Once upon a time, in a decade far far away, I became fascinated with the music of this weird character called Frank Zappa. Then along came the internet, and it didn’t take long before I had my own little homepage dedicated to the man. We’re talking 1999. It was called “The Way I See It Barry“, and it received about 10 visitors per day. It offered transcriptions of interviews, an image gallery and, at about the turn of the millenium, a fun little regularly updated feature entitled “Hot Poop“. Soon, this little feature turned out to be the most popular section of my little homepage.
Fast forward to late 2007, and we’re getting some 2000 visitors per day — Hot Poop visitors exclusively. A chill runs across much of the FZ fan-community as the ZFT issues Cease & Desist letters to KUR, tribute bands and festivals for — well you can read all about that here. Our initial reaction is to just keep spreading the Zappa Gospel, while complying to the ZFT’s idiotic demands. And then it hits — like a brick:
Exactly who the fuck are we going through all this trouble for?
Not FZ, nor his musical legacy — at least not anymore. The internet’s Summer of Love couldn’t have ended more poignantly than with the Zappa Family Trust spitting in our face for attempting to keep the music of Frank Zappa alive, and for attracting new fans. I think I can speak for all of us here when I say that C&D left us with a sour taste in the mouth. We find the ZFT’s morbid tactics of divide and conquer misguided, counter-productive and, well, disgusting. It has taken all the fun out of working on this site. We’ve had enough.
As of now, this weblog will no longer be focussing exclusively on FZ news. Mind you, the official site does a much better job at that, don’t you think?
What FZ news is there around anymore anyway? More releases from a Vault that’s proving to be less and less mythical? Another ZFT endorsed Zappa Beer? New ZPZ gigs with no Special Guests because all of the Zappa alumni are fed up with the way they are being treated like shit? More C&D’s telling fans around the world to bend over and comply?
Fuck that shit. Count me out.
I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s Farm no more.
So now what? Stay tuned. Changes are afoot, bear with us. As much as it grieves me to give up on this blog in its present form — a baby I’ve lovingly raised and nurtured for over seven years — it is now time for a radical U-turn.
Yeah Barry, I can perfectly understand your grief – I´m with you! And why not, let´s move to new frontiers. I love changes, I think you made a good decision. And while I´m listening to The Tubes all afternoon, I found a brilliant song to colour the situation – Out Of The Business:
Hey Buddy, how ’bout a smoke?
I’m down on my luck.
At the end of my rope, I feel pretty rough.
I just got the sack, take a number please.
I’m never looking back.
I’m out on the street.
I started, down in the dump,
thought I paid my dues,
but I was first when they had
the bad news.
I always dreamed of walking out.
Punch that guy right in the mouth,
but I never had the guts.
Now I know I got the stuff.
There’s no mistaking it now…
I’m out of the business
Out of the business —
Into rock and roll.
All right, ’bout time,
stuffed shirts where the sun don’t shine,
Late nights, long days,
I don’t need the white collar race.
Who wants a gray flannel suit?
I’ll throw in a tie,
or some Italian boots? It’s all right in style.
I’ve had it up to here, with three button whores.
I don’t regret that I’m
Walking out the door.
(In response to urbangraffito from the Tubes – section: Yes this is true border crossing. 50 bucks, please!)
Am I the only one who thinks this is Gayle’s sick revenge against Frank? Destroy his legacy, make sure new, young fans never discover him (by cutting off the ability for “unofficial experts” ie fans to curate the voluminous work), keep the vault in a vault, etc. Growing up as a music fan I depended on the extensive live bootleg scene and other more knowledgeable fans to show me what existing beyond Yellow Snow, Catholic Girls, etc. The internet is a fucked up scary place for a rights holder I suppose but it is a wonderful place for a body of work like Frank’s. Its a shame.
I completely understand your position and your frustration, Barry. You’ve done a fantastic job with this weblog for a long time (long before the so-called “official site” arrived on the net, I would add) and are no doubt admired and commended by many FZ fans, both old and new (myself included) for your tireless efforts, of which you should be justifiably proud.
But after the events of December 11th, 2007, I’d have to agree that it’s been increasing difficult to avoid the reality that the ZFT has taken the fun out of being an online fan of FZ. Almost every other post received a comment like, “I sure miss Friday Boots” or “This site has gotten so boring.” It was like living with a victim of rape. Every post, every subject reminded me of the day that KUR was gutted by the ZFT. Like good FZ fans we put on a brave face and attempted to soldier onward, but it’s quite evident…
Exactly who the fuck are we going through all this trouble for?
Count me in, Barry. I’ve had enough.
I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s Farm no more, too.
Time to flush all that rancid bile back to where it belongs.
Friends are friends… Whatever you decide to do with this blog, I am sure that those who’ve come to depend upon you for alternative recreational entertainment will continue to visit…
I know I will.
2000 hits a day; isn’t that what blogging is all about?
You’re right, Barry.
Somewhere on woodrowwilsondrive, a barking pumpkin is treating herself to a celebratory loaf of toast…
Barry, I feel your pain. I am with you 100%. Your creativity, I am sure will lead you to even better things. I ‘ll be right there with you!
Barry,
You, of course, have every right to change the blog as you see fit. However, I think you’re making the wrong decision. Don’t let Gail spoil your (entirely legal) efforts to celebrate Zappa’s music. The best way to say “Fuck you” to Gail is to ignore her. (I still, truly, do not think she would go to the trouble of litigation.)
