Frank Zappa, American Composer (1940-1993)

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

12/04/2004 12:11:42 AM · #1

I know this is a photography web site and not one about music... But I wanted to mention that 11 years ago on that date (dec. 4th) we lost a great composer, musician, humorist, social satirist, etc, etc... Zappa died after years of battle with prostate cancer. Instead of having a minute of silence today, I suggest to everybody who knew his music, to play the most original music album that you possess in your collection. If you do not know who Frank Zappa is, I suggest visiting this link.

Message edited by author 2004-12-04 00:12:09.

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

12/04/2004 12:16:28 AM · #2

Definatly one of my guitar heros...

Favorite album: Apostrophe

Watch out where those huskies go...

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

12/04/2004 12:17:21 AM · #3

Originally posted by awpollard:

Watch out where those huskies go...

...and don't you eat that yellow snow!

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

12/04/2004 12:32:06 AM · #4

I love most all Zappa music too! Hot Rats, We're only in it for the Money, Joe's Garage, Sheik Yerbouti, One Size fits All, Apostrophe, Overnight Sensation.

I took some pics of Zappa when he played at the Albany Palace many years ago, but as I recall, my camera did not have sufficient reach for my balcony seat (and they were slides). Still, he was great. I do recall him getting pretty mad as someone threw him a ring or something and hit him!

Wow, I can't believe I think I remember the opening act even: Gentle Giant? And this was in 1977 or so.

Maybe I should forget all that and make some room for new memories--seems like I am up to my capacity. ;)

graphicfunk

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

12/04/2004 12:37:59 AM · #5

Loves Sappa!

f-32

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS II USM Lens

12/04/2004 01:16:35 AM · #6

Speaking of his being a humorist, who else ever thought to name their children such belly-busters as Moon Unit or Dweezil? Now THAT is funny! (Or is it social commentary?)

12/04/2004 01:56:32 AM · #7

Originally posted by f-32:

Speaking of his being a humorist, who else ever thought to name their children such belly-busters as Moon Unit or Dweezil? Now THAT is funny! (Or is it social commentary?)

You forgot the two youngest... Ahmet Rodan & Diva!

TooCool

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

12/04/2004 04:40:08 AM · #8

LOL... Don't forget Dynamo Hum!

I gotta 20 dollar bill that says that you can't make me... ummm if ya know the rest, ya know the rest! ;-)

Alecia

Canon EOS-10D

12/04/2004 05:09:51 AM · #9

Originally posted by f-32:

Speaking of his being a humorist, who else ever thought to name their children such belly-busters as Moon Unit or Dweezil? Now THAT is funny! (Or is it social commentary?)

probably a little of both, with zappa. :) before he passed, he was heavily into politics. he was vastly opposed (who wasn't?) to tipper gore and the pmrc--he called them a "bunch of bored washington housewives who wanted to housebreak all composers and performers because of the lyrics of a few", and he announced his decision to run for president in 1991--and was a huge supporter of rock the vote--his trademark slogan being "register to vote and read the constitution before it is void where prohibited by law!" i definitely remember all the 'zappa for president' bumper stickers floating around.

i grew up with zappa/mothers of invention, and so was honored when juice, the magazine i then worked for, asked me to do an interview with mike keneally, zappa's brilliantly avant garde guitarist. weirdly, our interview took place on december 21--the day that would have been zappa's 53rd birthday. i had almost forgotten about that--so thanks simon--for reminding me. kudos. :)

Message edited by author 2004-12-04 08:14:46.

Stagolee

Kodak Easyshare C180

Canon EF 50mm f1.2L

12/04/2004 05:11:20 AM · #10

Wow don't i feel like an idiot I didn't even know he had died but you get that when you live the lifestyle i do. I have very fond memories of Zappa music playing very loud very late/early morning. The guy was way out there and well before his times.

Message edited by author 2004-12-04 05:11:53.

Brenb

Canon EOS-60D

12/04/2004 07:07:03 AM · #11

I must say I didn't realize he had died either, but we were in Okinawa in the 90's. He was a one of a kind that's for sure. When I see his name I always think of a poster we had. It was him sitting on a toilet and the title was Frank Zappa Crappa. Anyone have or remember this poster?

Jacko

Canon EOS-20D

12/04/2004 07:21:40 AM · #12

Why does it hurt when I pee?

soup

Canon EOS-30D

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

12/04/2004 07:58:25 AM · #13

I am gross and perverted. I'm obsesed and deranged. I have existed for years, but very little has changed. I'm a tool of the government, and industry too. For i am destined to rule and regulate you. I'm the best you can get. Have you guessed me yet? I'm the slime oozing out from your TV set.

I am the slime from the video, oozing along on your living room floor. I am the slime from the video. Can't touch the slime people look at me go.

Message edited by author 2004-12-04 09:47:11.

Coley

Nikon D810

12/04/2004 09:00:11 AM · #14

Moving to Montana... gonna be a dental floss tycoon :)

soup

Canon EOS-30D

12/04/2004 08:35:40 PM · #15

bump...

worth the recognition....

12/04/2004 08:43:36 PM · #16

Originally posted by soup:

bump...

worth the recognition....

Thanks soup!

Gauti

Canon EOS-7D

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

12/05/2004 02:13:25 AM · #17

of course, songs like "titties & beer" or "bobbie brown (goes down)" are classics.
I like both a lot, but also: "Cosmic Debris" (from Man from Utopia), Baby Snakes, Trouble every day, Valley Girl (with Moon Unit), everything from "We're only in it for the money" and, actually, most of his other stuff.
A lot of the other early Bizarre/straight records signings were really good as well, chech out Captain Beefheart and his magic band. Tom Waits is god.

parrothead

Canon EOS-40D

12/05/2004 02:21:30 AM · #18

I was just thinkingabout that song...."Hello people..I'm Bobby brown...."! He was the forst of the lyrics that made people say.."Damn??" I cant believe its been 11 years. I think that emeinem needs to re=make a whole zappa album.....He also just say how he feels, and thats hard to come across in any music genre. Most of em nowadays are just comformest to the radio. I really just enjoy the artists that are actually artists. Mahalo Zap!!!!

TommyMoe21

Canon EOS-7D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

12/05/2004 02:37:06 AM · #19

FZ was here!