You guys know I like Frank Zappa! However... This Song Inca Roads |First Reaction First Listen

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[@Roger-nk5ug]

I'm honestly shocked at your reaction! This is simply one of the most amazing instrumentals I've ever heard! Transcendent, even!

[@umbertocandiolo2479]

I do agree, this guy is nuts. A part from what he says, I understand this was the first time he listened to Inca Roads, one of the most famous and significant compositions of one of the most important composers of the 20th century. Unbelievable. Not exactly a refined and very competent musicologist......

[@chrisjenkins6120]

Zappa sounds like a progressive jazz acid trip. The colors flow freely, then Zappa zips through with a strangeness that nobody expects. The musician are awesome for sure.☮️💟

[@kellyatkinson6643]

Great musicians aside, the stop motion video work is what Tool strives to be (and I adore Tool).

[@davehagi9883]

This track is a grower, the more you hear of Franks stuff, the more it feeds into your brain, I promise you will come back to this, meanwhile enjoy what this guy left us.

[@barbastathisr]

when you listen to Inca Roads 1000 times, you are going to think, that this is one of the Franks best composition and performances

[@rk41gator]

@@barbastathisr Who writes music about the Incas and whether some alien came down and showed them how to build roads through the Andes. OH, Frank Zappa.

[@pilesovinyl]

It's one of his best IMO. The keyboard player George Duke was classically trained and he told Frank that he didn't sing but Frank wanted him to try, and it's in a high range which is sorta unusual. The percussionist Ruth Underwood is also classically trained and plays marimba here and various drums. Drummer Chester Thompson would later become Phil Collins' tour drummer for genesis so that they could have a fuller sound and that Phil could come out from behind the kit to sing many of their songs. Napoleon Murphy-Brock was the sax/flute/second vocalist. This is one of Frank's pieces that intentionally throws "the kitchen sink" into the composition and Frank's solo is kinda the foundation of the madness, a break if you will from the beginning to the flourish at the end. I love it but his music was never made for mass appeal. He created to put unusual sound combinations together, to break compositional norms and to mix styles.

[@BreezyandtheBlazers-vd3xw]

George didn’t want to play sinth either but Zappa bought him one and little by little he tinkered with it until he could create those Inca Roads Sounds. Zappa brought out the best in his musicians

[@jackiewilliams4854]

Chester is an absolute monster on the drums. Such impeccable timing and power.

[@kraut16]

Thank you for this great comment, hope this helps people not familiar with FZ to better understand

[@richardmacphee2367]

He pretty much has no limits to what he has done over the years, way ahead of his time, and some of the greatest musicians you could have ever heard,

[@leddygee1896]

Frank is 100% LEGIT!! Fan for many, many years...

[@timcardona9962]

Thank you for your honesty. While Zappa was a great guitarist he was primarily a composer and some of his music is very complex. This tune is especially busy and chaotic and I dont expect most people to dig it unless they're into jazz/fusion

[@Jude_196]

"Unless they're into jazz/fusion": yes - that would be me, TOO!

[@sherryherrick6567]

These 3 words describe it for me..."Far Out Man"

[@TarantuLandoCalcuLingus]

Check out naked city!

[@mrc0917]

agreed

[@twwtjohns]

And one more thing to consider when listening to his music in Frank scores every note of every instrument, every percussive beat and every vocal note you hear on paper.

[@Zeppelinator427]

Except for the solo sections, that's where everyone got to jam

[@mrc0917]

thats 100%

[@johndevlin7700]

A true musical genius, one of my kind, my favorite musician.

[@FVZCB]

Fratello

[@kentclark6420]

Personally this is far and away my favorite Zappa track- it has everything! And more you don't expect. There are many Zappa tracks I'm not fond of, though. This one just encompasses all of the positive factors in his music that I do like.

[@Jude_196]

Zappa was unlike ANY OTHER...in more than 100 ways!! BRILLIANT MUSICIANS!! This kind of chaos doesn't just happen!! :) POLO: You are allowed to like new music to you, or not like it!! :) It's ok! LOVE YOUR REACTIONS!! HUGS!

[@paulfarley0078]

not all of them are winners😎

[@Jude_196]

@@paulfarley0078 AGREE 💯

[@THCya97961]

I was listening to Howard Stern hear Zappa on his show once and it COMPLETELY went over his head. He ABSOLUTELY hated it!! This is NOT an uncommon reaction when it comes to Frank. Fine line between trash and treasure.

