THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION: WEASELS RIPPED MY FLESH

This album contains material from 1967-1969 that was previously unreleased. And make no mistake the reason these songs were not released wasn't because they weren't good enough, it's just that Frank and THE MOTHERS recorded so much material and some of the best of that was used for this record and "Burnt Weeny Sandwich". On this particular release we have a combination of "live" and studio tracks.

"Didja Get Any Onya ?" was recorded live in Philadelphia. Drums pound as the sax screams out until it's interupted by vocal sounds from Lowell George. Dissonant sax melodies come in as things start to get crazy with vocal melodies and spoken words. Drums and percussion lead the way after 4 minutes until the horns take over late. "Directly From My Heart" is a cover of a Little Richard song. Don "Sugar Cane" Harris not only provides excellent vocals but some amazing violin melodies as well. Just a great tune. "Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Sexually Aroused Gas Mask" was recorded live in London, and I love the 1 1/2 minute intro. Roy Estrada does the vocal sounds and there is laughing to follow. This is pretty funny. "Toads Of The Short Forest" opens with a nice melody that turns heavy after a minute. There is a funny introduction by Frank of the "times" that the instruments are playing in,and saying that the sax of Ian Underwood is blowing it's nose. This is a brilliant and funny tune.

"Get A Little" was recorded live from New York. It opens with coughing and spoken words. Some great guitar melodies follow and they sound awesome ! The drums pound away. "Eric Dolphy Memorial Barbeque" is dedicated to the Avant-Jazz player of the same name. Xylophone, drums and bass lead the way before sax arrives 2 minutes in. There is a laughing break before it ends with horns. "Dwarf Nebula Processional March & Dwarf Nebula" features acoustic guitar that sounds great as well as some strange sounds later. "My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama" is a classic Zappa tune that is a traditional rock song. Some incredible guitar on this one as well as intelligent yet funny lyrics. "Oh No" has Ray Collins on vocals and they are silly at times as are the lyrics. It blends into "The Orange County Lumber Truck" which has some beautiful guitar on it. Nice rhythm 2 minutes in as well. I love this song as the guitar melodies continue to impress. "Weasels Ripped My Flesh" is a wall of guitar feedback for a minute and a half ! Maybe that is how it feels to have your flesh ripped by weasels. Ouch ! This was recorded live from Birmingham, England. Frank then says "Goodnight boys and girls".

The sound quality is perfect on this recording, and the music is often challenging and a must have. 4 solid stars.