Can "Zappa" documentary mainstream Zappa? Movie Review by Professor Skye

Alex Winter made a documentary about Frank Zappa that is brave, subtle and often masterful. Does it achieve what I have always wanted for this singular figure in American culture? Does it show him as the superhero I think him to be?
Watch my review, but also, for Zappa's sake, watch the damn documentary!

[@zcosmos9]

He's been "mainstrem" in my house since '77

[@paulinebutcherbird]

Lucky you.

[@trice9669]

Zappa was just a great example of independent art and independent thinking, truly American. He was treated as a sideshow by the US mainstream media who were more curious about his kids names than anything HE had to say.

[@stevedotwood]

He skipped the 70s? That's not good. His best period: Grand Wazoo, One Size, the whole fusion era.

[@wheatonna]

Agree! One Size Fits All!

[@tauronval1404]

Nice doc! But where is incredible music, the lyrics, the quotes!!! I think a new fan don’t have the true genius reveled, there are a lot of incredible interviews on KZbin full of sarcasm and genius, all the vault , all the music and he use only obscure track? I don’t understand.

[@stevedotwood]

@@tauronval1404 I like the rhythm of the doc, especially in some parts (collage-like). But I don't like the very end. They should have used the studio version of watermelon, it's more emotional than that live version. And overall, it lacked the jazz-fusion era. But it's way better than the "Eat That Question" doc.

[@adamkrauss303]

wheatonna One Size is one of my favs.

[@typodhitzemann6851]

great review and totally agree. Kanye? No. GA GA? Yes and always thing so... b4 she bought the house. Great stuff

[@athanatic]

Open Zappa appreciation means "there is a Zappa for everyone" instead of "Zappa is not for you." Inclusion. We can all use bits of this very real person.

[@brianjacob8728]

Precisely. There is a lot of FZ's music I can't listen to. There are a few songs I love. And I cherish his intellect that he expressed in his many interviews. Always regret not getting to see him play live, much less meet the man. One of my heroes.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

We as Zappa fans have to do whatever it takes to keep his music alive and get as much of him and his music to the rest of the world. Even more so now than ever before radio has to start educating children about music. Not some noise that is produced in some guys dungeon that is going to appeal to some drug induced dead head . We also have to stop Simon Cowell and his bunch of crazy accountants inflicting crap on our kids! 1. don't stop and 2. keep going Frank Zappa's mantra.

[@ApolloSuns]

agreed! Love Zappa soooooo Much

[@andreasrosenberg9317]

No guitar ...? No words ...? Frank had it all; Great Composer, Guitarist, "Stand-upper", Conducter, Band leader, Political commenatator, Business man, Video maker, Avantgarde, Dadaist, etc Recommend video "Eat that question", and of course "Baby snakes" (-70) Just scrapping the surfice here ....

[@Orclin]

I supported them on Kickstart, put a few hundred bucks on the project to get thorough. I'm so happy it gets great reviews. I'm waiting for the European premiere.

[@spikeybaby1735]

When is that, any idea?

[@Artemetra]

What a spot-on review. After watching the film I had many the same feelings - but it's about FZ. A man who needs a Ken Burns 9-parter to cover. After this film, after reading several books, then going down the rabbit hole of interviews you mention, one still gets the feeling that there's so much more. I'd like to see an entire documentary on the making of One Size Fits All, or Joe's Garage, each! The film is worth the money spent and I'll second the idea that in the internet world where everything's free we should be able to pony up once and a while. It's the price of a lousy dinner tip for heck's sake. This is the work of a true artist respecting another artist. The ending is emotional yet pellucid, staying true to Frank's addiction to honesty.

[@ApolloSuns]

Agreed. Thought it was a good and fair representation of the man. Also! There is a documentary (classic albums) of Overnite and Apostrophe as well

[@geenadasilva9287]

footnote to the valley girl story: when i bought the Drowning Witch album on CD, the booklet included a photo of Moon’s note. i think fz might have understood the sadness of it but still put it out. one of the things i most appreciate about him was his insistence on not sentimentalising himself or anyone else. i think it’s healthy for one’s role models to be conflicted and imperfect. there’s an honesty in that

[@angrycat3525]

One band member told the story about the time when Dweezil came into the studio while Frank was working, and told him that his baseball team won a game. Frank didn't stop immediately and acknowledge what he just said, causing the band member to think Frank was a real asshole with his kids. And then, after everyone was set up in the studio, he turned to Dweezil to praise that victory. The moral of the story is fairly clear: when you perceive something only from what is seen occurring on the surface, it's easy to make an assessment of one's parenting skills that may turn out to be a mistaken one.

