Frank Zappa

The famous Winston Churchill quote, “A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma” referred to Russia, but it could have equally applied to Frank Zappa. The composer, arranger, conductor and guitarist has infuriated, delighted and perplexed listeners since he burst onto the US music scene with the first Mothers of Invention album, 1966’s Freak Out!. Loving everything from doo-wop to Stravinsky, Zappa was both a strict task master and humorous companion. He was also a virtuoso electric guitarist. Always a critic of American culture and its foibles, Zappa’s satirical lyrics delighted in puncturing sacred cows—his biggest hit was a savage swipe at West Coast youth culture in the song “Valley Girl”. From early, mould-cracking eccentricities such as We’re Only In It For The Money (which mocks the right, the left, hippies, and almost everything else) through the jazz-rock fusion of Hot Rats (1969) to musically sophisticated seventies albums such as Overnite Sensation and Waka / Jawaka, Zappa’s massive catalogue amply demonstrates his diversity and an incredible work ethic. While we’re awaiting a vinyl re-release of the excellent introduction Strictly Commercial—The Best Of Frank Zappa, one great way to access his music is via the 2020 RSD release You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore - Sampler.