The Mothers of Invention Songs Ranked
The Mothers of Invention were an American rock band from California. Formed in 1964, their work is marked by the use of sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Originally an R&B band called the Soul Giants, the band’s first lineup included Ray Collins, David Coronado, Ray Hunt, Roy Estrada, and Jimmy Carl Black. Frank Zappa was asked to take over as the guitarist following a fight between Collins and Coronado, the band’s original saxophonist/leader. Zappa insisted that they perform his original material, and on Mother’s Day in 1965, changed their name to the Mothers. Record executives demanded that the name be changed, and so “out of necessity,” Zappa later said, “we became the Mothers of Invention.” Here are all of Mother of Invention songs ranked.
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10. Help, I’m a Rock (Freak Out!, 1966)
“This is a great song that needs careful listening to. It’s best if you are using headphones. That said, I have not truly listened to this since June of 1966. Enjoy.”
9. Inca Roads (You Can’t Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 2, 1988)
“Amazing tune with vocal by George Duke. The usual unusual rhythmic features figure strongly, and make it the most outstanding tune on the album!”
8. Wowie Zowie (Freak Out!, 1966)
“With the funny titled “Wowie Zowie”, Zappa combines a catchy piano line with his brand of humour, including lyrics such as “i don’t even care if you shave your legs”. Love the Frankie Valli impersonation at the end. “
7. Plastic People (Absolutely Free, 1967)
” The album’s opener, “Plastic People,” is a good musical representation for the rest of the album. It opens with Zappa introducing the president of the United States, which is follow by the opening chords for The Kingsmen’s “Louis Louis” but in jarring dissonance”
See more: Mother of Invention Albums Ranked
6. Who Are the Brain Police? (Freak Out!, 1966)
“”Who Are the Brain Police?” is one creepy freaking song. The crazy section in the middle is just wow. Damn these are probably the two best tracks on Freak Out!, on one little single.”
5. Brown Shoes Don’t Make It (Absolutely Free, 1967)
“Brown Shoes Don’t Make It” the most famous track on the album. Memorable, unique riff and a stigma on the body of shallow societies. Furthermore, there’s the second experimental verse where the band just goes beyond sane to deliver a thought or two…EPIC!
4. My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama (Weasels Ripped My Flesh, 1970)
“The best track could be My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama which sounds exactly like you’d expect. Weasels Ripped My Flesh then is a Modern Classical sounding black wall of noise and the album’s most extreme cut. The baffled audience claps.”
See more: Frank Zappa Albums Ranked
3. Trouble Comin’ Every Day (Freak Out!, 1966)
“Trouble Every Day is an amazing protest song, very audacious and punchy. The instrumentation is nice, not my favorite on the album in terms of that, but I like how it does seem to slightly parody the Dylans of the time : “Blow your harmonicas on!”
2. Hungry Freaks, Daddy (Freak Out!, 1966)
“The album opener, “Hungry Freaks, Daddy” establishes many staple Zappa elements, and does it pretty well. The strange lyrics are sung expressively over a slightly odd instrumental (with the occasional Kazoo fanfare).”
1. How Could I Be Such a Fool (Freak Out!, 1966)
“How Could I Be Such a Fool” is a tender rock ballad. It certainly incorporates lounge elements, but the chorus is dark and deep. It’s a combination of both “Who Are the Brain Police?” and a Lee Hazlewood song. It works alarmingly well, with a fine sentiment. One actually does get a sense of tragedy after listening to this song, something that cannot be said of many other Zappa songs. It’s also a fitting bookend for the first side of this album.”
