Post by Tedalvyfrom http://www.rocklineradio.com/
Wednesday - February 18, 2004
The Genius of Frank Zappa
As ROCKLINE approaches its 23rd anniversary, we at the show become more and
more aware of the incredible library of programs we have. With approximately
one thousand, four hundred shows we have had a front row seat to Rock and Roll
history. ROCKLINE provides a unique vantage point for watching American culture
unfold before our very eyes and ears and to hear directly from the innovators
about their perspective on Rock, their own contributions and the world in
general. Throughout it all we have provided you the chance to speak with some
of the most remarkable humans on the planet.
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing persons to enrich our world was Frank
Zappa. With over 60 albums (60, that's not a typo) Frank continually pushed the
boundaries, challenged us and helped change the way we perceive ourselves and
those around us. Beyond The Beatles and a very short list of others, no one
else can lay claim to such impact. To celebrate the release of the DVD "Baby
Snakes" we are proud to present a reprise of the third ROCKLINE ever broadcast
with the original host of the show B. Mitchell Reed and Frank Zappa. Taken from
May 18, 1981, we will add new perspective to the Zappa story with fresh, brand
new interviews from his son Dweezil, long time guitarist Steve Vai, and Frank's
commander in chief on drums, Terry Bozzio. We will play some of Frank's most
famous songs and portions of the Baby Snakes DVD as well. Plus, it is
absolutely fantastic just to hear Frank's voice again in possibly the only
national radio interview he did.
This is something we began only last year. Re-broadcasting truly special shows
and moments and bringing them up to date with new, relevant interviews. We call
them new, old shows. Call it what you like, but remember not to call at all on
this night, as we present The Genius of Frank Zappa only on ROCKLINE!
I'd like to check that out, sir. In fact, I rented the funky old
video (2 cassettes) of Baby Snakes a couple weeks ago and just loved
it to pieces.
My favorite album of the 60: Live at the Fillmore East 1971, with my
*second* favorite Mothers lineup of Mark and Howard, the redoubtable
Ainsley Dunbar and Frank at his devilish professorial best. On the
charts with a bullet: "Happy Together"! (Howard to the crowd: Come on
everybody sing along like a big rock show!) Favorite Lineup: Reuben
and the Jets (Cheap Thrills, Best Song). Also on FREAK OUT: Help I'm a
Rock and It Can't Happen Here. Sleeping in a Jar from Uncle Meat, all
of Weasels Ripped My Flesh...
LaTFE was recorded the night John Lennon (and Yoko Ono) got up on
stage and jammed with the Mothers, following Frank's wonderful speech
about Bill Graham "getting into something better." after closing down
the Fillmore in New York City.
The end of an era.
Frank is sorely missed, in Congress, in the Justice Department, and
all around Southern California in the summer when his live shows
electrified all of his fans. I attended "Just Another Band from L.A."
at Pauley Pavilion and sat in the front row with Neal Preston and
screamed so loud you can hear me on the vinyl release. "200 Motels" -
with Ringo Starr as Frank Zappa and the claymation stop action stuff -
way ahead of MTV in its weirdness.
I could write a million words about Frank Zappa, and it wouldn't begin
to capture his greatness, as a guitarist, a composer of modern
classical music, a performer of fabulously funny and satirical rock
music, the crazed, manic leader of five different incarnations of the
Mothers of Invention, a political activist who urged all of us to
vote, a witness to the PMRC (early incarnation of John Ashcroft's
henchmen enforcing the Patriot Act, co-conspirator with the FCC, who
are currently INVESTIGATING the exposure of Janet's titty... wouldn't
Frank have written an incredible rock opera about the "Aughties" and
the resurgence of the virtual Sixties with resurrected Beatles. All
You Need Is Cash.
Love him Miss him. When's the Box Set coming out, anyway!?
Thanks for posting this, fella.
"Vicious Little Jewish Princess" Schwartz
;-)