@ urbangrafitto: “Almost every other post received a comment like, “I sure miss Friday Boots†or “This site has gotten so boring.†It was like living with a victim of rape.”
Well, this site is more to me, than getting a Friday bootleg. It´s good to be among others, who share FZ´s legacy & music. It was never boring to me visiting this site. And even after the Firday boot was taken off, it is exciting being here.
To Be & To Have – two ways of looking at things.
Good idea, Barry. If your original intent was to attract newbies to Zappa, that is surely NOT what’s happening now.
Thanks for YOUR work, Mr. Barry, and
C-YA!
hank you for all these years, and letting me (us) be a part of it!
There’s still some hope in me, but right now all I can think of is the Suzanne Vega song The Queen and The Soldier.
having just discovered your site in the last year, I will miss the zappa coverage, if it truly goes away, but will still visit.
thanks for your efforts!
oh man..thank you for all the wonderful things you brought our way….yeah…I am totally disgusted with the ZFT crap….wow…..it’s a sad day in this here sealed tuna sandwich….PEACE !!!!
Barry, I commend you for all you’ve done and attempted to do! I guess Gail won. What a sad, hollow victory…
We all support you, Barry.
Does anyone think that the ZFT will be run differently once Gail either dies or cedes control, whichever comes first? No to be too morbid, but I’m trying to take long term view of it; it can’t be this ridiculous forever, can it?
Quoting urbangraffitto:
“after the events of December 11th, 2007…”
Are you serious? This wasn’t a disaster, man! This wasn’t goddamn 9/11, it was a “cease and desist” letter for posting up bootlegs that she had no right to send to you.
My sentiments are somewhere among Brett, Roland, and Scott’s.
I agree with Brett when he said just post the bootlegs anyway – you most likely have nothing to fear, and if there IS litigation you can take your argument to the public. (I mentioned in an earlier – and IGNORED – comment that that fucking Guardian article was ZFT propaganda through the mainstream media.)
I agree with Roland that this site is so much more than “a place to get FZ boots.” We can write our own reviews of albums, engage in discussion, discuss FZ news…but now that’s going to go away?
And with regard to Scott – ever the tactician – you’ve done nothing since the C&D letter but bemoan the ZFT, and honestly, that entry ‘The First Church of Zuppuology’ is more meritorious of creating legal problems for you. That bordered on libel, while your posting of bootlegs was not only morally defensible, it was legal.
Drawing on my own opinion –
As someone who has read your site for years, and only in the past month or so left comments (and by all accounts was roundly ignored by the other commentators on your blog) I have to say this is beyond disappointing. You are giving Gail exactly what she wants. Don’t give us this shit about not working on Maggie’s Farm no more, the preservation of Zappa’s legacy is down to US, not that wench in her castle atop the Hills.
The only other venue I can think of to engage in discussion regarding Frank Zappa’s music is zappa.com, where such lively intellectual discussion as “Was Frank cut or uncut?” takes place. It is the realm of fans who favor “Montana” over “The Black Page.”
Barry, you let me down. I’m really sorry to see this no longer functioning as a forum for Zappa fans.
Unless you respond, your average hit count will be 1999 hits a day.
I’ve been lurking happily around this blog for years now, always more happy than not. The boots, while nice never interested me much. The news and talk gave me a chance to feed my FZ geekiness though. It is sad in many levels that it is coming to an end. The whole affair has left a bad taste in my mouth, sitting here far off and removed. It must have been really quite nasty from your vantage point. For the years gone by, thank you.
To be honest: I’ve never liked the bootlegs. My tolerance for tape hiss, missing frequencies and (drunken) audience behavior is extremely low. I come here, daily, because FZ-fans share a way of thinking, a form of humor that belongs in music and life in general.
I sure hope that the FZ frame of mind will not disappear in the soon to be expected future (and I love reading and occasionally writing the reviews – don’t take them down please. Listen to Alex!!)
I’m little bit dissapointed and more sad.
Zappa fan from the end of the world, from poor country. without even smallest chance to buy any legal Zappa issue (CD or DVD), had found his Eldorado in KUR (among others sites on web). KUR was unique. Original, intelegent, interesting, informative, good designed.. simply, it was obvious that KUR is made by people with good taste, knowledge and patience.
I get every friday boot from my firest KUR visit, i found many interesting sites about fz…
And, then shock! No more friday boots, then all that “defensive” posts (we are not guilty, we are only zappa fans!). In the same time ZFT oversea enjoy their “victory”…
My people said: ” Everything good, last fast!” So and KUR in the mood that we know till now.
Barry!
1. Dixi et animam meam salvavi! (I said what I have to say and save my soul!)
2. You are the boss of the KUR.
3. You have the right to make the changes.
4. Go for it!
5. I’m with You.
Please, tell me only one thing.
On KUR, no more FZ content at all? or not?
Best regards!
And now I must to put in order my fz collection…
tough one… when a millionaire threatens you with legal action, you have to seriously consider your options… you might well have a good case, but they rely on you not being able to fight the case
it’s tempting to say ‘what would Frank do?’, and being such a stubborn motherfucker he’d have probably fought the case
it’s all very well KUR visitors saying you should stick to your guns, but it’s not them getting tied up in costly litigation for years… maybe the people telling you to fight should guarantee to underwrite your legal expenses…
have you considered having your site hosted outside the USA, etc? if they want to get you. they’ll get you, but it makes it one step harder of they have to go dealing with non-US legal teams and jurisdictions
maybe Sweden? if The Pirate Bay can get away with threats from Microsoft etc then surely a Swedish-hosted Zappa site would evade Gail’s comparatively small-fry efforts
What about some news on Beefheart? Where is he?!
