Slip Notes

Just Another Band from LA

Next on the list, Frank Zappa’s Just Another Band from LA.  The show was recorded at UCLA and captures a lot of the stuff I love about Zappa and the Mothers.    

First off, Billy the Mountain is ridiculous.  It’s the epic tale of a mountain and his wife (a tree growing off of his shoulder), as they take their first vacation together.  What ensues from this seemingly normal situation is spread out over the next 25 minutes.  The hooks are really catchy (I’m especially a fan of Studebaker Hawk) and it’s one of the more entertaining things you could hear if you were to show up to a concert.

The second side of the album kicks off with Call Any Vegetable, and asks the ever important question, “Why is a vegetable something to hide”?  Zappa is the king of tweeking his own tunes, and I’ve heard several different versions of Call Any Vegetable, and while it may not be the best (I really like an unidentified one I used to own on NAPSTER!) it does the trick here.

Call Any Vegetable is followed up with Eddie Are You Kidding?  A glorified jingle for a men’s clothier in LA.  It’s bouncy and upbeat, and overall pretty silly. I love the 16 Tailors finale. 

The album ends with two of my favorites, Magdalena and Dog Breath.  Magdalena is another Zappa comic gem about a maple syrup farmer and his daughter.  Their relationship is questionable, but their is no doubt about the song.  The many mood changes and challenging rhythms are textbook Zappa, and did I mention the song is about a lecherous maple syrup farmer?  The end of Magdalena builds to a head and crashes beautifully into Dog Breath.  I’m still not sure what this song is about (possibly fixing up an old Chevy to go cruisin’) and frankly, I don’t care.  I love the rock beginning of this, and something about the tune just sits right with me.  It’s always good for a pick me up.

And just look at the tracks that were left off the studio album!  Peaches en Regalia and Willie the Pimp are fan favorites, anything from the Mud Shark suite is legendary, and I happen to be a huge fan of Shove it Right In (I know it’s a little off-color, but it’s a great song).

So enjoy! Let me know what you think. And rest assured, this is not the last time we hear from Mr. Zappa. 

In my triumphant return to blogging, I have decided to dedicate some time to albums I’m quite fond of.  First on the list is Beck’s 1999 release Midnite Vultures.  I first got this album from a friend who had it lying around his bedroom collecting dust.  It’s fast-paced and funky, with a so much instrumentation that you hear something new each listen.  I love me some Beck, and this album is the best example of why.  Give it a listen.  I’ll discuss more by the end of the week.

Starting tonight the Philadelphia Phillies will play three games against the New York Yankees in a rematch of last year’s World Series.  While either team could walk away with an important series win, there is one guaranteed winner…. Turkey Hill. That’s right, the Lancaster, Pa based dairy claims to be the Official Ice Cream of both teams!  This is a blatant conflict of interests and should not be overlooked by either team!  As a proud Philadelphian, I am offended that Turkey Hill has sold out to the Evil Empire.  If I were a Yankee fan, I would be outraged that my official ice cream supplier was seeing other teams behind my back.

I have tried Phillies Graham Slam, it’s delicious. Although I will say this: I live in Center City, Philadelphia and cannot find it anywhere!  There is also Phillie Phanatic Double Play which I have yet to try.

For the Yankees, there is Yankees Bronx Bomber Sundae, Yankees Pinstripe Brownie Blast, and the ever so creative Yankees Vanilla

As always, nobody likes the Mets.

It is worth noting that Turkey Hill comes back to Philly in the Fall with Eagles Touchdown Sundae, and nothing for the Jets or Giants. 

Who has the tastier ice cream? I DON’T CARE! This type of waffling is unacceptable! In case you were wondering, the only acceptable type of waffling is in waffle cones. Until I see an end to the Yankees flavors, I will be staying clear of Turkey Hill and I would gladly support anyone who does the same.  After the score is settled, I will gladly return to enjoying their delicious products.