't even make it onto the album, but it is in the masters as I'm sure you have listened to. Ike crying about Tina enjoying her studio time with FZ is the most predictable thing that could have happened. It was happening around the time Tina was starting to assert herself and break away. Her work with Frank - as limited as it was - probably contributed to her resolve to break away from Ike.
Frank Zappa is a musical genius, my favourite albums are from the 1970s, one of them is Zoot Allures. I recommend listening to two songs in a row: Black Napkins and The Torture Never Stops. Have fun listening to the songs Peter
Avant-garde is how I would describe Zappa's music. I was introduced to his music by a friend in the early 70s. 200 Motels, Apostrophe, and Over Nite Sensation are my favorite albums. Check out his guitar work on "Zomby Woof". I think an important part of appreciating Zappa is his social commentary entwined in his satire and parody. Either you get it or you don't. "Jazz isn't dead. It just smells funny." - F Zappa
I love Frank Zappa and his lyrics but you shouldn't analyze it too much cuz then you just missing the whole point but like Frank say either people get it or they don't and I have to agree Frank is a required taste just like Kate Bush's not everybody like Kate Bush it's just a required taste of 🎶 music
@SlipKid84 Yet Frank said 'lyrics are for people that need them'. He wrote profound things, silly things, dirty things, etc. In the end the music was primary and he asserted that over and over. Ray White commented many times on how he thought Frank's lyrics were silly and stupid, but the attitude and the music was the point. The lyrics were like parsley. But if Frank added parsley, it was going to be the most entertaining parsley you ever ate. Would I connect FZ and Kate Bush? ... not on the surface, but I would in terms of artists being honest, prolific, unabashedly creative and true to themselves. He wanted to express himself, and entertain. Music, lyrics, whatever. He offered an amazing amount of insightful lyrics, but an equal amount of earthy, challenging, iconographic views. All of it has a role, but he cared much more about the music than narrative.
@SlipKid84 frank zappas lyrics were (and still are today) as diverse and insightful as any cultures most wise minds world(and quite possibly universally) recognized. And yes! The man had a way with words. Sorry. That IS making a long story short... Thank you. RIP.FZ!!! Oh just one more thing."i make music for the consumers who like it. Not for those who don't"!!!!!
Montana where Hemp was being grown at the time, the song is about growing hemp and smoking, all the way to the roach using the zircon encrusted tweezers gleaming in the moon-lighty night , obviously you need to wax down the buds, clean them to get them ready for smoke, good thing that, like many now, back in 1973 not many got the meaning or Montana would not have made it to the album. The music? pure genius. and dental floss string earlier versions were made of hemp.
The whole album that this comes from is my favourite Zappa album. Overnite Sensation is a classic album. Every track is a gem. This period is very productive for Zappa. One Size Fits All and Apostrophe were his next 2 albums and they are, likewise, classic albums.
You took the plunge. Good on you, Justin. That’s about the reaction I expected. Zappa was an iconoclast. No one was or is like him. This, and Inca Roads, are the best intros I can think of. Key take-aways for Frank: 1. It’s all about rhythms, tempo, and virtuosity. 2. Explore Frank with a guide. You do not want to go from here directly to Sleep Dirt or Bobby Brown: his music can be too challenging or just puerile lyrically. 3. Enjoy the fun in it. Sometimes he’s just being silly.
Iain McCorquodale though I gotta say the best version of Willy is from YCDTOSA Vol 4. As great as Beefheart is, Ike Willis and Ray White just gave it such a new life.
I saw Zappa and this lineup for the Overnight Sensation Tour and Apostrophe Tour in Sydney in the 70's. Both times I was blown away, the intricacy of the live production was astounding and the performances were superb!
Came back here, and wanted to suggest "Uncle Remus" by him. You can hear him really sing, it's more straightforward and fairly short. Still a great song. It's from the same era. Tina & The Ikettes did the backing vocals on this too … and a nice guitar solo. If I was really bold, I'd suggest "Inca Roads", but it's more advanced.
When I was young, a teenager, the music was good but it was the lyrics that drew me in. Then, sometime in my 30s it all switched and I was blown away by all the amazing music I had missed on those same FZ albums I had been listening to.
Virtuosity meets absurdity, I love Zappa's humour as much as his musical genius; I think he leavened the complexity with satire and I will never tire of him. Love this album and Zappa & The Mothers 'We're only in it for the money' LP, Mystery Disc CD & Live @ Fillmore (with a bullet!) You'll never 'get' Zappa with 1 tune...
Damn bro, thanks for not losing the groove. For so many zappa reacitons that I've seen in person and on youtube, as soon as an unconventional part of a song comes up (such as the ikettes part in this song) the groove is gone for a lot of people but in this initial reaction you worked through it! Seriously, you felt what you didn't think or capture in your head, and that is rare in this situation.
For a great introduction to Frank's music, check out his first 2 solo albums, ""Overnight Sensation (1973,) and Apostrophe" (1974,) and It's very early for him, away from "The Mothers of Invention," which was incredibly experimental, but you could see the general direction of his music. I remember seeing him play on Saturday Night Live, after which he was banned for life from the show. Here's a really entertaining and musically excellent TH-cam video of Frank's music from a live show at The Roxy. th-cam.com/video/5D7w0aHjUGE/w-d-xo.html His band features jazz and funk legend George Duke and the Black drummer is Chester Thompson, who played with Genesis on tour after Phil Collins stepped out in front (except for their first tour, which had Bill Bruford - Bill can be heard on "Seconds Out.") Chester was also Phil's solo-tour drummer. Zappa only played with the best musicians, including Adrian Belew (Talking Heads and King Crimson,) Steve Vai, Terry Bozzio, and Vinnie Colaiuta (everybody, plus Jeff Beck!)
