Classical Composer Reacts to FRANK ZAPPA: MONTANA | The Daily Doug (Episode 882)

[@Doug.Helvering]

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[@RachelFlowersMusic]

Thanks for the shout out! That was a blast!!! 🥰🤣😀

[@jazzpunk]

I just watched your "Montana" vid with Zappa Plays Zappa. Oh, my...I'm blown away. Thank you.

[@jlimarick]

Rachel, you are a musical treasure. I heard the track Doug is referencing a while back while checking out your music after hearing what you did with the music of Keith Emerson. This was the first non-ELP track I came across while browsing the library. I love what you do with Frank and Keith's music. When I listen to you, the music is yours, but even though they are both gone, I can almost feel their souls coming through your fingers. I only wish that I could see you perform live. ❤

[@TheSpiralAim]

Keep being awesome!!

[@stevea3149]

Zappa doesn’t simply think outside the box, he thinks outside the factory that makes the boxes…

[@PschyoSupposeiam]

and beyond .

[@simonwilson64]

…and then he crushed all the boxes

[@PschyoSupposeiam]

@ I have a t-shirt from that tour

[@stevea3149]

@@simonwilson64 and turned the crushed boxes into unique musical instruments…

[@justinwalters9811]

And then he would say something absolutely scathing about the nature of the factory, and how inherently stupid and empty the boxes it made were.

[@kaboulscabal4816]

I haven't even watched yet ... but Montana is simply one of my favorite Zappa songs, ever, so ... immediate Thumbs Up!

[@scottmcley5111]

I do love this song.

[@ValSalva1337]

Hear Hear!

[@lennypersonalized]

Same as that

[@GilPorsansky]

Tina turner and the other singers actually recorded it in a slower tempo and lower tuning, then zappa tuned their vocals back to the song tuning and tempo

[@adamnealis]

I was going to make a similar comment.

[@christerfurberg6538]

Overnite sensation and Apostrophe are my absolute favorite Zappa albums. You should check out both!

[@danwilcox7650]

I grew up listening to overnight sensation and apostrophe. While apostrophe has some truly magic moments including Jack Bruce's appearance I think overnight sensation is the stronger piece of musical art. There just isn't a dull moment in overnight sensation no matter what part you listen to. One of my all-time favorite records.

[@CraigMcArthur-ph5ux]

One Size Fits All, anyone? So many masterpieces on one album. I love Overnight sensation, and Apostrophe, but this is my favourite, FWIW. (not much probly)..

[@webjammer1]

@@CraigMcArthur-ph5ux I would add Live at the Roxy.

[@CraigMcArthur-ph5ux]

@@webjammer1 Absolutely! I forgot that one.

[@larsickenroth7169]

Thinking the same thing: love Overnite to bits. Had the honour of playing a lot of it live at a local Zappa-festival, great, great fun!

[@dust4magnet]

One of my favorite guitar solos, with one of the funkiest grooves of all time. And you can't go wrong with a song that prominently features tweezers. The whole album is a treasure.

[@bsimpson4076]

Yeah man... one of my favorite Zappa solos' .... but there are plenty of others too...

[@martinabernathy205]

The Yippee-Chi-O-Chi-Aye is sung by Kin Vassy, who was a member of Kenny Rogers band, The First Edition.

[@REDJR22]

I believe he wrote the song “My First Night Alone Without You.” Bonnie Raitt recorded it and the song is first rate!

[@GreggoMusicChannel]

This is a true story. Ironically, I am a beekeeper. Last year on vacation, I stopped at the Montana state line and left a jar of the "sweet stuff". I sure wish we could post pics in these comments! A couple of years ago, I went to Walmart and bough a My Little Pony. I took that, a box of floss, a plant I had in a planter, and some honey and set them on a bee hive and took a picture. I strung some floss on the plant, but it wasn't very visible, so I told people that the dental floss play wasn't really in bloom yet. 😀

[@racebiketuner]

I'd like to think Frank was smiling from the great beyond.

[@erikahlander1517]

I have taken photos of sofas and park benches (which is soffa in Swedish) continuously since the 70s. Sofa #1 and so on...

