- UK Release with Gatefold Album Cover
Collector Notes: Black Verve Label with Silver print and largeT shaped logo. White Spine, Black Label, Brown Cover, MacNeill Press Lt
Greetings, Earthlings. Frank Zappa here, your resident musical misfit, to give you the lowdown on a little ditty of mine called "Lumpy Gravy." Now, buckle up, because this ain't your grandma's elevator music.
The Birth of a Musical Anomaly
Picture this: 1967, the Summer of Love is in full swing, and I'm holed up in a studio, wrestling with a bunch of classically trained musicians I've dubbed "The Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra." Yeah, I know, it's a mouthful, but it fits the absurdity of what we were concocting.
The original idea was to write a ballet score, but that went out the window faster than a groupie at a Mothers of Invention concert. What emerged instead was a sonic collage, a musical Frankenstein's monster stitched together from orchestral fragments, spoken word weirdness, and a healthy dose of Zappa-esque absurdity.
Musical Exploration Gone Wild
"Lumpy Gravy" isn't just an album; it's a sonic experiment, a playground where genres collide and mutate. You'll find bits of avant-garde classical, doo-wop harmonies, musique concrète, and even surf rock. It's like a musical acid trip without the acid.
I wanted to push the boundaries of what was considered "music" and challenge listeners' expectations. There are no traditional song structures here, no verse-chorus-verse nonsense. It's a stream of consciousness, a sonic landscape that constantly shifts and surprises.
Popular Topics and Hidden Gems
Now, let's dive into some of the highlights and hidden gems of this sonic freakshow. You'll encounter bizarre conversations recorded inside a piano, social commentary disguised as absurdity, and musical themes that reappear and transform throughout the album. Keep an ear out for the recurring motifs of "Pigs & Ponies," a satirical take on conformity, and the enigmatic "Lumpy Gravy" theme, which weaves its way through the sonic chaos like a demented thread.
Controversy and Censorship
Naturally, such a bizarre and unconventional work wasn't exactly embraced by the mainstream music industry. The suits at Capitol Records, who initially commissioned the project, got cold feet and dropped it like a hot potato.
But fear not, my fellow freaks, because Verve Records had the guts to unleash "Lumpy Gravy" upon the unsuspecting public in 1968. Of course, it didn't exactly set the charts on fire, but it did find its audience among those who appreciated a little musical mayhem.
The Brains Behind the Madness
No Zappa project would be complete without a cast of talented collaborators, and "Lumpy Gravy" is no exception. The Abnuceals Emuukha Orchestra was a motley crew of session musicians, including some familiar faces like Bunk Gardner and Don Preston from the Mothers of Invention.
The recording sessions were a chaotic affair, with me conducting the orchestra like a mad scientist. We experimented with tape manipulation, overdubbing, and all sorts of studio trickery to create a sonic tapestry that was both dissonant and strangely beautiful.
The Legacy of Lumpy Gravy
"Lumpy Gravy" may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a testament to the power of musical experimentation and the refusal to conform to expectations. It's a work that continues to challenge and intrigue listeners, decades after its release.
So, if you're looking for a musical adventure, a sonic journey into the unknown, then give "Lumpy Gravy" a spin. Just don't blame me if your brain melts in the process.
Summary:Lumpy Gavy is the debut solo album by Frank Zappa, recorded with a group of session players he dubbed the Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra. |
Music Genre:American Rock, Jazz Fusion Rock |
Album Production Information:The album: "FRANK ZAPPA & Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra - Lumpy Gravy" was produced by: Nick Venet This album was recorded February 1968 |
Label & Catalognr Information:VERVE 2317 046 |
Album Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages This album "FRANK ZAPPA & Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra - Lumpy Gravy" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
Media Format:12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country:1968 Made in UK / GB |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: FRANK ZAPPA & Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra - Lumpy Gravy |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "FRANK ZAPPA & Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra - Lumpy Gravy" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "FRANK ZAPPA & Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra - Lumpy Gravy" is:
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
Description
Description
"Lumpy Gravy" Record Label Details: Dark Grey Colour Verve Records 2317 046 ℗ 1968 Sound Copyright
United Artists Records UAS 29 218 XD , 1971 , Germany
"200 Motels" is the 1971 American-British musical surrealist film cowritten and directed by Frank Zappa and Tony Palmer and starring The Mothers of Invention, Theodore Bikel and Ringo Starr.
