Ive been listening to Zappa since I was 14,Im 64 now and still here stuff i havnt heard before..simply amazing..Ruth Underwood the marimba player is Julliard trained.fantastic.They are all cream of the crop musicians
I was 13 and I heard this weird song playing at my neighbors house so I sat on the steps and got thoroughly mind blown by "Don't eat the yellow snow". It changed my whole perspective of what music could be, and I've been a fan ever since. They later introduced me to Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and Kraftwerk which pretty much sums up my musical taste.
Frank Zappa and the brilliant musicians surrounding him are simply one of the best bands ever in human history. A fun trip in every sense, clever, funny and ridiculously talented. They never got boring, decades and decades in, and even hard fans never knew what to expect next, a level of playful chaos that may never be surpassed in technique or style. RIP Frank.
Mime59100 The Helsinki version contains what IMHO is Zappa’s greatest guitar solo of all time. Lifting that solo from the tape and using it on the studio version was the beginning of his process of doing that with many solos on albums he recorded over the following 5 years. He called the process “xenochrony.”
Roxy And Elsewhere is the most incredible live album I've ever heard. Particularly the song "Don't You Ever Wash That Thing", I couldn't recommend it enough.
If you like Roxy, then you’ll love You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 2, The Helsinki Concert. The band had been touring for a year and the band was tighter and tempos were faster. The Inca Roads on that album is the best version out there w possibly Zappa’s greatest guitar solo of all time. Trust me!
Scott Bodnar I’m a huge AC/DC fan-saw them with Bon Scott in Columbus Ohio in 1979, and the next year I saw Zappa play, same city but different venue. It’s like comparing a 1968 Chevelle SS with a Ferrari F40. I love them both (used to own a 68 Chevelle SS with a 396 4-speed) and I was King of the Road-until the F40 came past me at 200 mph! As one person says below-there’s room for both!
Progression of brain reassignment starting at age 16 in 1977: just another band from LA, Hot Rats, Overnite Sensation, apostrophe, bongo fury, one size fits all, grand wazoo, all digested by age 17. Transformed. The studio version of Inca Roads is perfection.
Welcome to the mind of FRANK ZAPPA ....and just as you said "Genius" Just start with the two Albums "Overnite Sensation" and "Apostrophe"..Your mind is about to open up wider.... AND WELCOME to what music could be....beyond the radio...Congratulations
Over the years, there's literally been a cavalcade of musicians coming out of the Zappa school of music. Everyone who's anyone in the music industry has played for Zappa. If you were the best, you sought to get into his band. What he composed and how he approached music was unique. It certainly was challenging and Zappa was demanding but at the same time, the musicians said they'd never had more fun playing for anyone. Zappa LOVED a good laugh, and he often got one from his musicians. He loved free spirits and fun, wacky, experimental stuff. Zappa, no one like him.
Great to watch Jim’s face during George’s key solo - that’s a man getting lost in this wonderful music. This may be sacrilege but I think Dweezil does this solo even better - if you get a chance you must see him live.
Inca Roads is the tune that Dweezil originally tested out musicians with for that first ZPZ tour. He handed them the record, they had to learn it by ear in 3 days.
I agree, remember, while Frank wrote all his music note for note. His solos were on the spot, improvisation. No one Touch's Frank Zappa, except Dweezil. I can't write about Frank without crying, joy. John 14:6
Dweezil is really great ..Amazing band with him too ... the girl he has playing sax and keys and everything is AWESOME live ! But seeing Frank and Co. live all those times ...It just doesn't have that weirdness or , I actually don't know the right word ...VIBE ? That Frank and the loonies did . You could always count on being FREAKED OUT ...with lotsa laughs
Once in the news back in the day he wrote this song they were saying they found in Peru a landing spot for an Alien spaceship, so Frank made a song about it.
It’s interesting to see the reaction of someone who has never heard Frank Zappa or at least more than just his “strictly commercial” music. This is a great intro., both the song and the concert. Probably my favorite of his line ups and this tour was amazing not only because two of the members had only been in the band for a few months, but also this song Inca Roads developed as this tour went on, before it was released on One Size Fits All. Having a top 40 mind and approaching explaining what they hear is funny. He mentions the SG he is playing and Angus Young, later David Gilmore. Of course Zappa predates AC/DC and even Syd Barrett Pink Floyd. The fact that “Valley Girl” was his biggest “hit” says it all about the industry and the pop format. Zappa was writing orchestral pieces in the early 60’s. His commercial material was a means to an end for him. A great song to start out with for sure.
Burnt Wienie Sandwich, Grand Wazoo and Wakajiwaka all studio albums. The later two were made while Frank was recuperating after having been thrown into the orchestra pit I think at Royal Albert Hall by a lunatic.He almost died and broke a lot of bones.
Brilliant band indeed! 💯🎶 I’m always amazed seeing Bruce Bickford’s claymation too. Trippy yes, and very time consuming to make with a film camera and level of detail. Awesome stuff here and reaction 👌🏼
Inca Roads is a song that is impossible to understand the first time. My first time, I didn't get it at all. It was just gibberish. The second time, I grew interested. The third, I began to like it. The fourth, I loved it. The next 500 listens, it was my number one favorite song of all time and still is. Listen to the album version next to hear the incredible bass much clearer.
You've heard this 500 times? Yeah, that sounds about my number as well... That includes several different life performances and Mike Keneally's wonderful version.