I have to agree with a lot of the above comments: the friday boots never interested me much either. Far more important was the news & views from other like-minded zappaphiles. I’ve checked this site everyday for years from wherever i’ve been in the world – and i travel a lot.
Still, if it’s the end: thanks very much for all your efforts.
Folks, this is not the end of it – it´s a beginning with a widespread attitude to music in general. Cheer up! This includes FZ!
I’ve only been a Zappa fan for 3 years now. When I was browsing trough a store looking for material by FZ I met a guy who pointed out several of his favourites. Besides that he recommended visiting Killuglyradio, and that is when the Zappa craze started :), it soon was set to home.
The actions ZFT took against you confused me. Had they lost all plot?
Anyway, I would like to thank Barry/KUR. I’m curious about what you’ve got planned.
Do what you need to do Barry!
I know how you feel. Something really horrible has happened to me – I no longer feel like listening to Zappa’s music very often. And on the occasions I do, I feel the shadow of the ZFT’s arseisness upon me….
Seriously, I’m not attempting to boycot the man’s music, but the ZFT are destroying his legacy, taking the fun out of it all. At least for me.
Hey Barry,
You’ve done a great job all these years, and for that I thank you. While I sort of agree with some of the commenters above who are suggesting that GZ might just be, at least to some extent, blowing smoke about this, I can certainly understand your question (‘Why the fuck am I doing this?’). It might even be good for you to try something else anyway, much as I’ll miss (REALLY MISS) your FZ coverage.
I’ll bear with you Barry!
Barry, whatever you do, don’t focus on Dylan. Please.
What Ever Happened To All The Fun In The World
Thanks for the comments all, whether they express disappointment, anger or support. Just a couple of things:
* Everything that is available here now — the blog, the discog with its reviews, the wiki, the forums — will not be taken offline; nor will any of the current functionality (posting comments, reviews, etc) be suspended.
* When I hit the publish button on this one, I knew I was going to get comments along the lines of “call Gail’s bluff”, “just post unofficial FZ related stuff”, “host your site outside the US”, … But the thing is, I’m just not enjoying working on this site the way I used to anymore. The ZFT managed to squeeze all the fun out of that. I’ll do something terrible now and quote Carole King: “Something inside has died and I can’t hide it, I just can’t fake it”. Sentimental as that may sound, there is a hint of truth in those lines.
* This doesn’t mean there will NEVER EVER be any talk about FZ around here. As is stated in my post: “As of now, this weblog will no longer be focussing exclusively on FZ news”.
… and finally, @Hans: LOL…
How quickly some folks forget previous posts. Like the one concerning the DMCA act for instance. When a weblog like KUR is threatened with legal action by the likes of the ZFT, it’s fought in the California courts (where the ZFT has all legal home turf advantages). Sure, Gail might just be blowing farts up her wazoo (so to speak), but should Barry risk his entire livelihood over a weblog which he has kept up for seven years at no personal profit? Should Barry continue KUR as a public service? Is that the proper reason to do anything? Above all, publishing should be fun, whether electronic or otherwise. That is why KUR is making a radical U-turn. Personally, I would much rather see a KUR weblog that is having fun (albeit without a primary FZ focus) than one that doesn’t.
As a long time FZ fan, I can assure you that his spirit exists in the music of many, many other talented musicians and artists and writers (far beyond the timid grasp of the ZFT). If, at present, we cannot celebrate the actual individual without fear of litigation and loss of our livelihoods, we can celebrate his spirit wherever we find it and whatever form we find it.
Dedicated to…
Roland, burningderervish, SOFA – Philostopher/Chef, bernard, La Cacawetta, Hugh, brett, scott, Balint, jamie, michael ferrence, rob, Dan DiPaolo, Alex, NWArch, Jeroen, Baby Snake, Steve D, Jamez, inwisable, Clenn, giantalbinopenguin, jonnybutter, Sears Poncho, Hans, Dr Sharleena, and Barry’s Imaginary Publisher:
Well, they’ll stone ya when you’re trying to be so good,
They’ll stone ya just a-like they said they would.
They’ll stone ya when you’re tryin’ to go home.
Then they’ll stone ya when you’re there all alone.
But I would not feel so all alone,
Everybody must get stoned.
Well, they’ll stone ya when you’re walkin’ ‘long the street.
They’ll stone ya when you’re tryin’ to keep your seat.
They’ll stone ya when you’re walkin’ on the floor.
They’ll stone ya when you’re walkin’ to the door.
But I would not feel so all alone,
Everybody must get stoned.
They’ll stone ya when you’re at the breakfast table.
They’ll stone ya when you are young and able.
They’ll stone ya when you’re tryin’ to make a buck.
They’ll stone ya and then they’ll say, “good luck.”
Tell ya what, I would not feel so all alone,
Everybody must get stoned.
Well, they’ll stone you and say that it’s the end.
Then they’ll stone you and then they’ll come back again.
They’ll stone you when you’re riding in your car.
They’ll stone you when you’re playing your guitar.
Yes, but I would not feel so all alone,
Everybody must get stoned.
Well, they’ll stone you when you walk all alone.
They’ll stone you when you are walking home.
They’ll stone you and then say you are brave.
They’ll stone you when you are set down in your grave.
But I would not feel so all alone,
Everybody must get stoned.
