THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION: ONE SIZE FITS ALL

For me, Zappa's blend of rock, blues, jazz, and zaniness on "One Size Fits All" comes up short, but is still a worthy listen.

The mixture of genuine complexity and musical genius is prevalent throughout this album from the get go, with "Inca Roads" standing as the clear winning track. It features some tremendous guitar, keyboard, vocal gymnastics, and class which makes it a rightfully deserved classic. Zappa's and the group's creativity shines with energetic playing and songwriting. The mix of singers is also a nice addition.

Then, it's all pretty much downhill. Successive songs sound very much like Zappa is simply trying very hard to be the genuis everyone expects him to be. Songs are crammed with weird complexity, hard-blues outbursts, and directionless humor. Of course things are punctuated now and then with moments which catch one's attention and remind the listener that his reputation is desereved, but few songs on "One Size Fits All" are actual successes in their entirety. Songs like "Evelyn the Modified Dog" and "Po-jama People" sound very contrived, but well doubtless please casual prog-listeners.

Overall, not my favorite Zappa album, compared to say "Apostrophe" which has as much complexity and is gratifying throughout.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 2 Style/Emotion/Replay: 3