I’ve been a fan since 1966 at the age of 12 !!! Of his 114 official releases I have 98% of them !!! George Duke on Vocals !! ONE OF THE FINEST KEYBOARD PLAYERS EVER !!! RUTH UNDERWOOD !!! INCREDIBLE
I feel Zappa's best CD would have to be You cant do that on stage anymore Volume 2 the Helsinki concert...I dont feel I have ever heard another album where the musicians are so in tune with each other. They just start playing and seem to keep feeding off of each others brilliance !!!
Agreed. There’s everything covered on this album from Igor Stravinsky to Led Zepplin. And a whole bunch of crazy shit in between. One of the many great recorded examples of the musicianship of his band. Great stuff!
Zappa was a true musician. From Classical, to Jazz, Rock, Parody, and more, he did it all and did it well. I bought this lp at a record store the 1st day it came out.
Hes son Dweezil Zappa has a dvd "Zappa Plays Zappa". A great start for new Zappafans since he keeps the music fresh and the list of songs is a nice start. Good Zappa albums to start with: Hot Rats Over Nite Sensation Apostophe Sheik Yerbouti Them Or Us Zappa in New York Best Band You Never Heared In Your Life
Priceless to see your face as the first 5/4 bit breaks loose. I can practically see you count it out. You really got into this piece for a first hearing. Respect! If you like this, you'll really like pieces such as Echidna's arf (of you), G-spot tornado, St. Alphonso's pancake breakfast, ...
zappa and vai live duet version of "stevies spanking" in rome italy......'82? jim ..... i simply cannot stress enough how utterly incredible that performance is. i promise you...... youll be completely floored.
Actually, I think it is marimbas not xylophone. The song was posing the question whether the Incas had help from extraterrestrials in constructing their civilization, a question raised by the discovery of the drawings of the Nazca lines etched in the desert sands in southern Peru that can only be seen to their best advantage from very high up,
Jim you really really need to listen to Frank's son Dweezil playing Zomby Woof live with Steve Vai on guitar and the singer from this video Napoleon Murphy Brock. It will absolutely blow your mind.
Watch the movie: Baby Snakes, the second half is basically a Halloween Show with Terry BOZZIO on Drums !!! FRANK WROTE HIM A SONG CALLED: THE BLACK PAGE !!! PS: I WAS THERE AT THIS HALLOWEEN SHOW !!!!
I dunno if the Zappa Family Trust has loosened thier grip on reactions or what because I've been searching far and wide for them and now all of a sudden they're popping up. Ten months later... Anyways, Chester Thompson is one of my all time favorite drummers and this song is a major reason why. I love Zappa's funky years. It's my favorite hands down.
I always thought it was a reference to people like 'Erich von Däniken' and his 'Chariots of the Gods?' type books that became popular in the late '60s and '70s. One of his best Albums. As for Dweezil, he's playing in Southampton Guildhall this December. ( Shame we haven't got the Gaumont for bands anymore ).
When I was a teen, I introduced a musician friend to Zappa with the album Apostrophe, and it was a life changing experience. Most of the clips on YT are chopped up poorly since the songs run together. I suggest doing a full album, or at lease side one.
One of the tunes that i can listen to over and over and never get tired of it. such perfection with everyone. this live version is just as brilliant as the studio version. george duke on keyboards is so amazingly talented. as is the rest of the band. some of zappas best work.
"Inca Roads" is based on the book and documentary "Chariots Of The Gods", about the Incas building landing pads for extraterrestrials. This may be the best group of musicians he had, with Ruth Underwood on marimba and percussion and George Duke (later a record producer) on keys and vox. This is entertaining, but I still like the original 1975 album version, mostly due to the guitar solo. Zappa does some pre Van Halen tapping on the guitar neck using his pick. I saw this band (with the addition of Jean Luc Ponty) on a double bill with the Mahavishnu Orch. in 1973, and the 2 standouts for me were Ruth Underwood , and the Mahavishnu drummer Billy Cobham. Besides writing music with scatalogical lyrics, which is one aspect of what he did, he also had albums of re-framed live guitar solos, and wrote 20th C orchestral music. Everybody in his band had to pass rigorous auditions. Frank wrote a number called "Ruth Is Sleeping", because she would learn her parts faster than anyone else, and might doze off as Frank went over parts with other members of the band. There is a very informative doc on Y.Tube called "The Drummers Of Frank Zappa". Zappa played SGs since 1970, before AC/DC were formed. Before that I remember Clapton's psychadelic one with the Cream (1966-68) but I guess I'm just old.
Inca Roads is also a parody of the band Yes and other 70s rock bands with themed albums that Frank thought were overblown and overly intellectual with grandiose themes. Frank's music was musically challenging and sophisticated but the themes and lyrics were purposefully silly and self deprecating because he didn't take himself too seriously. Ironically, he was very serious about the music and was very demanding of his musicians. Every part was written and rehearsed. Frank's guitar solos were the only improvisation allowed. Everything else had to be played note for note.
@@williamhinshaw6838 Appreciate your comment as well. I think Stevie Vai, whom Frank called his stunt guitarist, also improvised many times (Stevie's Spanking Rome). I was fortunate to see Zappa live a few times. His bands were always amongst the tightest.
Zappa had to be difficult to play with. Everything is perfection in his band. Not to mention the music is difficult to play. I loved this stuff! Oh, and what a great guitarist!
