http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ntw_LqZ93c
On the Fourth of July, it was a given that I was going to post some Zappa, but it took me quite a while to decide which piece to use. I was unbelievably close to going with “The Black Page,” even though it’s not rock at all, just because it’s so damn awesome.
Thankfully, as today is the Ninth of July, there is no such restriction in place. So here’s Zappa and crew performing “The Black Page” in Barcelona in 1988.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETgAchWF1is
There’s no possible way we can end this day without posting some Zappa, so it’s time for “Montana (Whipping Floss)” from You Can’t Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 2.
This was recorded at a concert in Helsinki, Finland in 1974. Someone in the audience requested “Whipping Post” by The Allman Brothers Band, which Zappa joked as not knowing. After more joking, he and the band went on to play “Montana,” but with a bizarre fusion of lyrics from “Whipping Post.” This is some of Zappa’s humor at its finest.
Oh and then at the end there’s six minutes of guitar soloing. How much is too much? Certainly not this much.
Happy Independence Day, all you U.S.’ers. And to all of you who aren’t: I hope you enjoyed the rockage anyway.