:)...I didn't even know you reacted to this...: )...Zappa is a monster composer...Saw him on the Sheik Yerbouti tour... He transcends genres; He is a genre...The woman playing the vibes on this album Ruth Underwood was trained at Julliard...She taught Frank a lot about music...:)
I grew up on a good bit of Zappa. I enjoy it for his guitar work mostly. Although it was amazing when combined with PED. As for the great guitar, you should sample something from Shut Up And Play Your Guitar.
Love this tune. All aspects of it. The crazy thing about geniuses is that you might dislike them or even hate them at first, but once they get to you, you're really thankful.
The music is just perfect, Zappa was one of the greatest artists in the history of pop music combining so many different styles, amazing stuff. Listen to it serveral times, trust me.
The stranger Zappa gets, the more I like his songs. The first time I've heard this one, as well. But I love this. It definitely goes pretty far up my Zappa list!
Its fun watching younger people, especially younger musicians or even just young people who are musical, experience Frank for the first time. Or the tenth time. Or the hundredth or thousandth time. My point being, every time you heard or hear Frank, it’s a new experience. Take it from a musician and someone who saw Frank 23 times in concert. And believe me,..each time, it was like experiencing him and his music for the first time all over again. He was so far ahead of his time, he’s still ahead of the musicians of today. And will be for many years to come. When he died, I cried for at least a week. You can’t experience Franks music, philosophy or life by listening to a few songs..or even a few albums. You have to hear all of it, to truly understand. From Freak Out, all the way to the Yellow Shark,..it’s a roller coaster of sensory exhilaration and overload. I miss him. 💔
JustJP Good to hear. When you do, let me know. If you really want to dive into an album that tackles politics, religion, drugs, cults, world events, I suggest “You Are What You Is”. It’s in my top 10 of his albums. It’ll blow your mind and g e you a real sense of what was happening in the US and the world at the time. Lol You’ll love it. 👍🏼
Zappa's guitar style I think was a reflection of his edgy playfulness in general. He often teased and poked at his strings, when he solo'd. Love the funky clav at the end. Overnight sensation is my favorite Zappa album. Slime is another great track. If you want some real Zappa guitar instrumental heaven, try "black napkins" from his zoot allures album.
You can't analyze Frank Zappa's lyrics some are in you face like I'm the Slime and others are just Frank's mind at play. Either way he was a musical genius like no other.
Great musician. Definitely an acquired taste. My brother was into him so I got my first listen at a young age, too young to appreciate the musical skill but old enough to think he was too weird for me. Not the kind of thing for casual listening though :-) Great pick all the same. Thanks, JP! For some reason, I was reminded of Lyle Lovett - give the song 'Here I Am' a listen (preferably the studio version because you gotta be able to understand the lyrics.)
Simply put, the song is a knock on American's 'pioneer' aspirations and a riff on country music. Glad to see you got the meaning of 'I'd leave the sweet stuff to someone else.' Very few love songs in Frank's catalog, and the ones that are, are generally satirical. You need to hear more of his musical pieces, Watermelon in Easter Hay might be the most beautiful guitar solo ever written, or Willie the Pimp, the original version from 69's Hot Rats, where he really displays his guitar chops....
Honestly from your comments on Genesis records of the merging of storytelling and music, I think you’d love Joes Garage. It’s Zappa’s magnum opus, and really shows off how incredible Zappa’s orchestration and production really was. Not only with complexity in timing, but making it sound so cohesive. Zappa’s discography is a rabbit hole, and there’s so much incredible work in there.
Zappa is an experience. Lots of great music for an altered state of mind. I believe Chester Thompson (Genesis live drummer from late 70s on) played on a Zappa record that was recorded live in a studio. I'm no historian of Zappa, but it was the spontaneous nature of a lot of his tracks which can impress. He's groovy.
rosenfield10 - My favorite Zappa period includes Chester Thompson. The whole of the One Size Fits All album is amazing. The second side of the double album Roxy And Elsewhere is a masterclass in expectation defying brilliance and is one of my drop dead all time favorites, period.
There is a piano played by George Duke and the other is a "Marimba. A percussive wood instrument played by a trained percussionist named Ruth Underwood .
I have been into Zappa since his first album back in the 60's. His "Hot Rats" album is one that I will still listen too, fairly frequently. He was so prolific, I remember going to his shows three different times in one year and each show was totally different .
Zappa was also into 20th C orchestral composers, and wrote music for orchestra, which he financed with the money he made with the rock music he put out on his own record label. He was also using his pick on his guitar neck ("Inca Roads" 1973) to do tapping before Van Halen popularized 2 handed tapping.
First time watcher, (liked and subbed) I appreciate your taking a walk on the wild side. Frank was a musical genius and it's impossible to put him in a box. This song is a "Fun" song about a guy who has a a dream for his future, don't take the lyrics to seriously. Guitar by Frank Zappa (he gave Steve Vai his first job, Vai was blown away) Background vocals by Tina Turner and the Ikettes. They were R&B vocalists and had to be taught how to sing to Franks music by Frank himself. "Zomby Woof" is the best on the album.
Zappa was a musical genius stuck in a time warp. He was too soon or too late, depending on how you compare it to music in our time. The thing I remember... all us kids were tripping our asses off on really good LSD and mescaline back when his records came out. Many fond memories of Frank, his music, his concerts, and his cynical smugness. He is missed by many.
In your spare time start from ‘Freak Out’ and continue. ‘Lumpy Gravy’ and ‘We’re Only In It For The Money’ are pure musical genius. Way ahead of his time--and he wrote down his music like a real composer. Also, listen to the Live ‘Roxy and Elsewhere’ album. Truly mind blowing.
His music was a great parody of pop-culture and social affairs. I would recommend starting with the early (Mothers of Invention) albums and go from there.
First saw Frank in '74. Each album has it's classics. First album was rocks first double album. "Brown Shoes Don't Make It" is a classic. I was weened on the Filmore album. If you liked the Turtles "Happy Together", you'll enjoy that one.