You got it backwards - Angus Young played Frank Zappa's guitar, not the other way around. Great reaction to one of my all time favorite songs. Thanks and please do LOTS MORE FRANK ZAPPA. You won't regret it. Try Peaches En Regalia from Hot Rats - it's a classic.
"Wow, WOW!" Is right! This is one of the most badass pieces of music ever. The "Adventures of Gregory Pekkary" is phenomenal but I have never found a good live performance.
It is true to say that FZ changed my life. Shortly after a release from prison and the probability of a return, a friend gave me a cassette tape recording of the FZ album Sheik YaBouti. It stopped me in my tracks and left me wanting to hear much more of this weirdness. Through listening to Frank and seeking out his truth I met a lot of really sound people whom I would never have otherwise I dare say, these people helped to civilise me and were passive role models in that I saw there was a life that did not involve being an asshole, I'm happy to say I grabbed it with both hands.
Glad to see these children are discovering the more unique music of my teens! I started listening to Zappa in '66 or '67 and remember my mother opening my door, looking at me and asking, "What in the hell are you listening to?" 56 or 57 years later I still have Zappa in my collection! Funny thing is, I also have Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline! I guess it comes from being raised in the deep south from '52 to '70 when I went into the military! One of my favorites that you'll rarely if ever hear is Sky Pilot by Eric Burden and the Animals! I was listening to that in '66 or '67, it was a favorite in Vietnam at that time! Try it! It sort of gets to the heart of the matter! ✌
I still think his guitar solo from the burnt weenie sandwich album called holiday in Berlin full blown has got to be his best . Inca roads holds a close 2 nd
I started listening to Zappa back in 1971. I was sixteen and fell madly in love with a girl that worked at my local record store. More lust than love. Every time I went to see her at the record store Zappa was playing. I ended up loving Zappa instead. I've loved him ever since. The great thing about Zappa is the wonderful mix of musical styles. One album will be largely jazz and Avant Gard, the next might be more rock, the one after that could be bluesy, and then he'll throw a real curveball with an album of doo-wop. I would advise you to take a listen to "Doreen", the version from Crush All Boxes, it's an unreleased album but you can listen to it on UA-cam. Aforementioned "Doreen" has the best vocal arrangement you will hear, as fine an example of doo-wop as you will come across. I mention this as being an example of the curveball. However there are many fine examples, of all the listed types of music, to be found within the clade that is Zappa.
Yep, Zappa was not only a genius musician, but very prolific. So, so much material. My suggestion: Billy The Mountain It's a very long song, depending on the version, it's between 20 and 40 minutes. Not as much technical musicianship, but it's a fun story with tons of improv and comedy, brought to life by Flo and Eddie who were members of the Turtles ("Imagine me and you", yeah, THAT band) that joined his band for a while after the Turtles broke up. Just a different facet of his immense and bizarre catalog.
After being turned onto Zappa in the early 70s by my friend, when he would play his Hot Rats album as we sat in his room getting roasted on Hawaiian bud, I lost contact with his music and became involved in other things. But in the last few years I've discovered more of Zappa's music, and his more popular songs, and I'm blown away by the intricacies and diversity of his art! Try 'Don't Eat the Yellow Snow', 'I'm the Slime', 'Peaches en Regalia', 'Andy', 'Montana', (jazzy) 'Pink Napkins', 'Willie the pimp'.
Saw them in 1973 and was amazed. I had never heard anything like it before. I still haven't heard anything like them. Technically superb they added warmth to Zappa's music. I think he was delighted with them.
Agreed. Frank’s ability to improvise stunningly musical solos is just jaw dropping. No surprise that often subsequently scored and arranged them into new forms.
It’s funny how Frank was so clinical and cerebral in his composition, yet so emotive and lilting in his guitar work. The contrast is stark. Real giants on the stage there, with George Duke and Chester Thompson. Ruth Underwood is a force of nature.
My opinion, one of his best compositions and executions. In awe every time I hear it. This performance was used as the skeleton for the One Size lp, with added overdubs and a little polish. Get it NOW.
One of my biggest regrets is that my dad, who is 86 now, was into all types of music, Beatles, Dylan, Miles, Coltrane, Cream, Wes Montgomery-but he had all of Zappa’s earliest albums, first pressings, from back when we lived in Oakland. (I was born there in 64) We moved back to Ohio where he became a minister and then a college professor and one day, in 1979, I was so desperate for some weed-money, I took his copies of Freak Out, Absolutely Free, and We’re Only in it for the Money-snuck them off to Bent Back Records (a local used record store) and sold them. When the dude offered me 60 bucks for them I was blown away. They never gave you more than 50 cents or a buck for a used album. I should have walked out right then, realizing that they must have been worth a heck of a lot more if he was gonna give me that much. This was 1979 and an ounce of Santa Marta Gold was only 45 bucks though so I took the money and I was hooked up for another couple weeks. A year later, I saw Zappa play live and realized what a huge mistake I had made. Still one of the most incredible concerts I’ve ever seen-and I’ve seen hundreds. The Santa Marta was good but Zappa was the real “gold!” The follies of youth!
