A Breakdown of Frank Zappa's "Alien Orifice"

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  • Опубліковано 11 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 268

  • @thedweezilzappa
    @thedweezilzappa 3 роки тому +231

    So good! Love it!

    • @TylerBartram
      @TylerBartram  3 роки тому +73

      Thank you so much Dweezil! Never would've gotten into any of this if I didn't see you play. It completely changed my life, so thank you for everything!

    • @BijouDrains
      @BijouDrains 3 роки тому +23

      @@TylerBartram Blessed by a Zappa.

    • @michaelledford4751
      @michaelledford4751 3 роки тому +11

      Watching for a 2nd time and am still left speechless ,granted the examples of Franks composition style he can reference directly from sheet music so thats not what blows my mind ,with FZ,s catalog being somewhere around 1,200 titles how & the heck did this guy know which pieces to use to present his points ,unless he spent a year researching Franks catalog the majority of the pieces chosen to show the same style/chords being demonstrated have to atleast begin with a memory of the many example pieces ,your memorization ability makes me want to take my guitar to a serene location overlooking the ocean ,light up a fatty & absorb the beauty ,then throw my guitar into the ocean with the hope the waves take it out of my sight forever .

    • @migueldospachangas7716
      @migueldospachangas7716 3 роки тому +5

      @@michaelledford4751 Conceptual Continuity. You either got's it, or ya don'ts. I'm starting to believe our man Tyler here is a bit like Einstein. Quick Tyler, what's your phone # ?/Address ? / What did your wife tell you to get at the grocery store ? OK, Here's an easy one- explain how time bends, when in proximity to a Black hole, or wicked vortex. You are what you is, Tyler, on par with Scott and Mike. You can't get his kind of acme of higher knowledge on open mic night. Appreciation and Respect, Regards to Michael Ledford, Richard Feynman, Tesla, Einstein and Tyler Bartram

    • @wjamyers
      @wjamyers 3 роки тому +5

      @@BijouDrains , the son of god

  • @SingenSpielenSprechen
    @SingenSpielenSprechen Рік тому +2

    Rare instances of commitment to a subject, understanding and appreciating that subject such as THIS TREASURE are the essence of the internet. In short: Thanks.

  • @melechgadol
    @melechgadol Рік тому +4

    the elevator music Dupree's paradise is genius

  • @michaelledford4751
    @michaelledford4751 4 роки тому +19

    Holy jesus,how are you able to effortlessly reference so many juicy tid bits from dozens of Franks pieces ,your memorization ability is frightening .

  • @mikemyersmusic
    @mikemyersmusic 3 роки тому +25

    Incredible job, Tyler. This dissertation should earn you a Phd in music! Thanks Dr. Bartram!!!

  • @wjamyers
    @wjamyers 3 роки тому +7

    I came here from the Montana interlude vid, to knock it out before returning and find it's over an hour and you only have 1.58K subs so I subbed and commented to build your juice cause this stuff is essential viewing IMO

  • @Chicago_Podcast_Authority
    @Chicago_Podcast_Authority 3 роки тому +30

    If you made an hour and a half analysis of every song I would fund that patreon

  • @RemcoLamberts
    @RemcoLamberts 3 роки тому +7

    Loved the Montana analysis, and this is again something that's hard to top! This is beyond music conservatory level, you deserve a honorary doctorate in Zappology,, if you haven't got a postgrad in music theory already lol. Like for many other commentators I do understand the basics, and even without a formal music education I really appreciate how you break thing down in an easy to understand way. I have also been a lifetime Zappaholic (since I was 13) so can't get enough of this stuff.

  • @bradfordknights7554
    @bradfordknights7554 4 роки тому +41

    Wow. The time you put in here is tremendous. I will be watching this multiple times. Thank you so much for honoring him this way.

  • @edpalermo1580
    @edpalermo1580 4 роки тому +40

    This is really REALLY great!

    • @TylerBartram
      @TylerBartram  4 роки тому +10

      Thanks Ed, I’m a big fan!

    • @edpalermo1580
      @edpalermo1580 4 роки тому +7

      @@TylerBartram And now I'm a fan of you! You know a hell of a lot more about music than I do:)

  • @germaniumrocker
    @germaniumrocker 4 роки тому +9

    Absolutly amazing! I Could not stop watching, please do more! Anything with Frank Zappa, just anything!
    Outrage at Valdez, The Black Page, Envelopes, Roxy & Elswhere, Absolutly Free.....and so on.
    Thank you for making and sharing this video!

