THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION: WE'RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY

(Before I get started with my review, I must say that I started listening to Zappa about two months ago, and I've been trying to build a decent collection of his work. (I plan to collect all of his official releases.) I currently own 11 Zappa albums and this is my second Mothers album. After reading your reviews of We're Only In It For The Money, I was so intrigued I decided to purchase the album, join ProgArchives, and write my own review. I believe all that must be said about this album has been said by the various writers on this website, but I thought I'd also show my feelings.

After the experimental edge, sophisticated satire, and pop genius displayed in 'Freak Out', I didn't think that Zappa and Co. were going to be able to produce a record half as good as their first. (I mean, come on, didn't he say all that he needed to with 'Who Are The Brain Police'?) But after three good listens to this record, I must say that it is a wonderful record that all Zappa enthusists should cherish. Exceptional is the word to describe this album. There is no obvious storyline or epic plot contained within (unless you want to fabricate one for yourself), and with the exception of a few poppy hooks and imaginative guitar techniques, the music isn't so great. It's really the impact of the words and the revolutionary 'cut-and-paste' production that make this album such a 'mini masterpiece'. You must come to the table with a knowledge of Zappa's personality and beliefs to really understand what he is saying about the '60s culture. His biting wit and heavy satirical insight make the record a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It is a concept. With the stoned, drop out, San Francisco hippies as the backdrop, and with the avant-garde electronics in the foreground. Actually, my first listening to this album was one of the most profound experiences I've ever had. Zappa fills up the space in the grooves with dialogue, commentary, voices of different speeds, electronic noises, and typical 60s pop fare. All of these elements are painstakingly put together to achieve the maximum intensity in the music. It transports you back to the summer of love, Vietnam, and the days before Woodstock, and it scares you. THIS ALBUM IS CREEPY! Without being too overwhelming. But creepy nonetheless!

IF THIS IS CONSIDERED A REVOLUTIONARY ELECTRONIC EXPERIMENT TODAY, JUST IMAGINE HOW AHEAD OF IT'S TIME IT WAS BACK THEN! Not only the noise, but the title, the unifying theme and the way the songs segue into eachother, the total parody of the culture, and the mass stupidity of government, hippies, and the very overrated plastic Beatles.

This album becomes less interesting with each listen though as the "Mothers rely on shock value" according to Rolling Stone and I happen to agree. Sonically, this album proves Zappa's genius, but melodically Freak Out was much more enjoyable and accessible. But they shouldn't be compared. Times changed drastically between 1966 and 1968, and both albums define their times.

4/5. Bottom line.