Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention- Inca Roads (First Listen)

[@mrbrad4566]

Imagine a guitar solo that only exists in the imagination of the imaginer. Watermelon in Easter Hay. (Album version) from Joe's Garage.

[@johnnosiennek7066]

Definitely worth a listen with so much emotion

[@whu1001]

Great tune and who gives a f**k anyway 😂

[@katiepelt9161]

Of you want to isolate Zappa to hear his pure skill and emotion, this is the one. So good. Lots of people want to play it at their funeral. It's so emotional and beautiful and full of the kind of peace that isn't at all lonely, but hopeful somehow. Give it a shot!

[@teedub9295]

You must be on the Outside Now.

[@andykelly4056]

Tremendous tune and dweezil zappas favourite

[@rareearth97]

Zappa had funny elements in his music but his compositions are some serious music with top notch musicians.

[@ipsurvivor]

👍

[@O_Towne_Bear]

The only guy I know that would compose a piece ironically and have it still be some of the best music you've ever heard.

[@bubsy5170]

YEEESSSS LET’S GO!!! I know I’m not the only in here that melts during the guitar solo

[@parshakamarsh]

One of his finest, takes me to a different place every time I hear it 👍🏼

[@donaldanderson6604]

George Duke said that this version of the band could play anything. Ruth Underwood was magnificent and Genesis fans will be familiar with Chester Thompson. This was one of Zappa's finest bands, and he had some very fine bands. I would recommend the Helsinki concert on the You Can't do that on Stage series to hear this band at the peak of their performance. The comedy aspects are there for the audience but do not detract from the power of the serious playing. I saw his early 80s band with a young Steve Vai and it is still the best gig I have ever been to. (which includes Yes, ELP, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Queen, Procul Harum etc......). I'm so glad you like this. Time for Joe's Garage which has wonderful parodies of so many styles of music.

[@hilocus]

The live recordings of this band are astonishing and the Helsinki concert is my favourite also.

[@brucefelger4015]

The band had to be able to play anything, Frank was pushing the edge of music at the time.

[@SpaceCattttt]

The 1988 band wasn't too shabby, either. It was a huge band as well, so the scope of what they were able to play was much larger. Still, they didn't have the camaraderie of Frank's mid-70's band (none of his other bands did) and that's really what sets this band apart from the rest, I think. These guys loved playing this stuff. With the other bands, I get the feeling that the musicians were only hired hands who did it for the money and to further their own careers.

[@victorhawkins3461]

Saw Genesis in New Orleans about 1981 w/Chester Thompson...in the middle of some tune he filled with the massive drum fill from TROUBLE COMING EVERYDAY -- the Roxy & Elsewhere "live" recording. I lost my mind!

[@ithaliem]

One great musician that has come out of Zappa’s school is Mike Keneally. He has excellent albums.

[@lenleatherland4089]

JP, there's a documentary called Zappa that will be released Nov 27th that was made with the blessing of the Zappa family. I'm sure that you will get a better understanding of what made Frank tick. He was probably the most misunderstood pure genius in music.

[@dharlow5810]

"He was probably the most misunderstood pure genius in music." Amen to this.

[@JustJP]

I may look into that. Ty Len!

[@cadanrichards2615]

One Size Fits all is one of the best prog albums out there. Its probably franks most progressive album, But his discography is massive so you can choose whatever really and his albums are great, challenging, funny all that. Hes a Genius. Over Nite sensation is my favorite zappa album

[@Peter-K]

@Frankie Gomez trying to apply a genre to FZ is foolish, he is a genre unto himself. "Is it Rock? No. Is it Jazz? No. Is it pop? No. It's Zappa!' paraphrased quote from the queen of percussion, Ruth Underwood, the marimba player on Inca Roads....

[@youandwhosearmy6339]

Some of the best bass guitar playing I have ever heard in my life. Genius.

[@jetpromys]

A friend and I used to try to sing that fast "did a booger bear..." part when we would go down the first big hill on rollercoasters at Six Flags in Illinois. It's such a crazy fast part, we wanted to see if we could do it under stress. Yes, we were Zappa geeks and proud.

[@stretchgilbert]

The beautiful vocals of George Duke RIP

[@andreasrosenberg9317]

Does humor belong in music? YES!

[@allotrope2978]

One of the greatest songs from one of the two greatest composers ever. I will comment again after I watch. :)

[@quintinallen7219]

Try not to think of Frank Zappa as comedy music. His humor is definitely in play but for me, it's like they're having fun playing some of the most complicated music I've ever heard.