[@PeteHummers-my3kv]

TBF, Howard's not that bright~

[@THCya97961]

@@PeteHummers-my3kv when it comes to good music you are ABSOLUTELY right!!!

[@JanetGibbons-dl3yy]

This was awful 😖

[@liviomiraglia602]

Stern is dumb

[@mrc0917]

a composing genius

[@stangovers7441]

Zappa is one of the true musical geniuses in this world or any world. I was lucky to see him perform the entire Absolutely Free live. It was mind boggling! Polo, I think that it's great that you react to a variety of musical genres. Keep up the great work!!

[@Jack-D-Ripper]

This was the very first Frank Zappa track that I ever heard, and I fell in love with it immediately. I loved the laid back, mellow guitar solo, but what sold me on this was that amazing keyboard solo. I bought it straight away on iTunes. This is a track that I listen to frequently and really enjoy.

[@DestroyCooperative]

Black Napkins needs to be listened to. It’s simple, but groovy and original.

[@BreezyandtheBlazers-vd3xw]

The one on the Mike Douglas show was exceptionally good

[@mrc0917]

fosho

[@shemanic1]

This may grow on you over time, it is one of my top Zappa tracks, the way it is woven out of all those sounds, & Ruth Underwood's percussion is as awesome as ever, & she gets a mention.

[@Tolemac7]

Hey Polo ~ Frank is first and foremost a composer. Every note on this, he wrote. This is one of his signature blends of jazz, fusion and avant-garde music. On one of his very first appearances on tv, (if not his very first) he was on the Tonight Show with Steve Allen (Pre Johnny Carson) and he played, of all things---- A bicycle. He was very much influenced by other avant-garde/electronic/noise composers who came before him like John Gage and Edgard Varèse. It is definitely not for everyone. Personally, I love it. Not to worry, as there is plenty of Frank's music that doesn't go off in this direction.

[@Royale_with_Cheeze]

John Cage. You wouldn't want Frank's name misspelled as Sappa, would you?

[@kgadigital6234]

The world's greatest American composer.

[@onomatopie1]

as always a very honest reaction.... you'll probably never listen to this again, and that's an absolute shame, because once you get 'the grip' of it, you'll come to see it as a masterpiece. happy new year from Belgium;)

[@rickmowat1069]

Totally agree!

[@jonesa9214]

George Duke the keyboard player/singer had a really good solo career. And teaming up with Stanley Clark was awesome .

[@eddiepierce7028]

The song just before Watermelons in Easter Hay is The Packard Goose. Right around 3 1/2 minutes you’d better be buckled up. It’s the most intense, dynamic and complex guitar solo I have ever heard and I’m 65 loving music since the crib! Check it out.

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

Try “Why Does It Hurt When I Pee”. Seriously!🖖🏼

[@rogerosterberger4627]

I still remember him crushing Tipper Gore in the senate hearings about ratings on records.

[@user-hg4us3ks5u]

I remember the `you can kiss my ass`incidence…. Unbeliveable funny😅

[@hondamx96]

I can't get over how perfect every single thing is about how he says "PARK IT!" is. The tone, the mood, the attitude, register, raspyness, phrasing, wording and so on.

[@AhronLong]

This is top tier writing and musicianship.

[@stevedotwood]

Listen a few times and it all becomes more cohesive. The studio version's basic track is this live version but with overdubs. The solo in that version is amazing. It's a track he took from a live perforrmance in Helsinki. Undoubtedly one of his top best solos.

[@BreezyandtheBlazers-vd3xw]

1979 Manchester England is my favorite

[@jonncockrell3606]

Come back in a few years and you will realize that Frank was light years ahead of you!

[@michaelmalm3649]

This is a masterpiece. Your not alone . It takes a lot to absorb it all . Some people can do it some can't.

[@SpaceCowboyX9]

Frank Zappa has composed a whole galaxy of music in his sadly short lifetime, going way back to the Mothers Of Invention. I truly believe he is one of the greatest composers of all time. After listening to his music for years I think one of his best compositions is “The Ocean Is The Ultimate Solution”. This instrumental will take you on a magical journey that may blow your mind! Give it a listen Polo and please share with your followers.

[@nessaseetah1805]

Put it on on a Saturday morning and start doing your chores. You will realize you are having the best day ever. That's Zappa

[@keef7224]

When listening to Zappa, I am often reminded of the late, great Brother Theodore, who once said “I don’t understand music, but I do like the noise that it makes.”