Frank Zappa played an upside down bicycle on Steve Allen Show with a bow, simply because it would rhyme. Like Kurzweil, he was genius before anyone, and also a giant, with each standing close to 8 feet tall, together. I once had a chat with the gentleman in a Boston hotel about some German lyrics in Joe's Garage II. He was very kind and patient. Watch his cover of "Whippin' Post" on TH-cam, for a taste of his band's energy.
Waaay before sampling, Tina and the Ikettes were singing that mess. Dental floss was a new thing and it struck Frank as extremely weird (TV invents a disease you think you have...). The 'piano' was astounding percussionist Ruth Underwood playing the vibrophone. This is kind of straightforward for Frank, he gets MUCH weirder, I suggest "Watermelon in Easter Hay" just two chords, absolutely beautiful instrumental. Or for more social commentary, "Flakes" or "The Slime". (From Frank's testimony to Congress regarding the PMRC and censorship: "I once wrote a song about dental floss, I haven't seen a huge upswing in dental hygiene. I think you're overestimating the effects of music on the populace." ) .
The blow your mind part might be when you realize that all of Zappa's stuff was composed on sheet music. Definitely you should listen to Inca Roads. My favorite probably though is the whole two album journey of Joe's Garage parts 1 to 3.
Have heard of Zappa forever. Never really listened to him. This isn't casual listening music but I might listen to it again to try to figure out more of what's going on in it. Great musicianship but very trippy.
I always liked the guitar solo in this song. This album is loaded with great tunes. I'm the slime defines the crap that oozes from TV and media. To this day it is still relevant.
I only knew Zappa for "Cosmic Debris" until I met my fiance. Montana really showcases Frank's guitar strengths. I had the pleasure of seeing Zappa plays Zappa a few years ago. I am so happy I was able to experience this!
1973 dude. No sampling of voice and played back on keyboard. Frank did, however (quite frequently) record (analog) things at a slower tempo (and probably in a different key) so that played back at normal speed, it'd be high pitched and in the right key.
I’d say that this is a fairly “middle of the road” Zappa piece. Not too experimental, not too mainstream. Or what passed for mainstream for Frank. He did put out somewhere around 100 albums, and he constantly evolved the compositions as well as revisiting his classic styling from time to time. Complex dude, to say the least. He had a PHD in Music, was really fond of complex mixes of changing time signatures and genre-blending musical and vocal styles. He worked with a huge band, most of the time. 20 to 30 people was the norm. Somewhat of a mix of jazz, orchestra, chorus, rock, and whatever else took his fancy. You should see the sheet music! It is insanely complicated. I’d recommend the albums Apostrophe, One Size Fits All, Zoot Allors (not sure of the spelling on that one,) Sheik Yerbouti, Joe’s Garage, Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch, Man From Utopia, Shut Up And Play Your Guitar, and then go back and explore his entire catalog.
#BobbyBrownGoesDown the studio version. That one was banned from being played on the radio in the states. It was #1 in Sweden and Norway and top 10 in many other European countries during it's original release in 79. It even climbed to (if not #1) high positions on the charts in Europe when it was re-released on cd in 91.
There are 3 keys to enjoying FZ music: 1. Have a WIDE OPEN MIND! 2. Have your sense of humor right up front. 3. Don’t try to put him in any musical category. He’s not for everyone, most of his songs are not “toe tappers”, but they all kick ass. Just let the music take you where he wants to take you and you will enjoy the journey. Have fun!
Check out the album "We're Only In It For The Money." You mentioned in the intro that his music satirized American culture. I really think that's what this song is about. Moving to Montana to become a "Dental Floss Tycoon." I thought it was a funny take on "The American Dream," and the background vocals kind of reminded me of those commercial jingles from the 50's.
My understanding is that the lyrics are a metaphor for drug dealers and drug users, which he thought were as ridiculous as being a dental floss farmer. Zappa was a rather vocal teetotaler who hated drugs and alcohol (and didn't tolerate it in his band). Most of his music was carefully composed on paper and constructed in the studio. My personal favorite is the 20-minute epic "The Adventures of Greggory Peccary," a loony, genius cartoon music symphony. Check it out!
Frank Zappa was a musical guinness he writes all his music for every instrument yes his music is different from other musician but that what makes him great. If you really want to get the feeling of his music listen to Apostrophe album,Hot Rats, Grand Wa Zoo and listen to the whole Overnight sensation album. I could go on but he has I think about 40 albums or more to choose from.
Zappa was a genius/madman. These couple of albums are his most approachable but his abilities transcend style and genres. Basically he was above it all, looking down on the world (including the rock world) with amusement. Try “I’m the slime “ next for something less whimsical. Also check out The Black Page; not just to listen to but watch videos about how it came about. This will help you to appreciate his genius. Keep up the great work. X.
ITS THE MUSIC DUDE!...Frank was about the music, melodies, tempo and fusion. listen how many instruments are stuffed into one song, its just crazy! who does that?..Bamboozeled by love..."them or us" is a great alblum
Hi if you check out TH-cam you can find a video of a young Frank Zappa on the Steve Allen tonight Show where he plays a bicycle Steve Allen was a forerunner of Jack par r and Johnny Carson
You're way over-analyzing the bee section. The wax is to dip flax fibers in to make the dental floss... it's just that simple. Leaving the honey to someone elds is because that's not part of the product he intends to sell.
Hi JP, Frank Zappa is and was one of the greatest guitarist ever to play a guitar.. His songs are quite fluent with somewhat questionable lyrics but he was one of the great ones..
Same album - Dinah Moe Hum. Might shock you a little, but might make you laugh your ass off. Would be interesting to see - a true reaction song if there ever was one. Thanks for doing Frank. Peace from SF
No doubt someone's already said this in the comments below (haven't read them all) but I'll say it anyway; what you thought sounded like sampled vocals is really a tape that's either been sped up or recorded at a slow running speed and then sped up to produce the munchkin vocals. Zappa did this a lot.