[@THOMASS-p7u]

Good for you man, that true frivolous commitment 😊

[@sjbang5764]

Ruth Komanoff studied at Juilliard. Around that time The Mothers of Invention were the resident band at The Garrick Theater. Ruth attended every show. Frank took notice, and of course the rest is history. Later Ruth married fellow band member Ian Underwood. Thrilled you dig Mr. Zappa's music.

[@gordonschenck1672]

As a freshman in college in 75 from rural Iowa, all I had ever heard was country., country rock, and rock. So a college friend put on Zappa and Montana was the first song I ever heard. 😮 Mind suddenly educated.

[@FTamer-bk8jw]

Much the same experience but not until 1976 as a Junior. Zappa was an experience like none I had ever had.

[@gwooledge]

I had no idea Tina Turner was part of the backing vocals on this one. Great stuff.

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

Ms Turner was a *lot* more talented than her husband ever wanted to admit. :) Just sayin'....

[@lennypersonalized]

Me neither. Been listening to this album for 30 years

[@mottoth]

You can hear her sing silly stuff on Dinah Moe Humm and a couple more tracks on this album.

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

​@@sammybeck7794Frank was recording IN Ike's studio. That's how FZ had access to the Ikettes (Debbie Wilson and Linda Sims) along with Tine. Tina dragged Ike into the studio to hear what they had been doing (iirc particularly the bit after the solo in Montana) as she was so proud. His response was:"What is this sshit?" and walked out.

[@bsimpson4076]

@@lennypersonalized yup, one of my favorite Zappa albums

[@timfeeley714-25]

Shout out to Linda Sims and Debbie Wilson, the other two Ikettes.

[@simonagree4070]

True fact: The first rock concert I ever attended was the Ike And Tina Turner Revue, in 1972, and the second was Frank Zappa with the Petite Wazoo band, also in 1972. I ended up seeing Zappa four times (over two years), and he played this song at every show, so I guess he was pretty fond of it himself. This is following the assault in England where he was knocked off the stage into the orchestra pit and his vocal chords were damaged, lowering his voice, which worked to his advantage on songs like this. I wore this record out learning to sing the high-pitched section before I realized that it was electronically altered to sound that way.

[@nickdanger4568]

I can't wait to see Doug's reaction to Dinah Moe Humm which is on this album

[@richmorgan1970]

I just posted a similar comment, Dirty Love might pose a challenge too! 😂😂😂

[@RCROX]

He's not ready for that...😂

[@leehjones]

I'm pretty sure Tina and the Ikettes are on Dinah Moe Humm. I had no idea I was listening to royalty on that exquisite bridge ("Got a spot that makes me hot...").

[@RCROX]

@leehjones I think they did the backing vocals for the entire album...

[@GoodCorporateRobot]

Frank was the master at writing silly lyrics while at the same time writing incredible music such that the silly lyrics didn’t matter so much. That talent, amongst his many other talents was a gift to all of us. Great request and great reaction Doug. I’m happy you like FZ!

[@jazzpunk]

Zappa did not write many love songs... 😊

[@bigswifty9941]

@@jazzpunk He wrote a lot of anti love songs

[@SharonPons]

Imagine producing this analogically. Great musicians and huge creativity.

[@BrianMillerConcerts]

Thanks for more Zappa on the channel!

[@richpeltier9519]

One of my favorite photographs is a pic from 1983 of Steve Harris and Dave Murray of Iron Maiden. In the picture Dave is wearing a shirt that says "No, we're not an English rock band" and Steve's shirt says "We're dental floss salesmen from Montana". Fucking epic. There is very good footage of this song live from Montreux, with the same line up as the original (I remember correctly). Incredible performance. 🤘🧙‍♂️🤘

[@martinabernathy205]

I want that shirt!

[@greggerypeccary]

There's also an early-80s Maiden interview where they mention listening to Zappa.

[@georgepitts1057]

A favorite Zappa anecdote: growing up, Frank listened to A LOT of Edgar Varese's "musique concrete" which incorporated a variety of "found sounds"....one day, Frank's mom lost her patience with what she considered noise, stormed into Frank's room and DESTROYED the recording of Varese!....Frank's reply was "But Mom...the sirens!"

