Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention- Po-Jama People (REACTION//DISCUSSION)

[@frankpentangeli7945]

Chester Thompson is my all-time favourite drummer. The guy is so relaxed when he plays, yet he can play anything!! A MASTER!

[@Cpayne30]

This. Its hard to explain just right, but its as if he glides over the drum set.

[@Jiv_Ing57819]

With weather report that year, then on black market (one of my favourite albums) in 76, such a tasteful drummer. So many good drummers in the 70s.

[@Jiv_Ing57819]

One only has to listen to Weather Report to hear good drummers, so many cool and different styles, and each for the most part added an important element of the overall style, like, John Bonham for example in Led Zeppelin, but so much I’m still listening to, and Eric Gravatt is great, a lot of subtleties, a lot of possibilities, what a great name Weather Report, heard something the other day that the fusion period was mainly entertainment music but have to disagree, it was part of why the 70s is one of the best recent music decades I think.

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

This song is about his '73 band which included several (highly trained) musicians that preferred playing chess and reading books over banging groupies. On Road Tapes #2, which contains a live show from August '73, he's reciting the lyrics while being backed by those musicians.

[@markspooner1224]

This is a great album, when I saw Zappa live it wasn't Chester but Chad Wackerman. I did see Chester with Genesis and he was great and did a drum duo with Phil Collins, awesome!

[@dana_brooke_27]

I saw Frank with Terry Bozzio twice. And I saw Chester many times with Genesis. I love him. Miss those days.

[@Rowenband]

Remember you didn't like Zappa at first. I'm glad you got into his music. I love this whole album

[@donaldwhite9291]

^ This In his first encounter with FZ, I remember JP saying that he didn't like comedy in his music, but he seems to be warming up to FZ's sense of humor. I remember FZ saying in an interview that his label was always hassling him that he needed to add lyrics to his many instrumentals, so finally he said, lyrics? You want lyrics? I'll give you lyrics!!! And, the rest is glorious history! My #1 desert island recording is Hot Rats. It's genius!

[@jayburdification]

We always knew he would.

[@dana_brooke_27]

You're right Chester drumming is exceptional. He is such a great drummer. One of my favorites. Of course Frank's guitar playing is always out of this world.

[@jayburdification]

The “Po-jama People” in question were the members of his band like Jean-Luc Ponty and Ruth Underwood who didn’t get into partying on the road. While Frank and the rest were banging groupies, they were reading books in their po-jamas.

[@darrylaldrow7274]

I been listening to Frank since 67 when I was 9- 10 yo!! Loved all his work but his interviews were the best!!!

[@BaldJean]

It is a really funny song by Zappa; we always loved his "hoi-hoi-hoi" in it. And since we are at pyjamas: There is a song by Peter Blegvad called "Wooden Pyjamas" that we suggest you to listen to. Peter Blegvad was a member of the bands Slapp Happy and Henry Cow and also made solo albums; he also collaborated with other musicians like John Greaves. He is one of the very best lyricists in progressive rock. He also made a series of comics about a baby called "Leviathan" that are funny and witty, even philosophical.

[@stevedotwood]

Henry Cow! Love them. I have the "Unrest" album. Love it to bts

[@jayburdification]

I will second this suggestion. Henry Cow especially was heavily influenced by Zappa.

[@davidheiser2225]

I adore Peter Blegvad's solo stuff. Perhaps the most literate and clever of all lyricists.

[@hatsbo1]

Nice breakdown, especially comment about the "junkyard blues" vibe. Great Zappa album, "Andy", "San Berdino" and "One Size Fits All" being my favorites.

[@-R.Gray-]

I always thought he was referring to the Hare Krishna devotees you would see in places like airports soliciting donations, dressed in their Hindu type robes (po-jamas) and mostly shaved heads, back around that time. If you ever saw the comedy movie Airplane, there are a couple near the beginning. "Cosy little footies" - they often refer to the lotus feet of the guru. Also related to his attitude towards the guru in "Cosmic Debris".

[@jeffschielka7845]

Good morning Justin! More Zappa! C.T. on drums. All good. Enjoy!😎

[@mannycalavera6011]

I was hearing old playlists and i jump into this gem: Helpless Child - from Swans. What a brutal song. The end of the music reminds me a bit King Crimson, (the Starless build up section). And the lyrics are so strong. True poetry. (another reminder: Mother from Pink Floyd, enormously upgraded)

[@shemanic1]

a superb album, every track a gem. Along with Hot Rats my top 2 Zappa Albums

[@shyshift]

One Size Fits All is my favorite album by Frank Zappa. I noticed in 1975 it was the only one except for the early Mothers records that wasn’t using profanity or sexual depravity. Plus Inca Roads is my favorite song by him so it really does deserve my praise.

[@jayburdification]

Idk, I’m hearing a lot of depravity in the line, “Andy Devine had a thong rind, it was sublime but the wrong kind.”