[@MrWaterpumpkin]

Very good review by a man who is really into it. How eloquent and fluent! And I totally agree with absolutely loving and absolutely hating thesis. I also agree that only 2 hours for such a genius is ridiculously short time. I agree with all the other things said without watching the docu. I really want to find a way to get it delivered in DVD format to such a place like Bulgaria. Any advices? And yes, watching FZ interviews never palls upon…

[@paulinebutcherbird]

It's wonderful to have an intelligent analysis of the Frank Zappa film and of Frank Zappa himself. Much needed. I agree with you that without including FZ's lyrics, it is not possible to consider the whole range of his output and talent. How many other composers in other genres that he worked in, ie classical, jazz, blues, doo-wop, rock'n'roll, could also write lyrics of such contentious a nature?

[@ganazby]

Exactly, Pauline. I enjoyed the documentary, and I’m grateful to Alex Winter for his hard work. However, I think what’s needed now is a documentary (or even a series) about Frank’s music and lyrics, with in-depth analysis from professional musicians/musicologists. It’s other musicians, after all, who will keep his legacy alive. And Dweezil’s wonderful touring bands, of course.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

@@ganazby Great idea, but who would take it on. There are several books on the subject already, of course.

[@reidwhitton6248]

Thanks for your review! I haven't seen the film yet but I intend to soon. I've done the interview rabbit hole thing for years so I hope I find the film interesting. I was initially drawn to Zappa by the music because I already was into prog rock, jazz, fusion, and classical music. But it was really the lyrics that had the biggest effect on my life and way of thinking. It sharpened my critical thinking skills which were not very acute in my early 20s. The weirdness never bothered me because I could hear the quality of the melodies and greatness in the music. It's got a lot of personality and that's what matters to me as a listener.

[@mymixture965]

watched all Zappa interviews last year, you are right to recommend them, all are great

[@sheldoncooper8199]

There are also musicians that he kept for 10 years. Like Ed Mann, Tommy Mars, Chad Wakerman.

[@mxkguitar]

I disagree with many of your opinions here, but you have your own Zappa experience. Everyone does. Zappa was unique and there will never be another. That is enough for me.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

Give me one instance where you disagree.

[@myishaprincess8515]

Snobbery is not quite what people who travel deeper into music are expressing. But how do you explain your love of cuisine to someone who is perfectly happy eating bologna and individually sliced American on Wonder Bread every day, and a culture that elevates the commercial element over substance that led them there? It's not that we disapprove, or need to show off, etc. But, granted, if we never yearned for better, we wouldn't sound so lofty or whatever.

[@dlxinfinite7098]

Brilliant analysis.

[@btRU_funQsta]

tho FZ’s affinity with Varese was fundamental, the proper comparison is likely with Stravinsky, who, while he blossomed in Paris, spent the balance of his years in USA. Granted, Frank’s connection with written music notation, and high standard of musicianship among the ensemble he (as you pointed out,) _commanded_, tied him to European classical tradition, tho his regard for improvisation, sprung from Blues and jazz, was equally a requirement of the Mothers and subsequent aggregations, along with theatricality and a somewhat offbeat humorist bent. Discreet, as a custom label of Warner/Reprise, preceded Barking Pumpkin, and i’d expect he (unlike Prince,) owned his masters, as well as publishing. on a level, FZ’s more iconic than Prince, and as feared a bandleader, alongside Ray Charles, James Brown, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus and (go figure) Buddy Rich.

[@LMSlondon]

I agree with most everything you say. But I really need to meet your parents! And Alex Winter needs to do a 15-hour ''Directors Cut'' which includes 72-76 and more guitar - and a difficult analysis of the puerile poetry of Frank Zappa.

[@cube4547]

oh please no, I hope he does not become mainstream...

[@michavandam]

Don't worry.

[@gallomphrattlebone329]

I've been zappainstreaming since 1973!

[@vabriga1]

Thanks for the video. You are 100 % right. Zappa was mostly under my radar, because I was biased and did not bother to get to know his music (and himself) better. It's only few years ago, when I watched several interviews with him. I was totally intrigued. He was a thinker. He was a philosopher. I started listening his music and the "puzzle" pieces started to come together. It was totally new dimension of Frank Zappa for me. I have to say, I do not like all his music, but that's OK. It was his music, his "baby" (and he did not care what others meant about it). In short, thanks for a great video. P. S. It is interesting how I bumped into your channel through Azra (then Balasevic), and now I enjoy your content about the "main era" of my music interest. Keep on rocking, my friend.