[@jtsiren1676]

Burnt Weeny Sandwich is among my favorite Zappa abums. Beautiful piece of music, worth a long listen.

[@danclark745]

White Port and Lemon Juice

[@robertweaver2960]

**** You Get It! You are the only reactor who looks at all the aspects of Frank Zappa songs. His musicians are truly Top Notch. On a level of Steely Dan.

[@FritzMonday]

This whole album, is a masterpiece !

[@gerrydupuis9897]

It sure is.

[@KennyCamaro2364]

Zappa kills the guitar on this one!

[@simonwilson64]

Total visionary and musical genius. His son still plays his music with the same passion and energy that it deserves.

[@johndoh5182]

That guitar solo is one of the best ever laid down. The FLOW of it is amazing and perfect with the background melodics.

[@andrejz8954]

Indeed! But maybe my fav. solo of all time is Inca roads from Zappa plays Zappa (DVD)- Dweezil. That's just sick.. that buildup, man!

[@splankhoon]

One of the Fowler Brs. called it 'a perfect piece of music'. Once the middle section gets into your head, it never leaves...'n then you find yourself just randomly going "he's a bit dinky to strap a big saddle or blanket on anyway..." while people stare at you with a worried frown. 🙂

[@dczzzz55]

.... anyway ...

[@grahamokeefe9406]

Frank liked to play over one or two chord vamps. He said it gave him the freedom to get as outside as he wanted to but still have an anchor to come back to.

[@zappafan-co2we]

"That's not Easy" said everybody that attempted to play Zappa..."I love Franks Voice" Way to go Doug your the best

[@DavidHartley88]

Oh come on, Doug . You spoke over Kin Vassy's incredible "Yipee-Yi-Yo-Ty-Yay's" ,especially the F sharp at the end of the fade-out.

[@floydmccullough5555]

This is in my top five favorite songs of all times. I want it to close my funeral, because it always makes me smile.

[@ValSalva1337]

YES!!!! You're a legend Doug!

[@marcchapleau8343]

At 12 years old, i discovered Zappa's Apostrophe in 1975. I was way too young to really appreciate it. i really got in to Frank Zappa With my my real first true listening of that album in the early 90's + Overnite Sensation. Both were on a same CD. That was the day i understood how Zappa was a music god. But i went further with other albums only 3 years ago with : One size Fits all, Joe's Garage, Sheik Yerbouti, The Grand Wazoo, Studio Tan, Hot rats, Waka Jawaka, Sleep Dirt, Make some jazz noise, etc... Every single album is a true journey to a great musical experience. I love Zappa.

[@stevegee9087]

Once again, love your fresh breakdown, and absolutely recommend doing the whole album. So much fun!

[@santiagorojaspiaggio]

I still wait for the day Doug listens the album "Joe's Garaje". But also any of "Zoot Allures", "Sheik Yerboti", "You Are What You Is", ""Man From Utopia" or even "Jazz From Hell".

[@garydumas3148]

Recently retired, and put together my dream stereo. As I go through my album & CD collection I am experiencing new sounds I don’t recall hearing previously. Anyway, as I have worked through my Zappa collection, I too, can’t help but smile. Not being trained as you, distinguishing the numerous instruments and the “new sounds” has become a fascinating new hobby.

[@FurtiveSkeptical]

Thanks for using the original studio track.👍

[@DannyD714]

i just listened to "apostrophe/overnight sensation" last week start to finish. it's incredible. i love how frank would write a nonsensical song just to give him a chance to cut loose with an amazing guitar solo. i haven't checked,but if you haven't done " watermelon in easter hay" it has to go on your list of future zappa reactions. it's his most beautiful guitar solo,if not the most beautiful ever.

[@EverendeverGroup]

That's Napoleon Murphy Brock singing the cowboy part. He also played the sax and flute on this album, The background singers are Ike and Tina's backups, the Ikettes.

[@Misfit133]

This was the first song by Frank that me and my best buds ever heard. This was 1976. We went on a Frank Zappa buying binge that went on for years. My of my greatest memories. RIP Frank.