[@victoriagrove5344]

Frank did his thing no matter what. Music geniuses do not aim to please everyone. Frank is the most talented musician in rock. Period.

[@ericklein5927]

Is the type of music that keeps you busy listening without listening. Walking around cleaning the house and doing laundry.... It's great for a rush.

[@davidwaltonking9591]

The ‘Inca Roads’ guitar solo from the studio release of ‘One Size Fits All’ - one of the greatest guitar solos of ALL TIME, in my book - was overdubbed using a sample from a live recording of an FZ concert in Helsinki.

[@HiloBoiz808]

Frank Zappa album Sheik Yerbouti, any song, you will be shocked.

[@brucesorensen]

Frank makes music for musicians. I can understand your reaction. I'm a musician who has been a Zappa fan for over 50 years. It's a acquired taste. This is one of his more " out there " track. To see him live is a whole new experience.

[@ThomasJLKastner]

Respect the honesty and sincere feedback. Still gave a thumbs up to the video. Keep at it!

[@paulv7454]

While we are in the way back machine a band called Steppenwolf doing magic carpet ride is one you will like

[@nicholasthomas3635]

'Muffin Man' Live 1977. Crowd was deep into the song.

[@rk41gator]

Such an incredible band. On percussion is Ruth Underwood, Juilliard music student. On drums is Chester Thompson, of Genesis and Phil Collins fame. Frank's musical IQ is off the charts, literally.

[@diverdown631]

With 68 albums during his life and another 60 something albums after his death from material he recorded and kept in his vault, there are many styles he covered, not everybody is going to like everything

[@paulmartin7381]

As Frank said, "The ones that get it love it, the ones that don't weren't suposed to.

[@Cchan53]

Frank always had nothing but the best in the business as far as his musicians making up the band over the years. I was fortunate to be a part of this world for a few years. A very cool guy to be around....RIP

[@michaelandrepont]

Zappa was one of the greatest musical minds of our age. The best of what the 20 th century had to offer. He made fun of groups of people that thought they were above being made fun of. A truly self made man A individualist. Sadly I’m afraid he’d be cancelled today.

[@rogerosterberger4627]

The Mothers of Invention use more chord patterns and augmented chords than any other band. The album Billy was a Mountain was basically a live jam session with outstanding music. You might want to check out some of the solo stuff from the band. Jean Luc Ponty is a good place to start.

[@BrianLomeli-bt4zj]

Bruh really wanna know how insanely franky Zappa was as a musician very versatile and never days off . He has different types of styles in music even early hip hop & dj pop music or early techno 1960 I’m telling you bruh he was doing it all.

[@benhinds2971]

Like they said in the movie Amadeus, "to many notes"

[@randygabbert7831]

Zappa is an acquired taste, one I never acquired!

[@timfeeley714-25]

How deep did you dig? He released 68 albums in his lifetime, and half of those were double albums, Shut Up and Play Your Guitar was a three album set, plus he scored movies and wrote music for other people before he formed the Mothers, including two or three songs for Burt Ward ( Robin Boy Wonder from the original Batman)

[@wildmouse5888]

Somewhere there is a Zappa song you would love. For Zappa doing country, try a song called "Harder Than Your Husband".

[@timfeeley714-25]

@@wildmouse5888 or Lonesome Cowboy Burt or Poofters Froth Wyoming

[@raybiesfinallyfit]

This is his most progressive band. Look up George Duke recordings from 70’s! Love that you love Frank!

[@ricobonifacio1095]

The sound of a musical Genius is not for everyone.

[@Waffles19SD]

When you look at Inca roads as a classical music piece it fits in with the extremely hard genere. This type of arrangement is a masterclass of professional musicianship

[@Waffles19SD]

Also Inca roads is an idea of what aliens music would sound like. And he incredibly still fits it somehow in the realm of real musical timing

[@taituts6963]

This is a song that you have to listen to more than one time, maybe then you see it in a different way. I know most of his material and would say it‘s one of his greatest songs

[@nforne]

It’s actually great to see an honest reaction for a change. I skip most reactions when I sense they’re being insincere, and it happens a lot. You got a follow.

[@wilelowman]

This was shown on The Midnight Special back in the Day. Unbelievable.

[@Gh0StF1sHy]

Ruth (Xylophone/ Percussion) is terrifying; I have no other way to describe it.