[@fastnbulbouss]

His greatness is in the form of little black dots on music sheets....the order he put them in is what makes him Zappa.

[@unstablesun8179]

I think it's hard to condense the works of a true genus like Frank into 2 hours. I think this is just another Frank documentary to add to the pile. I've seen them all, the ones with more music are the best. The buzz is that this will turn people on to Frank! Well a few may be turned, but really the problem is his music is not for main stream consumption. If you watched this years AMA's you will never understand Frank. Trying to understand Frank is a life long endeavor. I've seen him 3 times in concert, I have all his music and watched 1000's of hours of bootlegged material, I've seen all the interviews of his band members, my band played his music. In the end I don't care what he was like.... I only care about the music. Music is the best.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

As someone said about Debussy's music compared with his private life, 'Who cares about the wife?'

[@unstablesun8179]

@@paulinebutcherbird I like your video "How I met Frank Zappa." :)

[@paulinebutcherbird]

@@unstablesun8179 Thank you Unstable Sun. I'd forgotten about it!

[@timdiamond1056]

Not seen the documentary yet, but thanks for the review. I saw Zappa in London in about 1980, I would have been 17 or 18. There was a coach organized from Liverpool. I didn't have a ticket either for the coach or the gig, but snuck on the coach with a couple of friends. I bought a ticket for less than face value outside the gig, after it had been going for about 20 minutes. One of the best concerts I've ever been to, intense, funny, musically brilliant. I my head it was Earl's Court in 81 or 82, but looking at Wikipedia, I think it must have been Hammersmith in 1979. I was working part time in a restaurant and the head chef was a massive Zappa fan.

[@randysemenak2439]

Dude,you lost me at Kanye West

[@paulinebutcherbird]

Professor Skye, if you want to know more about the man than is in this film, may I suggest Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa 1968-1971. It's my story but is the only book that reveals Frank's home life when he was first famous, from getting up to going to bed, composing at the piano, rehearsing with the Mothers of Invention, visiting rock stars, freaks, family squabbles, and more.

[@kevinmcguire3715]

Some of us came for the humor but ended up staying for the music.

[@cheyneallen7186]

I came for "Titties and Beer" but stayed for "The Gumbo Variations".

[@dlxinfinite7098]

I came for "Broken Hearts are For Assholes" but stayed for "The Black Page, Pt.1 and 2.

[@TheKwaze]

Great review and your description is pretty much how I have always viewed Zappa. I've been a Zappa fan for over 50 years and overall see him as a selfish, arrogant autocrat. I never understood why he could compose and release brilliant music and then follow up with purile lavatorial humour. When he used to say he thought the most abundant element is stupidity I always wanted to say "No Frank, it's arrogance" That's the negatives, but the positives outweigh them. When anyone asks me where to start with Zappa music I usually tell them not to bother, or listen to them in chronological order and check out what was in the charts at the time of their release. Incidentally he was banging on about having all his music streamed before I had a clue what it meant, so he was in favour of it. There is always going to be stuff that fans would like to have seen included, but it would need a Netflix Season to even scratch the surface. I would recommend Pauline Butcher Birds Book to anyone interested in his personal life.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

What was it like living in Frank Zappa's house with his wife, Gail and Moon and Dweezil and eight others? You will see the humane side of Frank Zappa along with the cruel in Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa' as seen by a straight English girl who found it as difficult to get out of that world as others found it to get in.

[@harrymc9263]

Unfortunately no. His to extreme for most people. But as I have said his catalogue is so wide there is something there for everyone

[@maceomaceo11]

Zappa was "mainstreamed" in the PMRC Congressional hearings. He was a regular on CNN and the late night talk show circuit. His music, will never be mainstream. Nor should it be because it was never meant to be.

[@rhesreeves5339]

Frank defined art for me "declare I'm gonna do some art, begin, do whatever for some period, then end" (I'm paraphrasing) that was huge. Ask for his sense of humor read what he said at the PMRC hearings. WE NEED THAT DUDE NOW!

[@markdearlove8634]

I am that vegetable and I did respond to him

[@eska8494]

Sorry for my English : When you talk about his daugther and her note to his father, it's remind me the movie Captain Fantastic. Anarchist and punk, with an oth vision of the world. Zappa never stand back when a difficultie arrived. Peace! From France! Ps : We've got a similar artist in France call Raoul Petite. you guys should listen to this!

[@tymetodothis8378]

Zappa would take exception to you referring to him as "punk." In his Dick Cavett interview he clearly disavowed and distanced himself from punk.

[@reidwhitton6248]

What he means by "punk" is going against the grain, not literally a punk musician.

