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Despite his death in 1993, Zappa's estate has continued to release several albums per year of archive material. Zappa has inspired musicians from many genres - including electronic music pioneer Brian Eno, composer Bob Gluck and musical satirist 'Wierd Al' Yankovic .The first book to look at this period of Zappa's work in detail.
Frank Zappa is, one of the few rock and roll musicians who can truly be labelled a genius. With a career that spanned four decades before his untimely death in 1993, Zappa broke all the rules of composition and production and did things his way.
In this in-depth album guide, the most crucial part of Zappa's discography will be examined in-depth to provide readers with the ultimate guide his work. Each album will be discussed in detail, including the historical context behind the record, an examination of each song on the album, and full details of the musicians who played on it. The book will begin with Zappa's 60s albums with The Mothers of Invention, before delving into his prolific 70s solo career. Throughout this period, his albums remained complex musically while the subject matter was often satirical and controversial.
Fans of Zappa's 60s and 70s work will appreciate the level of detail, research, and depth provided in each review, making this the most comprehensive guide to this enigmatic musician's music yet written.
Frank Zappa is, one of the few rock and roll musicians who can truly be labelled a genius. With a career that spanned four decades before his untimely death in 1993, Zappa broke all the rules of composition and production and did things his way.
In this in-depth album guide, the most crucial part of Zappa's discography will be examined in-depth to provide readers with the ultimate guide his work. Each album will be discussed in detail, including the historical context behind the record, an examination of each song on the album, and full details of the musicians who played on it. The book will begin with Zappa's 60s albums with The Mothers of Invention, before delving into his prolific 70s solo career. Throughout this period, his albums remained complex musically while the subject matter was often satirical and controversial.
Fans of Zappa's 60s and 70s work will appreciate the level of detail, research, and depth provided in each review, making this the most comprehensive guide to this enigmatic musician's music yet written.
When Tim Smith died in July of 2020, he left behind a legion of adoring fans and an honorary doctorate in music. Not bad for someone who never had a top ten hit and who's music was so infamous during its heyday, that some magazines not only refused to review his work, but edited out praise from fellow musicians. But who was Tim Smith?
He was the composer, guitarist, singer, and lyricist for cult band Cardiacs. Working in the 70s up to 2008, Smith and his rotating band of musicians created some of the most intricate and original music of all time. They combined punk energy, prog complexity, ska rhythms, heavy metal drama, and much more with an absurd and satirical lyrical stance, while creating a confrontational on-stage image that inspired as many as it appalled.
Eric Benac examines each Cardiac album (including the never-repressed, cassette-only albums) and side projects, like the sublime prog-folk of Sea Nymphs, the warped psychedelics of Spartley's Japs, and the twisted Brit Pop of Tim's solo album. Each song is discussed both musically and lyrically, with a photo section containing original shots from Cardiacs fans.
He was the composer, guitarist, singer, and lyricist for cult band Cardiacs. Working in the 70s up to 2008, Smith and his rotating band of musicians created some of the most intricate and original music of all time. They combined punk energy, prog complexity, ska rhythms, heavy metal drama, and much more with an absurd and satirical lyrical stance, while creating a confrontational on-stage image that inspired as many as it appalled.
Eric Benac examines each Cardiac album (including the never-repressed, cassette-only albums) and side projects, like the sublime prog-folk of Sea Nymphs, the warped psychedelics of Spartley's Japs, and the twisted Brit Pop of Tim's solo album. Each song is discussed both musically and lyrically, with a photo section containing original shots from Cardiacs fans.