That was a song about Peru I forget the year but they had said there was a space ship that landed in the mountains so frank wrote this song about the craziness of it all. I think it happened in the late 70 s
keep in mind this is cutting edge clay-mation for it's time. I forget the artist Frank used but he did other clay mation stuff for Frank. This is pre-MTV. You should know that the drummer (Chester Thompson) went on from here to be the drummer for Genesis (when on tour) while Phil Collins performed as the lead singer (post Gabriel). George Duke went on to have a great career as a jazz keyboardist and so on... No slouches here.
It's about the Nasca lines in the Andes, alleged to be a landing strip for aliens over 1000 yrs ago. I like the guitar solo on One Size Fits All for that song, plucked from a live concert. That album is full of amazing songs with the same band.
Just a personal opinion but I think Frank Zappa and the mothers and the Grateful Dead were the best jam artists in the mid to late seventies and early eighties. I remember I used to say OK quit trying to figure it out and just groove.
Very true. I've seen them perform three times now, the first of which was the One size fits all tour. I had my doubts, especially about Inca roads,but the band is amazing and totally nailed it. If you get a chance, buy tickets.
Recording Zappa's intricate musical ideas in the studio is hard enough, but assembling the musicians who can perform it live in front of an audience with such fantastic excellence shows his artistic musical genius. Ruth Underwood is killing it!
Ive been listening to Zappa since I was 14,Im 64 now and still here stuff i havnt heard before..simply amazing..Ruth Underwood the marimba player is Julliard trained.fantastic.They are all cream of the crop musicians
Me too. Attended every show he did in the UK plus a few in France. Grew up with Frank's music. Marvelous stuff!
I was 13 and I heard this weird song playing at my neighbors house so I sat on the steps and got thoroughly mind blown by "Don't eat the yellow snow". It changed my whole perspective of what music could be, and I've been a fan ever since. They later introduced me to Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and Kraftwerk which pretty much sums up my musical taste.
Me Too, been a fan since early Mothers days, I am 59, I own bout 25 albums of his, and I know I am not even close to owning them all LOL
@@InSurrealtime I'm The Slime got me! (in 1978) Now I own em all!
Peaches hooked me in and or around 1970.
Frank Zappa and the brilliant musicians surrounding him are simply one of the best bands ever in human history. A fun trip in every sense, clever, funny and ridiculously talented. They never got boring, decades and decades in, and even hard fans never knew what to expect next, a level of playful chaos that may never be surpassed in technique or style. RIP Frank.
Frank is simply a GENIUS
there will never be ever!!!
someone with this much talent....
EVER!!!!!!!!
Frank Zappa is music that should be remembered.
Greetings.
Don't worry. Zappa is dead but his music still smells fresh. He is not forgotten. More and more classic and jazz orchestras are playing Zappa.
He'll be a holographic bust in the VR studios of future musicians for sure.
We need the History Guy
Even Zappa has given his music a shelf life of 300 years.
He knew exactly what he was doing.
And we have a responsibility to make sure he and his music is never forgotten.
Frank Zappa "the present day composer who refuses to die"
Listen to the studio version. That way you wouldln't be distracted by the video. And the solo is even more satisfying
Do you know that the "studio" version is actually based in live performances, only tweaked in the studio?
@@zolarczakl3880 i know, but that solo is legend
Zolar Czakl the studio solo is from the Helsinki concerts heard on you can’t do that on stage anymore and that version has the whole guitar solo too
@@Mime59100
The solo on Inca Roads is slightly edited down from the Stage Vol. 2 version.
Mime59100 The Helsinki version contains what IMHO is Zappa’s greatest guitar solo of all time. Lifting that solo from the tape and using it on the studio version was the beginning of his process of doing that with many solos on albums he recorded over the following 5 years. He called the process “xenochrony.”
Roxy And Elsewhere is the most incredible live album I've ever heard. Particularly the song "Don't You Ever Wash That Thing", I couldn't recommend it enough.
Gives you a taste of the live music experience...antics.
plus Fillmore East 71
@@Frogdealer , for me the greatest live work ever done.
If you like Roxy, then you’ll love You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 2, The Helsinki Concert. The band had been touring for a year and the band was tighter and tempos were faster. The Inca Roads on that album is the best version out there w possibly Zappa’s greatest guitar solo of all time. Trust me!
@@filmjazz only the kick drum sounds horrible ;)
Frank has been in my life for the past 50 years. God bless the man and the unbelievable bands.
Same for me.
George Duke is amazing and Ruth Underwood is off the hook
Napoleon Murphy Brock is CRAZY!
Frank is so much more SG than Angus !! Frank is 100 times the musician. IMO
Agreed!
Not wanting to start a war but acdc is 100 times more popular but there is room for all though
@@jibicusmaximus4827 as if popularity has anything to do with quality.
Scott Bodnar I’m a huge AC/DC fan-saw them with Bon Scott in Columbus Ohio in 1979, and the next year I saw Zappa play, same city but different venue. It’s like comparing a 1968 Chevelle SS with a Ferrari F40. I love them both (used to own a 68 Chevelle SS with a 396 4-speed) and I was King of the Road-until the F40 came past me at 200 mph! As one person says below-there’s room for both!
AND, Gibson now has the brilliant Frank Zappa model SG...Just sayin...
the Claymation was done by hand, and each scene was pieced together by hand, by "the amazing Mr. Bickford", that Zappa had discovered!
We lost Mr Bickford last year. RIP.
yeah and everyone thinks the claymation for sledge hammer was innovative.
Frank was way ahead of them all!!!
