THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION: CRUISING WITH RUBEN & THE JETS

Zappa, back in the early 70's, told me himself that he was not attempting satire here, but there is an undeniable current of humor underlying all the songs.

Superficially, this is a set of 50's style doo-wop, but there's much more under the surface. Reversing the usual order, the lead singer (Ray Collins) sings in a voice almost devoid of emotion, while the back-up voices are a varitable barnyard. The openings of several of the songs seem to have mistakes in the phrasing, but as the songs progress, you begin to realize that the effect is well planned, and the group playes the phrases with precision. The vocal harmony is oddly voiced, but once the ear becomes acclimated, this treatment becomes very acceptable. It has a way of growing on you.

It's easy to miss the deeper aspect of this work, and hear only the surface, say, if you play this at a party. But it's a deep and very satisfying work, and worthy of one of the most interesting and original composers of the 20th century.

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