[@royhawksley1028]

I think Frank's lyrics provide incongruity to compliment the diverse complexity of the music.

[@SKarthikeyan75]

Let me offer an alternative interpretation of why Frank's lyrics were so wacky. Frank was defined by his staunch anti-authoritarianism and his dislike of fads and group-think. He only had disdain for pretention and stupidity. And yet he composed such cerebral and complex music and he could have been accused of being pretentious himself (like other prog bands were). I think Frank was acutely self-aware of this, and the only way he could square this apparent disconnect was to write words which were silly and revealed that he did not take himself too seriously either. Can you imagine someone as sarcastic as Frank writing "preachy" lyrics like Time (Pink Floyd), or Entre Nous (Rush)? Its not him. Its a use of lyrical and musical non-sequiturs. So I would call Frank's music absurdist, not comedic.

[@lsbill27]

I always felt Zappa believed his purpose in life was to mess with our heads in an entertaining way both musically and lyric wise.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

there will never be another Frank Zappa, EVER!!!!!

[@andrewhoran7088]

Got to see Zappa 8 times live. Yipiyo ty ahh

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

This song has one of my all time favorite guitar solos. He had a band in the sixties called The Mothers of Invention. When he disbanded the band in '69, he used the name for a couple of his later bands.

[@comrade8397]

Totally agree on the guitar solo - one of my favourite of Zappa's solos - very spare with lots of space. Beautiful.

[@Matty88K]

The band was originally called The Mothers, but the record company refused to release the album with that name. Frank himself said this in an interview that is on film.

[@Rowenband]

That's just magic. I asked for that yesterday, and here it is !!! This is my favorite Zappa album. Curious to hear you talk about it… It's just good to see you laugh at the end. This is more then just comedy in music. I'm glad you felt that. Now I hope you'll do the rest of this album. When I was a teenager I didn't understand the lyrics but there was enough here to be happy with.

[@itchyvinyl]

I was like you, I used to hate “comedy” mixed into my music (including Zappa). Then when I was 19, I accidentally heard Zappa’s “I’m The Slime” and “50/50” on college radio while I was on LSD. haha A switch got flipped, and I went and bought ‘Apostrophe’ and ‘Overnight Sensation’ that week. I became a real fan. Those two albums are still the biggest gateway, I believe, for a new listener.

[@JustJP]

Now i dont feel so alone in my initial preferences😄 ty IV

[@steveobrien9937]

@@JustJP I think "comedy" is the wrong term..."quirkiness" would better describe I think...I mean...theres no clowns in big floppy shoes in THIS music!....no sir

[@yankeedyehard]

When I was 17, I was given the Apostrophe album by a friend, because he said it was too much for him to phantom. This recording was definitely a gateway for me. I’m 64 now and am still discovering Zappa music I’ve never heard before, he’s my favorite artist of all.

[@joshuarosenblatt]

Agreed. I have turned lots of people onto zappa and almost always start with apostrophe and overnight sensation (particularly for those who are fans of rock and pop). Most accessible for them I think

[@mrfranksan]

George Duke was a serious jazz keyboard player. Frank worked hard at persuading him to sing. You knew he helped George expand his musical vision because he credited Frank in interviews later in his career. George was even condescending toward synth-manipulations. and Frank gently expanded his outlook. This was fortunate for George who became a master artist on any electronic instrument with keys!

[@johnclaeys9514]

Inca roads refers to ancient apparent complex of roads that ruins of can be see from high in the air that the origins of are unknown.

[@tixximmi1]

Nazca plains.

[@activelow9297]

Wow, what a joy to hear this song for the first time! Love seeing how you react to it. Reminds me of when I was 19 years old and I bought this album and listened to it for the first time.

[@souldreamer9056]

Zappa is a true musician that takes high musical ideals, a professorial understanding of theory, harmony and rhythm, and high technical skill - and ... presents these skills to his audience un-pretentiously and without taking himself too seriously. Those two sides are not often found in the same musician. Zappa was clever enough to realize that his cerebral, complex music would have a limited audience, unless he sweetened it somehow. The humour in some of his music was the proverbial spoonfull of sugar that made the medicine go down. Like bobby brown.

[@JustJP]

Interesting, I appreciate that SD!

[@coolguitarchannel]

Please do the whole album. It’s my favorite Zappa album so far. A truly wacky mastperiece, in the best way possible. The band line up that Zappa has for this album is unparalleled. The interplay between Zappa’s melodic guitar work and George Duke’s incredible jazzy keyboards alone is jaw dropping. And btw, like you said, after a few more listens of Inca Roads you’ll be addicted.

