It Must Be A Camel (1969) by Frank Zappa- Analysis by Neil Slade 

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Dear Mr. Slade: Thank you so much. From age 15 until now (65) I have been mostly alone in my total love and appreciation for the composed pieces on Zappa's Hot Rats album, especially It Must Be a Camel. In fact, Camel ranks at the top of the most inspiring pieces I've ever heard. At 15, I loved it instantly. But friends and fans of the album preferred Zappa's other non-jam tracks and most if not all, did not or could not dig Camel. Understandable for teenagers and it was a sign I had a sophisticated ear I didn't know what to do about except to keep listening to music. It's sad that so many self-proclaimed Zappa lovers still don't mention this incredible composition. When I ask the well-informed they say "Oh yeh, it's the last cut on the album." Only one of my educated friends nodded and acknowledged it was a great piece. But they didn't love it. Only today, June 12, 2023, did I discover your discussion of Camel with analysis and presentation, including personal comments and history that soothed my heart. I've been a lonely Camel lover for 50 years. There must be others. I later went to music school in hopes of composing, but music notation was hieroglyphics to me and to this day, I can but barely read the double bass lines for classical compositions. That never stopped me from creating music but it's always been a very painful fact: I cannot read music. I memorized difficult classical comp passages and faked it. Certain brain tests later revealed I had a serious learning issue in my youth, along the lines of dyslexia/autism. I overcame the problem by teaching myself to write academic papers, personal essays and by age 30, I was competent enough at prose writing to land a reporter's job. None of this is an excuse for giving up on music composition. I rely on instinct (ear) and self-taught keyboard tricks to create a range of pieces that, while unwritten, are largely composed with lots of improv. A successful track is often a complete and happy accident. Zappa remains a major influence on any "modern" (neo-classical/jazz/whatever) music I invent on GarageBand. Deeper digital programs, like Ableton, are over my head, but I have investigated them with one or two successful comps (successful meaning, I like'm). Sorry for the long note. For all I know this address no longer exists. Camel has been a throughline in what many call a "tough life" - depression and drugs sidelined me for years. Mine would have been a much harder existence without Zappa, Hot Rats and specifically, It Must Be a Camel. Thank you, again. You don't know what it meant to me to read your piece online through Brain Music. All the best, F.C. Writer/Photographer Ithaca, NY

One of my favorite Zappa pieces, I first Zappa's music in 1970 and it inspired me to study and write music. I love the music he did from 1967 thru 1969 the most. He likes using quartal and quintal harmony to great affect, I love that stuff. The score is available online from places like musescore.

If I was listening to this today and didn’t know who wrote it or when I’d file it as “modern jazz fusion”. So what’s remarkable is that this was written in 1969 when there really wasn’t ANY jazz fusion at all yet! This song is ahead of its time by 30 years or so, but no one will likely point that out as it’s like “Oh yeah, that’s just Zappa” meaning it can’t be labeled. His music is just one of a kind.

Thanks for your analysis. Very informative and insightful. I always thought this was one of Franks more complex, musically sophisticated pieces for a small ensemble. It's very catchy is in way only Zappa can pull off. Been listening to Zappa from 1969.

A landmark album

Merci frank Zappa!

I've listened to and loved Hot Rats since it first came out, but only recently have focused on Camel. It has become my favorite Zappa piece, vying with Dog Breath Variations. Be sure to listen to the outtakes on the 50th anniversary release where Frank assembles the song in studio - fascinating. Nice break down. Thanks.

When you put it that simply , it seems like it is kind of easy. Then, looking at the sheet music , it seems to me like they were very skilled musicians jamming on something that most people couldn't jam to. Especially when Zappa says that most of Hot Rats was written in studio. "Here, Ian, jam out these melodies I just composed. Oh, Ponty, let's do this. Check out this guitar riff. Hmm, let's change the time signature..."

If camels composed music.

Nicely done, Neil!

good job!

Soberbio Neil Enviado desde el idioma del cuarto poder!!!

REALLY I'M NOT KIDDING- READ THE ANALYSIS PART HERE TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS VIDEO- www.neilslade.com/ItMustBeACamel.html Open in a SEPARATE WINDOW and READ ALONG

Much prefer the Rykodisc mix.

Definitely camels .......in the desert 🏜️ ? Maybe an oasis ! ✌️ ❓

Igor's boogy part 1 and 2?