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

We're Only In It For the Money is the highlight of the Zappa with the Mothers of Invention. He would go on to write better albums after ditching the Mothers, but this still stands as his first triumph. This album is built upon the concept of satirizing the 60s. While Zappa aims a few hits at other artists (the cover mocks the Sgt. Pepper artwork, while "Flower Punk" attacks Hendrix based on his lyrics and rock-star attitude), he generally stops short of attacking the talent of the aforementioned bands, as Mark already said. Frank mocks the attitude of sonic exploration by using mainly electronics over conventional instruments. However, he does so in a way that makes the album musical, moreso than many LSD-fueled experimentations of contemporary bands.

Zappa's gift of humor pervades the album, particularly on songs like "Who Need the Peace Corps?," which tears apart the hippie culture. If you don't laugh when Frank mocks the hippie attitude when he says "I will love everyone, I will love the police as they kick the s**t out of me on the street," then you're dead inside. "Let's Make the Water Turn Black" is one of countless innuendo-filled tunes. When you listen to AC/DC, later-day Rolling Stones, and a host of other like minded bands, you have Frank to thank. I'll spare you a track by track review; suffice to say the album drips with some of the smartest lyrics of the decade. Really the only serious song is "Mom & Dad," which deals with a teen being shot by police. Think of it as Zappa's "Ohio." Every other song is filled with biting satire, and countless effects that make Sgt. Pepper's seem conventional by comparison.

As wonderful as this album is, it can't be listened to repeatedly; I have to give breaks in between listens. It's probably the most progressive album of the 60s, save perhaps In the Court of the Crimson King, and at least that fit melodies. Zappa fans should start with Apostrophe and Over-nite Sensation before braving this great but inacessible gem.

Grade: B+