[@forrest_lump]

Were you entertained? I think so. Ergo mission completed. Please also listen to the cover by Zappa Jam to get another view to this song and see how timeless it is. I think the song is about the Nascar Lines in Peru and ancient aliens.

[@stevedotwood]

Pure energy! And: "Von Daniken", look him up

[@steveobrien9937]

Ahhhhhh...Inca Roads...a Zappa milestone but the cool thing about Zappa is you could listen to 10 songs by him...and not like ANY of them...and there can still be some Zappa out there youd fall in love with...thats how diverse the man is...consider this...."comedy" aside....Zappa composed pretty much every note your hearing..and theres some compositional genius here ..(this is a man who actually composed an intricate drum solo for his drummer at the time..Terry Bozzio called "The Black Page). Music universities and colleges continue to teach his compositions and study his arrangements (check out the Berkely Zappa tribute band on youtube). The word "Genius" gets tossed around a little too easily in my opinion...but this man warranted it...and it definitely was a one of a kind genius at that. Hope you continue your journey!..Cheers from Canada!! (p.s. ..if you would rather avoid the tongue in cheek stuff,..try Watermelon in Easter Hay, Zoot Allures, or Black Napkins among many)

[@PCFDD]

Such amazing playing. I'd recommend the live version from "a token of my extreme" It's basically this track minus the overdubs. I think it's even more impressive musically in the live context.

[@dougnelsin1480]

This whole album is pure gold. I love every song on it.

[@progperljungman8218]

So glad you did this!🙂🙂🙂 Maybe you'd really enjoy his guitar-solo albums. There's five records (one double simply named Guitar and the single lp:s - Shut up and play yer guitar, Shut up and play yer guitar some more and The return of the son of Shut up and play yer guitar 🙃 which were also released as a tripple). Here the focus is more on the (mostly) imrovised guitar-melodies with the band as a (perfect) background.

[@synthplayer1563]

Simply, one of the coolest guitar solos.

[@jenshaag]

I thik Frank Zappa was a genius, he connected so many genres of music from soul, to rock, to jazz just to name a few. Glad I found this video.

[@rustynail3743]

What Mr. Brad said, down below. Even if you don't react to it YOU will like it. Watermelon Hay from Joes. Keep it up.

[@alexshkoditch4593]

In typical Zappa fashion, he takes one of his most accessible albums and opens it up with this nearly ten minute song that has more sections than a Florida orange,

[@bshef3424]

...pure genius.....my fav (and 1st ever ) Zappa Album - RIP Frank

[@O_Towne_Bear]

When I was a teen I loved Zappa for his funny/goofy lyrics more than the music. Now I barely hear the words. It's all the music behind them.

[@jfergs.3302]

Ahh Frank, a lot to take in here, partic for you as a first timer. As is often the case his work can seem quirky, challenging, and at times a little chaotic. But i've found, always interesting, never boring, and often benefits from a second listen (usually becoming the second of many). And yes, the musicianship is 2nd to none. With an almost jazz like feel, at times, each musician getting to show off their soloing skills. And as Frank said 'Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny' As a future listen, I'd recommend Franks double live album Roxy and Elsewhere. Superb, to this day one of my top 5 live albums.

[@flowersnyams]

Frank was exceptional , it's difficult to pick a 'best' album but this one's way up there.

[@johncagnettajr344]

Python boot reference is from Stink Foot. The lyric from that song “my python boot is to tight, I couldn’t get off last night,

[@fastnbulbouss]

And, the python boot reference comes from the python boots Brian Jones had, and winded up being worn by Keith Richards. He wore them until they were totally fucked up. Yo see Richards wearing them when the Rolling Stones are in a studio watching the editing of Altamont. Zappa took the reference from that, and included it in Stink Foot.

[@Matty88K]

I finally got it off and my baby she cried 'You got stinkfoot!' Oooh oooh....

[@Claytone-Records]

I have most of the Zappa catalog and that is a lot of cd’s and lp’s...more by far than anyone else in my collection of collections. This lp, cd and cassette has spent a lot of of time in various types of players. I try my hand at guitar and the solo in this track, lifted from a live show, is a particular favorite. JP blows the doors off of my expectations yet again.