[@Justin-Case-2.0]

Thnx for that extensive review, makes me curious to watch the film! 1. bad words: Didn'nt FZ state in some interview there were no "good" or "bad" words? ;-) 2. too short: I observed that project growing from some very early steps and wondered why the heck they compressed it into such a short thing. Why not doing something consisting of several parts? At least the soundtrack album seems to have a little bit longer duration. 3. the "cold" father: In some interview Diva (the youngest kid) said that she has rarely any recollections of her father except watching commonly the Simpsons when he was already to sick to work. She was 14 years old when he died!!! That gave me a deep insight and i was totally shocked (and still am). Good that the movie doesn't ignore that facet of FZs personality. 4. Kafka: FZ didn't like books very much. One of the very few exceptions was Kafka - nice match ;-)

[@paulinebutcherbird]

One of the various things that Frank Zappa said that were wrong related to his view on words not being harmful. Well of course, we all know that word can be extremely harmful if delivered in a particular way.

[@brianjacob8728]

the quality of music has declined since the advent of MTV, and the lip synching remains unabated. I don't see an upside to MTV.

[@williamtaylor5193]

FZ will never be mainstream because it requires too much from today's "average" listener, with their limited attention span..

[@justaguy2365]

Not to mention being offended over everything

[@dlxinfinite7098]

Comment of the Month! There's a reason why he was superstar status in Europe and elsewhere. I believe they are less tainted by the rampant repetition and short attention span in American pop culture.

[@octofish]

The doc seemed to focus more upon the man and the details of his life, rather than the delving into the music. But, that's ok. I have everything the man recorded forever. Saw him live once, his son, 3 times. Big nerdbot fan. The bio book on his life was more detailed. And there's no mainstreaming Zappa. Forget that. There's only the radio hits. Side one of "Sleep Dirt" will just never be mainstream. Nor will side two.

[@Funz2022]

Not enough music showcased to get people into Zappa, what was the director thinking? You can't like Frank's music for the "idea" of it, you have to like the music to listen to hours and hours of it. I just finished reading The Real Frank book for the 2nd-3rd time, watched a bunch of Zappa docs and interviews on KZbin and amazon Prime . . . this new doc is really not much better than some of the ones on youtube except for the amazing 8mm footage from the Zappa family and some real good new moments with Ruth and etc. but for a Zappa fan most of the stories are oooold. I will watch it again but FRANKLY, it seems like director didn't think Frank's music was the thing to use to make the case that he was a great musician. Too bad.

[@marianoivars4420]

Mick, coincido plenamente contigo. Sorprendentes imagenes de archivo de su adolescencia rescatadas en 8 mmm, pero el director obvio mostrar mucha mas musica y no ciertos pasajes. Las palabras de Ruth me hicieron emocionar mucho. De algo estoy seguro, el vault del genio es inagotable y habra mucho mas material por explorar.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

I agree, for seasoned Zappa fans, there's little new in the movie. The Real Frank Zappa book also leaves out a lot which you could fill in with Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa. It tells Frank's daily life at the log cabin with Gail, Moon and 8 others including myself, a straight English girl Frank brought over to help write a book on politics. You get the negatives as well as the positives.

[@dlxinfinite7098]

@@paulinebutcherbird Thank you Pauline. Im so glad you are still here to fill in the blanks and give the true stories. You were there. The film was a bit redundant. We have seen most of it before, in bits and pieces. A bit of a letdown, but it was good.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

@@dlxinfinite7098 To get the real story which will start after mine ends, we'll have to wait for Moon Zappa's memoir which I believe won't be out until 2022.

[@frankmartinez6027]

Recognition the Franks music is now becoming a mainstream Goodwill pickup on it and Dad will try to take advantage of it the best part of it is Frank is out long overdue

[@jonhmonroney12]

Uncle Frank is terribly mossed. Hes to be held in high regard. Dweezil is a top notch guy ro. Musicians in general are typically stellar humans.

[@blairingoutshow]

Believe it or not most of the female musicians in the L.A. Band scene take Frank Zappa as one of their biggest inspirations now !!!

[@kkoleclaw1146]

Is that an AR speaker holding-up the Sheik? Insightful review.

[@tombailey1059]

Alex Winter pitched this to Gail Zappa and she went for it because he isn't a fanboy. That's why it skips guitar solos and emphasis on fan favorite albums. Frank Zappa's music will be known as long as there are musicians and creative people walking the earth. His work is too conspicuous and magnetic to ignore when you're a certain type of person. Add obsessive personalities to that list as well.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

Alex Winter got the job I think because he's good-looking and he's famous. Gail was a groupie to the end.