[@kjc4414]

Love your LP Wall... You have 6 of my top 10 fave LP's hanging up there! Miles, RTF, Btls Ab.Rd. and Rvlvr, Yes and Pink Floyd!... Good Job!

[@seed_drill7135]

This was recorded at Ike Turner's studio and Ike just hired the Ikettes as backing vocalists.

[@marcvanderiet5592]

Yep, Frank's voice was brand new at the time. You can hear it shine deeply.

[@niles006]

When I was about 18/19 this was amazing. Montana and Camarillo Brillo were so different from everything we ever heard. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@neocrex]

So glad you reviewed this one.

[@bkey915]

That zappa solo must have rocked this classical out. ;)

[@SirPulga]

It seems that many people have overlooked the subtle lyrical references in this song. The lyrics cleverly allude to marijuana use-historically, hemp (from which earlier types of string were made) is connected to cannabis. Back in the early 1970s, Montana had a thriving hemp industry, but government enforcement efforts began to shut it down. The line “...I’ll wax it down” likely refers to the process of cleaning seeds from cannabis buds to prepare them for smoking. Meanwhile, "zircon-encrusted tweezers" is a nod to the tweezers often used to hold the small end of a joint, known as the "roach."

[@Broccoli_Highkicks]

Not so fun fact: The reason Frank's voice sounds like that, is because he was attacked by a "fan" during a show in London, England, who pushed him off the stage, causing him to fall 15 feet onto the concrete floor of the orchestra pit. This resulted in severe injuries, including a broken rib and leg, a temporarily paralysed arm, a hole in the back of his head, and a fractured larynx - which permanently lowered his vocal range. If you listen to early recordings, you'll note the difference.

[@kjc4414]

Montana is the very 1st Zappa tune I ever heard (at 12)... Instantly became a Huge and Lifelong Fan at that moment... The rhythmic complexities just grabbed me like nothing else previous - especially that intro!!!

[@Lafiel17]

I have been hoping that you would do this one for so long. Thank you!

[@Grithron2]

Has Doug seen any of the Stockholm 1973 video? It's this band lineup playing the serious stuff (Montana is the only ONS song in the broadcast) - and of course it's terrific, especially since it gives us a chance to actually watch the Oblivion medley (the one with Be-Bop Tango in the middle of it).

[@stephanjonas6425]

One of my greatest memories is the Zappa and Mothers performing with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra at UCLA's Royce Hall in the mid seventies. My future drummer, Aynsley Dunbar was on drums and there was a lead violinist with a wah wah pedal and a Marshall amp who co-lead the ensemble. Frank had the audience conduct by having us make eye contact with a particular performer on stage and to prompt them during the show. It was arguably the most creative live show I've ever witnessed. What a fkn genius Frank was!

[@Canine77]

Wow! I’ve waiting for you to do more Zappa, there’s so much out there please do more.

[@Joshualbm]

What adds even more incredible dimensions to this tune is how he weaves in sped up and slowed down tape passages to track along with the regularly paced instrumentation. Try figuring that out.

[@Zopf-international]

The Ikettes! 🥰 Every time I hear this I do The Ikettes moves. Uncle Remus. ⚡

[@paulfuller8985]

Probably my favorite Zappa album . It was recorded more or less along side Frank's solo album Apostrophe . I have an American import copy of this album .

[@davecummings2424]

This is the 1st full Zappa album I ever heard start to finish. My buddy plugged it into the 8-track in his Alfa Romeo while cruising the Trinity Alps in northern California. This is probably my favorite Zappa song.

[@NeurodivergentMetal]

Iron Maiden are big Zappa fans, there is a picture from 1982 of Steve Harris and Dave Murray wearing shirts that say: "No, we are not an English Rock band" "We are Dental Floss salesmen from Montana".

[@Trapper50cal]

The "Montana" on YCDTOSA #2 is SO good. It really cooks. "Whipping Floss" - Helsinki, Finland, 1974.

[@CaptainObvious-p8z]

Thanks Doug, your analysis and explanation of the musical structure and chord changes is really helpful for amateaur musicians like me to understand what we are actually hearing. my fav Zappa album: Joe's Garage!