Barry i will miss your work. It was like a daily newspaper, but since all
the shit has hit the fan it changed. Now it’s only.. empty space(please don’t write the name Z…, don’t tell anything about him, no more news)
But that’s the way they’ve wanted it. So, is everybody happy??
Silence, like in a grave. Barry, i will miss your daily work…
Best regards Frank B.
Barry,
Allow me to join the rest in relaying sincere thanks for all your work. I took the C&D letter as a personal kick to the balls, and I think I understand where you’re coming from. I can only hope the sour taste in our collective KUR mouth fades with time.
Thanks again for all the entertainment.
@ Barry: I understand “you lost that loving feeling”, but change might help us all. Although I´m just a guest here for a short time, I felt comfortable from the very beginning. It feels so good, to be surrounded by so many loonies …
@ urbangrafitto: Remember what FZ said after the band had played “Happy Together” on “Fillmore East – June 1971”:
“We’d like to thank you very much for comin’ to our concert tonight . . . I know that ah . . . uh-hum . . . in a way it’s sad that Bill Graham is closin’ down the Fillmore, but ah . . . I’m sure he’ll get into somethin’ better . . . It’s been lovely, workin’ for you this evenin’ . . . good night . . . ”
Barry´s not closing down the place. And again: it´s a beginning, it´s the dawn of something new. I´m really looking forward, what is going to happen here. I will be with you – no about about it!
Goodnight Austin, Texas, wherever you are! (God I love this man!)
My only suggestion is to take a mitten full of those deadly yellow snow crystals and rub them in the beady little eyes of the FZT and their briefcase humping friends…
Bring us more faeries on strings!
Please tell me you’re not going to turn this into a Bob Dylan site. That would suck. Much like Bob.
And don’t turn it into a Carole King site – PLEASE!
Thanks urbangrafito. They will stone you . . .gladly, and remember . . .”They got computer collectors
That’ll get you so crazy
‘Til your head’ll go through th’ ceilin’
Yes it will!”
THANKS again, Barry for my daily fix of KUR.
BTW Where is Ben Watson with his “Marxist Critique”? Shouldn’t Gail be feeling the rough edge of Twatson’s tongue? God I hate that man!
You’re right about Watson, Clark Gw. Others consider me as a sort of leftwing intellectual. However, honestly, I would never hide behind my little finger ( as Watson does) when it comes to spontaniously helping those attacked by ZFT.
I just got 10.000 euros from KUR/ Barry ( who’s now undergoing one psychological test after another) to inform you about the subjects, which will be completely overlooked by the upcoming KURplus blog . These subjects are :
-farming & B. Dylan,
-hiding & C. King,
-mushrooming & J. Cage,
-gardening & Cosmonauts,
-pentecosting / whitsuning( ie reappearing on earth as a series of mysterious flames) & FZ.
Everybody knows that it will be about a series of 458 evening classes on ” how to learn to eat horse meat – for vegetarians”. Let’s eat real soon.
Second disclosure.
The KURplus blog will start as an alternative cook book, at least readers might get that impression.
Lesson # 1 : how to peel a banana.
Leson # 2: how to cook an egg.
Lesson # 386: how to shoot a horse and prepare a meal with its meat, banana peels & eggs.
I told you too much.
Our friend Balint – secretly – informed me ’bout the way he will contribute to this effort:
http://www.gotohungary.com/history/equestrian.shtml
Sad to see this but I support you. I’ll still visit. I only got into Frank within the last 7 years and it was your site that i visited first and the most frequently. not even solely for the friday boots. just reviews on the albums (when i knew no one else who was into zappa) and random news. just ask yourself, has gail won? gail should be sending thank you cards to me and a lot of people cause after visiting your site i have 96% of all Franks works. Officially purchased. good luck brother and i will be visiting soon!!!!!
Dear Sir,
i have been very fond of your Distinguished Publication, Kill Ugly Radio, for a number of years and it pains me heartily to see it suffer in such a manner. My thoughts go to You and all your Collaborators in these difficult times, and i will support any endeavour you will go forth and bless this internet (and discernible physical deviations) of ours with.
Keep it greasy,
me.
The Great Hiatus
After his near fatal “kick-in-the-balls” at his own personal version of Reichenbach Falls, Barry began his own Great Hiatus from KUR. He and Dr. Sharleena will travel in Tibet, and amuse themselves by visiting Lhassa, and spending some days with the head lama. Then they will pass through Persia, look in at Mecca, and pay a short but interesting visit to Khartoum. Returning to Belgium, well rested and their spirits energized, they will at that time focus their energies on the future of KUR.
Until then, Bon voyage, my friends. Drop me a postcard once and a while at LastFM.
too bad
it seems like gail ruined the enthusiasm to continue here.
but it has made me question,
I know that gail liked the music,
but did she like frank???
yes, they were married, but what does that prove?
Did frank like gail?
what was their relationship like?
WAS THE REAL REASON THAT FRANK ZAPPA TOURED SO EXTENSIVELY BECAUSE HE WANTED TO ESCAPE FROM GAIL?
At one point Gail was Frank’s favorite pumpkin, until she started barking.
[quote comment=”18090″]too bad
it seems like gail ruined the enthusiasm to continue here.
but it has made me question,
I know that gail liked the music,
but did she like frank???
yes, they were married, but what does that prove?
Did frank like gail?
what was their relationship like?