200 Motels (1971, Germany) 12" Vinyl LPTMOQ TradeMark Of Quality , 1971 , USA
Bootleg recording capturing a live performance from the iconic rock band. Released on green vinyl, this collector's gem is alternatively known as "Contempo '70" among enthusiasts, distinguishing it from the official 200 Motels album
200 Motels TMOQ Green Vinyl (1971, USA) 12" Vinyl LPDISCREET DIS 59201 , 1974 , Germany
Frank Zappa's 1974 cult classic "Apostrophe" on 12" vinyl. Features Zappa staples like "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow" & a stellar band with Jean-Luc Ponty & Napoleon Murphy Brock.
Apostrophe (1974, Germany) 12" Vinyl LPFOO-EEE RI-70537
"As an Am" features recordings from three separate shows. Track 1 is from May 19, 1981 at Rockline, KLOS-FM, Los Angeles, California; tracks 2 and 3 are from May 21, 1982 at Sporthalle, Cologne, Germany and tracks 4-6 are from October 31, 1981 at The Palladium, New York City.
As An Am 12" Vinyl LPCBS S 8216 , 1979 , Germany
"Bobby Brown" is a satirical and humorous song that explores the life of the titular character, touching on themes of narcissism and societal expectations.
Bobby Brown b/w Stick it Out 7" Vinyl SingleLaDISCREET DS 2234 / 31,936 bel , 1975 , USA
This is the album released by Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart in 1975. The live portions were recorded on 20 & 21 May 1975 at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, Texas. Studio tracks were recorded in January 1975
Bongo Fury (1975, USA) 12" Vinyl LPZappa's first effort of the 1970s marks the first appearance of former Turtles members Flo & Eddie on a Zappa record, and signals the dawn of a controversial epoch in Zappa's history
Chunga's Revenge (1970, Canada) Chunga's Revenge 1st German Release Chunga's Revenge (1970, Germany)FOO-EEE RI 70539
"Freaks and Motherfu*#@%! 12" Vinyl LP Album" captures a memorable live performance at Fillmore East, New York City, on 13 November 1 1970. The album features a blend of Zappa's unique musicality and humor, with tracks like "Call Any Vegetable" and "Wino Man" showcasing his avant-garde style. This LP offers a glimpse into Zappa's experimental genius during that era
Freaks And Motherfu*#@%! 12" LPREPRISE 44209 , 1972 , Germany
This is the 1972 jazz fusion album by Frank Zappa. Composed and recorded during Zappa's period of convalescence following his assault in London, the album, along with its "twin brother" Waka/Jawaka (July 1972), represent Zappa's foray into big band fusion, the logical progression from Hot Rats (1969), which used a much smaller lineup.
Grand Wazoo (1972, Germany) 12" LPBarking Pumpkin Records D1-74212 , 1988 , USA
Guitar is the 1988 album by Frank Zappa. It is the follow-up to 1981's Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar; like that album it features Zappa's guitar solos excerpted from live performances, recorded between 1979 and 1984. It garnered Zappa his 6th Grammy nomination for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance".
Guitar (1988, USA) 12" 2LPThis was released in October 1969. Five of the six songs are instrumental ("Willie the Pimp" features a short vocal by Captain Beefheart). It was Zappa's first recording project after the dissolution of the original Mothers of Invention.
Hot Rats - Germany Manufactured by TELDEC Hot Rats - German Reprise RecordsWORLDWHITE Hi-Fi Concert Serie WWA 13 , 1971 , Holland
Recorded in 1971 at Ahoy Hallen in Rotterdam. This collector's gem showcases the eclectic genius of Frank Zappa and his band. Side One features tracks like "Peaches En Regalia" and "Tears Began To Fall,"
In Europe / Inspiration WorldWhite (1971, Holland)CBS 86101 , 1979 , Holland
This album "Joe's Garage Act I" is the 1979 rock opera by Frank Zappa. Zappa self-deprecatingly describes the album as a stupid little story about how the government is going to do away with music
Joe's Garage Act I (1979, Holland) 12" LPVERVE 2317 046 , 1968 , UK (United Kingdom)
"Lumpy Gravy "is the debut solo album by Frank Zappa, recorded with a group of session players he dubbed the Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra.
Lumpy Gravy (1968, GB) 12" LPCBS 25251 , 1983 , Holland
The album is named after a 1950s song, written by Donald and Doris Woods, which Zappa covers as part of "The Man from Utopia Meets Mary Lou".
The Man From Utopia (1983, Holland) 12" LPBarking Pumpkin Records ST-74203 , 1985 , USA
The album's title is a reference to the lobby group, the PMRC, who were campaigning to require record companies to put warning stickers on albums they considered offensive, and to Zappa's former band, The Mothers of Invention.