[@mairisbaumanis9903]

My favorite of all of the Frank Zappa songs I know of

[@robertlear2712]

A couple of great songs from Zappa are Peaches en Regalia and Aybe Sea. I think you will like them.

[@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH]

Such a complex piece, as usual. I now recommend the song Apostrophe from zappa’s album, Apostrophe. Much more funky and integrated track.

[@pmondo420]

One of the best modern day composers!

[@McCarlKnoxville]

One of his best 😊

[@itsmedrooms6071]

They are all killing it, if you were not a killer, you would not be there. Frank would mix and match different genres or aspects of those genres matched with unrelated parts of other genres, it was avant-garde really and the musicianship involved was legendarily demanding. That’s why musicians have a deep respect for Frank’s music because he wrote all of it for each and every instrument. A lot of what he composed and arranged was insanely complex and it is definitely genius level.

[@heidiandhergoatsl2618]

Wow, I have never heard this before. While I can see how people are calling this chaotic, there is, to me, a great deal of organization in this composition. It is a very uplifting, cheerful piece. And a woman percussionist! Yes! Zappa was quite progressive.

[@leedubwah6746]

One of my favorite Zappa creations.

[@dannytapp7259]

As a young teen I couldn't see how anyone would like Zappa but I later had this buddy that was a DJ and a Zappa addict he had 40 albums played them over and over and knew exactly when to crank the volume way up and I got hooked

[@scotttrainer9704]

While a lot of musicians were creating some great music Frank was trying to tantalize your senses.

[@paulrogers4483]

If you're just jumping into the Zappa pool Inca Roads is jumping into the deep end without floaties on LOL I'm not surprised you didn't care for it much. Most reactors start here with Inca Roads because they see alot of people did this one and think it's a good place so start and get scared away for good and miss out on some of the most amazing music they'll ever hear, I don't want that to happen to you.. A good jump off point for the creative and goofy Zappa would be... Don't Eat The Yellow Snow Suite: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6Gxn2SkndljlZo Hope you check it out.... ✌Peace✌

[@garyfriedrick9941]

You got that right...What do you know? This piece is quintessential Zappa. The singing is comedy. Frank's solo was a contrasting palette to the body of the song. Those were all charts with so many incredible variations, subtle changes at a blistering pace. Frank's solo and George Duke's masterpiece of technique on the outro were the only improvisation. This composition showcases the brilliance of Maestro Zappa. just kidding earlier, this was no groove tune which he also does quite well. This piece is Zappatec for those of us who were there from the very beginning enraptured in something that comes around seldom. Thank you Frank, I miss you every day.

[@walterlana4554]

You can find the best FZ guitar solo in the Inca Roads live version contained in the live album "the best band you're ever heard in your life". The title of that album is acccurate 😁

[@unitoolzee]

I’m really surprised that you didn’t like this! There are a lot of Zappa songs where I can understand why people wouldn’t like them, but this song is wonderful. That whole concert video is wild - Ruth Underwood plays some CRAZY percussion.

[@nunyabinniss201]

Oh man, you're going a** over apple cart into one of the best, most bizarre rabbit holes around. Gonna be fun watching you on the Zappa ride. Go for some of the guitar solo stuff, you'll definitely diggify on it. Just subscribed too. :)

[@mattking5936]

I love this performance. It's one of my favourite Zappa live tracks. George Duke is immense. I think you need to listen to it again.

[@kylehopkins1180]

This one of my favorite Zappa songs. George Dukes work is amazing. I usually introduce people who are into fussion to this song. You must listen to the studio version!

[@johnhiggins7530]

Damn, one of his BEST among so many great tracks, one of his best bands too, George Duke features big time, as he should, love FZ and George to the end of my time

[@bobwasp825]

After almost 40 years of listening to Zappa's unique music, what I would say is ..... He was such an unconventional person and had such an unconventional approach to creating music it can a little while to get to grips with its originality ( based on most of what you've heard previously ). I recommend giving it a second, third listen to. Once you become more familiar with Frank's unique creativity I found that I appreciated it so much more.

[@GoodCorporateRobot]

Revisiting my comment… as a 40 year long fan of Zappa, I learned that sometimes it takes time for the song you didn’t like so much at first to become one of your favorites. I never set out to be a Zappa fan, yet here I am. Give it time.

[@teresabaker9610]

Thanks for playing. Loved the intricacy. I saw Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention in concert in the 60s. Incredible!!!

