Mother’s of Invention is simply a hard band to like, probably because the band leader Frank Zappa doesn’t care about melodies as much as he does experimenting with recording techniques. Best fit for a sound recorder, Zappa was privileged enough to be able to perform live with an actually talented band while also being able to compose music for a high school or hearts as a student.
Zappa clearly ate slept and breathed composition and performing, probably a child instrumentalist. I early on in my life was merely indifferent to the arts, taking my skulls as a sketcher and violin for granted. I quit playing violin in the 6th grade at Oakdale Elementary, and was forced back into the orchestra in the now demolished East Toledo Junior High school as I simply longed to learn the keyboard. By the 8th grade, I had a job as an elementary tutor and saved up for a Casio keyboard that I purchased at Sears Department Store at The Woodville Mall in Northwood, Ohio.
That memory lingers as I simply have to admit I was first taken aback by how hateful the album felt listening to Zappa as I began exploring the solo career of Paul McCartney. Zappa was clearly an early influence on the Beatles, pushing them to move away from easy scores to more artful territory. Paul is credited with being the artist behind the album Sgt. Peppers and the Lonely Hearts Band, but it’s clear the Beatles were the inspirations behind We’re Only In It for the Money. Upon a relisten, it’s clear the real hatred is inward, as even Zappa admittedly played by his own criticism, realizing he too was only in this business for the money.
As a former hobbyist musician and now amateur recorder for multiple bands and a solo act, I too realize I am bitter as I admit I might only want to be in it for the money. And maybe the therapy as well…
dedicated to Rick Cornielson
The Verse Universe 