[@markziva7038]

I totally agree for the exact reasons except I prefer Inca Roads

[@lemming9984]

I'm fine with Zappa's tongue-in-cheek profanity and sexual depravity, it's what makes Frank, Frank.

[@dandecastro51]

Dunno how rap as an isolated genre... became so insanely popular... *Zappa invented it,* but as an INCLUSION inside crazy good and often super fun and virtuous music! Sometimes hard rock, sometimes jazz.

[@timfeeley714-25]

My favorite Zappa has to be Grunion Run and Mr Clean from 63- 64 and the songs he did for Burt Ward (Robin from Batman) in 66.

[@FURDOG1961]

Thanx for mentioning these. They are great and fun!

[@thomascerulli8013]

Killer Album, I was in JHS. My big brother came to pick me up at school. We sped home he had the new Zappa Album. And this was the album 😎

[@BrianR.]

Been waiting patiently for this one, so happy you finally got to it, thanks. Loved the reaction and hope you will continue listening to this amazing Zappa album, which is one of his very best. The pojama people he is referring to here, are the clergy, specifically Catholics priests who wear this thing called a cassock, which looks like those old nightgowns they used to wear to bed way back. It's basically a protest song against the clergy, referring also to Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and how what they say makes you sleepy, as Catholic service is very boring.

[@samstevenson5328]

Fantastic album from The Mother’s of Invention!! Side note, I think at some point you need to circle back around to ELP and react to gems off Works Vol. 1 & 2. Top recommendations are Fanfare for the Common Man, C’est la Vie, Food for Your Soul, Tank, Tiger in a Spotlight, I Believe in Father Christmas, and Honky Tonk Train Blues

[@klaashalma8572]

Cool, JP. Thanks for the Zappa video. A lesson in music, genius, history and hope. See ya...

[@AndieZ4U2]

Never thought I'd be hearing church from Frank. But he bringin it right ch'ya.

[@meistergedanken4790]

yep, got the same Ren & Stimpy recommendation last week - the Powdered Toast Man segment with the Pope. Hadn't seen that since the early 90's when I was in college. Somebody is promoting somethin'...

[@sicko_the_ew]

You might enjoy following that up with the *William D. Drake* song, *Distant Buzzing* . It's the part of the circus show where the bears ride their bicycles as the little poodles trot off, pleased at how clever they've been. It also has lovely lyrics if you somehow pause to notice them. (And then on top of that, the video is loaded with a lode of lore). kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYC0mIKthZx8r7M (That awful Consultant is still bullying poor Bill, to this very day. So sad.)

[@alldayadventures5418]

Lord they make you sleepy with the Things they might say....!

[@barrywilson1294]

I always wondered if the hoi, hoi, hoi was actually meant to be hoy, hoy, hoy since hoy is Spanish for today. Get them out of my way today!

[@KaiaSunscape]

i used to abuse the play button on this song harder than a crackhead abuses his pipe. One of my favourite zappa songs alongside the grand wazoo.

[@maruad7577]

Nice start to the day. Made me wish I still wore pajamas... not really... they seldom were all that comfy. Sweat and a t-shirt work just as well and there are no annoying buttons (last time I had jammies was in the 1960s).

[@MisterWondrous]

One never tires. Gratias.

[@stevedotwood]

Always loved Chester's drumming. A lot of soul to it. BTW, you HAVE to watch this: The Zappa drummers: Chester Thompson, Ralph Humphey, Terry Bozzio, Chad Wackerman, and even Ruth Underwood. Ruth's stories are the best. And in between anecdotes, they show off their skills: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnjIi3qof5Z8ebM

[@jfergs.3302]

Some good stuff from Frank here. And i'm seeing loads of drum references, but let's not forget bass guy. He certainly wasn't taking it easy here either. Now, re my Jim-Jams. Before I gave up on them, around 11. Always cotton, always a paisley design.

[@-davidolivares]

Ahhh. A paisley man. I still have a double tiered (teared), smaller on top, vintage paisley coffee table, bought at some garage/ rubbish sale in the nineties. Love it.

[@jfergs.3302]

@@-davidolivares Paisley eh, class never goes out of style. And I'd hang onto that table, it could be worth a fortune some day 🤞

[@pilesovinyl]

Loved this album. This track was not one of my favorites but a solid piece nonetheless. George Duke on piano and Chester Thompson on drums make this record solid throughout IMO.

[@williamallen3715]

Cheepnis!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Guitar Solo !!!

[@jean-pierrebolduc2837]

If you like "Ren and Stampy", you must listen to "The adventures of Greggary Peccary". Pleasure guaranteed !