[@gilessteve]

It's always been a favorite of mine, along with _Inca Roads_

[@markharwood7573]

The sheer quantity of fine musical material in those few minutes is amazing. The way he assembles it is masterly. Then there's the way it all gets performed. This is genius. And it's all for fun.

[@marcusdaniel9669]

Kin Vassey is doing the "yippee yi o"!

[@muffinman4353]

And Tina Turner singing backup vocals...

[@trentpmcd]

Number 325 reasons I'm glad Tina had a great post-Ike career... She had every right to be proud of this! There is a lot of what I would call "raunch" on "Over-Nite Sensations". Yes, often hilarious, but, well - When I was a kid they used to play "Dinah-Moe Humm" on the radio all of the time and I can't believe they got away with it. Anyway, musically it is all great with this song (Montana) being one of my favorite Zappa tunes.

[@Greggoffgrid]

Moved to Montana 30 years ago. College in the mid 70's listened to Zappa all the time because of his genius writing, and top of the line musicians rocking it. Roxy and Elsewhere album is killer.

[@zappafrank1]

Frank Zappa music is like a movie for your ears.

[@lawrenceliebman9079]

This was the first record album I ever bought. In retrospect, it explains a lot.

[@RandymanB]

Loved Zappa back in my college days!!! Thanks for doing this!

[@Mika-ci2rl]

I love both this song and Doug's reaction on it, been watching it 8 times so far 😁

[@jmccartney2007]

Great tune! If anyone out there hasn't yet seen Dweezil on tour, make sure you go next time he's in your town. It's an amazing tribute to his dad.

[@christophbrylka6256]

Does humor belong in music? YES!!! 🥸

[@christophertomsa7071]

Recommend Roxy & Elsewhere. Dazzling arrangements and performance by a terrific group of artists. Ruth Underwood, George Duke, Ralph Humpfrey, Chester Thompson, Bruce Fowler, Napoleon Murphy Brock, and of course Frank Zappa all giving brilliant solo performances. An incredibly well-recorded live performance with some great stage banter, and then overdubbed a bit later in the studio with some terrific results. Just layers of brilliance, fun, and pure genius throughout. A masterpiece.

[@bowriverblues8445]

as a 17 year old in 1990 I was introduced to frank Zappa from an older bloke at work, being a guitar player learner at the time and a love of bazaar stuff I leaned right into it. my friends at the time were into modern music as I was I, but I had an affinity for obscure music....they thought I was a little weird when I would play it lol.

[@mikegray1706]

Zappa played this and others with his full "orchestra" on Saturday Night live. You should look it up to see all the gear they stuffed onstage.

[@zolaarczakle]

Some of Frank's bed time stories: Billy the Mountain, The Adventures of Greggery Peccary, Joe's Garage etc.

[@severalseasons]

More ideas in one track there than others can dream up for entire albums.

[@Quinceps]

You need to hear the music of an English band called Cardiacs. Mike Keneally from the Zappa band has had nothing but laudatory words for them. They’d probably be more well-known if Zappa had produced them or something.

[@lw1zfog]

‘The Big Ship’

[@matseriksson8177]

For us Rachel Flowers fans she has also made a cool one-woman-band cover of MONTANA on her SoundCloud.

[@kevanbodsworth9868]

Its a very long time since I heard this ,Its brilliant and hilariouse, A very rare combination ..

[@Incompetent_Hero]

Man, fond memories. I remember quoting Montana constantly after losing most of my voice from a very excited trip to Medieval Times. I've had every word memorized since my grandfather showed me it as a child, those backup singers absolutely nailed their part (Zappa wouldn't have it any other way)

[@MyCrazyDogs32]

I've been on a bit of a Zappa kick lately (listening to Apostrophe) so this offering is quite timely.

[@jonaslind9505]

Montana is a favorite, really enjoyed your reaction! Looking forward to you listening to Zomby Woof, it’s a banger! I’m partial to the original studio versions of Zappa classics so hope you do the studio original Zomby Woof, sure the live versions are awesome and a must hear but you gotta start at the beginning, don’t spoil it with later performances.