Zappa did more than 30 albums. In an interview I saw he was pushing a new album that he made only 6000 copies because he knew it wouldn't sell. His bscking band was the London Symphany Orchestra. He also said he was on his way to France because a couple of pieces of chamber music he wrote was being performed. He was known for his wild parties although he didn't drink or take drugs. About 5 years ago Alice Cooper said Zappa was ahead of his time and probably still is.
Your point about the sampled voices. They didn't have the technology back then. Zappa is a hard task master and demands perfection from all those around him. Montana and the whole album are not his most jazzy or Avant Gard. Zappa is fabulous because of his fusions. He literally fuses every style of music. Not all at once. His fusions are usually 2/3/4 styles mashed up, but those styles will vary from track to track and album to album. He covers styles as varied as doo-wop and classical, jazz, blues, rock, Avant Gard, soul, disco, funk, you name it. He is one the great musical geniuses. There are no neutrals when it comes to Frank Zappa. You either love him or hate him/ The one thing you can say about Zappa is that he is never dull. Unlike a lot of artists, I say artists and nowadays they aren't, they don't get the opportunity to be artists, his music is always different, always interesting. even though sometimes people find it hard. The more you listen to Zappa the more understandable and the more enjoyable it is. Don't give up. Consume Zappa wholeheartedly. You will find, in a short while that you cannot live without Zappa. He will probably cause you to disdain modern popular music, which is drab and dull by comparison.
Thank you so much eggs, I'm up for learning more from him!
For a similar unbelievably tight recording done without any of the modern technology, try "Trout Mask Replica" by Captain Beefheart. It's a VERY difficult album to get into and appreciate, but, like Zappa, Beefheart was relentless in rehearsals and they basically cut most of the album on first takes. And, despite how chaotic it sounds, none of it was improvised.
@@submandave1125 Beautiful album. I have a copy. You are correct. At first it sounds like anarchy, but as you listen it begins to make more and more sense.
I guess you could go through studio engineering hell and set something like this up on a Mellotron, but it really sounds like they sang it slower and at a lower pitch and then just sped up the tape.
My only objection to your your post is "you either love him or hate him"....Zappa has tons of music and I put some of it at the top of my favorite things to listen to. Other things he does is just to difficult to get behind. I guess what I'm saying, music wise, is that I love some and am not on board with some (hate is a strong word, just haven't figured it out yet)
What you're referring to as a piano is actually a xylophone played by the amazing Ruth Underwood who was a mainstay of Zappa's band.
Actually it's a marimba.
@@GoodCorporateRobot both
Piano , this generation will never get it .
@Max Keenan That's Ruth!
@@KenSmith-bv4si Probably think the chorus is vocoder'ed too
Zappa always surrounded himself with top notch musicians, he was something of a perfectionist when it came to his music. His drummers were especially fantastic, they had to be, with all the odd time signatures and changes Frank incorporated into his stuff. Saw him three times live, every time was an exceptional treat.
Tina Turner loved working with Zappa, and she enthused about the experience to her husband/abuser/manager Ike. When Ike heard what she'd been doing with Frank he banned her from working with him. Also, the part you talk about where the singing includes "his name is Tiny Little" was indeed sung live, but at half speed, so that when it was played back at the right speed the vocals were pitched an octave higher. There were no samplers in those days.
Lyrics? Zappa was an absurdist and anarchic Dadaist. His lyrical style is detached, remote, observational, contemplative and cruelly analytical. His primary interest is in the ridiculousness of human beings. He seldom writes from character (unlike Dylan, for example), and often when people think he is writing from an invented point of view he is actually writing from his own perspective (I Ain't Got No Heart and Yo Mama being two rare autobiographical lyrics).
In Montana Frank is using dental floss as a metaphor to describe what he thinks about the ordinary jobs that people have, and he is observing his own entrapment within an industry that he clearly hates being part of. When he suggests that he might move to Montana soon to grow dental floss, he also imagines being his own boss, the work being easy and rewarding both financially and spiritually, but by using the metaphor of an impossible crop he is at the same time pointing out how ludicrous it would be for him to do anything else but music.
Your description of the bees as being another metaphor for Frank's own music is spot on. Everyone else wants the sweet stuff, but not Frank. He will take the wax, melt it down and make it into something that lasts a lot longer than honey! (But it's still wax - impermanent, another of Zappa's viewpoints, the transient nature of creative expression.)
Regarding vocals the Germans have a name for it "sprechgesang", and Zappa did it many times, although he was a good singer. You may not know that the voice you hear on Montana was several tones lower than Frank sounded before he was assaulted in late 1971 and had his neck broken. He spent two years in a wheelchair and wrote some amazing instrumental music, but when he got back to singing the difference was amazing. He now had a low, rich, mahogany kind of voice we first experienced on this album, especially with I'm The Slime.
Appreciate all the info periuban! Ty for the background
his name is _Mighty_ Little
@@Civilizashum Doh!
Ike didn't care so much that he kept them from working at his own studio, or cashing Frank's check. I don't think Ike was as bothered as it is made out to be. Plus a lot of what Tina and Co. recorded with Frank didn't even make it onto the album, but it is in the masters as I'm sure you have listened to. Ike crying about Tina enjoying her studio time with FZ is the most predictable thing that could have happened. It was happening around the time Tina was starting to assert herself and break away. Her work with Frank - as limited as it was - probably contributed to her resolve to break away from Ike.
And Tiny (think his name was Dudly) Little played piano on Lawrence Welk.
the song he did that blows my mind every time is Camarillo Brillo, which has gorgeous horn arrangements. Also check out Watermelon in Easter Hay.
watermelon in easter hay is epic, my fav composition.
" I mean her Mendocino Beano"..........🎼🎵🎶
I agree; both are awesome, like so many incredible songs by the genius, FZ.