[@tombailey1059]

@@paulinebutcherbird harsh. Unexpectedly harsh my bro.

[@christophersleight19]

Frank was Angry, very angry. What was Frank so angry about, I believe I know, what do you think?

[@astroscribe]

Yes, a lot got left out, but where would it have gone? So doesn't that open the door for more? It was indeed surprising to hear so little of his instrumental and guitar music of the seventies and eighties, but I understand the reluctance to awaken the attention to his lyrics that would bring with it. We're in the age of cancel culture now, and Frank's take on things in those days would be easy prey. Better to look at the long term, and claim the high ground. And he did always consider himself a composer first and foremost. Still, I really feel there's a film in there somewhere about Zappa the producer. If anything that's the most underexposed part of his legacy. He was a truly astounding producer, with Joe's Garage as his premier masterpiece, if you ask me. The skill behind putting that sound together is humbling.

[@sprylander]

Would Zappa want his music to be mainstreamed? Did you watch the documentary? I would love to see more appreciation of Zappa. Especially if that appreciation helped to promote an awareness of the social critiques that Zappa's music so often and wonderfully expressed. Zappa would roll in his grave if his music got bandwagoned to make a mainstream buck.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

If you mean more appreciation of Zappa the man, then Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa details his daily life at home, the negatives and positives, how he composed, related to his wife and others in the early days of his fame, ie 1968 and so on.

[@michaelledford4751]

The only reason this horrible movie was made in the first place was to Make A Buck for Ahmet & Diva Zappa ,they are putting on cheesy 3D hologram shows using footage of FZ to Make a Buck,the Zappa Trust of which the decision makers are Ahmet & Diva have already sold their fathers name & likeness to some hipster micro brewery to Make a Buck ,there is literally NOTHING within this Movie Alex Winter made that cannot be seen in interviews & concert footage on youtube for free ,the Zappa Documentary titled Eat That Question is a far better film than this movie .

[@paulinebutcherbird]

Michael Ledford I do find it odd that ‘making a buck’ is seen as a sin.

[@stevejensenmusic6380]

Hi .. love this Video .. my Wife Erin and I were on our trip across Canada ..Vancouver to NewFoundland .. Coast to Coast .. we were putting my Album in lots of Record Stores ... and when we were in Kingston ON ..we stopped into .. Brians Record Option ... and he had .. JUST received a Gentleman's entire Zappa record collection . EVERYTHING was there !!! .. I could have bought the entire collection . but thought it best to only buy say .. 1/2 of the Albums .and leave some for another Zappa fan as well .... wow wow wow ... now my other point . Watermelon in Easter hay .. try that simple . 9/4 slow arrpegiated bit of work . so lovely .. he came up with the title by stating .. " Playing a guitar solo with this band as a Rhythm Section is like trying to grow a Watermelon in Easter Hay ! "

[@Y0PPS]

If Zapppa came in 30 years later or so than he did, he would have been mainstream. I compare Rush fans, tool fans, dredg fans, and Zappa fans as being very similar. He's a lovely weirdo. As are some of my favorite artists.

[@Y0PPS]

Also, I am glad you pronounced "biopic" the way you did.

[@Y0PPS]

As artists and people, I always have compared Frank Zappa to Andy Kaufman. There was always a similarity with both of them in my eyes and mind.

[@Y0PPS]

I have always considered both of them to be "punk" in the sense that they were both challenging the norm and doing their own thing for the sake of that thing. Art was their primary concern. Art in their fashion was their primary concern. They didn't care about other people's opinions.

[@wheatonna]

That's a great Steve Vai impersonation. And just the right length too.

[@lghalihaf]

When you were talking about Frank and how he was bossy to his band mates, I happen to look over your shoulder and saw The sheikh taking a deep mean look at you.

[@matth268]

"There are no bad words." Frank zappa.

[@tauronval1404]

Nice doc! But where is incredible music, the lyrics, the quotes!!! I think a new fan don’t have the true genius reveled, there are a lot of incredible interviews on KZbin full of sarcasm and genius, all the vault , all the music and he use only obscure track? I don’t understand.

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

Not sure if Frank Zappa ever will become mainstream. However I do think it's important with movies like this which could make a few from younger generations give him a chance. Many say great music lives on forever but most who was Zappa-fans "back in the day" are still alive. When they are gone in a few decades will his music be as relevant? I hope so and very pleased that the trailer for the movie has over a milion views and it is still growing in numbers! I would like to see the movie and will pay for it. I still buy DVD and Blu-Ray (which often can be found rather cheap) and many around me think I am stupid for doing so. I don't see the problem. I really don't care what others do with their money as long as it's legal. I actually like to support artists and/or the few record / movie-stores that are left. Good video!