  • @BrianClem
    @BrianClem 2 роки тому +1

    Not only is this a brilliant dive into the master of music, Frank Zappa, but it also is saving my brain as I wait in a jury pool.

  • @seanc.murphy3573
    @seanc.murphy3573 5 місяців тому +2

    I’m pretty sure about 10k of this video’s 41k views are mine lol - I just keep going back again and again. I ‘understand’ about.. maybe 10% of the technical content, but it’s so damn fun - the content, your delivery, the production.
    thank you Tyler 🙏
    seanM

  • @musicman1124
    @musicman1124 3 роки тому +13

    holy shit, this is a stellar analysis of zappa's compositional process

  • @BMJ1999
    @BMJ1999 Рік тому +1

    trying to catalog the sneaky snippets
    1:50 - Cheepnis
    1:59 - What's The Ugliest Part of Your Body
    2:09 - not sure
    7:45 - Packard Goose
    9:35 - not sure

    • @TylerBartram
      @TylerBartram  Рік тому

      2:09 is Holiday In Berlin, 9:35 is Dupree’s Paradise

  • @jmlincolorado
    @jmlincolorado 4 роки тому +7

    I have been waiting on seeing this sort of discussion of Frank’s music for years!

  • @ericsvalgard9220
    @ericsvalgard9220 3 роки тому +11

    this is the best analysis of Zappa music i have seen. Concise, complete and with a little humor thrown in. Very much in the spirit of the music itself. Thank you. Brilliant

  • @pechondelgado
    @pechondelgado 4 роки тому +6

    You should be proud of this video. Excellent job diving into this.

  • @CHUNGAandNANOOK
    @CHUNGAandNANOOK 4 роки тому +33

    Such a phenomenally solid video. Holy lord this is comprehensive, well edited and incredibly well conveyed

  • @katanga3515
    @katanga3515 4 роки тому +23

    I've been listening Frank for the last 25 years, and I can also play some of his (easiest) stuff, but while watching this video, I feel like a farmer of the 13th century who entered by mistake into a MIT's "mathematic for computers" class. Man, your job is AMAZING, keep going. DISCO SUCKS!!

  • @jordanrosemanmusic
    @jordanrosemanmusic 4 роки тому +16

    This helps me understand Zappa in the context of theory and theory in general. Thank you for your hard work. Extremely well-made video

  • @DamonWoodGuitarLessons
    @DamonWoodGuitarLessons 3 роки тому +4

    This is the greatest music lesson of all time.

  • @wowwhywow
    @wowwhywow 4 роки тому +15

    You are amazing... really really good work, and very easy to understand, lol... well... as easy as to be expected, but Christ, I'm impressed at your level of Zappa appreciation... just other wordly.

  • @christophersmith3248
    @christophersmith3248 4 роки тому +14

    Not only is this an outstanding video, you are clearly a gifted guitarist, keyboard, vibes, drums et al.

  • @talkingbasslessons
    @talkingbasslessons 4 роки тому +27

    Absolutely brilliant!

  • @ExpertTalksMobile
    @ExpertTalksMobile 3 роки тому +4

    I have no understanding about music other than being able to listen to it, I've been waiting for someone to analyse FZs work such that I could acquire a better understanding of its complexities. Even though I still don't understand much of what's described having no musical training I can appreciate it - much like the music. Thank-you for making this. And +1 for this being the best video on the Internet.

  • @Wizuu0274
    @Wizuu0274 3 роки тому +2

    I don't get much of music theory, so I really appreciate you stopping to explain the basics for anyone to understand it.
    This is a fantastic video, man, thank you for your work.

  • @LiberMedia_Podcast
    @LiberMedia_Podcast 4 роки тому +9

    Is it the best video on the internet? Yes, I think it is 😍

  • @AndyGrazianoNYC
    @AndyGrazianoNYC 3 роки тому +6

    DUDE i can't believe the amount of effort you put in to this video - bravo!

  • @midwesterner2023
    @midwesterner2023 2 роки тому +1

    As an avid fan of FZ, however unable to read or play music…. I really appreciate your in-depth tutorial of his writing. Thank you for enlightening us with your work!

  • @noahellis5250
    @noahellis5250 3 роки тому +9

    Wow what an amazing analysis of this piece and FZ's musical/compositional style broadly! Very impressive both in concept as well as presentation. Kudos and thanks for sharing!