Meets the Mothers of Prevention (1985, USA) 12" LPDiscReet Records DIS 59207 (Z) , 1975 , Germany
" One Size Fits All FOC" is the 1975 rock album by Frank Zappa The album features the final version of The Mothers of Invention, with George Duke, Chester Thompson, Ruth Underwood, Tom Fowler and Napoleon Murphy Brock.
One Size Fits All (1975, Germany) 12" LPDiscreet Records DSK 2294 , 1979 , USA
"Orchestral Favorites 12" is the original release capturing live recordings of the "Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra" at Royce Hall, UCLA in 1975
Orchestral Favorites 12" LPFOO-EEE RI 60544
Piquantique a recording capturing Zappa's performance at Solliden, Skansen, Stockholm, on 21 August 1973, with one track from the Roxy in December 1973.
Piquantique Stockholm 1973 12" LPAMAZING KORNYFONE (aka KORNYPHONE) , 1971
"Poot Face Booogie" is a captivating 12" LP vinyl that combines live recordings from Frank Zappa's 1971 performance at Ahoy Rotterdam with studio recordings from 1968. Notably, Zappa sings "Geef Mij Wat Vloer Bedekking Onder Deze Vette Zwevende Sofa"
Poot Face Booogie 12" LPDISCREET 2DS 2202 31,792 , 1974 , USA
Most of the songs were recorded at The Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, California on December 8, 9 and 10, 1973. The material taken from the Roxy concerts was later amended with some overdubs in the studio
Roxy & Elsewhere (1974, USA) 12" 2LPFOO-EEE RI-70543
This is an unofficial 2LP vinyl album that captures Frank Zappa's live performance at Ludwigparkstadion, Saarbrücken, Germany, on 3 September 1978.
Saarbrücken 1978 12" 2LPKnown for its satirical lyrics and complex compositions, "Sheik Yerbouti" offers a unique blend of rock, jazz, and humor that has made it a classic in Zappa's discography.
Sheik Yerbouti - England Release Sheik Yerbouti - Holland ReleaseCBS 85804 , 1982 , Holland
This album features five tracks composed by Zappa, and one song, "Valley Girl", co-written with Moon Unit Zappa, his daughter, who provided the spoken monologue mocking some of the Valley girls at her school
Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch (1982, Holland) 12" Vinyl LPCBS 66368 , 1981 , Holland
"Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar" highlighting Zappa's virtuosity on the electric guitar. This album is a collection of instrumental compositions and improvised solos, emphasizing Zappa's exceptional guitar skills
Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar Box-set (1981, Holland) 12" Vinyl 3LPThe album opens with "The Closer You Are", a soulful cover that showcases Zappa's versatility. His rendition of this classic by The Channels brings a new dimension to the song, setting the tone for the auditory adventure that follows.
Them Or Use - European Edition Them Or Us - French EditionCBS 88516 , 1981 , Holland
"Tinsel Town Rebellion" was conceived by Zappa after he scrapped the planned albums "Warts and All" and "Crush All Boxes", and it contains tracks that were intended for those albums.
Tinsel Town Rebellion DLP FOC (1981, Holland) 12" Vinyl LPFOO-EEE RI 70542 , 1967 , Stockholm
The hilarious album front cover of Frank Zappa's unofficial album "'Tis the season to be jelly" is an illustration of Frank Zappa wearing an Oxygen tank and showing off his green smelly sock.
Tis The Season To Be Jelly , Live in Sweden 1967 (Unofficial / Bootleg) 12" Vinyl LPFOO-EEE RI-70540
Unmitigated Audacity 12" Vinyl LP Album captures the energy of Frank Zappa's live performance at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, on 12 May 1974. This album features an eclectic mix of Zappa's iconic tracks,
Unmitigated Audacity (Unofficial / Bootleg) 12" Vinyl LPREPRISE 44209 , 1972 , Germany
"Waka Jawaka" is the jazz-influenced precursor to The Grand Wazoo (November 1972), and as the front cover indicates, sequel of sorts to 1969's Hot Rats. According to Zappa, the title "is something that showed up on a Ouija board at one time."
Waka / Jawaka - Hot Rats (1972, USA) 12" Vinyl LPCBS 88560 , 1981 , Holland
"You Are What You Is" is a captivating double LP gatefold vinyl album that showcases Zappa's musical and artistic prowess. Inside the gatefold cover, you'll find stunning artwork and photos.
You Are What You Is (1981, Holland) 12" Vinyl LP"Zoot Allures" was Zappa's only release on the Warner Bros. Records label. Due to a lawsuit with his former manager Herb Cohen Frank Zappa's recording contract was temporarily re-assigned from DiscReet Records to Warner Bros.
Zoot Allures - German Release Zoot Allures - Netherlands Release