WAS THE REAL REASON THAT FRANK ZAPPA TOURED SO EXTENSIVELY BECAUSE HE WANTED TO ESCAPE FROM GAIL?[/quote]
[quote comment=”18091″]At one point Gail was Frank’s favorite pumpkin, until she started barking.[/quote]
You know, fellow KUR-ites, in all the years that I have been a cognoscenti of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, I never gave Gail Sloatman a second thought (or even a first one for that matter). Quite frankly, besides being the man’s wife and mother to his offspring, what contribution has this woman made to the human race in the 20th Century? What important works has she written (besides incongruous and incoherent liner notes)? What instrument does she play (besides exceedingly long-winded subpoena solos on various radio interviews)?
Without this puppet of her late husband to jerk around for the last fourteen years or so, she’d really have nothing to do for herself. She doesn’t exist without his image to manipulate. Did this ever happen to the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, or Janis Joplin? It’s really quite embarrassing, don’t you think? In my opinion, everything said regarding FZ by his widow should be taken with an enormous grain of salt (perhaps an iceberg sized one, given her actions on his supposed behalf).
Someone once referred to KUR as the first anti-Frank Zappa Frank Zappa website. After December 11th, 2007, it became apparent, at least to me, that the Frank Zappa which I grew up with and had celebrated for so many, many years had been usurped by a greedy, corporate entity bent on turning this much beloved musical genius and social satirist into a brand-name for their own purposes. By reducing FZ, piecemeal, into a series of registered trademarks Gail Sloatman has, in effect, destroyed the gestalt that made FZ and the Mothers of Invention unique in the first place.
There is the FZ we find in his music, his words and his interviews; then there is the FZ which Gail Sloatman has been projecting to the public since 1993. Only you can decide which one is real, and which one is merely a projection of a woman that has no real life or achievements of her own, and where to spend your hard earn dollars.
Personally, I won’t participate in GS’s fraud. I will continue to spread the Zappa gospel, bypassing the ZFT and GS until they are just a dim memory of something unpleasant I can barely recall.
[quote comment=”18090″]too bad
it seems like gail ruined the enthusiasm to continue here.
but it has made me question,
I know that gail liked the music,
but did she like frank???
yes, they were married, but what does that prove?
Did frank like gail?
what was their relationship like?
WAS THE REAL REASON THAT FRANK ZAPPA TOURED SO EXTENSIVELY BECAUSE HE WANTED TO ESCAPE FROM GAIL?[/quote]
Maybe he liked that Angel babe in the front row in the ‘Baby Snakes’ video?
One of my biggest regrets in life is to be too young to see FZ playing live.
Thanks to Barry and Gilles, I could have an overview of these amazing tours.
For me, these boots have been very useful to understand Zappa’s music evolution (playlists and compositions constant change, different solos, etc.).
The books I read about FZ and the whole discography I have in several versions are not complete enough to illustrate the phenomena in its continuity.
Of course these boots are available elsewhere but in a less convenient way which is about to be blocked by the ISPs in my country anyway.
Initially I thought this C&D letter was just the son of a blind and stupid decision from the Ivory Tower.
But with time it rather looks like a misguided campaign from Isengard.
I wasn’t surprised at all after some old school fans warned me GZ was really far from a cool guy like Fonzy.
In order to get rid of this new bitter taste in my mouth each time I listen to any ZFT era transgenic releases I am going back to my old organic LPs.
Anyway I don’t think I am gonna rush on a ZFT preorder campaign again.
Maybe Gail was always pissed that Frank got so much quality tail while on the road, even though they supposedly had an “open marriage”…must’ve been hard knowing he was screwing 1,000s of women all over the world!
Heh heh! Rock on Frank!!
Now,s he’s taking out her frustration on the fans, the “other woman” in her man’s life!
By the way, this thought was first put forth by another poster, back in Dec. I think….I’m plagarizing it since it was so brilliant! Thanks, mystery poster!
That’s alright, honey, you can come out of the closet now…well, what to say.
I found you here when word was leaking out that ZFT might actually be getting ready to release some things from the basement of their house. You were one of the very few places that had some information (god forbid it might be on zappaa.com). There was much entusiasm here (I warned you were being naive, given past Family efforts) and people were hopeful they would soon see a teasure of unreleased stuff being released to the public (I warned that I smelled a rat when the Family was taking “pre-orders” for something that existed only in the imagination of the imaginer – bordering on F-R-A-U-D).
I got slammed for my comments, and yes, I got some perverse pleasure from some of the feedback I received.
We all had fun, though, didn’t we? I learned a lot – we all learned a lot. I got burned – we all got burned. I danced – we all danced. I took my clothes off – did you? I got pissed, and so did you. I stopped buying the shit ZFT was putting out – maybe you did, too.
Did anyone ever actually buy one of those potholders Dweeva was trying to sell?
It’s been fun, indeed, Barry boy (and all the others!!!). I personally felt the death of the internet (end of the summer of love) many years ago when another artist’s website and source for unreleased music was taken down. I have been surprised and delighted to see this one hang on as it has. You have done a great thing here. You have used this medium to it’s full and free potential.
I wish you well in your next endeavors. As for me, it’s time to sink to the lowest common denominator, check the weather forecast and watch that dancing cowboy try to sell sub-prime mortgages.
Wanna buy a mortgage, Bob?
What a boneheaded comment! I got almost as much tail as Frank ever did, thank you very much! Plus, regardless of what you may have heard, Steve Vai still comes ’round every third Saturday and solos on my face, if you get my drift.
Who needs ya?
Crazy on you!