  • @timoj24
    @timoj24 4 роки тому +19

    One of the absolute BEST videos I have ever seen and heard. Thanks so much Tyler. Great to see you’re still out there giving us more of frank’s greatness. Look forward to the next episode of Tyler Bartman.
    If, and that’s big IF, you have the interest and inclination I would love to hear you break down WHILE YOU WERE ART II and REAGAN AT BITBURG. these two pieces are right up there for me personally. They are complex and very powerful. For the last 40+ years i have revisited so much of his music especially the complex stuff. You cannot come to comprehend certain pieces without complete absorption and repetitve listenings. Anyway, thanks for listening and do keep up the great work.

    • @TylerBartram
      @TylerBartram  4 роки тому +4

      Thank you so much! Those are some good suggestions.

  • @dutchbannger6503
    @dutchbannger6503 2 роки тому +2

    I particularly like you showing the conceptual continuity of these little musical ideas throughout songs, there will be times where I'm searching through Frank's catalogue looking for where else I heard a certain lick or motif.

  • @szymbl
    @szymbl 3 роки тому +2

    How about Strictly Genteel and/or Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow (ycdtosa Vol 1 version) next? Great work, you rock!

  • @chriskehoe6581
    @chriskehoe6581 3 роки тому +1

    This made me smile, cry, nostalgic, sad, happy and late for work. Thank you for this.

  • @isaacanderson6876
    @isaacanderson6876 2 роки тому +1

    At 54:01, the F#-G-D-A on beat 3 is the same pitch-class set as the Packard Goose "Music is the Best" speech (3ish minutes in), yeah?
    This video is wonderfully thorough, I love it. Thank you for all of your hard work!!

  • @alienorifice1
    @alienorifice1 3 роки тому +2

    Wowie Zowie! I love Alien Orifice!
    This video unveils the mystery, the crux of the biscuit, of FZ’s music!
    Please do an analysis of Baltimore/Moggio, my other favorite FZ tune!

  • @vrensen1
    @vrensen1 4 роки тому +5

    WoW this is just so incredible... what an effort... and proof of his genius...

  • @safianpsul9099
    @safianpsul9099 3 роки тому +7

    This is so comprehensive and would've taken so much work. Amazing!

  • @rickvosper7318
    @rickvosper7318 2 роки тому +1

    Wow. Really impressive work. I can imagine this being presented as a graduate-level class.

  • @joaopaulowdeandrade7905
    @joaopaulowdeandrade7905 4 роки тому +3

    Such supperb work ! How many details on It ! You deserve inside on Zappa World, family trust ( Zappa's ).
    I watched from beggining into the end. I really shure... You had a lot work to finish that.
    Once again... Briliant ! Thanks for this !

  • @AcoustiMan818
    @AcoustiMan818 4 роки тому +7

    Best in-depth analysis of FZ’s music so far👏Thx for sharing 🙏

  • @agghjjhgdhvfgjngggh2381
    @agghjjhgdhvfgjngggh2381 4 роки тому +4

    Probably the best video on you tube, sensational and a must to any music fan, never mind a Zappa fan. Thank you.

  • @69voxbeetle
    @69voxbeetle 3 роки тому +5

    You basically described in detail the what, why, and how we all fell in love with his music and I honestly don't know how to say thank you enough for what you have done. Bravo!!

  • @bubbaschill3360
    @bubbaschill3360 3 роки тому +1

    don't understand most, but love what you're saying.

  • @tuo.dobginski
    @tuo.dobginski 3 роки тому +3

    Man you're an angel, best music essay/lesson I've ever watched in my entire life

  • @HoraceMash
    @HoraceMash 3 роки тому +2

    I can’t believe I am pausing this to comment! This is so lucid and insightful. How do you do this??? You are explaining the essence of (so much of) FZ’s sound. Genius!

  • @semanj
    @semanj 4 роки тому +6

    Good god this is magnificent. Thank you.

  • @stevew2724
    @stevew2724 3 роки тому +2

    Wonderful, thoughtful, thought-provoking analysis! --FZ fan since late '60s

  • @xencage
    @xencage 3 роки тому +3

    Amazing! Done so incredibly well!
    Would love to see some breakdowns from Civilization Phase III, (like N-Lite), or something from Perfect Stranger.

  • @freenorm
    @freenorm 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you !... I want to press "like button" thousand times

  • @timcardona9962
    @timcardona9962 4 роки тому +5

    Fantastic job! I can't imagine how much time that took haha
    One thing that really fascinates me is the way he arranged this piece for the 88 band, which I heard years before the original. I especially love the way he divided up the C section into 2 parts (guitar/vibes & full horns) as it further adds to the tension already there and it gives it a better sense of momentum imo

  • @SalamaSond
    @SalamaSond 3 роки тому +2

    Since you asked for suggestions: ...not a specific work, but I'd love to hear further analysis of Frank's technique of melodic misdirection, and how his use of odd-number phrasing enables it as a kind of dissonance. That misdirection is such a delicious defining factor, even in his extemporaneous guitar solos. Cheers.