Frank Zappa is a musical genius, my favourite albums are from the 1970s, one of them is Zoot Allures. I recommend listening to two songs in a row: Black Napkins and The Torture Never Stops.
Have fun listening to the songs
Peter
Avant-garde is how I would describe Zappa's music. I was introduced to his music by a friend in the early 70s. 200 Motels, Apostrophe, and Over Nite Sensation are my favorite albums. Check out his guitar work on "Zomby Woof". I think an important part of appreciating Zappa is his social commentary entwined in his satire and parody. Either you get it or you don't. "Jazz isn't dead. It just smells funny." - F Zappa
Thanks Ed!
Zappa is a true music genius. Glad you finally got around to reacting to him. Great reaction.
Thanks as always Alden! It took me long enough
I’m waiting to see a reactor who actually loves Zappa’s silly, funny lyrics, like I do
Haha, I appreciate then, just dont connect with me
I love Frank Zappa and his lyrics but you shouldn't analyze it too much cuz then you just missing the whole point but like Frank say either people get it or they don't and I have to agree Frank is a required taste just like Kate Bush's not everybody like Kate Bush it's just a required taste of 🎶 music
i hear zappa just for laught and laught
@SlipKid84 Yet Frank said 'lyrics are for people that need them'. He wrote profound things, silly things, dirty things, etc. In the end the music was primary and he asserted that over and over. Ray White commented many times on how he thought Frank's lyrics were silly and stupid, but the attitude and the music was the point. The lyrics were like parsley. But if Frank added parsley, it was going to be the most entertaining parsley you ever ate. Would I connect FZ and Kate Bush? ... not on the surface, but I would in terms of artists being honest, prolific, unabashedly creative and true to themselves. He wanted to express himself, and entertain. Music, lyrics, whatever. He offered an amazing amount of insightful lyrics, but an equal amount of earthy, challenging, iconographic views. All of it has a role, but he cared much more about the music than narrative.
@SlipKid84 frank zappas lyrics were (and still are today) as diverse and insightful as any cultures most wise minds world(and quite possibly universally) recognized. And yes! The man had a way with words. Sorry. That IS making a long story short... Thank you. RIP.FZ!!! Oh just one more thing."i make music for the consumers who like it. Not for those who don't"!!!!!
Montana where Hemp was being grown at the time, the song is about growing hemp and smoking, all the way to the roach using the zircon encrusted tweezers gleaming in the moon-lighty night , obviously you need to wax down the buds, clean them to get them ready for smoke, good thing that, like many now, back in 1973 not many got the meaning or Montana would not have made it to the album. The music? pure genius. and dental floss string earlier versions were made of hemp.
Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention was a great and crazy concert that I will never forget
RIP Frank and may Dweezle continue your work
The whole album that this comes from is my favourite Zappa album. Overnite Sensation is a classic album. Every track is a gem. This period is very productive for Zappa. One Size Fits All and Apostrophe were his next 2 albums and they are, likewise, classic albums.
You took the plunge. Good on you, Justin. That’s about the reaction I expected.
Zappa was an iconoclast. No one was or is like him. This, and Inca Roads, are the best intros I can think of.
Key take-aways for Frank:
1. It’s all about rhythms, tempo, and virtuosity.
2. Explore Frank with a guide. You do not want to go from here directly to Sleep Dirt or Bobby Brown: his music can be too challenging or just puerile lyrically.
3. Enjoy the fun in it. Sometimes he’s just being silly.
Thanks Jim! It was a great intro to his music; accessible yet still retaining what hes known for
JustJP - Mission accomplished!
Good one Jim. You darn near had him speachless.
Zappa is great .... but the music is better than the comedy .... but they're often interlinked !! Check out "Inca Roads"
Thanks John!
@@JustJP Please try Inca roads. Superb track! :)
I agree. Inca Roads is a musical adventure. (As is Peaches En Regalia. As is Greggery Peccary)
@@JustJP I agree with this. I'm not all that crazy about Zappa, but I think Inca Roads is his best.
The Dangerous Kitchen is awesome too lol
Black napkins is another great instrumental song!
Two words: Hot Rats.
Iain McCorquodale though I gotta say the best version of Willy is from YCDTOSA Vol 4. As great as Beefheart is, Ike Willis and Ray White just gave it such a new life.
One more word: Peaches.
@@MrKellyHiggins Three words: titties and beer.
I legit lol’d at this comment
Oh hell yeah!
" I Don't know dude " I almost fell out of bed laughing. That's the best reaction one could have listening to Zappa for the first time.
LOL! Thanks Mark for watching!
I saw Zappa and this lineup for the Overnight Sensation Tour and Apostrophe Tour in Sydney in the 70's.
Both times I was blown away, the intricacy of the live production was astounding and the performances were superb!
Came back here, and wanted to suggest "Uncle Remus" by him. You can hear him really sing, it's more straightforward and fairly short. Still a great song. It's from the same era. Tina & The Ikettes did the backing vocals on this too … and a nice guitar solo. If I was really bold, I'd suggest "Inca Roads", but it's more advanced.
Uncle Remus is bold, its also his only collaboration, with the great George Duke.It's a straight up Civil Rights rock song, maybe the first?
Duke wrote the music and Frank wrote the lyrics.
Zappa isn't for the run of the mill music listener. You have to be ready for anything.
So I've noticed! Thanks Joey
Or very comfortable with not being ready for what's in store. :D
Well said. Agreed 100%
When I was young, a teenager, the music was good but it was the lyrics that drew me in. Then, sometime in my 30s it all switched and I was blown away by all the amazing music I had missed on those same FZ albums I had been listening to.
Virtuosity meets absurdity, I love Zappa's humour as much as his musical genius; I think he leavened the complexity with satire and I will never tire of him. Love this album and Zappa & The Mothers 'We're only in it for the money' LP, Mystery Disc CD & Live @ Fillmore (with a bullet!) You'll never 'get' Zappa with 1 tune...
