Zappadan 2016 Lumpy Gravy 1967 and Just Another Band From L.A. 1972

Let me just start with the important news. You don't need Just Another Band From L.A. at all. It is the inane pinnacle of everything that was wrong with the 1970-1972 Flo and Eddie Mothers. I know we should hold Frank up to the golden light during Zappadan, but I have finally purchased the only Zappa record in which I find zero delight. I don't have them all, but even Chunga's Revenge and Fillmore East- June 1971 (the other two by this line-up) hold some charms. This one is mostly Flo and Eddie telling insipid stories with a rhythm section.

On the other hand, Lumpy Gravy. The first of Zappa's solo records, it is the first realization of his more formal compositional works. As such, it appears to have meant a lot to the composer. While I could do without the spoken word ramblings inside the piano that are scattered throughout, the music is a fascinating look at the Zappa we will come to admire on Orchestral Favorites, the London Symphony recordings, and The Yellow Shark. Sprinkled with a touch of surf music, Zappa presents several themes we will encounter later in his oeuvre. Any critical dissection of Zappa's importance as a modern composer must include this delightful effort. Rated W for weirdness, especially in 1967.

For more Zappadan related goodies, try these...
Zappadan 2015
Zappadan 2014
Zappadan 2014
Zappadan 2013
Zappadan 2013
Zappadan 2012
Zappadan 2011
Zappadan 2011
Zappadan 2010
Zappadan 2010
Zappadan 2009
Zappadan 2009
And even more at Frank Zappa here on this blog.

Thanks again, Mr. Zappa.