Start at the beginning and work your way to the end. It will take you many years, and be quite rewarding.
Inca Roads is an all time classic. Everyone gets a chance to shine in this tune and there is some seriously complex stuff going on!
Progression of brain reassignment starting at age 16 in 1977: just another band from LA, Hot Rats, Overnite Sensation, apostrophe, bongo fury, one size fits all, grand wazoo, all digested by age 17. Transformed.
The studio version of Inca Roads is perfection.
Genius at work. One of the best composers of orchestral/instrumental music in the 20th century. Should be on every music teaching curriculum.
Welcome to the mind of FRANK ZAPPA ....and just as you said "Genius" Just start with the two Albums "Overnite Sensation" and "Apostrophe"..Your mind is about to open up wider.... AND WELCOME to what music could be....beyond the radio...Congratulations
Been listening to Zappa since Absolutely Free. An absolute genius. Thank you Frank - rest in peace.
Over the years, there's literally been a cavalcade of musicians coming out of the Zappa school of music. Everyone who's anyone in the music industry has played for Zappa. If you were the best, you sought to get into his band. What he composed and how he approached music was unique. It certainly was challenging and Zappa was demanding but at the same time, the musicians said they'd never had more fun playing for anyone. Zappa LOVED a good laugh, and he often got one from his musicians. He loved free spirits and fun, wacky, experimental stuff. Zappa, no one like him.
You nailed it
I saw Zappa in '78 at the fox theater in Atlanta. Words can't describe the experience.
Great to watch Jim’s face during George’s key solo - that’s a man getting lost in this wonderful music.
This may be sacrilege but I think Dweezil does this solo even better - if you get a chance you must see him live.
i've seen zpz 7 times; dweezil is an awesome musician & a really nice person to meet...
Inca Roads is the tune that Dweezil originally tested out musicians with for that first ZPZ tour. He handed them the record, they had to learn it by ear in 3 days.
I agree, remember, while Frank wrote all his music note for note. His solos were on the spot, improvisation. No one Touch's Frank Zappa, except Dweezil.
I can't write about Frank without crying, joy. John 14:6
I love ZPZ's take on Son of Orange County / More Trouble Every Day you can find on YT more than Frank's ... :-)
Dweezil is really great ..Amazing band with him too ... the girl he has playing sax and keys and everything is AWESOME live ! But seeing Frank and Co. live all those times ...It just doesn't have that weirdness or , I actually don't know the right word ...VIBE ? That Frank and the loonies did . You could always count on being FREAKED OUT ...with lotsa laughs
Damn. I haven't seen this in 25 years. Zappa and the band were unmatched. I saw him in 84 or so and it was one of my all time favorite shows.
Once in the news back in the day he wrote this song they were saying they found in Peru a landing spot for an Alien spaceship, so Frank made a song about it.
It’s interesting to see the reaction of someone who has never heard Frank Zappa or at least more than just his “strictly commercial” music. This is a great intro., both the song and the concert. Probably my favorite of his line ups and this tour was amazing not only because two of the members had only been in the band for a few months, but also this song Inca Roads developed as this tour went on, before it was released on One Size Fits All. Having a top 40 mind and approaching explaining what they hear is funny. He mentions the SG he is playing and Angus Young, later David Gilmore. Of course Zappa predates AC/DC and even Syd Barrett Pink Floyd. The fact that “Valley Girl” was his biggest “hit” says it all about the industry and the pop format. Zappa was writing orchestral pieces in the early 60’s. His commercial material was a means to an end for him. A great song to start out with for sure.
Valley Girl has one of the most extraordinary bass performances by Scott Thunes. A top 5 "lead bass" performance in a rock song.
So glad your giving Zappa his due! I love his music and had met him numerous times. Amazing human.
Real music. I think you got it, Jim.
Burnt Wienie Sandwich, Grand Wazoo and Wakajiwaka all studio albums. The later two were made while Frank was recuperating after having been thrown into the orchestra pit I think at Royal Albert Hall by a lunatic.He almost died and broke a lot of bones.
Brilliant band indeed! 💯🎶
I’m always amazed seeing Bruce Bickford’s claymation too. Trippy yes, and very time consuming to make with a film camera and level of detail. Awesome stuff here and reaction 👌🏼
In addition to the virtuosity, it inspires reverence to see a gifted artist reaching for something...a new vision, forms of expression. Thanks!
Inca Roads is a song that is impossible to understand the first time. My first time, I didn't get it at all. It was just gibberish. The second time, I grew interested. The third, I began to like it. The fourth, I loved it. The next 500 listens, it was my number one favorite song of all time and still is. Listen to the album version next to hear the incredible bass much clearer.
Also the guitar solo section on the album version is simply unbelievable
You've heard this 500 times? Yeah, that sounds about my number as well... That includes several different life performances and Mike Keneally's wonderful version.
Zappa bands, steely dan lineups....and that's all you need.
The whole ONE SIZE FITS ALL album. Studio version of INCA ROADS plus a cross section of some of Zappa's style.
I’ve been a fan since 1966 at the age of 12 !!!
Of his 114 official releases I have 98% of them !!!
George Duke on Vocals !! ONE OF THE FINEST KEYBOARD PLAYERS EVER !!!
RUTH UNDERWOOD !!! INCREDIBLE
Join the club Gerry-same. I think I have all the standard releases in all forms plus 200 bootlegs. I just love and idolize that guy.