[@professorskye]

Definitely agree that more people need to be let into the Zappa party. His music is and will remain timeless.

[@illuminatiCorgi]

I was going to say yeah, because it got me to buy the orchestral fav album, but given my grandad has playing Zappa to me my entire life so I might be biased 🤔

[@robbieseahagmangano897]

you can really learn about young frank's and family by reading his brother Bob Zappa's book.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

The movie supports everything I say in my memoir: what it was like living with Frank Zappa day by day at the log cabin in Laurel Canyon in 'Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa'. It gives the negatives as well as the positives as seen by a young straight English girl brought unexpectedly into his world 1968 - 1972.

[@brianjacob8728]

there's a reason zappa's music was banned from mainstream radio. His lyrics hit too close to the truth to suit the powers that be. Same thing with comedians like Bill Hicks, who not coincidentally died around the same time.

[@bossyhouse1]

Great review. Zappa was such a truly complex guy. Thank you!

[@paulinebutcherbird]

If you want to know what Frank was like on a daily basis at home with his family and eight other people who lived at the log cabin in 1968, then read/listen to 'Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa,' as seen from a young straight English girl suddenly immersed in that strange world.

[@BassGoBomb]

Lyrics too controversial for a 'Free West'...!!?? 'It's a little bit cheesy but it's nicely displayed' Are we not living through that now .. and the Flakes ..?? What a profit (sic)

[@xane4101]

Zappa Lives!

[@heatrayzvideo3007]

My stepfather collected Zappa and as a kid I just thought he was just funny guitar man. A lot of people I play Zappa to like it, some albums like sheikyabooty, we're only in it for the money and Freak out go down well.

[@arttursh8324]

Professor Skye- Steve Vai goes to music stores and shows off how proficient he is? I've never heard that one (or run into him in any music stores), ... but hey, it's a big country. He's sure got the goods though. You seem to suggest that musicians who spend years learning their craft, can read music and can play challenging music are shallow. I haven't seen the movie yet. I will of course. I feel like to a large degree the story ended in 1993 with Frank Zappa's death. I think documentaries about him are small pieces in a large puzzle that make up his legacy. The attention his music continues to receive 27 years after his death is a piece. Dweezil's efforts at bringing the music to a new audience are a piece (an impressive one) (good job kid!). But the overwhelming majority of the puzzle is made up of the music itself. Maybe they'll be a second act in Frank's career featuring bands playing as yet unrecorded Zappa music. That'd be significant. From what I've heard Alex Winter say he made exactly the movie he wanted to make (NOT a hagiography). He included the music he wanted to include and showed Frank in the light he wanted to show him in. I'm sure other documentary filmmakers will make movies that use the Zappa music you felt was most significant (or that you are more familiar with). I think the best way to experience Frank Zappa is by listening to his music. I think Frank Zappa was bigger than can be communicated by a movie. btw, are you familiar with Freak Out? ...Hot Rats? ...Chunga's Revenge? ...The Grand Wazoo? ...Weasels Ripped My Flesh? ...Just Another Band From LA? I agree with you that We're Only In It For The Money is a great album. Finally, it doesn't sound like you're spending enough time trying out guitars before buying them.

[@professorskye]

Your initial criticisms are totally valid. I do have a kind of bias against a certain kind of musicianship which is most likely rooted in a combination of slobbery and shame. Strangely enough I even had a guitar player in the Vai-style in one of my bands in high school and it was a funny mismatch. I was playing drums wishing he was Neil Young and he was wishing I was Mike Mangini! I do have most of the Zappa albums you listed, though I'm more inclined to his earlier stuff. I did eventually get into some of the later stuff through the Beat The Boots series, which helped me to get over my prejudice.

[@arttursh8324]