[@allotrope2978]

I'm glad you enjoyed the song. It's one of Frank's very best. One of his greatest guitar solos, too, although there's very stiff competition in Frank's oeuvre. :) To answer your question about The Mothers of Invention, the band members who made up the Mothers of Invention were interchangeable, as musicians came and went. It was just the name given to whoever who was performing with Frank at the time. One Size Fits All was actually the last album to have the Mothers of Invention credited, at least until later retrosoective albums containing unreleased material. With regards to the lyrics, the last verse is basically the same as the first verse, except it's "mutated" into something different, if you listen carefully you can hear that the notes are the same except they've been lined up in a row and run through very quickly instead of the stopping and starting like in the beginning. The insertion of nonsense lyrics and references to the band members is a near-constant trope of Zappa's music. He felt that sticking to the lyrics as written wasn't necessary, and during shows he'd change the lyrics on the spot, even if the others were harmonising with him, which would throw them off and make them laugh, which was Frank's desired result! There really is no one like Frank. :D Thank you for this video and I absolutely cannot wait for Philip Glass's Spaceship. :)

[@markspooner1224]

I love it, I never get tired of his music. One of my favourites is "More Trouble Every Day" from Roxy & Elsewhere", with a great drum break. Nothing to do with this LP but there's a former footballer in England called Fitz Hall and his nickname was Onesize.

[@barrystanton6693]

Very intelligent and enjoyable analysis. Thanks

[@JustJP]

Thank you Barry

[@jimbricker4982]

One Size Fits All was my gateway to Zappa. It’s the starting place I recommend to everyone, as it was the one recommended to me. Top flight musicianship, not puerile. Do it all Justin, you won’t regret it. I will repeat my earlier recommendation too for the entirety of side two of Roxy & Elsewhere: Village of the Sun > Echidna’s Arf (Of You) > Don’t You Ever Wash That Thing. Think of the more musically complex parts of Inca and then double it, and then stand in awe that this is a live band recording. Plus, some more great Zappa guitar; it’s the same band from this album plus an additional drummer. Do it, and I think your understanding and appreciation of Zappa will be ... well, not complete, but at a new plateau.

[@stefanandersson2402]

Thanks and please do a whole album listening of this. It´s a good album and really full of easy listening songs and a good introduction to Zappas music.

[@PH-tw4nx]

The solo TALKS. Being vocal was always a goal of the blues. But he turns the guitar lines into a form of speech, and then he splices in an alien-level conversational as a response to the call of his talking guitar line. Genius.

[@donaldb1]

Not weird for the sake of it. I think that's an important thing about Zappa that people sometimes don't get. Lyrically he veered between satire, social commentary, surrealism and sometimes very bawdy burlesque (that's the aspect of his character I don't have much time for), but his focus was always on the music, on that unique combination of rock and roll, modern jazz and European avant-garde. There's an excellent live version of this on KZbin, from a tv special he did, which really shows how he managed live shows, a great combination of freewheeling knockabout _and_ very tight musical discipline. It also has very strange animation in it, which you may or may not appreciate! kzbin.info/www/bejne/raLTaGR6hK9ml7s Btw the wonderful Ruth Underwood was studying classical percussion and went to see Zappa whenever he played New York. So she's a fan who became a band member.

[@michaelkolb5900]

Hey Justin My Man!! Love Kappa! Definitely an acquired taste though like scotch! Comedic musicianship for sure at its best!!! Fabulous!! Surprised you didn't really get into the bass line here! I think that was the star of this show!! I saw JEAN LUC PONTY LIVE!! He used to play electric violin with Zappa! Jean is amazing!! He had a lasor light show coming off his bow as he was playing!!! That was in the late 70s!!! Never saw Frank though! Loved all the positive comments in the chat!! He definitely has and will always have a very loyal following!! This would be a great song to be played at a big house party in the late 70s!!! BTW JP- Thanks for your response to my MARVIN GAYE REACTION!! MY FAVORITE MARVIN SONG IS- I WANT YOU!!! I would appreciate if you got to that soon also!!! My late oldest sister and I used to dance to it alot!! She died of aids in the mid 90s.😢 Loved your honest reaction to Frank ZAPPA and I'm glad you enjoyed this song!! Surprised you haven't referenced Gentle Giant at all! Seems like there could be some influence there!!! Also when you were talking about Marvin Gaye I noticed you mentioned Joni in comparison to great songwriting!! Dont forget my request for my favorite Joni song- The Circle Game!! We all used to sing this song as a family growing up in the mid to late 60s!!! Keep up the GREAT WORK SIR!! See you tomorrow!! YOUR #1 AZ FAN MICHAEL😽😸😊😊

[@chatelain567]

Can anyone imagine he ressources and preparation needed to realize this tune;the musicianship the composition the intellect.the seriousness.