114 official releases 🤯 who does that?!?!?
I feel Zappa's best CD would have to be You cant do that on stage anymore Volume 2 the Helsinki concert...I dont feel I have ever heard another album where the musicians are so in tune with each other. They just start playing and seem to keep feeding off of each others brilliance !!!
Agree 100%
Cool I’ll have to check this out. I’ve been a Zappa fan for 30 years and still discovering a wealth of new material. Thanks for the tip
Agreed. There’s everything covered on this album from Igor Stravinsky to Led Zepplin. And a whole bunch of crazy shit in between. One of the many great recorded examples of the musicianship of his band. Great stuff!
Zappa was a true musician. From Classical, to Jazz, Rock, Parody, and more, he did it all and did it well. I bought this lp at a record store the 1st day it came out.
Montana, Overnight Sensation amazing guitar solo, really !!! Anything with the Mothers of invention...
Mike Usereau zomby woof!
Gonna be a dental floss tycoooooon!
AutomaticMilk in a little white box that I can sell uptown! I’m gonna have me a crop! 👍😂
Hell yeah..... the montana solo
There is a great video of George Duke talking about Frank making him sing
Hes son Dweezil Zappa has a dvd "Zappa Plays Zappa". A great start for new Zappafans since he keeps the music fresh and the list of songs is a nice start.
Good Zappa albums to start with:
Hot Rats
Over Nite Sensation
Apostophe
Sheik Yerbouti
Them Or Us
Zappa in New York
Best Band You Never Heared In Your Life
One of the greatest American Composers. Frank grew up listening to Stockhausen, Stravinsky, Varese, and R&B and it shows.
As Frank would say...they played all the right notes. Glad I have been listening to him since Freak Out in 65.
Priceless to see your face as the first 5/4 bit breaks loose. I can practically see you count it out. You really got into this piece for a first hearing. Respect! If you like this, you'll really like pieces such as Echidna's arf (of you), G-spot tornado, St. Alphonso's pancake breakfast, ...
zappa and vai live duet version of "stevies spanking" in rome italy......'82?
jim ..... i simply cannot stress enough how utterly incredible that performance is. i promise you...... youll be completely floored.
very YES. Also Frank & Terry is a good clip also(I think anyways) you?
Most Zappa is incredible. Joe's Garage is my favorite. Need to hear start to finish this double album. Vinny Colaiuta's drums are out of this world
trig biggers central Scrutinizer....love playing all of the Acts on long car drives.
Stick it out
Just like a Telefunken U37
Actually, I think it is marimbas not xylophone. The song was posing the question whether the Incas had help from extraterrestrials in constructing their civilization, a question raised by the discovery of the drawings of the Nazca lines etched in the desert sands in southern Peru that can only be seen to their best advantage from very high up,
Jim you really really need to listen to Frank's son Dweezil playing Zomby Woof live with Steve Vai on guitar and the singer from this video Napoleon Murphy Brock. It will absolutely blow your mind.
Watch the movie: Baby Snakes, the second half is basically a Halloween Show with Terry BOZZIO on Drums !!! FRANK WROTE HIM A SONG CALLED: THE BLACK PAGE !!!
PS: I WAS THERE AT THIS HALLOWEEN SHOW !!!!
I dunno if the Zappa Family Trust has loosened thier grip on reactions or what because I've been searching far and wide for them and now all of a sudden they're popping up. Ten months later...
Anyways, Chester Thompson is one of my all time favorite drummers and this song is a major reason why. I love Zappa's funky years. It's my favorite hands down.
I always thought it was a reference to people like 'Erich von Däniken' and his 'Chariots of the Gods?' type books that became popular in the late '60s and '70s.
One of his best Albums.
As for Dweezil, he's playing in Southampton Guildhall this December. ( Shame we haven't got the Gaumont for bands anymore ).
When I was a teen, I introduced a musician friend to Zappa with the album Apostrophe, and it was a life changing experience. Most of the clips on YT are chopped up poorly since the songs run together. I suggest doing a full album, or at lease side one.
One of THEE Greatest Tunes...EVER..... Add Frank's Playing..... it turns into AWESOME!!!! How cannot you not LOVE this tune?????
Apostrophe and Over-Nite Sensation are arguably his two greatest albums. Front to back amazing.
You really need to follow this up with Willie The Pimp. One of the best guitar solos ever recorded.
How much Zappa has he heard in general?
Pojama People is a classic with a topic that I think will be more obvious and hilarious.
Always went to his annual Halloween shows in NYC, he was the best!
One of the tunes that i can listen to over and over and never get tired of it. such perfection with everyone. this live version is just as brilliant as the studio version. george duke on keyboards is so amazingly talented. as is the rest of the band. some of zappas best work.
