69. The Mothers Of Invention — Freak Out! (1966)

Freakaaaay

1. Uh, so, nobody told me Frank Zappa made jazzy prog rock comedy albums. Incredible. This is some of the weirdest shit I’ve come across — it’s incredibly fitting that this is the 69th album in the 1001.
2. I’m not joking about it being a comedy album; this is legitimately a satirical, bordering on absurd record throughout much of its runtime. What’s remarkable is the way Zappa manages to walk a very fine line, simultaneously showing off his love and control of the music while making fun of that very same music, and packaging it in music that if you’re not paying attention you might just think was weird but good, but if you’re paying attention, you have to wonder what is going on. I can’t imagine being a record executive hearing this for the first time and trying to figure out how on earth to sell it. (notably: it never sold incredibly well). Zappa blends kazoos, horns, lyrics about not caring if his lady doesn’t shave her legs, howls, jowels, and god knows what else into something utterly unique and fascinating.
3. For an example of what I’m talking about, listen to “Go Cry On Someone Else’s Shoulder,” an excellent doo-wop tune that simultaneously seems to be making fun of sappy Buddy Holly-type slow dance tunes. Listen to “Wowie Zowie,” a surf rock tune that’s super fun, but also…seems to be making fun of surf rock tunes. Listen to “You’re Probably Wondering Why I’m Here,” which isn’t necessarily making fun of any one genre, but is filled with goofy lyrics and vocals and a recurring kazoo theme. These are funny songs! Yet they’re also solid tunes in their own right. It’s almost Weird Al-esque; not quite parody, but funny.
4. Some of the tracks are straight-forward rockers, though. “Trouble Every Day” is a killer driving rock tune, with social commentary to boot. “Hungry Freaks, Daddy” is weird, no doubt, but features a great guitar lick and really captures your attention as soon as the album starts.
5. As with any album that sprawls in as many weird directions as this, there are plenty of misses. But I do recommend giving Zappa and The Mothers Of Invention your time.

One Essential Song:

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