@@professorskye Those albums ARE among his earliest stuff. Freak Out/1966 ...Hot Rats/1969 ...Chunga's Revenge/1970 ...The Grand Wazoo/1972 ...Weasels Ripped My Flesh/1970 ...Just Another Band From LA/1972. I just can't think of Steve Vai as all flash. Zappa referred to him as his "stunt guitar player" and his "little Italian virtuoso" ... high praise from a bona fide maestro. I think of Vai as in the world class accomplished wunderkind category. (You'd probably enjoy Vai's commercial for Berklee School of Music on KZbin. Check it out if you haven't already seen it.) If you're not very familiar with Hot Rats (1969) I recommend it without reservation. I'd say it's most widely held as his best album. I suggest the original vinyl 1969 version rather than the 1987 remix though ...probably for no other reason than that's the one I listened to about a trillion times. It's on KZbin (search on- Hot Rats original 1969 vinyl), AND the family trust has re-released it. Let it roll a few times though ...get familiar with it. Are you familiar with a tune off of Freak Out called You Didn't Try To Call Me? Give that one a good listen. That it was released by a 26 yo kid making his first album is inexplicable. It's just too sophisticated. Where did this kid come from? Worth a listen as is all of disc one. btw, The Wrecking Crew was the studio ensemble on disc one. (You know who they are right?) Not being condescending here, it's just that I get the sense I'm a bit older than you. I agree with you that Zappa was a hero ...he was/is certainly mine. There was a LOT of spectacular music being recorded in the 60's & 70's ...brilliant artists, writers, producers & studio ensembles. Here we are 50 years on and I am still impacted viscerally ...powerfully, when I hear that music ...so much of it hasn't lost a thing. But if I had to name one "desert island pick," it would definitely be FZ. For the variety, for the brilliance, for the standard of excellence.

[@Dmwilson1970]

Steve Via on stunt guitar.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

@@arttursh8324 I think your comments are incredibly confrontational. Why?

[@rayrecordings]

The only thing I didn’t like of the movie is that too much important stuff of the 70s was omitted

[@paulinebutcherbird]

Seems to be a common response.

[@redlady935]

People might buy the t-shirt but will they really listen to his music? I think appreciating Zappa requires a certain level of weirdness (that I feel proud to have)

[@weebgrinder-AIArtistPro]

I could just never get into his music and there always gonna be people around like me who can't enjoy it. So I wouldn't worry too much.

[@yankeedyehard]

I love Zappa, but to be fair there is a lot of garbage in his catalog and Frank would admit that himself. I saw an interview where Frank is talking about digitizing old tracks to release onto the market and he says he went about it, holding his nose, because he knew there was a market for it.

[@jabo22]

brilliant fair review. well done

[@recoswell]

no - that's why he's cool - we don't want him mainstream

[@jeannedouglas9912]

Is Zappa still zapping or zapped?

[@michaelrader6041]

This is well said, as the the doc was well done. I enjoyed Winter’s take very much, so did this guy. He fills some holes left by the doc, some intentionally, just to further broaden the image of FZ. DON’T WORSHIP ANOTHER HUMAN BEING. Be inspired to be the best you can be at something.

[@professorskye]

Well said.

[@sheldoncooper8199]

His children ware actually the ONLY people that he really loved. And Moon wrote the ENTIRE Lyrics of Valley Girl. Plus he had another Huge Hit in Sweden and germany with Bobby Brown.

[@clintstewart5545]

Frank Zappa was a Genius !!!

[@astroscribe]

It must have been a conscious choice to skip over any and all references to the raunchy, shocking, and let's say 'disrespectful' lyrics because they will most likely be completely misunderstood in this present day of political correctness. They chose to focus on the composer instead, which is fair enough...

[@NN-ul4oy]

... or it was an IGNORANT (and commercial) choice by people new to FZ. It takes years to a somehow sufficient approach to Zappa world, and who has time for that ourdays?! Anyway the wind blows, good that at least this way FZ is being kept within media attention.

[@xane4101]

Fantastic movie, but judging by the crowd at the cinema in my town, where I saw it on opening night, Zappa still isnt mainstream (and shoukd he be?), because I was the only person in the hole auditorium!

[@xane4101]

The world consists of 5% electrons 5% neutrons 5% protons and 85% morons ...so of course not! Zappa Lives!

[@christophersleight19]

So, if Frank didn't make $ from his music. How did he make $, are you sure he wasn't beholding to someone?

[@margowsky]

You do know there is a Zappa documentary of all interviews, right? It's fantastic! Amazon has it. Look it up: Eat That Question - Frank Zappa In His Own Word. I'm happy Alex didn't repeat that.

[@professorskye]

I’ll check it out.

[@SLAYERSWINE1]

Sure it can. The Doors had a big popularity surge in early '80's. Why not a comedic genius musician like Frank Zappa?

[@yo-yotension4613]

No it will not move Frank to mainstream, bc those who listen to mainstream will never get it. It will take to long for their low attention span to spend the time to appreciate it. Music is the best!

[@FloresLarrainzar]

Zappa is a GOD! The one in which we trust, because " music is the only Religion, which delivers the goods" .- Zappa

[@paulinebutcherbird]

I hope you don't put him on a pedestal. The guy had faults. He was like the rest of us as a human being - imperfect.