Despite all the reactions...... This music does not need Words, nor judgement.... its beyond❤️
The only word to describe Frank Zappa's music is indescribable
"Inca Roads" is based on the book and documentary "Chariots Of The Gods", about the Incas building landing pads for extraterrestrials. This may be the best group of musicians he had, with Ruth Underwood on marimba and percussion and George Duke (later a record producer) on keys and vox. This is entertaining, but I still like the original 1975 album version, mostly due to the guitar solo. Zappa does some pre Van Halen tapping on the guitar neck using his pick. I saw this band (with the addition of Jean Luc Ponty) on a double bill with the Mahavishnu Orch. in 1973, and the 2 standouts for me were Ruth Underwood , and the Mahavishnu drummer Billy Cobham. Besides writing music with scatalogical lyrics, which is one aspect of what he did, he also had albums of re-framed live guitar solos, and wrote 20th C orchestral music. Everybody in his band had to pass rigorous auditions. Frank wrote a number called "Ruth Is Sleeping", because she would learn her parts faster than anyone else, and might doze off as Frank went over parts with other members of the band. There is a very informative doc on Y.Tube called "The Drummers Of Frank Zappa". Zappa played SGs since 1970, before AC/DC were formed. Before that I remember Clapton's psychadelic one with the Cream (1966-68) but I guess I'm just old.
The actual show the album version solo was picked from is here my friend. ua-cam.com/video/i3DwlboAOfs/v-deo.html
Inca Roads is also a parody of the band Yes and other 70s rock bands with themed albums that Frank thought were overblown and overly intellectual with grandiose themes. Frank's music was musically challenging and sophisticated but the themes and lyrics were purposefully silly and self deprecating because he didn't take himself too seriously. Ironically, he was very serious about the music and was very demanding of his musicians. Every part was written and rehearsed. Frank's guitar solos were the only improvisation allowed. Everything else had to be played note for note.
@@williamhinshaw6838 Appreciate your comment as well. I think Stevie Vai, whom Frank called his stunt guitarist, also improvised many times (Stevie's Spanking Rome). I was fortunate to see Zappa live a few times. His bands were always amongst the tightest.
Zappa had to be difficult to play with. Everything is perfection in his band. Not to mention the music is difficult to play. I loved this stuff! Oh, and what a great guitarist!
Clay animation by Bruce Bickford. Check out his stuff.
Really inventive and avant garde.
This BLEW YOUR MIND man!! Zappa does that.
You got it backwards - Angus Young played Frank Zappa's guitar, not the other way around. Great reaction to one of my all time favorite songs. Thanks and please do LOTS MORE FRANK ZAPPA. You won't regret it. Try Peaches En Regalia from Hot Rats - it's a classic.
Zappa birthed Steve, Steve birthed Devy... Greatest musical lineage of our time.
"Wow, WOW!" Is right! This is one of the most badass pieces of music ever. The "Adventures of Gregory Pekkary" is phenomenal but I have never found a good live performance.
It is true to say that FZ changed my life. Shortly after a release from prison and the probability of a return, a friend gave me a cassette tape recording of the FZ album Sheik YaBouti. It stopped me in my tracks and left me wanting to hear much more of this weirdness. Through listening to Frank and seeking out his truth I met a lot of really sound people whom I would never have otherwise I dare say, these people helped to civilise me and were passive role models in that I saw there was a life that did not involve being an asshole, I'm happy to say I grabbed it with both hands.
Glad to see these children are discovering the more unique music of my teens!
I started listening to Zappa in '66 or '67 and remember my mother opening my door, looking at me and asking,
"What in the hell are you listening to?" 56 or 57 years later I still have Zappa in my collection! Funny thing is, I also have Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline! I guess it comes from being raised in the deep south from '52 to '70 when I went into the military! One of my favorites that you'll rarely if ever hear is Sky Pilot by Eric Burden and the Animals! I was listening to that in '66 or '67, it was a favorite in Vietnam at that time! Try it! It sort of gets to the heart of the matter! ✌
I still think his guitar solo from the burnt weenie sandwich album called holiday in Berlin full blown has got to be his best . Inca roads holds a close 2 nd
I started listening to Zappa back in 1971. I was sixteen and fell madly in love with a girl that worked at my local record store. More lust than love. Every time I went to see her at the record store Zappa was playing. I ended up loving Zappa instead. I've loved him ever since. The great thing about Zappa is the wonderful mix of musical styles. One album will be largely jazz and Avant Gard, the next might be more rock, the one after that could be bluesy, and then he'll throw a real curveball with an album of doo-wop. I would advise you to take a listen to "Doreen", the version from Crush All Boxes, it's an unreleased album but you can listen to it on UA-cam. Aforementioned "Doreen" has the best vocal arrangement you will hear, as fine an example of doo-wop as you will come across. I mention this as being an example of the curveball. However there are many fine examples, of all the listed types of music, to be found within the clade that is Zappa.
Every time you hear something different in that song
Yep, Zappa was not only a genius musician, but very prolific. So, so much material.
My suggestion: Billy The Mountain
It's a very long song, depending on the version, it's between 20 and 40 minutes. Not as much technical musicianship, but it's a fun story with tons of improv and comedy, brought to life by Flo and Eddie who were members of the Turtles ("Imagine me and you", yeah, THAT band) that joined his band for a while after the Turtles broke up. Just a different facet of his immense and bizarre catalog.
Seeing you enjoying this masterpiece was so cool 🙌🏼 I was vibing to it too even though I watched this show about a thousand times already hahaha
After being turned onto Zappa in the early 70s by my friend, when he would play his Hot Rats album as we sat in his room getting roasted on Hawaiian bud, I lost contact with his music and became involved in other things. But in the last few years I've discovered more of Zappa's music, and his more popular songs, and I'm blown away by the intricacies and diversity of his art! Try 'Don't Eat the Yellow Snow', 'I'm the Slime', 'Peaches en Regalia', 'Andy', 'Montana', (jazzy) 'Pink Napkins', 'Willie the pimp'.
