I’ve got a couple online friends whom I email and talk about music. One of them recently mentioned Frank Zappa’s 1979 album, “Joe’s Garage.” I remember my brother owned the album back when we were in high school. I remember seeing it propped up by his desk and I know I heard it but it didn’t make much impression at the time. I was probably listening to KISS, who I haven’t listened to in decades – but they sure seemed great when I was fourteen!
I’ve always been aware of Frank Zappa and admired him in a vague way (cool guy, iconoclast, super talented) but I’ve never really known his music. So I’m happy to say I’m really enjoying this album, which I’ve been listening to lately while editing pics. To me Zappa always seemed like one of those “musicians’ musicians” who was genius-level talented but hard to connect with, at least for me. Good stuff and worth the time. Strange album with some super catchy songs- and that title track just makes me happy!
I liked his album Apostrophe….”Watch out where the huskies go and don’t you eat that yellow snow”
Big Zappa fan of the slightly earlier era, Apostrophe, Overnight Sensation, One Size Fits All, and Overnight Sensation were and still are favorites. I’m glad I got to see Frank in Providence RI back in the late seventies too!
My guitar friend from LA was a fraternity brother with a musician named Jim Pons. Jim was in a college band called the LEAVES. He played bass and sang. (check out their version of “Hey Joe”. Killer.) Jim left the Leaves when he was invited to join a band that made a much bigger impact on American music: the TURTLES. He stayed in that band throughout their history and performed admirably with the band. When the TURTLES disbanded, Jim was invited to play with Frank Zappa’s MOTHERS of INVENTION. He accepted. Only one problem.
Jim didn’t READ music.
Frank would give him intricate charts for his bass runs but Jim had no clue how to play them. Fortunately for Jim, the piano player read music and coached him. Frank was a task master and difficult to work for unless you had real talent. Jim didn’t stay long with Frank. He left music and became the videographer for the New York Jets. But what a run he had. From a garage band to the top.