    • @TylerBartram
      @TylerBartram  3 роки тому +2

      That's a really interesting one! Thanks

  • @agemans_stuff
    @agemans_stuff 3 роки тому +2

    These fermata symbols should be part of every score font ;)
    Thank you so much for this analysis.

  • @Jeff.Langille
    @Jeff.Langille 4 роки тому +11

    Incredible work! So much to unpack but very well presented. I expect you’re an excellent guitar teacher too.

  • @theproblembelief7549
    @theproblembelief7549 2 роки тому +1

    Man, this is a good synthesis of things I hear with my ears! There are so many examples of this in his musix. Re-gyptian strut comes to mind too. I listen to other music too, but FZ's music is something I come back to eventually.

  • @jacobscardino4330
    @jacobscardino4330 4 роки тому +5

    I am EMPHATICALLY subscribing! Absolutely brilliant content!

  • @no_notes1229
    @no_notes1229 Рік тому +1

    This is one of the best videos I've seen all my life! Well done!
    Got cramps in my fingers, trying to play along... Would love to see break-downs of more FZ - Moggio, Inca Roads, Black Page, Djumbo Go Away, St Alphonso's pancake breakfast, etc.
    Incredible how you manage to point out similar patterns in different songs. And great editing on the music and visuals!!

  • @togashi8287
    @togashi8287 4 роки тому +9

    I've now learned that I need easy listening Zappa covers in my life.

  • @jupr9245
    @jupr9245 4 роки тому +5

    Dude, you should do more of these breakdowns!

  • @ManicMovesDrowsyDreams
    @ManicMovesDrowsyDreams 3 роки тому +3

    Great content. Thanks for being so approachable and answering my questions on Reddit.

  • @Peculate
    @Peculate Рік тому +1

    This channel is amazing. Not only is the analysis great, but your editing and graphic design is top-notch.
    Keep up the great work!

  • @Belas_Photography
    @Belas_Photography 2 роки тому +1

    Your explanation of Zappa's use of odd time signatures and how to articulate them is simply brilliant! I totally enjoyed your presentation. Thanks.

  • @SpringBeeLH
    @SpringBeeLH 4 роки тому +6

    Wow! You put a lot of work into this. I'm subscribing and I hope to see more like this. I may have to watch this in multiple sit-downs. So impressed.

  • @apocaloso
    @apocaloso 3 роки тому +1

    Technically I don’t know anything about music, but I love Zappa, and this video is so well done! Deep analyzes with specific graphic and smooth editing. How I wish I could understand more what you’re talking about to fully enjoy your incredible work!

  • @marimbascore
    @marimbascore Рік тому +1

    El mejor video que existe sobre el lenguaje musical de zappa. Gracias por tu aporte.

  • @MsYablonsky
    @MsYablonsky 3 роки тому +1

    Wow, just wow. I cannot even start describing how amazed I am by this breakdown and by the quality of the presentation. I am deeply humbled and reassured about the fundamental human capacity of unselfishly sharing. Thanks you very much.

  • @erikkorver3798
    @erikkorver3798 3 роки тому +2

    Best 98 minutes I spent this week :-)

  • @idiidiiidesign
    @idiidiiidesign Місяць тому +1

    this is such an impressive analysis by you - almost congenial with frank himself (well, there’s still a huge step, but you will agree :-) a big thank you from my side !

  • @helugoconache
    @helugoconache 4 роки тому +3

    Brilliant work!! I would love to watch you break down ANYTHING from Civilization p3 and/or Dance me This (Zappa's Synclavier music my favorite)

  • @aweso100
    @aweso100 3 роки тому +1

    This is one of the best videos on UA-cam.

  • @geenadasilva9287
    @geenadasilva9287 8 місяців тому

    i'm a huge zappa fan but am not a musician so can understand a mere fraction of your excellent breakdown but you reference most of the melodies and phrases that have always felt the most zappa-esque. your knowledge is wonderful!

  • @breakfall
    @breakfall Рік тому +1

    Bro.....!
    The sheer amount of work you put into this is incredible.
    Really well put together.
    This is a good use of time.