Thanks for all the work Barry…it’s been enjoyable. I never could find myself buying squat from FZT, everything seemed so phoney, a tinge of cheapness..no? Anyway GZ is the perfect example of an Ignant McNugget. Best wishes from a FZ fan since 71.
Thanks, Barry – you done good !
One feels what these years realy meant – I could come here day after day to find something new. What other pages should I visit now? Eh.
Unfortunately the ZFT business has completely soured me on even listening to Zappa, and I expect I won’t be attending any more ZPZ concerts (unless hell freezes over and Ike Willis tours with them). Its very sad… I remember seeing Project/Object during the 10 year dry spell and being very happy that Someone was playing the music. Trying to shut down Zappanale? WTF??? What an asshole.
Frankly (heh) after all this the ZFT can shove their new releases and I would encourage folks not to spend their money there. Gail will just spend it on lawyers and Hillary Clinton anyway.
There is a lot of good music out there, and I expect to revisit Zappa again someday. Not for a while though…
I’ll tell something possibly surprising.
Which character did the KURblog have?
Barry was:
– an ( FZ) Encyclopedist ( in an old – French / European tradition), see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Encyclop%C3%A9distes – for free, better than many books. Collecting all elements. The ambition to get the full picture.
– an enabler for others: a kind invitation to comment ( he was actually very bright minded, allowed as good as every comment, and that’s exactly the contrary of lazyness). It’s about spurring Gusta ( an old Spanish tradition). The ambition to fully allow others to have a say.
– both funny & entertaining: never ever carrying the load of the world, adding some sparkling water/ ketchup / mayonaise to it all. The ambition to be understood by a broad audience.
[quote comment=”18100″]
It’s been fun, indeed, Barry boy (and all the others!!!). I personally felt the death of the internet (end of the summer of love) many years ago when another artist’s website and source for unreleased music was taken down. I have been surprised and delighted to see this one hang on as it has. [/quote]
Was that a Prince website?? Crazy on you!
[quote comment=”18107″]Barry was:[/quote]
Not dead yet guys… Cheer up!
Tibet’s a wonderful place btw. Wish you were here.
On-board since the first tour to Sweden, 1967. As such I have put food on the Zappa’s table since before Moon was born. I “own” pretty much everything available, except maybe the last 5 years’ worth, including a lot of covers.
On one hand I can see Barry’s frustration – and exposure.
On the other, I also see a myriad of UTube entries showing great promise. How can you save them to disk?
While Barry, Project/Object and Bogus Pomp, etc, are large high-yield targets for Gail’s legal team, the fan base – both players and listeners – is so large that ZFT may well spend its fortune trying to legislate its customers into oblivion. Once Gail is broke, what is she going to do? Who will give a rats’ ass?
If she had any sense, she’d nominate Ike and Napoleon (and who else) to honorary embassadors to keep the flame burning. Paul Green’s School of Rock has done more to get kids to enjoy – and play!!!!!!!) the music that ZPZ ever will, Dweezil’s attempt notwithstanding. Where was ZPZ for 14 years when the now enemies of the state (P/O, B/P, Palermo, and all the European folks) carried the flame?
I miss the Friday boots tremendously but understand why Barry took them down. Bummer! As I said, I have (almost) everything else, incl 4 copies of Freak Out (not counting the last ones)!
KUR, zappa.hu, aaafnraa.de, to mention but a minor few, have given awesome service to the fan base. Latest find thescottthuneseffect.com is tremendous to help understand how the musical pieces fit together.
Don’t give up, give ’em hell; death by a thousand cuts by guerilla fans to small to litigate. Long live the mind gorilla! (sorry, John). On that note, does Yoko litigate against the Beatle-cover bands and all the shoddy versions of Imagine being played all over?
Even if I could sell my collection back to Gail — the experiences cannot be sold and as long as we don’t give up our memories, we will prevail.
About 47 more pages to type, but who cares to read it?
[quote comment=”18108″]
Was that a Prince website??[/quote]
It’s frightening to know, how well you know me…
So Sam, how about typing them pages on top of each other like Frank used to?
I think the way out of this whole Jumbo Go Away moment is to put up a memorial Gail Sloatman in Krakow. Call it St. Krack Ho drinks and steals home.
I can see why doing the blog has lost all its fun. Being a fan and doing something that requires a lot of work and effort and then being kicked in the teeth for it understandably sours ones feelings towards doing it.
As far as the ZFT somehow winning out of this, maybe they will think they have, but it is a hollow victory… like a big bully picking on the little kids. The losers are the ZFT as they destroy their fan base and their respect.
These days it is easy to boycott musical merchandise because unless you really require the boring packaging, you can make perfect copies. This is why some of the smarter artists are trying to make things more attractive for the buyer so they buy their product. The ZFT makes it more attractive to say stuff them and then either copy or just wait for second hand items.
In early December I saw ZPZ and spent an extra $110 on CDs on sale in the foyer. After the C&D stuff it soured what was quite a good night. I won’t do that again. In that way ZFT are the big losers.
Barry,
If the ZFT sees KUR as a threat, then I wish Frank’s legacy the best of luck.
Your site was and is fantastic. Keep up the great job, and count on our support.
Thanks a lot, Barry! I have always enjoyed visiting this site and will continue to do so. I support your decision to make changes as you see fit. After all, it´s about US and not THEM. Frank was a common denominator that brought us all together. The man and his music gave us a subject to discuss, but I have no doubt we´ll get into something better.
