So today’s song choice, for the next to last day of Zappadan 2011, has to be “Dirty Love!” Now, Frank always had a “secret word” at his concerts, for fun and entertainment. With the sordid and scandalous behavior by drop trou GOPers at the Minnesota Senate, I picked this song cause there’s a secret word in it, too! Well, phrase, to be exact: “The poodle bites – c’mon Frenchy!” If what I’m hearing is correct, the significance of that “secret word” will become very apparent in just a pew, er, ‘scuse me, “few” days!

Which is why I added the “Pew d’Etat” to the title, there’s a new crew taking advantage and taking over the GOPer side o’ the aisle in the Minnesota State Senate! While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, smart money is betting after their Pew d’Etate that it’ll just be SSDD….

Without any further ado – “Dirty Love!”

Frank Zappa tribute with ex-band members and many guests, recorded in November 1991 in New York City. Frank was too ill at this time, so he couldn´t attend.

Hope you enjoyed that; I’m sure Frank would be having a field day writing new songs based on the antics of Today’s GOP: Morally Bankrupt, Intellectually Dishonest, and Institutionally Corrupt.

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Previous posts on MPP, referencing Frank Zappa:

“Zappadan 2011, Day 11″ by TPT on Wednesday December 14th

“Zappadan 2011, Day 6″ by TPT on Friday December 9th, 2011

“Zappadan 2011, Day 4″ by TPT on Wednesday December 7th, 2011

“Zappadan 2011, Day 2″ by TPT on Monday December 5th, 2011

“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial!” by TPT on Saturday November 19th, 2011

“One Year Later – Who Opposes HCR? Or…a picture says a thousand words.” by TPT, Thursday March 24th, 2011

“Watermellon In Easter Hay – May 17th, 1988, Barcelona, Spain” by TPT, Friday August 21st, 2009

“Progressive Nation 2009 Concert Tour” by TPT, Wednesday June 17th, 2009

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Where I get my Zappa music: The Electric Fetus

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)

Here’s Ruth, demonstrating how Frank’s music is, shall we say, just a little different?

And yes, that’s Dweezil and Napoleon Murphy Brok at the end o’ that YouTube. And yes, that’s why if you get a chance to see Dweezil Zappa play live, you simply have to do it!

Here’s a live version of the song “RDNZL” from the double CD “You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore (Volume 5)” (yes, “vol. 5″ – there are actually 6 double CD’s in the series) – there’s no concert footage; it’s just a great example of an instrumental song featuring incredibly tight percussion and a monster – MONSTER – guitar solo by Frank! Let’s listen!!!

Again, that’s off of “You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore (Volume 5)” – which would make a great stocking stuffer for that Special Zappa Fan you’re buying presents for during these retailing days coinciding with HannaRamaKwanzMas…

Other suggestions – and it’s just me, but I buy the vast majority of my music locally, at The Electric Fetus – for that Special Zappa Fan in your life have to include:

“You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore (Volume 2) – The Helsinki Concert”. Everybody remember Deep Purple and “Smoke On The Water”? “Frank Zappa & the Mothers were at the best place around / But some stupid with a flare gun burned the place to the ground / Smoke on the water…” – Yes, this concert is from back in those days – and the band line-up includes Ruth Underwood and Napoleon Murphy Brock!

Really, the whole “YCDTOSA” series is well-worth having.

As is the new stuff put out by Dweezil! Dweezil’s version of “Pygmy Twilight” on “Return Of The Son Of” shows that the apple don’t fall far from the tree. And those that like Ruth Underwood, will love Scheila Gonzalez.

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Previous posts on MPP, referencing Frank Zappa:

“Zappadan 2011 Day 6″ by TPT on Friday December 9th, 2011

“Zappadan 2011, Day 4″ by TPT on Wednesday December 7th, 2011

“Zappadan 2011, Day 2″ by TPT on Monday December 5th, 2011

“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial!” by TPT on Saturday November 19th, 2011

“One Year Later – Who Opposes HCR? Or…a picture says a thousand words.” by TPT, Thursday March 24th, 2011

“Watermellon In Easter Hay – May 17th, 1988, Barcelona, Spain” by TPT, Friday August 21st, 2009

“Progressive Nation 2009 Concert Tour” by TPT, Wednesday June 17th, 2009

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Where I get my Zappa music: The Electric Fetus

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

Back in 1991, when Frank was sick and everyone knew his touring days were over, there were two special shows performed and recorded – film, too! – at The Ritz in New York on November 7 and 8, 1991. Frank picked the songs and arrangements – Mike Keneally was the guitarist. The film was used for a PBS documentary; the CD was called “Zappa’s Universe” and it’s great. “Inca Roads” evolved over the years while Frank toured; as most songs did – arrangements depended on who Frank hired for the band. The “Zappa’s Universe” version is one of my favorites, even though it’s Keneally playing and not Frank. I couldn’t find a TouTube of it, or another rocker off that CD, “Hungry Freaks, Daddy.” It’s a great CD, and one every fan of Franks should own.

