THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION: ONE SIZE FITS ALL

This is one of my favourite Zappa records. Interestingly enough there is only one instrumental "Sofa No.1" yet the instrumental work on this album is truly incredible. Ruth Underwood on vibes is amazing, while Chester Thompson is his usual brilliant self on drums, and Frank gets a lot of mileage out of his guitar on this one. George Duke sings lead by himself on "Inca Roads" and is part of the lead vocals on two other tracks, while his keyboard work is stunning.

"Inca Roads" features high pitched vocals, but it's the guitar solo from Frank that lasts close to 3 minutes that impresses me to no end. The vibes and Frank's hilarious vocals are also highlights. "Can't Afford No Shoes" makes me laugh just thinking about it. It's an uptempo, funny song that's a good little rocker with some great guitar to end it. "Sofa No.1" is a fantastic sounding instrumental.The sound is so thick and solid. "Po-Jama People" opens with some blues flavoured piano and guitar. Vocals arrive a minute in.The vocal melodies are so funny. "Hoy, hoy, hoy". A scathing guitar solo follows as piano joins in.The vocals are back before 6 minutes.

"Florentine Pogen" has some heavy sections to it and in general it has an an amazing sound to it. "Evelyn, A Modified Dog" is just too funny for words. "San Ber'Dino" is as catchy as hell, and I know i'm repeating myself but the sound is so full, it sounds great as does the guitar again. "Andy" has some fast paced vocals that come and go. Organ before 3 minutes.The drumming is outstanding as is the scorching guitar and fine piano melodies. "Sofa No.2" has some different vocal styles on it that work well.The vibes and drums are highlights as well.

It would be difficult picking my top ten Zappa records, but this one would be near the top.This would be a great place to start for someone new to Zappa's work.