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

Oddly enough, this was the first Zappa album I ever heard. For most people, starting with Zappa here would probably turn them off, or in some cases send them running into the streets screaming in terror. The issue with this album, as a reviewer said awhile ago, is that one must understand the inner workings of Zappa's mind before one can truly "get" this album. Even though this was the first Zappa album I ever heard, I actually wasn't turned off by the lyrics or psychedelic, eclectic music. The lyrics weren't an issue for me because I had been a (now former) long time Weird Al Yankovic fan, where strange lyrics are to be expected. Since there are 19 tracks, I won't bother going through each one, and even if I did, it wouldn't tell you all that much about the music. It's better to think of each song as a segment of the album as a whole. The humor fits quite well on this album actually, and even though it does seem over the top at times, it's countered by a few more serious sections. Overall this is an album that is hard to describe unless you've actually listened to it. However, I think this album is an absolute essential from one of the master producers and guitarists of progressive rock. If it isn't in your collection you'll want to get it eventually, but not until you've at least heard some other Zappa, particularly Hot Rats or another one of his masterpieces. Still though, I think this album is deserving of a 5 star rating because it's Zappa at one of his best moments.