  • @yamandusztainbok8456
    @yamandusztainbok8456 2 роки тому +1

    Fantastic video, Alien Orifice was a great choice for an analysis! If you are looking for suggestions...the relations between Moggio/What's New In Baltimore would be interesting to explore! For a shorter, more manageable tune, I've always been fond of Zolar Czakl

  • @ozweber1609
    @ozweber1609 3 роки тому +1

    So great. This is ENLIGHTENMENT, even for a die hard fan.

  • @HerrSint
    @HerrSint 4 роки тому +2

    Wow! Amazing work!

  • @confinementloaf4146
    @confinementloaf4146 3 роки тому +3

    what a great video. I always find myself craving for these type of analysis.
    Would love a breakdown of Sinister Footwear 2

  • @facundoboms8955
    @facundoboms8955 3 роки тому +4

    I cannot thank you enough Tyler for this very in depth analysis. It is also extremely valuable for me, because I play the piano, that you put the written scores of a lot of songs, not only the one you review. I`m already playing some of them, especially the Montana interlude.

  • @ySpeake
    @ySpeake 4 роки тому +3

    Brilliant. Exhausting. Thank you.

  • @drizzlemaan
    @drizzlemaan 3 роки тому +3

    I’ve been craving this kind of Zappa content for so long, and so well done. Please keep this up!!!!

  • @yoddeb
    @yoddeb 4 роки тому +4

    Insane. Thank you!

  • @atomaalatonal
    @atomaalatonal 3 роки тому +2

    excellent and nice to hear something from you again :D

  • @georgietirebiter
    @georgietirebiter 2 роки тому +1

    Just an incredible breakdown of this unique piece of music. Would love to see you do this for The 2nd Movement of Sinister Footwear.

  • @linuslauterbach2975
    @linuslauterbach2975 4 роки тому +7

    Great! Keep it up! There clearly was a lot of effort put in.

  • @pablopinto8311
    @pablopinto8311 3 роки тому +2

    This video could have save my life. Thanks!

  • @evanrench3718
    @evanrench3718 3 роки тому +3

    You deserve an Emmy

  • @SalamaSond
    @SalamaSond 4 роки тому +2

    Excellent. Thank you. My new favorite channel.

  • @TheRudySchwartzProject
    @TheRudySchwartzProject 3 роки тому +1

    I watched the entire thing. Amazingly good. Must have taken a lot of work putting this together. Thank you.

  • @iforth64
    @iforth64 3 роки тому +1

    The sound quality is really fantastic!

  • @diebydeath
    @diebydeath 4 роки тому +5

    I honestly don't care much for Alien Orifice but I'm glad I clicked. You analyze and draw connections to so many other Zappa tunes I love that I'll have to watch the whole thing, and I'm only five minutes in so far. Maybe I'll appreciate Alien Orifice more by the end, but you have a new subscriber for sure!

    • @TylerBartram
      @TylerBartram  4 роки тому +4

      That’s really awesome, I appreciate it!

  • @timpalmieri7385
    @timpalmieri7385 2 роки тому +1

    So Thorough. Thank You! Arf arf arf.

  • @kriswright4814
    @kriswright4814 3 роки тому +2

    Awesome educational. Would love to study Studio Tan. For low budget orchestra and 🎸

  • @da_vis
    @da_vis 3 роки тому +2

    Incredible! Thank you. BIG THUMBS UP 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @thegrumpyorchestrator7867
    @thegrumpyorchestrator7867 4 роки тому +2

    Man, this is involved. Great work for sure! More, please.

  • @andrewshutty3345
    @andrewshutty3345 3 роки тому +2

    Tyler Bartram you are a master!

  • @BillSebald
    @BillSebald 3 роки тому +2

    Yo mama, subscribed! Can't wait to see what you do next.

  • @hackupboulders
    @hackupboulders 2 роки тому +1

    These are the best analyses of Frank's music I've ever heard. Fantastic work who are you? I'm your newest subscriber.

  • @SamuelRHoward
    @SamuelRHoward 4 роки тому +6

    I was thinking about how this was coming along the other day - great depth (it makes my forthcoming Dog Breath video look rather puny), and excellent video!

    • @TylerBartram
      @TylerBartram  4 роки тому +4

      Thanks man! Can’t wait for your next one :)

    • @SamuelRHoward
      @SamuelRHoward 4 роки тому +3

      Cheers - although I certainly can't match your presentation!

  • @Zappafantrust
    @Zappafantrust 4 роки тому +3

    1:10:08 on the right bottom corner "made a smiley face" :D

  • @stephen8477
    @stephen8477 Рік тому +1

    Beautiful work!!
    I'd love to see an in depth analysis of the Roxy band in general❤