Damn bro, thanks for not losing the groove. For so many zappa reacitons that I've seen in person and on youtube, as soon as an unconventional part of a song comes up (such as the ikettes part in this song) the groove is gone for a lot of people but in this initial reaction you worked through it! Seriously, you felt what you didn't think or capture in your head, and that is rare in this situation.
Thank you Blue!
Chungas revenge is a great tune by Frank. So many great tunes .keep listening to frank he is amazing
When you do another Zappa reaction PLEASE do Inca Roads. Musically and lyrically I think you would really, really dig this one. Rock on!
For a great introduction to Frank's music, check out his first 2 solo albums, ""Overnight Sensation (1973,) and Apostrophe" (1974,) and It's very early for him, away from "The Mothers of Invention," which was incredibly experimental, but you could see the general direction of his music. I remember seeing him play on Saturday Night Live, after which he was banned for life from the show. Here's a really entertaining and musically excellent TH-cam video of Frank's music from a live show at The Roxy. th-cam.com/video/5D7w0aHjUGE/w-d-xo.html His band features jazz and funk legend George Duke and the Black drummer is Chester Thompson, who played with Genesis on tour after Phil Collins stepped out in front (except for their first tour, which had Bill Bruford - Bill can be heard on "Seconds Out.") Chester was also Phil's solo-tour drummer. Zappa only played with the best musicians, including Adrian Belew (Talking Heads and King Crimson,) Steve Vai, Terry Bozzio, and Vinnie Colaiuta (everybody, plus Jeff Beck!)
Appreciate it mhlevy!
:)...I didn't even know you reacted to this...: )...Zappa is a monster composer...Saw him on the Sheik Yerbouti tour... He transcends genres; He is a genre...The woman playing the vibes on this album Ruth Underwood was trained at Julliard...She taught Frank a lot about music...:)
I grew up on a good bit of Zappa. I enjoy it for his guitar work mostly. Although it was amazing when combined with PED. As for the great guitar, you should sample something from Shut Up And Play Your Guitar.
I had the pleasure of seeing Zappa live in 74 spectacular! Amazing!
Love this tune. All aspects of it. The crazy thing about geniuses is that you might dislike them or even hate them at first, but once they get to you, you're really thankful.
The music is just perfect, Zappa was one of the greatest artists in the history of pop music combining so many different styles, amazing stuff. Listen to it serveral times, trust me.
Zappa is one of a kind! I enjoy the innovation and how weird it sounds at first, but later on it sounds so cool! Please do some more Zappa!
I liked your take on the bees metaphor - very perceptive - and it certainly chimes with Zappa's view of music, both mainstream and not.
The stranger Zappa gets, the more I like his songs. The first time I've
heard this one, as well. But I love this. It definitely goes pretty far up my Zappa list!
I clicked 'like' even before watching the video... Boy, you're gonna love this!
Appreciate that Paulo!
The most under rated guitar player.......ever
Its fun watching younger people, especially younger musicians or even just young people who are musical, experience Frank for the first time. Or the tenth time. Or the hundredth or thousandth time. My point being, every time you heard or hear Frank, it’s a new experience. Take it from a musician and someone who saw Frank 23 times in concert. And believe me,..each time, it was like experiencing him and his music for the first time all over again. He was so far ahead of his time, he’s still ahead of the musicians of today. And will be for many years to come. When he died, I cried for at least a week.
You can’t experience Franks music, philosophy or life by listening to a few songs..or even a few albums. You have to hear all of it, to truly understand. From Freak Out, all the way to the Yellow Shark,..it’s a roller coaster of sensory exhilaration and overload. I miss him. 💔
Haha, thank you Rob :) I'll have to try more in the future!
JustJP Good to hear. When you do, let me know. If you really want to dive into an album that tackles politics, religion, drugs, cults, world events, I suggest “You Are What You Is”. It’s in my top 10 of his albums. It’ll blow your mind and g e you a real sense of what was happening in the US and the world at the time. Lol You’ll love it. 👍🏼
@@Robscot1963 Got it, thanks man!
Zappa's guitar style I think was a reflection of his edgy playfulness in general. He often teased and poked at his strings, when he solo'd. Love the funky clav at the end. Overnight sensation is my favorite Zappa album. Slime is another great track. If you want some real Zappa guitar instrumental heaven, try "black napkins" from his zoot allures album.
The entire album - OVERNIGHT SENSATION - is one of Zappa's best.
Without a doubt
You can't analyze Frank Zappa's lyrics some are in you face like I'm the Slime and others are just Frank's mind at play. Either way he was a musical genius like no other.
The two songs I liked from Zappa are Joe's Garage and Bobby Brown. A lot more melodic stuff
Great musician. Definitely an acquired taste. My brother was into him so I got my first listen at a young age, too young to appreciate the musical skill but old enough to think he was too weird for me. Not the kind of thing for casual listening though :-) Great pick all the same. Thanks, JP! For some reason, I was reminded of Lyle Lovett - give the song 'Here I Am' a listen (preferably the studio version because you gotta be able to understand the lyrics.)
THanks J3B!
Simply put, the song is a knock on American's 'pioneer' aspirations and a riff on country music. Glad to see you got the meaning of 'I'd leave the sweet stuff to someone else.' Very few love songs in Frank's catalog, and the ones that are, are generally satirical. You need to hear more of his musical pieces, Watermelon in Easter Hay might be the most beautiful guitar solo ever written, or Willie the Pimp, the original version from 69's Hot Rats, where he really displays his guitar chops....
Honestly from your comments on Genesis records of the merging of storytelling and music, I think you’d love Joes Garage. It’s Zappa’s magnum opus, and really shows off how incredible Zappa’s orchestration and production really was. Not only with complexity in timing, but making it sound so cohesive. Zappa’s discography is a rabbit hole, and there’s so much incredible work in there.
