THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION: OVER-NITE SENSATION

The title of Zappa's '73 album Over-Nite Sensation was originally done as a joke as no one thought that this album would make him an over-nite sensation, but irony strikes again and it was a big commercial success, or as big as Zappa could've been. While I was glancing over the other reviews, I noticed that accessibility was mentioned in most every review, stating how this had been Zappa's most accessible release yet. This is probably true but it seems to be bandied about as though this were a bad thing. This means that people might not give the credit this album is due, as this is probably my favorite album of his. The music sounds very fresh, and the album blend the "old Frank" style and the collection of sexual ditties and flashy guitar solos that would comprise a portion of his later material.

The opener "Camarillo Brillo" is a country sounding tale of sexual conquest with a hippie chick. The music grabs the listener in and is very catchy and you'll find yourself humming the tune many days after you've listened to it. The star of this song is Frank (which is a shocker, I know), but this time, it's not the music, nor is it the lyrics, but it is actually his voice. It sounds really good, and caught me off guard when I heard it. The next song, "I'm the Slime" goes right out of the gate, with Zappa's amazing guitarwork hitting you right as soon as it begins. The solo then transitions into a very guttural sounding Frank, now playing the role of your television, telling you how he can warp and control your mind by watching him. The lyrics are very strong, albiet a tad blatant, but he does it expertly enough that it doesn't sound like it's just a bash-fest for two and a half minutes. It is probably my favorite Frank Zappa song, though I suppose I might be a bit biased, as I'm not a big fan of the ol' TV. The next track is "Dirty Love", which delivers what is promises, and gives us plenty of poodles. That's the nice thing to say, cause this is probably the weakest track on the album, but it's also short, so that's okay. Next up is "Fifty-Fifty", which is a nice piece of satire, with some more of Zappa's fine fretwork woven in. "Zomby Woof" is home to more guitar and a nice horn section, and some great vocals. One of Zappa's more famous (or would infamous be more apropos?) tracks is "Dinah-Moe Humm" another sexual ditty, about sexual prowess that sounds a bit like "Camarillo Brillo" and not just in lyrical content. Finally, the album closes with "Montana" a grandiose tale of westward expansion and a longing for the open range. It also talks about a man who "Might be movin' to Montana soon/Just to raise me up a crop of/Dental Floss". An excellent closer.

Overall, I loved this album as soon as I started to listen to it, and have grown to appreciate it more with time. Essential Frank Zappa for just about anyone, and an excellent way to start listening to his work.

Somewhere between 4.5 and 5 stars depending on the day that you ask me, but that will round up to 5 stars, so 5 stars it is.