[@stevensprunger3422]

It is my understanding he basically was talking about the Harry Krishna’s at the time all over prosthesis ing from the airport and try to influence you to join their cult

[@Pstephen]

They seem more like Jimmy Finlayson -type combinations than regular pyjamas, what with the little trap-door back aroun' 'em and all; as for the rest, I've always thought it was an affectionate dig at the band for spending their down time playing travelling chess, rather than the kind of stuff Uncle Frank could have made a few more songs from.

[@erikahlander3489]

Poyama is one of our very few words coming from Hindi / Sanscrit

[@richardhines8622]

Don’t feel bad, there’s a whole lot of metaphors going on here which mostly have to do with ( Arrested Development).

[@darrylaldrow7274]

Try Roxy and elsewhere!!!

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

I feel there is a flaw. In the conclusions, we all draw. Which is o.k. & fine, most never see they are limited in the mind. Perpetually running on a hamster wheel, till they run out of time. When in reality the 'crux of the biscuit' is to say f--k it and risk it. Peace

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

@@Katehowe3010 I just put it out there, I have no clue, what my 'dark passenger' will say and do! Vomit, rinse, repeat, I'm only regurgitating spoiled meat

[@-davidolivares]

@@Katehowe3010 Don’t coast, create.

[@-davidolivares]

@@Katehowe3010 Good man.

[@wowwhywow]

This was a Frank commentary on those stupid advertisements on the very last page of Playboy magazine that were a photo of Hugh Hefner in a robe with Po-Jamas (expensive ones), smoking a pipe, surrounded by babes in po-jama's... sjupid advertisemen that ran in about 50 issues of Playboy in the late 60's early 70's...Frank coined the phrase "Po-Jama people" and there you have it. The guitar solo is played on a Pignose amplifier... if you want to see Frank Zappa playing the same aplifier LIVE... look for Zappa playing Black Napkins on the Mike Douglas Show... if you watch the complete version, you will see Frank walk out with the amp in his hand, put it on a chair and plug in and play.

[@Frunobulax74]

@chris boulet - Great comment, Chris. One guy on here says it's about Catholic priests and another says it's about Jean-Luc Ponty and Ruth not going out and partying with the band and staying in reading books in their pajamas. People can interpret it to suit their needs, but you are right, it's about Hef and his whole "I'm so super cool and laid back I don't even need to get dressed" attitude.

[@-davidolivares]

I just opened my Pignose and there they were, four crusty batteries that needed to come out ASAP. Dug em out and brushed the contacts with an appropriate old toothbrush and everything is one size fits all. I’ll check out that video, thx.

[@-davidolivares]

This album is a tough nut to crack, I don’t dislike it but, I’m not in love with it either. I think it pales to his future output and is a bit amateurish by Zappa’s own standards. Glad to hear it though. I prefer less singing and more playing… but, I’ll probably be mind singing Po- Jama Peepo all day. Peace and flannel trapdoor Music

[@markofrontz1343]

You can't really go wrong with any track on One Size Fits All

[@mrnobody3161]

Pajama People should get out of their kindergarten concepts of the World. Thanks Frank. 😊

[@fenderchamp8241]

Nice solo, but the guitar solo on Montana maybe has to be Frank's greatest!

[@a.k.1740]

Apart from the You Are What You Is album and a couple of other things, overall Zappa isn't my thing so I can't comment on that !

[@Alix777.]

Good song but this solo is wayyy too long imo. In fact not my favorite track on this great album, but to each one his own.

[@AriadneJC]

That guitar thing... Jeeeeeeez, really? Not even necessary. But without it, the whole track is pointless. I guess that's the point.

[@AriadneJC]

@@Katehowe3010 That was just almost random nonsense, all that guitar-twiddling stuff. What is genius about a bunch of notes thrust in my face with a "See? Do you see how clever I am?" air to it?

[@Alix777.]

@@Katehowe3010 I agree with Ariadne. I'm a huge Zappa fan, but this solo is average at best and way too long. I can listen to "Truck Driver Divorce" solo all day, which is longer by the way but truely inspired, but not that one.

[@pentagrammaton6793]

Zappa was (GASP) not nearly as big a genius as many people claim. At his worst, he was the exemplar of musical pointlessness...but to clarify, I do enjoy some of his music occasionally...when the moon is in Aquarius, and the sacrifice is bound on the altar in the centre of the pentagr--I've said too much.

[@pentagrammaton6793]

@@Katehowe3010 I can say nothing about such things.

[@simes125]

That was Frank's style of playing... and a lot of people enjoy it, because we have a more open mind and a greater expectation and depth about the music. Frank's solos were never the kind where you know he's going to follow a particular scale and try to make melodies that fit the harmony (like most guitar players always do); he was unique in the way he played solos. He always improvised without setting himself limits. In fact, many of the solos on his studio albums are taken from live recordings. He was not a parody of what people expect a musician to compose and play. He always did what he wanted to do with his music (regardless of whether it appealed to the masses or to certain types of people).