[@jasonshort1437]

Great video of a killer tune. Probably my go to FZ tune, it has it all and it has my favorite FZ guitar solo. Fun fact, the solo was flown in from a live performance in Helsinki, Finland. Also, you were wondering what time signature the fast part is in, it's in 7.

[@egapnala65]

You should try the jazz fusion tracks "Big Swifty" "Waka Jawaka" and "Grand Wazoo". General rule with Zappa, stupid lyrics superb musicianship.

[@erikahlander3489]

These are good sugestions! Dear Justin, you will never be a Zappa fan! But there are Zappa music for you. Concentrate on those instrumental jazzrelated albums of the early 1970s. Also instrumental parts and guitar solos spread over the years. But you are true that you can't get it on the first listening. It is partly an intelectual excercise combined with music, nothing ready for immediate digestion. There is a three vinyle disc album with only guitar solos, but your not ready for that yet! EDIT: Dweezil Zappa, Frank's son, is touring with his fathers music. Also with the most skilled musicians. Dweezil can play almost anything on guitarr, but without making any faces, it looks so easy. Check it!

[@PH-tw4nx]

Stupid? No. Does humor belong in music? FZ thought so obviously. As for level of intelligence his lyrics reflect a keen level of observation about the stupidity of modern commercial culture. Check out "The Negative Dialectic of Poodle Play" if you haven't.

[@egapnala65]

@@PH-tw4nx I have and the lyrics remain gloriously stupid (in the best way) either way.

[@DonFormica]

One of Frank Zappa's albums is called "Does humor belong in music?" Lol Sometimes the whole deal with Zappa is he composes this big long weird multi-instrumental song that's simply a big platform for the Blazing the guitar solo all over the middle

[@fmellish71]

That's my favorite kind of Zappa

[@GreenHotDogz]

Zappa was ahead of his time in his music. He had his underground fans and now he has a lot more fans that have developed a love for his music in this modern age of composition

[@jameshenry8629]

Zappa takes you down roads that you never knew existed and give you a tour of the landscape and identifies everything along the way

[@matto9734]

George Duke had such a big impact musical wise, phrasing, singing, keys, jazzy infuses... all of it!

[@souldreamer9056]

Check out the live version of this. One band member, Ruth Underwood, does an amazing job on the xylophone. Chester Thompson on drums. GEORGE Duke on amazing vocals. And when the music gets too tricky, Zappa acts as conductor.

[@edwardthorne9875]

When I first heard this (one year out of high school) I just heard a bunch of notes being thrown at me. It took several listens before my brain could accomodate the speed, the sudden changes, etc. I was already pretty much a Zappa fan, but this was a lot to swallow. Your analysis was pretty much spot on, amazing, really. So glad that you are going to give it more than one go. This is really progressive music - not rock, not jazz, not emotional. Every note and effect is in its place. I am not sure if Zappa is right for this format, but it helps to keep this stuff alive in a forgetful world. Hats off to you, JP! Another commenter posted this link to the 'live in the studio' and it deserves repeating: Thanks, Mr. Coleslaw! kzbin.info/www/bejne/raLTaGR6hK9ml7s

[@jeffmartin1026]

Quite the jump into the deep end of Franks music, glad to see you enjoy it. This song was Franks reaction to the book Chariots of the Gods by Erich von Daniken and his thory that aliens had landed in the Andies and that the Incans had built landing pads for them. The "comedy" chatter is part of Franks Conseptual Continuity which incorperated random real life experiences/pieces of overheard conversation into his songs. One of Franks many interwoven themes involve science fiction based on his love of the movies he watched as a child. The line For Ruth is his call out/appreciation for Ruth Underwood and her masterful playing of the xylophone (an instrument that Frank loved and uses a lot) and other percussion instruments. Frank did put out a live LP called Does Humor Belong In Music. Much of his music is tongue-in-cheek ruminations on society. I hope you do a full LP listen to One Size Fits All - just one of his many great albums which showcases the breadth of his musical abilities. BTW, the title of the LP is an inside band joke related to the male anatomy.

[@SpaceCattttt]

Jesus, Justin! The mighty "Jerusalem" yesterday and now THIS? Do you want to kill us with genius or what! Talk about a double whammy! Zappa has been my lifelong hero and idol, and "Inca Roads" is arguably the very best showcase for his more commercial abilities. It's got a classic riff and beat pattern, a complex yet catchy melody, an amusing lyrical concept, a great guitar solo, a jazz section that is to die for, the best musicians in the business at that time and in-jokes that are incomprehensible to the casual listener but which reward the hardcore fan a great deal. In my opinion, you will never react to a greater song than this on your channel. A biased opinion, I agree, but this really is as close to perfection as it's humanly possible to get. Thanks for listening to it. Made my day. :)

[@JustJP]

Haha I aim to please! Glad you enjoyed this one😃

[@ricobonifacio1095]

Good choice man! I love how Frank was such a genius but loved to play around with what should be serious and add the ridiculous. And vice versa. That was his thing.

