| LINKS
"If you own something, you will fight to protect it."
-- FZ |
Zappagraphy
thoughts on Frank Zappa
The astonishing richness of the discography listed
above reflects the breadth and depth of the work of Frank Zappa. I describe
Zappa's work as "meta-music", or music about music: Although there was certainly
much truly original content in his work, one common theme was commentary
on musical (and other) ideas he found elsewhere, from his life-long biting
critique of pop music and pop culture generally, to his "outsider's" contribution
to "serious" orchestral music and jazz. Along the way he brought his satirical
wit to bear on the banality of mainstream middle class American culture,
New Age nonsense, sexual obsession and even 19th century German metaphysics,
to name just a few of his targets. Because of the power of his lyrics, he
became an outspoken advocate for free speech and, of necessity (which is,
after all, the Mother of Invention), a successful entrepreneur. All the while
Zappa continued to develop as an instrumentalist, creating a unique virtuoso
style of electric guitar improvisation that belongs in the pantheon of guitar
greats. To say that he was one of the musical giants of the 20th century
is no exercise in hyperbole; it is the simple truth about a complex and engaging
genius.
- Greg
Burch
| Zappa on Zappa:
The
Real Frank Zappa Book, Frank Zappa (Introduction),
Peter Occhiofrosso (Contributor). The maestro in his own words. This book
was constructed from many hours of taped monologues in the late 1980s. Zappa
reminisces about his childhood, his early musical influences, the Mothers
and his adventures and misadventures on the road and in his quest to produce
and distribute his own music. The last half of the book contains Zappa's
account of his transformation into a free speech advocate and political
activist, exploring in at least a little depth the thoughtful and irreverent
social philosophy and criticism expressed in his music. HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED to Zappa fans. |
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