Zappa is an experience. Lots of great music for an altered state of mind. I believe Chester Thompson (Genesis live drummer from late 70s on) played on a Zappa record that was recorded live in a studio. I'm no historian of Zappa, but it was the spontaneous nature of a lot of his tracks which can impress. He's groovy.
rosenfield10 - My favorite Zappa period includes Chester Thompson. The whole of the One Size Fits All album is amazing. The second side of the double album Roxy And Elsewhere is a masterclass in expectation defying brilliance and is one of my drop dead all time favorites, period.
I did watch some of the Black Page live; very very interesting lol
Before Genesis he was with Weather Report. Listen to Birdland.
The tape is sped-up on those vocals after the guitar solo. Pitch shifters weren’t invented yet.
R.I.P Frank Zappa, he pushed the way music was written and played.
There is a piano played by George Duke and the other is a "Marimba. A percussive wood instrument played by a trained percussionist named Ruth Underwood .
I have been into Zappa since his first album back in the 60's. His "Hot Rats" album is one that I will still listen too, fairly frequently. He was so prolific, I remember going to his shows three different times in one year and each show was totally different .
Zappa was also into 20th C orchestral composers, and wrote music for orchestra, which he financed with the money he made with the rock music he put out on his own record label. He was also using his pick on his guitar neck ("Inca Roads" 1973) to do tapping before Van Halen popularized 2 handed tapping.
First time watcher, (liked and subbed) I appreciate your taking a walk on the wild side. Frank was a musical genius and it's impossible to put him in a box. This song is a "Fun" song about a guy who has a a dream for his future, don't take the lyrics to seriously.
Guitar by Frank Zappa (he gave Steve Vai his first job, Vai was blown away) Background vocals by Tina Turner and the Ikettes. They were R&B vocalists and had to be taught how to sing to Franks music by Frank himself.
"Zomby Woof" is the best on the album.
Ty Peter🙃
Zappa was a musical genius stuck in a time warp. He was too soon or too late, depending on how you compare it to music in our time. The thing I remember... all us kids were tripping our asses off on really good LSD and mescaline back when his records came out. Many fond memories of Frank, his music, his concerts, and his cynical smugness. He is missed by many.
In your spare time start from ‘Freak Out’ and continue. ‘Lumpy Gravy’ and ‘We’re Only In It For The Money’ are pure musical genius. Way ahead of his time--and he wrote down his music like a real composer. Also, listen to the Live ‘Roxy and Elsewhere’ album. Truly mind blowing.
and Absolutely Free, Uncle Meat, Burnt Weeny Sandwich, Weasel Ripped My Flesh, and 60 more albums....:-))))
His music was a great parody of pop-culture and social affairs. I would recommend starting with the early (Mothers of Invention) albums and go from there.
First saw Frank in '74. Each album has it's classics. First album was rocks first double album. "Brown Shoes Don't Make It" is a classic. I was weened on the Filmore album. If you liked the Turtles "Happy Together", you'll enjoy that one.
Frank Zappa played an upside down bicycle on Steve Allen Show with a bow, simply because it would rhyme. Like Kurzweil, he was genius before anyone, and also a giant, with each standing close to 8 feet tall, together. I once had a chat with the gentleman in a Boston hotel about some German lyrics in Joe's Garage II. He was very kind and patient. Watch his cover of "Whippin' Post" on TH-cam, for a taste of his band's energy.
Waaay before sampling, Tina and the Ikettes were singing that mess. Dental floss was a new thing and it struck Frank as extremely weird (TV invents a disease you think you have...). The 'piano' was astounding percussionist Ruth Underwood playing the vibrophone. This is kind of straightforward for Frank, he gets MUCH weirder, I suggest "Watermelon in Easter Hay" just two chords, absolutely beautiful instrumental. Or for more social commentary, "Flakes" or "The Slime". (From Frank's testimony to Congress regarding the PMRC and censorship: "I once wrote a song about dental floss, I haven't seen a huge upswing in dental hygiene. I think you're overestimating the effects of music on the populace." ) .
Thats awesome, thanks for the background James!
The blow your mind part might be when you realize that all of Zappa's stuff was composed on sheet music. Definitely you should listen to Inca Roads. My favorite probably though is the whole two album journey of Joe's Garage parts 1 to 3.
Have heard of Zappa forever. Never really listened to him. This isn't casual listening music but I might listen to it again to try to figure out more of what's going on in it. Great musicianship but very trippy.
You'll love it .. it's a way of life! FZ
@@mogsydog Love your nails
Is that a real poncho or a Sears poncho?
On the album Tina Turner was one of the background vocalists, by the way.
Yes, and the Ikettes!
Frank Zappa is one of the most gifted and talented musicians, songwriters and conductors who have ever existed.
I always liked the guitar solo in this song. This album is loaded with great tunes. I'm the slime defines the crap that oozes from TV and media. To this day it is still relevant.
I only knew Zappa for "Cosmic Debris" until I met my fiance. Montana really showcases Frank's guitar strengths. I had the pleasure of seeing Zappa plays Zappa a few years ago. I am so happy I was able to experience this!
background singers are the Ikettes (Tina Turner)
Frank. it swerved me that you had done a Frank. Frank immeasurably improved my life. simple.
Montana is a good place to start for being introduced to Zappa.
Love this song. It’s just Zappa doing his thing.
1973 dude. No sampling of voice and played back on keyboard. Frank did, however (quite frequently) record (analog) things at a slower tempo (and probably in a different key) so that played back at normal speed, it'd be high pitched and in the right key.
Frank's music is a wonderful journey for those interested and open minded. Glad you played Dental Floss. Continue your journey and you'll be amazed.
Thank you!
"Don't forget to remember"....Yes!!