The sheer musicianship in this Zappa song particular is completely out of this world. Music made to humble musicians.
Saw them in 1973 and was amazed. I had never heard anything like it before. I still haven't heard anything like them. Technically superb they added warmth to Zappa's music. I think he was delighted with them.
I will never get tired of this. It gets better every single time you listen to it.
Ruth Underwood on Xylophone, very underrated but very integral to Zappa music of the day.
Marimba not xylophone
This was the best reaction video I have seen, I knew the track and it was great to see your reaction you will go back again and again
Awestruck nodding is the perfect reaction.
What a brilliant version of this solo. People here saying the album version is better... I dunno, I really enjoyed this one too.
Agreed. Frank’s ability to improvise stunningly musical solos is just jaw dropping. No surprise that often subsequently scored and arranged them into new forms.
It’s funny how Frank was so clinical and cerebral in his
composition, yet so emotive and lilting in his guitar work. The contrast is stark.
Real giants on the stage there, with George Duke and Chester Thompson. Ruth Underwood is a force of nature.
You have a very long & exciting journey ahead of you. Thanks.
My opinion, one of his best compositions and executions. In awe every time I hear it. This performance was used as the skeleton for the One Size lp, with added overdubs and a little polish. Get it NOW.
On Ruth!!! That's Ruth!!! One of the more brilliant performances in the Rock genre...Ruth Underwood, is she in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!!
it all starts w Freak Out! his first album the only debut double album in rock history...it all starts here...
One of my biggest regrets is that my dad, who is 86 now, was into all types of music, Beatles, Dylan, Miles, Coltrane, Cream, Wes Montgomery-but he had all of Zappa’s earliest albums, first pressings, from back when we lived in Oakland. (I was born there in 64) We moved back to Ohio where he became a minister and then a college professor and one day, in 1979, I was so desperate for some weed-money, I took his copies of Freak Out, Absolutely Free, and We’re Only in it for the Money-snuck them off to Bent Back Records (a local used record store) and sold them. When the dude offered me 60 bucks for them I was blown away. They never gave you more than 50 cents or a buck for a used album. I should have walked out right then, realizing that they must have been worth a heck of a lot more if he was gonna give me that much. This was 1979 and an ounce of Santa Marta Gold was only 45 bucks though so I took the money and I was hooked up for another couple weeks. A year later, I saw Zappa play live and realized what a huge mistake I had made. Still one of the most incredible concerts I’ve ever seen-and I’ve seen hundreds. The Santa Marta was good but Zappa was the real “gold!” The follies of youth!
So much material and this is one of my favourites. When I go to see Dweezil, it's the one I always hope he plays.
"Blessed Relief" .. give that a try ;)
definitely one of franks most beautiful compositions
Could not agree more. Fantastic piece of music
And stuff like Twenty Small Cigars, King Kong, et al. He could compose beautiful songs alongside the scathing social commentary silly lyrics nonsense.
Jim Newstead, any live version of Franks's What's new in Baltimore is worth a serious listen. Thanks for keeping Frank alive.
That was a song about Peru I forget the year but they had said there was a space ship that landed in the mountains so frank wrote this song about the craziness of it all. I think it happened in the late 70 s
You just gotta do Yo Mama from Sheikh Yerbouti. If you liked Inca Roads, Yo Mama will literally blow you away.
And if you want more of those juicy solos don't miss Joe's Garage, especially part 2 and three.
keep in mind this is cutting edge clay-mation for it's time. I forget the artist Frank used but he did other clay mation stuff for Frank. This is pre-MTV.
You should know that the drummer (Chester Thompson) went on from here to be the drummer for Genesis (when on tour) while Phil Collins performed as the lead singer (post Gabriel). George Duke went on to have a great career as a jazz keyboardist and so on... No slouches here.
It's about the Nasca lines in the Andes, alleged to be a landing strip for aliens over 1000 yrs ago. I like the guitar solo on One Size Fits All for that song, plucked from a live concert. That album is full of amazing songs with the same band.
I always click on Zappa. The man was a genius! Highly intelligent!! I would have had someone to vote for if he was still alive!
"Why don'tcha sharpen it, then ?"
Just a personal opinion but I think Frank Zappa and the mothers and the Grateful Dead were the best jam artists in the mid to late seventies and early eighties. I remember I used to say OK quit trying to figure it out and just groove.
So happy I got to see this band when I was 14
Jeez, that rapid flicker is hard on the eye.
Zappa music when you get it and like it it is for life.This music needs active listening
His son Dweesel carries the torch now Do yourself a favor and see a Dweezel show they play all of Frank's stuff and hes good enough to play it
Very true. I've seen them perform three times now, the first of which was the One size fits all tour. I had my doubts, especially about Inca roads,but the band is amazing and totally nailed it. If you get a chance, buy tickets.
As someone new to Zappa you may not realize that all his stuff was composed on sheet music.
the rock stuff never was
Recording Zappa's intricate musical ideas in the studio is hard enough, but assembling the musicians who can perform it live in front of an audience with such fantastic excellence shows his artistic musical genius. Ruth Underwood is killing it!
Frank was on the Inca roads in 1973 in Cuzco-Peru
The sheer joy in Frank’s music is a wonder to behold.
I grinned all the way through. Again!
Inca Roads ~ one of my all time favourites! Ever.