1988 was a monster year for Frank; he put out the single CD “Broadway The Hardway” – with a guest appearance by Sting and a few not-so-subtle jabs at Jimmy Swaggart – and two double CD’s – “The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life” and “Make A Jazz Noise Here.” All three CD’s are live recordings. It was an incredible band; they played stuff from a reggae version of Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire” to Ravel’s “Bolero” to “Stairway To Heaven.” Here’s Frank’s composition, “Black Napkins.”

Mention “Frank Zappa” to most people, and if they recognize the name they’re more than likely to make a “yellow snow” comment, or some comment on lyrics. Frank more than once said his music didn’t need lyrics, except for one reason: had to have ‘em to sell records. Well, to rip politicians he didn’t like, too. But to his hardcore fans, many of the best songs are instrumentals. If you liked “Black Napkins” go down below and click on the “Watermellon In Easter Hay” link -same band, same venue!

Frank’s son Dweezil has been touring and playing Frank’s music for the past few years; he’s wrapping up a tour in England now and Dweezil’s website says he’s starting to line up the 2012 tour by inking some February shows in California. I’ve been lucky to see Dweezil play here in Minneapolis 3 times; the inaugural “Tour De Frank” at the Orpheum, at First Avenue, and again at the Orpheum. Where ever you are, if Dweezil is playing anywhere near – go see him! More Dweezil, later.

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Previous posts on MPP, referencing Frank Zappa:

“Zappadan 2011, Day 4″ by TPT on Wednesday December 7th, 2011

“Zappadan 2011, Day 2″ by TPT on Monday December 5th, 2011

“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial!” by TPT on Saturday November 19th, 2011

“One Year Later – Who Opposes HCR? Or…a picture says a thousand words.” by TPT, Thursday March 24th, 2011

“Watermellon In Easter Hay – May 17th, 1988, Barcelona, Spain” by TPT, Friday August 21st, 2009

“Progressive Nation 2009 Concert Tour” by TPT, Wednesday June 17th, 2009

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Where I get my Zappa music: The Electric Fetus

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com‘ comments welcome there)

So today I thought it’d be fun to play a song called “Cocaine Decisions.” Frank wrote a lot of anti-drug songs (“City Of Tiny Lights” being one of my favorites). Let’s listen!

And then for yuks on Frank’s anti-drug stance, here’s Frank in a Saturday Night Live skit. Rather ironic, considering who is playing “Window Pane”….

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Previous posts on MPP, referencing Frank Zappa:

“Zappadan 2011, Day 2″ by TPT on Monday December 5th, 2011

“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial!” by TPT on Saturday November 19th, 2011

“One Year Later – Who Opposes HCR? Or…a picture says a thousand words.” by TPT, Thursday March 24th, 2011

“Watermellon In Easter Hay – May 17th, 1988, Barcelona, Spain” by TPT, Friday August 21st, 2009

“Progressive Nation 2009 Concert Tour” by TPT, Wednesday June 17th, 2009

***
Where I get my Zappa music: The Electric Fetus

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

So I’m posting today. And I’d like to offer two videos; the first is an interview with guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, who Zappa hired when only twenty (more on Steve Vai, in later posts). The first video is from an interview of Steve from the Dutch prodcasting company VPRO, which did a documentary about Frank:

And here’s Frank Zappa, performing what Steve was talking about, and demonstrating:

“The present day composer refuses to die.” Edgar Varese said it; Zappa quoted it on album liner notes; and although Frank’s not with us anymore (‘he bit the big one”) – his family’s press release on Frank’s demise stated “Composer Frank Zappa left for his final tour just before 6:00 pm on Saturday” – Frank’s music and legacy lives on.

(cross posted on MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)

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Previous posts on MPP &TPT, referencing Frank Zappa:

“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial!” by TPT on Saturday November 19th, 2011

“One Year Later – Who Opposes HCR? Or…a picture says a thousand words.” by TPT, Thursday March 24th, 2011

“Watermellon In Easter Hay – May 17th, 1988, Barcelona, Spain” by TPT, Friday August 21st, 2009

“Progressive Nation 2009 Concert Tour” by TPT, Wednesday June 17th, 2009

***
Where I get my Zappa music: The Electric Fetus

But NOT the dream. Let Freedom Ring.

