THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION ( with Frank Zappa ) - the Complete Vinyl Discography and album cover gallery

  This web-page has detailed descriptions and background information on the albums of the American Rock band: "The Mothers Of Invention". This band evolved from the R&B band "Soul Giants" into "The Mothers of Invention" during 1964. This web-page has a discography of their official ( and unofficial ) albums they released between 1966 and 1975.

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Mothers of Invention

The Mothers of Invention, or simply The Mothers, were an American rock band formed in California in 1964. Led by the enigmatic composer and bandleader Frank Zappa, The Mothers became notorious for their experimental music, satirical lyrics, and outrageous live shows.

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From R&B to Rock Revolutionaries

The band's origins lie in an R&B group called The Soul Giants. Zappa, then an aspiring songwriter, joined forces with some of their members and began crafting a unique sound. Their music blended influences from doo-wop, blues, and avant-garde classical, defying easy categorization.

Their debut album, "Freak Out!" (1966), was a landmark release. A sprawling double album, it showcased Zappa's ambition and the band's versatility. Tracks ranged from doo-wop parodies to extended improvisations, all laced with Zappa's sharp wit and social commentary.

Musical Innovation and Social Satire

The Mothers became known for their use of sonic experimentation. Zappa reveled in pushing boundaries, incorporating elements of noise music, musique concrète, and even orchestral flourishes into his compositions.

The band's lyrics were equally audacious. Zappa used satire to skewer counterculture ideals, rock stardom, and American politics. Albums like "We're Only in It for the Money" (1967) lampooned the flower power movement, while "Cruisin' with Ruben & the Jets" (1968) offered a scathing critique of nostalgia and conformity.

The Zappa Spotlight

While The Mothers were a true band, with several talented members like Ray Collins (vocals), Roy Estrada (bass), and Don Preston (keyboards) leaving their mark, Frank Zappa increasingly became the band's focal point. His dictatorial leadership and complex compositions led to frequent lineup changes.

Despite, or perhaps because of, this instability, The Mothers continued to produce groundbreaking music throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. Albums like "Hot Rats" (1969) and "Waka/Jawaka" (1972) showcased Zappa's evolving sound, incorporating jazz fusion and complex instrumental passages.

A Lasting Legacy

The Mothers of Invention disbanded in 1975, but their influence on rock music remains undeniable. Their adventurous spirit and willingness to challenge conventions paved the way for countless experimental bands. Zappa himself continued a prolific solo career, further exploring the musical possibilities he first opened with The Mothers.

MOTHERS OF INVENTION ( with Frank Zappa ) VINYL RECORDS

THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Absolutely Free 12" Vinyl LP
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Verve V6-5013 / MGS-672 , 1967 , USA

"Absolutely Free" is the second album by The Mothers of Invention, led by Frank Zappa. Absolutely Free is, again, a display of complex musical composition with political and social satire.

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FRANK'S MOTHERS OF INVENTION – The Ark 12" Vinyl LP
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FOO-EEE RI 70538   , 1992 , USA

"The Ark" documents the Live show of Frank's Mothers of Invention at The Ark, Boston, Massachusetts on July 8, 1969. 

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THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION ( with FRANK ZAPPA and CAPTAIN BEEFHEART ) - BONGO FURY 12" Vinyl LP
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DISCREET DS 2234 / 31,936 , 1975 , USA

"Bongo Fury" 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.

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THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Burnt Weeny Sandwich 12" Vinyl LP
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Bizarre RS 6370 , 1970 , USA

"Burnt Weeny Sandwich" is the album by the Mothers of Invention, released in 1970. It consists of both studio album and live recordsings.

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THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Cruising with Ruben & The Jets 12quot, Vinyl LP
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Verve 2317 069 , 1968 , Gt. Britain

"Cruising with Ruben & The Jets" is the fourth studio album by the Mothers of Invention. Released on December 2, 1968 on Bizarre and Verve Records with distribution by MGM Records,

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THE MOTHERS - Fillmore East June 1971 12" Vinyl LP
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Reprise Records REP 44150 , 1971 , Germany

"Fillmore East June 1971" is a live album by The Mothers, released in 1971. It was the twelfth album by Frank Zappa. It was produced by Frank Zappa, and mixed by Toby Foster.

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THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Freak Out! 12" Vinyl LP
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Verve V6/5005-2 MGS 296 , 1969 , USA

"Freak Out!" is the first album by American band The Mothers of Invention, released June 27, 1966 on Verve Records. Often cited as one of rock music's first concept albums, the album is a satirical expression of frontman Frank Zappa's perception of American pop culture.

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THE MOTHERS - Grand Wazoo 12" Vinyl LP
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REPRISE 44209 , 1972 , Germany

"Grand Wazoo" is the 1972 jazz fusion album by Frank Zappa. Composed and recorded during Zappa's period of convalescence following his assault in London

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THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Just Another Band from L.A. ( Germany ) 12" Vinyl LP
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 Reprise Records – REP 44 179 ( MS 2075 ) , 1972 , Germany

This album is the German release "Just Another Band from L.A." is the live album by The Mothers, released in 1972 . It was recorded live on 7 AUgust 1971 in Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles.

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THE MOTHERS - Just Another Band from L.A. ( UK ) 12" Vinyl LP
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Reprise Records K 44179 , 1972 , UK

This album is the UK release pf "Just Another Band from L.A." the live album by The Mothers, released in 1972 . It was recorded live on August 7, 1971 in Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles.

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FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - One Size Fits All 12" Vinyl LP
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DiscReet Records DIS 59207 (Z) , 1975 , Germany

"One Size Fits All" 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.

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THE MOTHERS - Over-Nite Sensation 12" Vinyl LP
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DISCREET DIS 41000 , 1973 , Germany

This album "Over-Nite Sensation" is the seventeenth studio album by Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention. Released on 7 September 1973, it was followed by Zappa's solo album Apostrophe (') (1974), which was recorded during the same sessions.

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THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Uncle Meat 12" Vinyl LP
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Reprise MS 2024/1 , 1969 , Germany

"Uncle Meat" is the fifth studio album by the Mothers of Invention, released as a double album in 1969. Uncle Meat was originally developed as a part of No Commercial Potential, a project which spawned three other albums

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THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - We're only in for the Money 12" Vinyl LP
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VERVE Records V6-5045 / MGS 1250 , 1968 , USA

"We're only in for the Money USA FOC" is the third studio album by The Mothers of Invention. Released on 4 March 4 1968 on Verve Records

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THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Weasels Ripped my Flesh 12" Vinyl LP
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REPRISE RS 2028 , 1969 , Germany

"Weasels Ripped my Flesh" and is the second posthumous Mothers album released after the band disbanded in 1969,

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FRANK ZAPPA - Vinyl Album Discography