Posted on 06/19/2008 6:36:10 AM PDT by CharlieOK1
I am not really into the music scene of today, as I believe that everything that is touted as 'new' or 'the next big thing' always ends up being something somebody else already did. I have lately found myself digging back into music that really was innovative and ground-breaking. A lot of which was done before I was even around (I am 30). For example, Steely Dan, King Crimson, Yes, David Bowie...
I have always been fascinated by Frank Zappa, as he is basically universally thought of as a musical genius, but just have never really dove into his musical catalog as I really don't know where to start.
I had the privilege of attending many Zappa concerts.
A simply amazing performer.
L
didn’t Beef play with the Mothers once....i know Jean luc Ponty did for a while
Which is why, even though we all called him Jean-luc Pentatonic, I have a number of his albums as well. 8~)
Jean Luc’s band played my college in the late 70’s. He opened for Tom Waits.
It was and remains the only time I’ve seen a bass player on an electric 4 string pop a string in the middle of a song. Needless to say, he was really cookin’ at the time.
There's a good one to get - Jean-Luc Ponty: Enigmatic Ocean.
And if you're fond of electric jazz violin, check out the band UK with Eddie Jobson on violin and (I believe) Bill Bruford on drums.
UK is another one of "those bands" where the musicians have played with everyone... Steve Hackett, John Wetton, Eddie Jobson, and Bill Bruford, who was later replaced by Terry Bozzio, yet another Zappa alumnus!
Mark
This is the CENTRAL SCRUTINIZER...it is my responsibility to enforce all the laws that haven't been passed yet. It is also my responsibility to alert each and every one of you to the potential consequences of various ordinary everyday activities you might be performing which could eventually lead to The Death Penalty (or affect your parents' credit rating).
Our criminal institutions are full of little creeps like you who do wrong things... and many of them were driven to these crimes by a horrible force called MUSIC! Our studies have shown that this horrible force is so dangerous to society at large that laws are being drawn up at this very moment to stop it forever! Cruel and inhuman punishments are being carefully described in tiny paragraphs so they won't conflict with the Constitution (which, itself, is being modified in order to accommodate THE FUTURE).
I bring you now a special presentation to show what can happen to you if you choose a career in MUSIC . .
This was written in 1979!!!!!
Beefheart is the man! “I can’t stand my China pig!”
I’m The Slime
[backing vocals Tina Turner & The Ikettes]
I am gross and perverted
I’m obsessed ‘n deranged
I have existed for years
But very little has changed
I’m the tool of the Government
And industry too
For I am destined to rule
And regulate you
I may be vile and pernicious
But you can’t look away
I make you think I’m delicious
With the stuff that I say
I’m the best you can get
Have you guessed me yet?
I’m the slime oozin’ out
From your TV set
You will obey me while I lead you
And eat the garbage that I feed you
Until the day that we don’t need you
Don’t go for help . . . no one will heed you
Your mind is totally controlled
It has been stuffed into my mold
And you will do as you are told
Until the rights to you are sold
That’s right, folks . . .
Don’t touch that dial
Well, I am the slime from your video
Oozin’ along on your livin’ room floor
I am the slime from your video
Can’t stop the slime, people, lookit me go
It’s the blimp Frank...
I'm afraid I can't help you there.
The mothership! The mothership!
Speaking of Zappa-related artists, anyone else like Wild Man Fischer?
He used to play in the DC area all the time. I’ve seen him maybe 10 times, once in a garage setting very early in his career.
He has a movie. “300 Motels”, it is insane.
Once you've heard the Wild Man, you won't forget him.
When I saw "300 Motels", the theater I was in caught fire. At first I thought it was part of the show.
What kind of music does your band play? - a love for the Ramones and the Captain gives you impeccable taste credentials. Have you noticed how so many of the images in Beefheart’s songs are of pastoral rural America, animals, birds etc...quite at odds with most contemporary music which tends to be urban. I got to playing ‘Unconditionally Guaranteed’ the other day. Gimmie Dat Harp Boy is blistering and the whole disc much better than most people give it credit for.
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