I’d say that this is a fairly “middle of the road” Zappa piece. Not too experimental, not too mainstream. Or what passed for mainstream for Frank. He did put out somewhere around 100 albums, and he constantly evolved the compositions as well as revisiting his classic styling from time to time. Complex dude, to say the least. He had a PHD in Music, was really fond of complex mixes of changing time signatures and genre-blending musical and vocal styles. He worked with a huge band, most of the time. 20 to 30 people was the norm. Somewhat of a mix of jazz, orchestra, chorus, rock, and whatever else took his fancy. You should see the sheet music! It is insanely complicated. I’d recommend the albums Apostrophe, One Size Fits All, Zoot Allors (not sure of the spelling on that one,) Sheik Yerbouti, Joe’s Garage, Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch, Man From Utopia, Shut Up And Play Your Guitar, and then go back and explore his entire catalog.
He had no formal education in music beyond high school.
Even if his songs seems obnoxious or just weird, the musicianship and especially his guitar work are simply immaculate.
#BobbyBrownGoesDown the studio version. That one was banned from being played on the radio in the states.
It was #1 in Sweden and Norway and top 10 in many other European countries during it's original release in 79.
It even climbed to (if not #1) high positions on the charts in Europe when it was re-released on cd in 91.
"Crazy Little Jewish Princess"..... he mentions Tacoma in it... and then gets, uhhh hehehehh !
Frank Zappa - Peaches En Regalia - Pure music.
Thanks Steve!
There are 3 keys to enjoying FZ music:
1. Have a WIDE OPEN MIND!
2. Have your sense of humor right up front.
3. Don’t try to put him in any musical category.
He’s not for everyone, most of his songs are not “toe tappers”, but they all kick ass.
Just let the music take you where he wants to take you and you will enjoy the journey.
Have fun!
Ty for that George! I'll keep it on mind, I have more Zappa on the way
I think your interpetation of the bees and the wax is really cool. I never really thought of the meaning beyond the story of the song.
Ty Wubbs!
Frank always said that the lyrics were the least important aspect of music, and often tested that.
Check out the album "We're Only In It For The Money." You mentioned in the intro that his music satirized American culture. I really think that's what this song is about. Moving to Montana to become a "Dental Floss Tycoon." I thought it was a funny take on "The American Dream," and the background vocals kind of reminded me of those commercial jingles from the 50's.
Clicked for Zappa, stayed for your smooth voice.
Why thank you :)
My understanding is that the lyrics are a metaphor for drug dealers and drug users, which he thought were as ridiculous as being a dental floss farmer. Zappa was a rather vocal teetotaler who hated drugs and alcohol (and didn't tolerate it in his band). Most of his music was carefully composed on paper and constructed in the studio. My personal favorite is the 20-minute epic "The Adventures of Greggory Peccary," a loony, genius cartoon music symphony. Check it out!
Frank Zappa was a musical guinness he writes all his music for every instrument yes his music is different from other musician but that what makes him great. If you really want to get the feeling of his music listen to Apostrophe album,Hot Rats, Grand Wa Zoo and listen to the whole Overnight sensation album. I could go on but he has I think about 40 albums or more to choose from.
I haven't heard that in years! Not since my album collection was ruined in a leaky storage unit.
Try "Watermelon in Easter Hay" for blistering guitar work.
Hey JP , give "Evelyn, a Modified Dog" a listen , its on the one size fits all album .
Ty Ken!
Zappa was a genius/madman. These couple of albums are his most approachable but his abilities transcend style and genres. Basically he was above it all, looking down on the world (including the rock world) with amusement. Try “I’m the slime “ next for something less whimsical. Also check out The Black Page; not just to listen to but watch videos about how it came about. This will help you to appreciate his genius. Keep up the great work. X.
Thanks Barry!
And some very famous back up singers!
ITS THE MUSIC DUDE!...Frank was about the music, melodies, tempo and fusion. listen how many instruments are stuffed into one song, its just crazy! who does that?..Bamboozeled by love..."them or us" is a great alblum
Check out late 70's to early to mid 80's Zappa. It's much accessible to the uninitiated. Joe's Garage for example is a fantastic double album.
You listen to most the 70 and 80s prog you will hear the Zappa influences
Hi if you check out TH-cam you can find a video of a young Frank Zappa on the Steve Allen tonight Show where he plays a bicycle Steve Allen was a forerunner of Jack par r and Johnny Carson
I love Zappas lyrics. I love how funny he is!
JP, Every note was written out. No Jamming with FZ.
Solos were entirely improvised
One of my favorite songs. Good choice
Ty ty
This is the main Grinch song in an alternate world where cartoons were
all composed with prog rock theme songs.
You're way over-analyzing the bee section. The wax is to dip flax fibers in to make the dental floss... it's just that simple. Leaving the honey to someone elds is because that's not part of the product he intends to sell.
Hi JP, Frank Zappa is and was one of the greatest guitarist ever to play a guitar.. His songs are quite fluent with somewhat questionable lyrics but he was one of the great ones..
Same album - Dinah Moe Hum. Might shock you a little, but might make you laugh your ass off. Would be interesting to see - a true reaction song if there ever was one.
Thanks for doing Frank.
Peace from SF
No doubt someone's already said this in the comments below (haven't read them all) but I'll say it anyway; what you thought sounded like sampled vocals is really a tape that's either been sped up or recorded at a slow running speed and then sped up to produce the munchkin vocals. Zappa did this a lot.
Montana's what brought me to Frank.
Zappa did more than 30 albums. In an interview I saw he was pushing a new album that he made only 6000 copies because he knew it wouldn't sell. His bscking band was the London Symphany Orchestra. He also said he was on his way to France because a couple of pieces of chamber music he wrote was being performed. He was known for his wild parties although he didn't drink or take drugs. About 5 years ago Alice Cooper said Zappa was ahead of his time and probably still is.
"More than 30", technically correct