The b format paperback edition of this popular title. Music historian Neil Slaven has brilliantly chronicled the complex strands of Zappa's life and work in a book that will please not just Zappa fans but anyone interested in the history of rock music.
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'...delivers the dope as far as the music is concerned...Zappa fans will freak out.' Q '...a clear and straightforward resume of Zappa's career, skilfully knitted together.' MOJO
About the Author
Neil Slaven is a successful record producer and one of Britain's leading authorities on the blues. He is the major contributor to the Encyclopedia of Popular Music and writes for magazines including Mojo and Billboard.
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First Sentence
On December 21, 1940, the birth of Francis Vincent Zappa Jr II (by his own terminology) was. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
On December 21, 1940, the birth of Francis Vincent Zappa Jr II (by his own terminology) was. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Junglies
Format:Paperback
This is a compelling account of the work and life of Frank Zappa, in that order.
Throughout this book it is the music of Frank Zappa and it's creation which is always to the fore. To be fair this makes it a little unbalanced in reading it because of the cast of characters with whom he worked about whom we would like to know a little more. Given that it's main concern is his work then this is one defect I am prepared to overlook.
This is a story of an individual for whom compromise is a dirty word. The emphasis is on the individual here because what Frank Zappa produced is an idiosyncratic view of the world which he was not afraid to bring to public attention regardless of the pressures not to do so.
Frank Zappa, as portrayed here is someone who knows what he wants to do in his mind then does whatever he has to do to convert that vision into reality. This clarity of vision is borne out in this depiction as a workaholic and a perfectionist in the persuit of an ideal. His clarity of vision too extended into the social realm where he understood the reality of living in Amerika and how the system established by the founding fathers had been subverted by the politicians and corporations who had benefitted so much for it.
In this fascinating account people move like shadows throughout the pages like extras in a movie that was Frank Zappa's work. His search, nay quest for perfection led him to the extensive rehearsals for his bands and his demands for the highest standards for them. Similarly his intolerance for audiences who cheered him while not understanding his music became bemusement with his growing popularity as the music became more complex.... Read more ›
Throughout this book it is the music of Frank Zappa and it's creation which is always to the fore. To be fair this makes it a little unbalanced in reading it because of the cast of characters with whom he worked about whom we would like to know a little more. Given that it's main concern is his work then this is one defect I am prepared to overlook.
This is a story of an individual for whom compromise is a dirty word. The emphasis is on the individual here because what Frank Zappa produced is an idiosyncratic view of the world which he was not afraid to bring to public attention regardless of the pressures not to do so.
Frank Zappa, as portrayed here is someone who knows what he wants to do in his mind then does whatever he has to do to convert that vision into reality. This clarity of vision is borne out in this depiction as a workaholic and a perfectionist in the persuit of an ideal. His clarity of vision too extended into the social realm where he understood the reality of living in Amerika and how the system established by the founding fathers had been subverted by the politicians and corporations who had benefitted so much for it.
In this fascinating account people move like shadows throughout the pages like extras in a movie that was Frank Zappa's work. His search, nay quest for perfection led him to the extensive rehearsals for his bands and his demands for the highest standards for them. Similarly his intolerance for audiences who cheered him while not understanding his music became bemusement with his growing popularity as the music became more complex.... Read more ›
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Psi Powers
Format:Paperback
This is a detailed, well researched, fascinating and affectionate account of the life and works of the justly legendary Frank Zappa.
Highly readable and occasionally deeply poignant, this really is a must for all those who grew to love the music of this astonishing polymath.
It's 10 years since his untimely death and for those who believe his work has not been truly celebrated then this just may be the book for you.
Those who enjoyed Charles Shaar Murray's recent masterful documentary series will particularly appreciate this fine document.
And Frankly, it's a goddamn bargain.
Buy it right now.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. Dc Fowler
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
This is a thorough review of the life and times of Frank Zappa. The langauge is clear and very readable. The author ties up the circumstances of FZ's life with the music he produced and some of this is a revelation, well to me anyway. The writing style is generally objective and seems to deal with verified fact rather than the speculative nonsense that has sometimes been written about FZ. Let's face it his life was varied and controversial enough! I would recommend this as a good starting point not only for finding out about one of the most original human beings of the last century (certainly in music at least) but also for a flavour of the life and times he lived in.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is a must have for the Zappa fan, accurately goes through each era of his work and thoroughly entertains
By BuffyG
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Bought as a gift for a huge Zappa fan, who could not put it down. Definate buy for any Zappa fans
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a superb book from start to finish. It told me a lot about Frank as a person, as a business man, as a musician, as an artist that really helped me make sense of a lot of his music, the albums sleeve designs and other aspects that I had no idea about.
He appears to have considered himself the biggest failure in America and was therefore working flat out 16 hours a day to become successful and accepted as a serious composer, yet at the same time lampoon and poke fun at everything he considered stupid and useless, which is the way of American Life. Ironic really as he is the ultimate American success story, a man who does it all his way, makes enough money to keep a family and a business going, and started with nothing.
Thoroughly recommended book.
He appears to have considered himself the biggest failure in America and was therefore working flat out 16 hours a day to become successful and accepted as a serious composer, yet at the same time lampoon and poke fun at everything he considered stupid and useless, which is the way of American Life. Ironic really as he is the ultimate American success story, a man who does it all his way, makes enough money to keep a family and a business going, and started with nothing.
Thoroughly recommended book.
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