[@nottherealeric1347]

I’m so glad you listened to this one! I’m sure someone else has mentioned this, but the thing about Frank’s lyrics & music is that he likes to include band inside jokes (a booger bear is what George Duke called groupies) & references to earlier songs or albums. I think that’s a big part of the Zappa fan fanaticism. You really need to dig deep into the folklore of Frank & his musicians to “get” what he’s doing sometimes. I’d love to see you do something by Frank’s high school buddy Captain Beefheart (& His Magic Band). “Big Eyed Beans From Venus” has always been a favourite of mine.

[@cappuccinoloffler]

-... "’m sure someone else has mentioned this, but the thing about Frank’s lyrics & music is that he likes to include band inside jokes (a booger bear is what George Duke called groupies) & references to earlier songs or albums. I think that’s a big part of the Zappa fan fanaticism. You really need to dig deep into the folklore of Frank & his musicians to “get” what he’s doing sometimes." Yes, and he liked to make fun of crude phenomena (of his time). In Inca Roads it's more about the stupid questions (did they have a motor or was it something else...) that (at that time) revolved around the thesis of whether we had already been visited by aliens. Zappa made fun of a lot of things and revealed their absurd sides.

[@toshibautoob]

No doubt this probably requires multi[le listenings to truly grok it, And it was largely recorded live (some edits and overdubs added later). Try "Andy" off this album.

[@lynette.]

Zappa was a genius musician surrounded by a group of amazing musicians. I think you get it.

[@justaguy2365]

Nice. This lineup was the best. 70- 75 ish. Apostrophe, Overnite sensation, Roxy and Elsewhere were all great albums. Napoleon Murphy Brock is singing this one.

[@jimhardiman3836]

George Duke on vox with help from Nappy.

[@fmellish71]

I would say '72-'75 cos the Flo & Eddie period was trash

[@cutthr0atjake]

The Mothers Of Invention were Zappa's original group before "going solo"

[@JustJP]

Gotcha, ty!

[@ipsurvivor]

In the Sixties Frank Zappa scheduled some studio time. Zappa wasn’t well known to the studio musicians at the time but they heard that he was some kind of a freak. Maybe this had something to do with their perception of most rock musicians not being on their level of musicianship. They decided to prank or goof on Zappa by dressing up in Halloween type costumes. Zappa came in with sheet music that he scored himself and he gave it to the studio players. Back then top tier studio musicians prided themselves on being able to get it right on the first read through. The music was challenging and the best anyone did was like getting it on the third pass. After this incident word got out that you needed to bring your best to any Zappa session.

[@pianocovers4227]

Hi Justin ! At Zappa, there was George Benson, Steve Vai, Chester Thompson, Adrian Belew and many others! Dad Frank was a trainer!

[@michaelkeefe8494]

If you don't say what we knew you were going to say, did we really know? There's a video of Zappa on the Jack Parr show demonstrating how many sounds you can make with a bicycle. Not sure he had peers, maybe Brian Eno and Robert Fripp?

[@pilesovinyl]

Keep listening. Suggested tracks for Zappa: Muffin Man, Cleetus Awreetus Awrightus, Peaches En Regalia. My 3 favorites, and I LOVE Zappa. George Dukes vocals...George told Frank "I don't sing" and Frank challenged him to try it. It makes the whole song.

[@1967PONTIACGTO]

You would probably like the Grand Wazoo.

[@ronjm945]

I understand what you are saying, if I may recommend a more accessible album or two of Frank Zappa’s. Zoot Allures and Apostrophe are both good entry ways to enjoy his music with a little less humor perhaps...

[@Yosef1952]

Great pick. The whole album is fantastic. Way cool! The guitar solo, btw, was recorded live in Helsinki, Finland in 1974.

[@RichieG]

Damn, you get up early! I just got up and am going to a Zappa show tonight in Marlboro, NY. I'll post the video. This is a band that has played with my friends, Ray White, Ike Willis, Napi Brock, Denny Walley, and other Zappa alum. Shooting A/V. Will post the show soon. I don't have time to check out the reaction now, gotta run but will comment later tonight.

