JOE'S GARAGE, ACT I

It's often refreshing to hear music that doesn't take itself too seriously. Zappa was a master of this. He made humourous, yet musically pleasant compositions to please anyone in that sort of mood for less serious music. Joe's Garage Act I is one of the better parts to find his more humourous side.

A concept album basically about the music industry, there is a story to all this, and several singers to play all the different character. Many spoken word sections are thrown about as well to add to the experience. It has it's fair share of moments that make you laugh. The only track I don't really like is "Lucille Has My Mind Messed Up" which I find quite annoying. But other than that this is an enjoyable album.

The style here is sort of a jazz/classic rock vibe, only a lot more theatrical so to speak. It has it's touches of avant-garde sections and obviously as stated several times, the lyrics are not serious at all. This is the act where the humour manages to avoid seeming too weird and downright disgusting (which kicks in in the later acts, luckily not found here).

So there really isn't much more to say. Good album with simple, yet satisfying shorter tracks. Very satisfying part of the concept to make up for the (what I find to be) nearly unlistenable Acts II and III. 4 stars.