Okay, maybe not Bob Dylan or Carole King. How about Phoebe Snow? I´m feeling so sensitive right now…
[quote comment=”18112″]
I think the way out of this whole Jumbo Go Away moment is to put up a memorial Gail Sloatman in Krakow. Call it St. Krack Ho drinks and steals home.[/quote]
I’ve got an even better idea, Freon P. Have each and every bona fide FZ fan lift one ass cheek for freedom of choice and freedom of expression, and let the winds of their combined silent judgment blow all the way back to Woodrow Wilson Drive.
Still I can´t understand people, who are afraid of changes, Barry. You seem to frighten people. Are FZ fans afraid of the future? I´m not afraid of the future. This wonderful site of education and madness will not turn into a Partridge Family fansite, so where´s the threat? If you, Barry, lost the “loving feeling” for the make of this lovely site, it is perfectly understandable. Folks, it only can get better and don´t be afraid of the future. Barry knows, what he´s doing. Go for it. Keep it greasy! ;-)
Roland, I fully agree.
My own principles ( which have never been for sale ) are :
– be both future oriented & forward looking
– fear nothing and nobody, be courageous ( while never loosing temper)
– trust on your own to create your own future
For sure : Barry will manage.
[quote comment=”18083″]BTW Where is Ben Watson with his “Marxist Critique”? Shouldn’t Gail be feeling the rough edge of Twatson’s tongue? God I hate that man![/quote]
This is a great question, except that Ben Watson kicks ass. He had to play it real smooth to get in good with the family; remember the end of Negative Dialectics of Poodle Play? So I would understand it if he doesn’t want to betray the kindness the family showed him. But on the other hand, bring on the critique!
@bernard: Looking at your principles, I again get the idea, that we are two minds very close to each other …
[quote comment=”18123″]@bernard: Looking at your principles, I again get the idea, that we are two minds very close to each other …[/quote]
Success and happiness are always the best revenge.
BTW Where is Ben Watson with his “Marxist Critique� Shouldn’t Gail be feeling the rough edge of Twatson’s tongue? God I hate that man!
I will never understand why so many Zappa fans don’t like Watson- or even ‘hate’ him. Poodle Play wasn’t perfect, but it was rather brilliant and the first really serious book (that I know of) about Zappa’s art. It’s fine if it’s not the kind of book you like, but what a fool to ‘hate’ the author for it.
If you would bother to actually read the book, you would know what Marxist criticism actually is, and you would also know that Watson throughly covered the contradiction at hand – it was the fucking SUBJECT of the BOOK.
I’ll tell you one thing a serious marxist critique isn’t: hating someone who doesn’t conform to your model, in this case, to appear on your cue to call Gail a capitalist asshole. I’m not defending *her* here. But you want some sort of active, quasi-ideological obedience from Watson here – a ‘confession’! How very authoritarian of you, particularly since you didn’t bother to understand the book you hate so much.
As I say, I think it’s fine if people don’t want to bother reading that book – Frank himself was not the type to read that sort of thing. But don’t hate something you don’t care to understand. To paraphrase Dear Leader: stupidity can be charming; ignorance, not so much.
[quote comment=”18119″] Are FZ fans afraid of the future? I´m not afraid of the future. [/quote]
Hey, the future *is* scary (yes it sure is!)
The irony of it all is that this post is one of the best in a while. If all your posts were like this, I’d keep reading.
But then again, perhaps it is time for a moratorium on all things Zappa. If that’s what Gail wants, then that’s what Gail should get.
And if that’s not what Gail wants, then that’s what Gail should get.
CRIME EXISTS BECAUSE IT IS TOLERATED.
And another thing–I doubt FZ would back Hillary.
And another another thing, Ben Watson is a great man and all, but there has been a real paucity of out put from him on this subject. Sure he called Gail’s tactics “Stalinist” way back when, but that was way back when. In the words of Paulie Walnuts “you’re only as good as your last check.”
Ben who?
[quote comment=”18118″][quote comment=”18112″]
I think the way out of this whole Jumbo Go Away moment is to put up a memorial Gail Sloatman in Krakow. Call it St. Krack Ho drinks and steals home.[/quote]
I’ve got an even better idea, Freon P. Have each and every bona fide FZ fan lift one ass cheek for freedom of choice and freedom of expression, and let the winds of their combined silent judgment blow all the way back to Woodrow Wilson Drive.[/quote]
An SBD of sublime retribution? A fate worse than bromodrosis and worthy of further analysis, I dare say. Let floodablasts of freedom roar o’er caster ZippythepinheadedFamilyTrust from freep to whiny freep!
[quote comment=”18129″]
If that’s what Gail wants, then that’s what Gail should get.
And if that’s not what Gail wants, then that’s what Gail should get.
[/quote]
Hey, wait a second. This isn’t a Roger Waters thread is it?
