Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Zappa - When He Wasn't Fucking Around

Frank Zappa had such brilliant musical knowledge he could create incredible things but his lyrics could often confound things ... except when it didn't and that was on the Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar Tour.  For many listeners, everything else was fucking around but this Tour definitely was not.

Zappa could rock as hard as anyone you ever heard and just as tight and as punchy as you would ever want.  In other material he could sound affected as the style of his lyrics is unusual but not all that compelling.  That could make him unapproachable but the music supporting it all was unbelievable.  He's a brilliant man and the lyrics must warrant more attention than I've given them but I have difficulty getting anywhere near them.  When he shuts up 'n plays his guitar, it's not necessary.

It's not that all music must be a primal bitchslap ... but it's good to have the capability for a primal bitchslap and Zappa could do it just fine.

No yellow snow, just do it.


(video is worthless but the audio delivers)

This was when playing fast guitar wasn't just a bunch of clerks competing to see who could type the Bible the quickest.

Note:  yes, at least one person got into the Guinness Book of World Records for the shortest time typing the Bible.  Maybe this came after they wouldn't register records for eating bugs, etc.

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