Underrated among Zappa albums. One of his more fun ones. Think you already reacted to Transylvania Boogie off this one. This is a *deep* cut tune. Absolutely love Zappa's guitar tone here. Whatever people think about his playing with regard to composition and phrasing, I don't know how anyine can argue with the tones.
The vocals are by Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman (aka Flo & Eddie) from a gig in June 1970, one of their first appearances with Zappa. They should nudge you in the direction of the Turtles, who released three singles in the late 60s that half a century later remain the archetype of pop perfection.
You have heard this when you did the Chunga's Revenge album reaction on Patreon Frank Zappa-guitar Ian Underwood-alto sax, electric piano George Duke-electric piano & vocal drum imitations Jeff Simmons-bass & vocal Aynsley Dunbar-drums with The Phlorescent Leech & Eddie-vocals
I hadn't heard this for many, many years and my first thought at the beginning was "That's Ian Underwood on amplified alto sax". I checked Discogs and Ian is listed on electric piano (as is George Duke). Well, Ian may play some piano here, but there is definitely electric alto sax on this track and I'm pretty sure Ian plays it. In addition to electric piano, George Duke does the mouth percussion (vocal drum imitations), Jeff Simmons plays bass guitar and Aynsley Dunbar is on the drums. The voices are, in addition to George, Howard Kaylan, Mark Volman and Jeff Simmons. And of course Frank Zappa on guitar. There is no marimba. This track was recorded live at the Tyrone Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
This album with Frank's VISAGE appearing to rock out...instead ,...he was yawning,was the first album of Frank's I had heard....I was about 12....maybe.
Can any of you good Frank fans answer this: Both complete shows (early and late) from this same performance at the Guthrie Theatre were released as Road Tapes Venue 3, but this isn't on there.
oh my, it's a double album and only a few songs are posted. boo! I have a 55 year old copy. Still sounds fabulous! I am not a remaster fan. older men can't 'fix' their early work. They ruin it. Frank's Barking Pumpkin remixes are horrible! only in it for the money was tweaked and lost the exuberance of the youthful playful creation unlistenable!!! this is your only warning! LOL
Musically, after Hot Rats, this album was a big come down. This sounds like it was recorded in a toilet cubicle, which considering Flo and Eddie are on this, would be quite fitting for those 2 shit houses. Just a directionless jam. Not one thing other than the title track stands out for me and this was the start of a couple of horrendous years for Frank musically.
@@paulfenwick8767 Thinking that this piece may have been a stand-alone tune would be kinds weird, but as part of King Kong, it makes more sense as improv in the middle of that. That's all.
@@paulfenwick8767 To revisit your original comment, the recording sessions (which included parts of Chunga) Funky Nothingness came right after Hot Rats. I think that's kind of a letdown as well and maybe why, outside of what was used for Chunga, was shelved by Frank. Any thoughts on that?