* Chrissie Hynde sings “State Of Independence”

* MLK delivers “I Have A Dream”

The Dream Lives On.

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

Unfortunately, the first hit on google informed me that Krekel is no longer with us – he died in June ’09.

Bummer.

Tim was an amazing guitartist; played for Buffett for a spell. If you’ve never heard of him, nor seen him, now you can.

R.I.P., Tim.

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)

Well, most o’ the maybe 20 or so that might vouch for the ol’ TwoPutter were in the crowd that packed the Chan Legion last Saturday night for “Prairie DawgFest 2010″ – headlined by local dawg David K with other denizen dawgs playing along. Local dawg Ricky Ybarra’s band was alternating sets. Ricky might vouch for me. Well, maybe David, too. Ricky’s wife? Prolly not; we went to Prom together…

Anyway, David sang a song that had me ROLFMAO. I sent him an email that night (from the bar; before I forgot), asking for the lyrics ’cause when I’ve had a cocktail or twelve, and there’s a karoke machine around, I’ve been known to belt out a Buffet song or two ’cause since Buffett always ad libs with his songs in concerts (and I know, from experience), I figure it’s ok to ad lib on ‘em during karoke; but: that’s a tangent. Back on point: David not only replied with lyrics (below the fold), he also gave me a link to footage they shot from the fest. Silly me; I figured that the guy with the camera was just another pathetic GOPer tracker… So, the YouTube is up, and I hope the regular readers and (im)posters here at MPP enjoy it too…

The Gulf Oil Spill
Lyrics David K to the tune of Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett

- music by Jimmy Buffet, lyrics by David Keiski

nibblin’ on spongecake, smells like an oil rake
all of those beaches are covered with oil
strummin’ my G string, while they clean off a bird wing
southern boy tempers beginnin’ to boil

WASTIN’ AWAY AGAIN DOWN IN THE OIL SPILL
LOOKIN’ FOR MY PET DOLPHIN NAMED WALT
SOME PEOPLE CLAIM THAT PRES’DINT BAMA’S TO BLAME… BUT I KNOW
THAT IT’S BP’S FAULT

Stepped on a tar ball, as big as a baseball
slipped and I slided right back to the bar
lit up my cigar, drop my match on my foot tar
went up in smoke and it left a big scar

WASTIN’ AWAY AGAIN DOWN IN THE OIL SPILL
LOOKIN’ FOR MY PET DOLPHIN NAMED WALT
SOME PEOPLE CLAIM THAT PRES’DINT BAMA’S TO BLAME… BUT I KNOW
THAT IT’S BP’S FAULT

I don’t know the reason, for this oily season
nothin’ to show but this pile -uh- goo
yeah it killed the beauty, a beach fool -uh- doodie
tar balls and Pelicans pissed off at you

WASTIN’ AWAY AGAIN DOWN IN THE OIL SPILL
LOOKIN’ FOR MY PET DOLPHIN NAMED WALT
SOME PEOPLE CLAIM THAT PRES’DINT BAMA’S TO BLAME… BUT I KNOW
THAT IT’S BP’S FAULT

I blew out my shrimp boat, stuck in oil it won’t float
it’s gummed up and rusty for a boat it don’t pass
there’s oil in the blender ~ can I return to sender
BP you suck you can kiss my fat ass

WASTIN’ AWAY AGAIN DOWN IN THE OIL SPILL
LOOKIN’ FOR MY PET DOLPHIN NAMED WALT
SOME PEOPLE CLAIM THAT PRES’DINT BAMA’S TO BLAME… BUT I KNOW
THAT IT’S BP’S FAULT

(cross posted from MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

That was Frank Zappa, 21 years ago. Tonight, Dweezil Zappa brings the Zappa Plays Zappa Road Show to Minneapolis at the Orpheum; Dweezil and the band are warming up Dream Theater.

Link here to watch Dweezil and the band playing “Peaches En Regalia” last year (embedding disabled; it’s a DVD performance from last year’s tour). And yes, that’s Steve Vai playing Stunt Guitar, to the left of Dweezil, and Napoleon Murphy Brok on sax!

Friday night, August 21, 2009, Zappa Plays Zappa, Orpheum Theater, Minneapolis – it just don’t get any better!

(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)