[@pechondelgado]

The Zappa Family Trust are trying to turn his image from rock icon to serious composer because that's what Frank really wanted in the end. This is why the doc skipped over the 70s which objectively contained his best bands and rock music. Also, I ask everyone here to go to Frank Zappa's Spotify and click shuffle. What do you hear? Not a single rock song, or a single song with lyrics no matter how much you play. It only shuffles his orchestral music and other instrumentals. I have no problem with this.

[@sheldoncooper8199]

It was really Zappa intention with his Lyrics to Lighten up our existence but also to sarcastically critique america. I mean he made a Song about a Man made out of Muffin that eats himself. And a Song about a Werewolf that makes Love to the Ladies at Midnight. and a Song about a Transsexually confused Guy that makes Love to a Cyborg.

[@spacesuitor]

What about Zappa makes you think he would want to be "mainstreamed" ?

[@spacesuitor]

Even his name pushes naturally to the edges of obscurity, as it requires some digging. His catalog and wit and wisdom is not for those who are cheaply and easily rewarded. However: I do see where you're coming from.

[@mikedemike5393]

when we say composer many want to lean into orchestral areas....This gear like Filmore east which was Frank's best Australian selling album is composition as well and too many go on about infantile and juvenille references...The fact you could not speak about these things make the society infantile and Frank lobbed in Grenades socially

[@lukeizabelle2131]

What Cd versions of Zappa's albums were you showing there in this video? They look strange

[@ejb7969]

Looks like he's using the special soft-plastic envelopes made to hold CDs and booklets so you can get rid of the hard plastic "jewel box" and save space on your shelves. It can double or triple the number of CDs you can hold on your shelves.

[@lukeizabelle2131]

@@ejb7969 Aha, so those are basically the booklets from the cds kept inside those soft-plastic envelopes? Did I get it right?🙂

[@ejb7969]

@@lukeizabelle2131 Absolutely correct -- assuming I am correct! Edit: I checked the video in slow motion just after 2:40. I can confirm that we're both correct!

[@lukeizabelle2131]

@@ejb7969 👍

[@jonhmonroney12]

whats up DØVYDÅS ?

[@squanto2]

I saw the documentary. I have my own opinions, I don't need some random person from fucking KZbin trying to tell me what to think.

[@squigtonianmayhem4602]

I certainly hope NOT! He would turn in his grave. That is not what he was.

[@simonpepper9721]

You're very wrong about a lot of things about Zappa and if your going to say, like what, then read his book and watch more interviews.

[@bigfootpegrande]

Hi, loved your analysis will share it. Please take your time to dwell on some Brazilian counterpart (of sorts) of Zappa music, Hermeto Pascoal. Please consider signing too!

[@Guitar6ty]

You want to know about Zappa just listen to Dancin Fool it says it all.

[@sheldoncooper8199]

The documentary skips the 70 ies ? Then i am not watching it. Thats the decade where he released his Best Albums. the 80 ies Albums are bad in comparison. Except for You Are What You Is.

[@planetzebulon21]

Does humor belong in movie reviews, apparently not.

[@sheldoncooper8199]

Frank Zappa will NEVER be Mainstream. Because only 20 % of humanity. Understands the genius of his music. Sure he made Easier to listen to music like the Apostrophe Album or You Are What You Is or Sheik Yerbouti. or BUT the people who will Love these Albums want necessarily also Love the Grand Wazoo or Roxy and Elsewhere or Them or Us.

[@spaghetti.lee-69]

" Mainstream - ize" Frank Zappa ???? I doubt Frank would Care...

[@youmothershouldknow4905]

Angry comments? None from me.

[@justaguy2365]

Too many thin skins today for him to become mainstream

[@paulinebutcherbird]

What does 'thin skin' mean? Opposite of thick skinned?

[@justaguy2365]

@@paulinebutcherbird Hi Pauline!!!! Hope you're well!! Yeah, basically a term that means highly sensitive. Some of the things Frank wrote, would not go over well with modern audiences.

[@dlxinfinite7098]

Kanye? What tha f----k? How did he get in this conversation? If anything, Zappa's diverse musical output disqualified him as being "mainstream'' in America. And he knew it. It seems that "mainstreaming Zappa" is your goal. He was perfectly comfortable outside of pop culture... with his hard core fans, who made him good money.

[@unstablesun8179]

Oh on a note of getting your information right. Frank was 53 when he died not 50.

[@MrShotthat]

52 actually. He died a few weeks before his birthday.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

@@MrShotthat He was 52 when he died in 1993. I keep getting it wrong thinking he was 53 and died in 1992!