Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention-Absolutely Free (Guest Steve DeLuca )

(S4-EP 12) Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention-Absolutely Free (Verve) (Special Guest Steve DeLuca)

Released May 26, 1967  recorded November 15–18, 1966 March 6, 1967[

Absolutely Free, the second album by The Mothers of Invention. Expanding on the experimental nature of their debut, Freak Out!, the album blends rock, jazz, and classical music with biting social and political satire. Structured as two conceptual suites—"Absolutely Free" and "The M.O.I. American Pageant"—the album critiques American culture, consumerism, and political corruption. Tracks like "Plastic People" and "Brown Shoes Don’t Make It" mock conformity and hypocrisy, while the ambitious composition of "Brown Shoes" showcases Zappa’s mastery of genre fusion. Recorded in just four days with a limited budget, Absolutely Free incorporates influences from Stravinsky, Holst, and Varèse, foreshadowing Zappa’s later experimental works. Though controversial and facing censorship, the album reached #41 on the Billboard 200 and has since become a cult classic. It remains a landmark in avant-garde rock, cementing Zappa’s reputation as a fearless musical innovator. 

Joining Jay on this extended episode is returning guest music historian and drummer Steve DeLuca. 

Signature Tracks "Plastic People,"  "Call Any Vegetables"  "Brown Shoes Don't Make It" 

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