[@briancullen9575]

There’s a small handful of Zappa songs that I like and I could throw the rest of them away forever and not miss them at all. But this is far and away my favorite of his songs.

[@strydershadow391]

I've never been a Zappa fan myself but had many friends that were. I can relate to your thoughts.

[@Tomekkplk]

Small smooth brain channel

[@SteveoGregg]

Zappa was a musical genius, R.I.P Frank.

[@howardjohnrobertson7097]

I remember back in the day when I didn't get Zappa so this is an understandable reaction. But when it clicked, maybe a bit of brain re-wiring I don't know, it all falls into place and it doesn't sound the slightest bit chaotic. Every note is exactly in place and it's beautiful and then you can barely remember how it sounded before. That is an honest first listen but if you persevere, I'm sure you'll appreciate the benefits eventually like I did.

[@2AOnlyWay]

Yeah, you can’t wade into it a little bit at a time…you gotta dig in, and stay in, then you’ll be hooked!!🔥✌🏼

[@kathyjones3940]

Wishing you Polo and your beautiful family and all your followers a very Happy New Year from B.C, Canada 🎉❤😊 Can't wait to watch your 2024 reactions ❤

[@sherryherrick6567]

Along with The Mother's of Invention. Zappa: "say nope to dope". He was like the Mayor of Laurel Canyon. That's a really cool documentary (on Prime) on some of the frontrunner who changed the sound of music (as us old folks knew) 😀

[@RalphSpoiledsport]

You are not obligated to love everything you hear. And you seem to know why. Good video.

[@asdfqwer1234zxcv]

Im a big zappa fan, i have heard most of his stuff and that's a lot of stuff. The weird vocals used to bother me but not so much now. There's a movie about the band where he wrote in sarcastic comments about it. "I especially like the part where we sing 'ran tan tan...' its a strange funny soundtrack

[@Royale_with_Cheeze]

200 Motels

[@sidewinder3694]

Zappa + pink floyd = TOOL

[@Jude_196]

😂😂😂😂

[@dannyc8041]

Not a casual listen. Great stuff! Zappa is a composer first, and this is some of his best!

[@MotorMcMatt]

Thinking about your reaction and I have similar feelings. While I always love technical prowess, at the end of the day it’s got to sound good or otherwise appeal to the listener for them to give it a thumbs up. Good reaction.

[@zappafrank1]

Frank Zappa music is like a movie for your ears, you must pay attention.

[@2AOnlyWay]

My advice to anyone who is not familiar with Frank!! Is go at it full force and you will not regret it, unless that’s all you listen to for 3 years afterwards! But listening to a song here and there, you’ll probably never figure him out!!#1 Frank it up!!🔥🔥

[@AManIsNoOne67]

The lyrics are based on the fact that some people believe the Inca roads are alien landing strips. It's not your everyday playlist kind of song, for sure. His creativity was on steroids.

[@johnhiggins7530]

Man, you do realise this is LIVE ? You Need to listen it a lot more times

[@jamessomers8808]

Hey, it’s all good. Zappa got hundreds of songs and there’s a bunch of them, I don’t love either. Check out, I’m the slime or dynamo hum or Camarillo Brillo or Tinseltown, rebellion or, my favorite, titties and beer.❤

[@savingstumps]

dynamo hum, such a classic.

[@FunkyHonkyCDXX]

Zappa wouldn't be Zappa without Ruth Underwood

[@PeteHummers-my3kv]

Every note was written down - you can see Zappa, during the first spoken word bit, still conducting the musicians

[@thundermammoth]

This is one of my favorites. Especially dig the solo, and its backdrop, section.

[@ernestscribner9184]

That's fair. "Inca Roads" is my favorite FZ song.

[@DiamondDavev2]

I didn't like this song the first time I heard it. But the video made me wanna see it again. Ruth on the vibes really blew me away. Frank doesn't play at his best, but this is a good example of his work as composer and conductor. It's the best video of him doing what was in his head without being the focus. George was a treat too. Next time, try Jewish Princess or Fembot in a Wet T-Shirt. Pinnacle Zappa.

[@keiththompson713]

If you don't like a Zappa album, try listening to it again. I remember when "Overnite Sensation" first came out. It was such a departure from his early Mothers, Flo & Eddie, and previous two big band albums (all of which I loved), that I was really disappointed the first time I listened to it. Needless to say, after a few more listens it became (and is still 50 years later) one of my absolute favorites, as is that particular band.