[@chassetterfield9559]

The live versions [ available on YT ] are outstanding.

[@brusecco]

my four cents: 1. i always loved frank's voice, too… and almost everything he used it for (songs, interviews, etc.) resonated in a good way with me. 2. i always loved the corncob thing in the picture frame 😂

[@shemanic1]

I must say "Overnite Sensation" and "Apostrophe" are both superb albums, this track wouldn't make me move to "MONTANA" but I never tire of listening to Frank & Company's brilliance. Their is a great live version of this to see the various performers.

[@Ashtrayred]

I own a lot of Zappa's music, but 2 albums I tend to go back to often are "Joe's Garage" and "You Are What You Is". While you can certainly pull out individual tracks to listen to, I highly recommend listening to both from start to finish. Thank me later, :)

[@SFLET-up9ll]

You nailed it on the comment. "Funny music, or throw away music". Zappa fan for over 50 years. That is how people looked at Frank.

[@TsunamiBeefPies]

Doug, there is SO much of Frank Zappa's music that you really need to hear. Maybe make the "Just Another Band from L.A." album an EPL someday. You won't regret it. Thanks, Doug! It's always a blast to watch you listen to Frank, because you are always knocked out by him. More FZ!! Here or on Patreon, I don't care!

[@THOMASS-p7u]

Zappa probably knew more about music then anyone in the 20th century. I met him and to this day I think he is the only TOTALLY non-dysfunctional person I ever met. THIS GREAT FULL ALBUM selection. George Duke on Yippee eye o. Saw this live but he was moving to Modesto

[@MrJMS814]

I love seeing Romantic Warrior on the wall back there. Another peak in the timeline of humanity.

[@dkfotog]

Dweezil does a version of this, and the guitar break is absolutely phenomenal!

[@chrisburton7081]

Hot Rats is my favorite Zappa album. It bangs from beginning to end.

[@jazzpunk]

...love it. I like the version from A TOKEN OF HIS EXTREME, as well. Napoleon Murphy Brock pulling off the crazy vocals. Zappa takes a long ride, the band cooks. My favourite Zappa band.

[@jimgrant4348]

I don't know how many times my friends and I listened to this album with bongs in hand. The entire album is one big head trip. Ah, to be back in the 70's with my pygmy pony he's a mighty fine horse, and my zircon encrusted tweezers.

[@kevinkliegl9315]

Same here.

[@YoBGS]

"The key's in B" - Yes, it's about melting their wax, so of course it's in the key of Bee.

[@mattreynolds612]

Cowboy yodeling over an American Indian vocal pattern. Very beautifully contrasting IMHO ✌️☮️🕊️🎶🎶🎵🎵🇺🇸

[@Pablopax4]

Franks distorted guitar tone is like no other. Also his note choices. Sal is the cowboy btw.

[@richmorgan1970]

I can’t wait to witness your reaction to Dinah-Moe Humm Doug! 😂😂😂

[@GreggoMusicChannel]

Zappa was a genius. I've seen Dweezil (and am seeing him again in April), and I've recently seen Banned from Utopia (former Zappa band members). I don't know how Frank was able to assemble such talent! They play on a higher plane than us mortals. A side note: The first time I saw Dweezil, his sound check warm up song was Inca Roads. Wow!

[@manager0175]

One of the many reasons musicians were able to tolerate FZ's insane rehearsal schedules, his slave driving demands on the road, and his low pay is very simple. When they got off tour with FZ, they could get any gig they wanted. Everyone knew this simple truth: "If you could play for FZ, you can play anything, for anyone." (exact quote from Tom Scott).

[@gelsol]

Dweezil plays a version of Inca Roads on this current tour. It's apparently a pre-album version, and it's considerably different, at least after the intro.

[@GreggoMusicChannel]

@@manager0175 I imagine that's very true!

[@hginbg]

Thanks for that one, Doug! You MUST check out FZ's Studio Tan album, these two pieces together: "Revised Music for Guitar & Low-Budget Orchestra" followed by "REDUNZL". Frank and George briefly move to another planet on the latter!