Description
Book SynopsisOffers a focused treatment of the rock and pop songs of Frank Zappa (1940-93), the great American composer. This book examines various aspects of his work, from his role as a satirist of the highest order to his place in the genre of "progressive rock" and his importance as an influential critic of American culture and society.
Trade Review“One of the strengths of Lowe's treatment is his contextualization of pop-culture references in the lyrics, explications that result in a clearer reading of Zappa's texts. Also useful are the discography of Zappa recordings and a critical bibliographic essay on the major contributions on the life and works of Frank Zappa. Students of popular or American music will appreciate this title.”—
Choice“The first book to move beyond the details of Zappa's biography toward a focused treatment of his rock and pop songs. Author Kelly Lowe has left no aspect of Zappa's work unexamined, from his role as a satirist, to his place within the genre of "progressive rock" and his importance as one of the foremost critics of American culture and society. This title also features a bibliographic essay that discusses the current state of Zappa scholarship.”
—Library Media Collection“Author Kelly Lowe has left no aspect of Zappa's work unexamined, from his role as a satirist of the highest order, to his place within the genre of 'progressive rock' and his importance as one of the foremost critics of American culture and society. . . . [A] surprisingly clear perspective of his personal views is also provided, shedding light on his treatment of such topics as the falsified notion of love in popular culture, the compromising influence of money on popular music, and the concept of freedom in a systematized society.”—
Free Bird TimesTable of ContentsIntroduction to the Bison Books Edition
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Why Study Frank Zappa?
1. You Call
That Music?
2. Satire and the Art of Frank Zappa
3. The Mothers of Invention
Freak Out!Absolutely FreeWe're Only in It for the MoneyLumpy GravyCruising with Ruben and the JetsUncle MeatMothermania4.
Hot Rats, the Last Two Mothers Albums, Flo & Eddie, and the Jazz-Rock Albums
Hot RatsBurnt Weeny Sandwich and
Weasels Ripped My FleshChunga's Revenge;
Fillmore East, June 1971;
200 Motels; and
Just Another Band from L.A.Waka/Jawaka and
The Grand Wazoo5. The Duke-Brock / Progressive Rock Bands,
Läther, and the Terry Bozzio Albums
Over-Nite Sensation and
Apostrophy (')Roxy & Elsewhere,mso-bidi-font-style: normal"One Size Fits All, and
Bongo FuryZoot Allures Zappa in New York,
Studio Tan, and
Sleep DirtSheik Yerbouti6. Politics: 1979-88
Joe's Garage, Acts I, II, & IIITinsel Town RebellionYou Are What You IsShip Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning WitchThe Man from Utopia and
Them or UsThing-FishFrank Zappa Meets the Mothers of PreventionBroadway the Hard WayConclusion
Discography of Available Zappa Recordings
Notes
Bibliographic Essay
Bibliography
Index
