Frank Zappa is the master of crazy hilarious music and this, his third album, is in my opinion his most accomplished and musically developed. It is a parody of the `hippy' music of the sixties done in the exact style of the music it is parodying. This is something that Zappa manages to do effortlessly and with obviously successful results. Just look at my rating for it.
If you are new to Frank Zappa I would definitely recommend you start with this album, or, at the very least, I'll say that this is a fine starting point. This was the first Zappa album I ever heard and it got me totally hooked. Within two minutes of this album starting I was in hysterics. It really is that funny. It is also a good place to start because of the variety of music presented here. There are short and catchy pop tunes, intense and terrifying/hilarious instrumental pieces, tuneful and beautiful songs, while it is all done in Zappa's pre-seventies humor. Before he became a little too obsessed with trying to be a stand up comedian, which is where he lost me a little on some of his later albums.
Anyway, the songs. There are quite a few songs on show here but they are all pretty short so the album is just under forty minutes in length. What you get though, is enough. Trust me. Every single song on this album is perfect in that it accomplishes what it set out to do and contributes to a thematically coherent album. There isn't a single wasted song here. Zappa doesn't have to resort to filler when his genius so easily produces these nineteen mini masterpieces. Songs cleverly lead into one another and at least one song has a second part later on. This creates a unity that enforces the feeling of the album as almost one long song instead a bunch of little ones. Also, there are short clips of dialogue throughout and other snippets of weirdness that help to pull the album together.
`Concentration Moon' is a weird song that changes genre several times throughout the same song. It starts out with an almost beautiful chorus of sorts with very odd singing from everyone involved. It then changes rather quickly into a more fast paced song, again with some particularly odd singing, and some even odder lyrics. Very funny though. A favourite of mine.
`Mum and Dad' is an obviously beautiful song. Well, beautiful in Zappa's own weird way. The lyrics are quite sad, though, and it's far less upbeat than most of the other songs. It also has one of the best opening riffs in my opinion.
`What's the ugliest part of your body?' is a phenomenal song. It is both funny as hell and musically wonderful at the same time. It is also another one that changes genre several times throughout. It goes from weird harmonizing to strange catchy pop and a one point to something I can't even describe, but is awesome.
`Lonely Little Girl' is another real highlight, but a short one at just over one minute. It opens with one of my favorite ever guitar riffs and has some truly beautiful lyrics and singing in.
`Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance' is another short track but a real classic Zappa song. It is super catchy and damn funny. Makes you wonder what would have happened if he had just stuck to writing to catchy pop music.
Anyway, I have gone on a bit. Just goes to show you how much I love this album. It's a lot. I can't promise that you'll love it too but either way it's a classic that has stood the test of time, much better than a lot of the music it's taking the piss out of. There's a sincerity to the weirdness that makes it feel genuine, rather than cringey, and while the songs might occasionally sound ridiculous the underlying music is solid and would stand up even if played straight. A great album.
Frequently bought together
This item: We're Only In It For The Money
£7.16
In stock
+
+
Total price:$00
To see our price, add these items to your basket.
Choose items to buy together.
What do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start againPage 1 of 1
Best Selling
in this set of productsHighest rated
in this set of productsLowest Price
in this set of products
Top reviews from United Kingdom
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 July 2007
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 September 2003
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 February 2018
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 October 2011
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 July 2014
Top reviews from other countries
-
-
JuanjoReviewed in Spain on 4 March 2024
Frank Zappa - We’re Only In It For The Money
- Scott HedegardReviewed in the United States on 13 March 2014
The ugly side of the '60's like only Zappa can tell it
-
