Zappa.com

I have heard from not entirely unreliable sources that Ryko is cranking up the repackaging campaign again this Mother's Day with two more volumes of Zappa "Picks." One by John Frusciante of the Chili Peppers and a live one by Dave Schools of Widespread Panic. I know that Panic has performed Muffin Man once (with Schools dressed as the muffin man) as well as a kind of "rap" version of Trouble Every Day after sept 11. A live comp. could be kinda cool, even if we already have all the tracks. I know it's easy to slam Ryko on this, but maybe these cds can turn some younger heads onto Zappa. Of course, what we REALLY need are more complete shows from Vaulternative....come on guys! What do y'all think?

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Heaven would be a place where bullshit existed only on television. (Hellelujah! We's halfway there!) -TRFZB, pg. 234

[quote author=MentalTossFlycoon link=board=albums;num=1043311285;start=0#1 date=01/25/03 at 00:29:34]Gail keeps talking about "the intent of the composer." I seriously doubt the composer had this in mind...<br>[/quote]<br>If Gail could just quit hiding behind that, and make sure there is at least SOME promotion and a good distribution, Zappas music would be far more known.<br><br>I mean, in the Belgian musicpress, there was NO attention whatsoever paid to the release of FZ:OZ, while this album in itself is a kind of compilation, which would serve as a good introduction to aspirant-zappa-freaks. A couple of good reviews and a little promotion of FZ:OZ (which it would get, cause it is a damn fine album) in our papers, magazines, etc, would sureley plugged Zappa much more than the picks.<br><br>IMO, the reason for not doing so has nothing to do with the intent of the composer as Gail said. Lot's of DIY labels can do so, without compromising their content, so why can't Gail? She surely has $-means enough. Besides, Zappa himself wasn't affraid of a little commercialism either, so what is holding the ZFT back?<br><br>I really don't understand it.<br><br>

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bananarama

Besides, at least Ryko is doing something to promote Zappa. Okay, it is in their own $-interest, but that how the world works. Also at the ZFT.<br><br>In the end, I think the intent of the composer also means that his music should be KNOWN.  And known means more than known by 5000 freaks or so. If one says that's enough, i think that to be an elitist and egoistic way of thinking.<br><br>This implies a bit of promotion. What is wrong with a compilation? Okay, the true freaks can make them themselves, legitimate, they have all albums & a cd-writer. But the apsirant-freaks can't. We should put ourselves in their shoes before we bash Ryko...  For me, new to zappa myself a few years ago, Strictly Commercial was very helpfull indeed.<br><br>Btw, MFT, I think Ryko does have the rights. I mean, the ZFT would have be up in arms already if the picks weren't legal, wouldn't they?

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bananarama

I couldn't agree more! I think it's great that Ryko is doing these because the people compiling them appeal to such a younger and different fanbase, most of whom have only seen Frank's vinyl LPs gathering dust on their parents' record shelf or in some box in the attic. <br>I think Frank was lucky enough to have recorded for the permanent record during the golden age of Rock and Roll on long play which guarantees that his music will be available for all of us for a long time, as long as somebody can make a buck by selling it (Ryko ::))<br><br>Still, a little stiff competition from Gail and the ZFT could make the situation alot more interesting

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Heaven would be a place where bullshit existed only on television. (Hellelujah! We's halfway there!) -TRFZB, pg. 234

[quote author=Wannan_NEMa link=board=albums;num=1043311285;start=0#6 date=01/25/03 at 08:48:17]I couldn't agree more! I think it's great that Ryko is doing these because the people compiling them appeal to such a younger and different fanbase, most of whom have only seen Frank's vinyl LPs gathering dust on their parents' record shelf or in some box in the attic. <br>I think Frank was lucky enough to have recorded for the permanent record during the golden age of Rock and Roll on long play which guarantees that his music will be available for all of us for a long time, as long as somebody can make a buck by selling it (Ryko ::))<br><br>Still, a little stiff competition from Gail and the ZFT could make the situation alot more interesting [/quote]<br><br>Don't forget that Ryko's prices are quite generous. A bit more expensive here in Europe, but in the US you can easily buy less 'popular' FZ CDs (e.g. 'Waka', 'JFH', 'PS', 'MTMOP', 'LG', 'BTHW') for as low as $8.

[quote author=MentalTossFlycoon link=board=albums;num=1043311285;start=0#9 date=01/25/03 at 19:05:27]<br>Frank's true legacy always has been and forever will be in the public domain.[/quote]<br>I couldn't agree with you more on this one, your total analisys of the whole thing is A-okay.<br><br>My own attitude towards all this is twofold:<br>1) on one hand I can understand Gail, she has lost someone dear and does what she thinks that has to be done. I have the deepest respect for the widow, I really do. I can sympathise with her discissions, allthough I'd like to see some things happen in another manner...<br><br>2) on the other hand I think: why does Gail have a say in all this? all just because she happened to be married to him? Zappa and his music just belong as much to you, me, all the other fans & freaks than to his family. <br>His interest is not in the vault, nor in the family tomb, no, his interest lies indeed in the public domain, the marketplace and everyones cd-player.<br><br>[quote author=MentalTossFlycoon link=board=albums;num=1043311285;start=0#9 date=01/25/03 at 19:05:27]But then again, who am I to say what Gail needs? Maybe all she really needs is to get laid....[/quote]<br>who are you MTF? who am I? We are just simple fans, dedicated, with the utmost respect for Frank and his music. why I sometimes get the feeling that we are patronized?

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bananarama

[quote author=MentalTossFlycoon link=board=albums;num=1043311285;start=0#9 date=01/25/03 at 19:05:27]<br>But then again, who am I to say what Gail needs? Maybe all she really needs is to get laid....[/quote]<br><br>[quote author=Disco Boy link=board=albums;num=1043311285;start=0#11 date=01/25/03 at 20:49:37]<br>Ok, that's an incredibly stupid thing to say.<br>[/quote]<br><br>I guess what MentalTossFlycoon meant to say was that Gail's interests might lie in an absolutely different sphere than releasing FZ's music (and that's her choice and I don't think we are in a position to judge her). And well, getting laid is not a bad choise at all, is it?<br>