[@kozlorf]

If you want to listen to it again, choose the live version from Helsinki (You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore album part 2). You may be surprised that the solo is exactly the same as on this one. Well, that's because it was simply taken from that show ;). Besides the solo, everything is also very similar. Yes, they were able to perform that all live on stage. There should also be a video from Roxy here on youtube for you to see how they do that.

[@love_kobaia]

Best guitar solo ever. Hands down

[@Alix777.]

Mmh... Rat Tomago or Shut up and play your guitar are better imo

[@allotrope2978]

St Etienne comes close, as does Watermelon In Easter Hay.

[@goldenboy140]

I like the solo on the "a token of his extreme" live version better

[@bobholtzmann]

I would hand the reward to "Watermelon in Easter Hay" from Joe's Garage.

[@snowdog87]

@@bobholtzmann its good but far from best ever

[@glenndespres5317]

I will lend support to Mr. Brad in lobbying for Watermelon in Easter Hay. Yes you only get one chance in life to play a song that sounds like this.

[@timcardona9962]

In case you're interested, Zappa's songs went through many different arrangements and permutations and you might like this version of Inca Roads from a just year earlier: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enOXkqWIi7SInKM

[@hot_ratz4258]

There is something for everyone in his catalog. He covered just about every genre. I don't know anyone, including myself, that likes the entire collection. (I don't like the orchestral stuff and alot of the 60's stuff..). There are those fans that are completely opposite. I love just about everything else (particularly the 80's). Saw him around 6 times, met him once on a street corner while he was waiting for a car to pick him up after doing a local TV news show regarding the music censorship campaign in 85/86 (I couldn't get in, it was full). First question he asked me is if I was registered to vote (I was just 18). Was happy to take a pic (I had a polaroid). Also he signed an album for me in the middle of performing a show in '88. I walked to the stage and handed it to him while he was singing. Just an all around great guy on top of everything else he was. Bottom line, you'd be missing out on some of the best music ever made if you don't explore the catalogue (video also). You'll find the Zappa that's for you in a huge way and love it. Cheers all fellow FZ fans !

[@JustJP]

Thats really awesome, ty Sybot!

[@stevereager9515]

To go back to the early Zappa 'songs', Please consider a listen of (Frank Zappa) The Mother's Of Invention, "Trouble Everyday" from 1966 Freak Out (a classic). It rocked in 66, it still rocks today, powerful, lyrically sad familiar theme. Thanks for sharing our music. Peace n Love from out here.

[@riddhimanmedhi99]

Hey thanks for doing this song and for the shout out! Do check out the video of this song when you get a chance, it uniquely Zappaesquelly eerily brilliant! Watermelon in Easter Hay should also be right up your alley. Torture never stops, Muffin Man are also decent entry songs. And yes, I’m not quite a fan of comedy in music either, same with Steely Dan, however the music is so incredible, I can overlook the comedy

[@JustJP]

Ty Riddhi! I saw the video for this one, definitely comes alive on stage

[@michaelklappauf4408]

I would love to see you react to the Zappa track “It Just Might Be A One Shot Deal” from Waka/Jawaka.

[@souldreamer9056]

Zappa is one of those meeting points of incredible musical talent and not taking oneself too seriously. Without the humor, Zappas music would be too serious.

[@halcyon289]

Watermelon in Easter Hay. This is truly beautiful.

[@kb4446]

Check out the triple album set, titled'Shut up n play your guitar'. He made for his fans that feel that way. Just listen and you'll never regret it! Try it,.....its a way of life.

[@kb4446]

Music is the best!!!!

[@DanceOfTheDawn5963]

7:24 you know the song is prog as hell when a fast as shit groove in 7/8 is where you recognize that you can start bobbing your head again lol

[@Umbrella2]

Oooh I love this one and I’m not really one for long instrumentals.

[@airwindows]

Well done, JP. You've picked up on the way Zappa slices and dices GENRE to heighten moments like the guitar solo you liked so much. What you said about how it's accentuated by the odd stuff around it, is part of Zappa's arrangement chops and absolutely intentional. Another example of that is off the album Them Or Us: Mindbending instrumental spectacularness in 'Sinister Footwear II' is followed immediately by the totally goofy 'Truck Driver Divorce' that's completely silly-sounding. You spotted stuff Zappa does as part of his art (arrangement/composition) that not everybody spots: some people are simply put off by the 'junky' parts, taking them at face value. Also, the lyrics here do the same thing. For another cool track off One Size Fits All try 'Andy': just as virtuosic, just as spacey, less silly. Or for the full cartoony, 'Billy The Mountain' or 'Greggery Peccary' which would not be as much to your taste :)

[@JustJP]

Appreciate the suggestions!

