THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION: OVER-NITE SENSATION

This album is truly an overnight sensation. I was not interested in Zappa for a long time, until I heard the disk ''Overnite Sensation'' (along with Apostrophe, but this is another review). It is a collection of songs which features crazy music and crazy lyrics, but is somehow accessible, a point Zappa often failed earlier. For it is not entirely simple, yet a bit complicated, this may be the best album to get an impression of Zappa's music. I suggest it as the best album to start exploring his discography.

The jazz-side of his music is omitted for some more ''normal'' aspects, and among these are structured songs and easy melodies. However, this is not an usual rock record. Every song is supported by an overload of instruments, the usual virtuosity of earlier solos delivered all at once. The first song, ''Camarillo Brillo'' might be the most 'commercial' sound Zappa did up to that point. Nothing for surprises, but no reason to give up it all from the beginning. Other songs which deserve special mention are ''50/50'', with undeniable crazy lead vocals and some stunning soloing and ''I'm the slime'' combining spoken words and singing in a not disturbing way and delivering an interesting rythm. To make it short, here we have mid-tempo to fast rock music, sometimes breaking out into pure craziness and a band of jazz-players supporting this concept.

Shall I write a bit about the lyrics? To make it short: perverting craziness is the most dominant factor. Sometimes I feel ashamed for only listening to this. Yet Zappa knows some boarders he would later break (Sheik Yerbouti and following). Allthough, this is no excess of unmoral words, only a bit below the belt. Have you ever felt like you are in need of dirty jokes packed in strange music? If so, here is my recommendation: Run to your next record store, order ''Overnite Sensation'', and additionaly explore the music of a crazy genius.