[@swirll360]

PS: If you're not up on FZ and his studio magic, he often takes live guitar solos (he recorded every live show he ever did and the tapes are in his vault) and drops them into other songs from the studio. I believe the guitar solo on Inca Roads was one of those from a live performance from Helsinki Finland and you'd never know...FZ also was one of the best there was as a studio engineer. The man was just light years ahead of his time musically and in the studio and we are all trying to catch up. Granted, I don't like everything he ever did (probably more than half) but what I do like is enough for me to know that the man was not your average musician. He was a gifted composer of contemporary music in the classical style... and not to mention a gifted guitar player as Mozart was a gifted pianist.

[@franklinzappa7043]

Gotta See Dweezil Zappa 🎼🎼🎼🎼 Live in Concert🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 Father Frank is looking down proudly on his Son Dweezil.

[@johnclaeys9514]

You should watch the live version of this with claymation interspersed.....amazing to actually see the musicians play this super complicated stuff...a lot of it note for note like the studio version.

[@iantuggle216]

Listen to the live version on You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 2. (Listen to the whole thing, it's one concert in Finland.) Be aware that this live performance is where he copied and pasted the guitar solo into the studio version.

[@andygreen9673]

If you like the slow groove etc, you should check out Zappa's Treacherous Cretins guitar solo, oh wow it's beautiful and has a great groove

[@brumleyhall]

Since you could never get to much of his music on the channel anyway, I'd recommend you try the album "Guitar" on your own. It is a collection of guitar solos (just the solo sections) from Frank's concerts.

[@cazgerald9471]

The Mothers of Invention was Zappa's band and are credited on the majority of his albums through the mid 1970s. By 1971 Zappa was the only original member.

[@GoodCorporateRobot]

Frank lived by his rules and no one else's. He was a composer first and he wrote all the time. You'll hear that in many interviews. Early in his career he didn't care about writing lyrics, but he realized that in order to sell records he had to write them. So Frank being Frank, he wrote lyrics his way. A lot of his lyricism is based on his experiences with his bands, life on the road, etc. The point of all of that is that his lyrics aren't meant to be the focal point of his songs. They do stand out and get in the way, and intentionally so I think. They distract you from the real star of his music, which is the composition. This turns many people off to him, but those who can listen past the lyrics are well rewarded.

[@robertallen6593]

FRANK ZAPPA IS THE BEST!!

[@blackcatcentralmusic]

Frank Zappa actually made a film/album "Does Humor Belong In Music?" If you don't like comedy in music then a lot of Zappa will not appeal to you. I recommend the instrumental albums and pieces like "RDNZL" and "Regyptian Strut". Frank's first group is The Mothers of Invention. He dropped the name but brought it back for this lineup. The musicians in this band were stellar: George Duke and Ruth Underwood in particular. Check out "The Helsinki Concert" (YCDTOSA volume 2). Amazing stuff. Zappa's humor can go overboard into crude and I rarely listen to those albums (e.g. Flo & Eddie, Fillmore). George Duke loved Frank and said Zappa taught him to love all styles of music and to not take himself too seriously. Duke said Zappa also taught him to play what is appropriate for the song.

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

So happy you're playing F.Z. I'm going to "Freak Out"! If I was'nt "Only In It For The Money"I'd eat "Lumpy Gravy" for "Absolute Free" period, "Apostrophe" Peace and Penguins.

[@krsna1961]

Did someone build a place to leave a space for such a vehicle to land? Diddddda vehicle ???

[@twelvemonkeys8786]

You always have the best sound and best music. Zappa so unique and ahead of any generation of humans. Try Opeth A Fair Judgement

[@bdcosmo]

Frank and Primus can definitely be an acquired taste. There's so much Zappa music to choose from I bet you can find some that grabs you.

[@DrakusRecords]

This is probably my favorite Frank Zappa song, although there are so many good ones. But I like humor in music so perhaps our tastes differ there. This song exemplifies the amazing musicianship of Zappa and the Mothers, and yes that is the same Chester Thompson that later went on to tour with Genesis from 1977 on. I can only imagine how long it took to learn this song and to be able to play it as tightly as they do. Nowadays a band could just use computers to make everything so perfectly timed, but back then it was all skill. Here's a few other Zappa tunes you should check out since you seem to like the instrumental side of Zappa: It Just Might be a One -shot Deal/Waka-Jawaka, Ship Arriving too Late to Save a Drowning Witch, Andy & The Grand Wazoo.