In the background, I hear:
“What Gail wants Gail gets Gail help us all
What Gail wants Gail gets
The kid in the corner looked at the priest
And fingered his pale blue Japanese guitar
The priest said
Gail wants goodness
Gail wants light
Gail wants mayhem
Gail wants a clean fight
What Gail wants Gail gets
Don’t look so surprised
It’s only dogma
The alien prophet cried
The beetle and the springbok
Took the bible from its hook
The monkey in the corner
Wrote the lesson in his book
What Gail wants Gail gets Gail help us all
Gail wants peace
Gail wants war
Gail wants famine
Gail wants chain stories
What Gail wants Gail gets
Gail wants sedition
Gail wants sex
Gail wants freedom
Gail wants semtex
What Gail wants Gail gets
Don’t look so surprised
I’m only joking
The alien comic cried
The jackass and hyena
Took the feather from its book
The monkey in the corner
Wrote the joke down his book
What Gail wants Gail gets
Gail wants boarders
Gail wants crack
Gail wants rainfall
Gail wants wetbacks
What Gail wants Gail gets
Gail wants voodoo
Gail wants shrines
Gail wants law
Gail wants organised crime
Gail wants crusade
Gail wants jihad
Gail wants good
Gail wants bad
What Gail wants Gail gets
Do you believe in a better day
Do you have a faith in a golden way
If you do then we must come together this day
Come together as one united
Television audience
Brought together the sound of my voice
United united financially united socially
United spiritually and all possible ways
Through the power of money
And the power of your prayers
What Gail wants Gail gets Gail help us all
Gail wants dollars
Gail wants cents
Gail wants pounds shillings and pence
Gail wants guilders
Gail wants kroner
Gail wants Swiss francs
Gail wants French francs
Oui il veut des francs francais
Gail wants escudos
Gail wants pesetas
Don’t send lira
Gail don’t want small potatoes
Gail wants small towns
Gail wants pain
Gail wants clean up rock campaigns
Gail wants widows
Gail wants solution
Gail wants TV
Gail wants contributions
What Gail wants Gail gets Gail help us all
Gail wants silver
Gail wants gold
Gail wants his secret
Never to be told
Gail wants gigolos
Gail wants giraffes
Gail wants politics
Gail wants a good laugh
What Gail wants Gail gets Gail help us all
Gail wants friendship
Gail wants fame
Gail wants credit
Gail wants blame
Gail wants poverty
Gail wants wealth
Gail wants insurance
Gail wants to cover herself
What Gail wants Gail gets Gail help us all…”
it’s sad and frustrating, but I do understand you, and I’m looking forward this barry u-turn – thank you, THANK YOU, for all the time and energy you gave us through KUR, and for all I know you’ll give, beginning with this u-turn!
[quote comment=”18128″]BTW Where is Ben Watson with his “Marxist Critiqueâ€? Shouldn’t Gail be feeling the rough edge of Twatson’s tongue? God I hate that man!
I will never understand why so many Zappa fans don’t like Watson- or even ‘hate’ him. Poodle Play wasn’t perfect, but it was rather brilliant and the first really serious book (that I know of) about Zappa’s art. It’s fine if it’s not the kind of book you like, but what a fool to ‘hate’ the author for it.
If you would bother to actually read the book, you would know what Marxist criticism actually is, and you would also know that Watson throughly covered the contradiction at hand – it was the fucking SUBJECT of the BOOK.
I’ll tell you one thing a serious marxist critique isn’t: hating someone who doesn’t conform to your model, in this case, to appear on your cue to call Gail a capitalist asshole. I’m not defending *her* here. But you want some sort of active, quasi-ideological obedience from Watson here – a ‘confession’! How very authoritarian of you, particularly since you didn’t bother to understand the book you hate so much.
As I say, I think it’s fine if people don’t want to bother reading that book – Frank himself was not the type to read that sort of thing. But don’t hate something you don’t care to understand. To paraphrase Dear Leader: stupidity can be charming; ignorance, not so much.[/quote]
Very well stated, jonnybutter.
Myself, I never much cared for Watson’s Marxist Critique (being a life-long anarchist) and often found his essays wanting and far too intellectually grandiose and pretentious (it’s as if Watson is pointing to himself instead of his subject and saying, “look how brilliant I am!”). Still, he has as much right as anyone to comment on, and analyse the works of, FZ. If you don’t like someone’s words, don’t read them, but never censor them.
I thought Poodle Play was a fascinating book despite Ben Watson’s many preposterous conclusions. His analysis of the music was certainly original in it’s scope and approach.
My favortie book on Zappa.
Which Zappa book did YOU think was a good one?
[quote comment=”18136″]I thought Poodle Play was a fascinating book despite Ben Watson’s many preposterous conclusions. His analysis of the music was certainly original in it’s scope and approach.
My favortie book on Zappa.
Which Zappa book did YOU think was a good one?[/quote]
I don’t think a proper academic study has been done of Zappa’s life and works. Only time and a fresh perspective of the facts will truly reveal the multiple layers of the man and his art. I hope that this is done before the remaining members of his bands either die off, or become too soured by current events.
I agree, urbangraffito, while I found Ben Watson’s book an amazing undertaking, he made connections where there were none.
Poodle Play was largely a construct of Watson’s imagination.
For a long time I had believed that an insider’s perspective culled from extensive interviews with Gail would be an incredible resource into the life and times of FZ, but in the light of recent events I am no longer so certain of that.
When Frank presented his views it was amazing.
When filtered through someone else’s views of his views there is too much lost in the translation.
The present day composer refuses to die, he just smells funny.
Overheard at a recent BERGER KAHN meeting…
Frank Zappa, musician, social satirist, a man no longer himself…gentleman, we can remake him in his widow’s image, we have the technology (and the permission from the zft), we have the capability to make him the world’s first artificial man…Frank Zappa will be that man…blander than he ever could have been before… blander… dumber… irrelevant…
How to turn Gail Zappa into a blues singer:
Lay GZ on a large ceramic (fire resistant) oven trey. Add some onions, carrots a few lumps of butter and season well with salt and pepper and some sugar or honey to neutralise the bitterness.
Put her in a hot oven at a temperature of 180° Celcius and check regularly. When she has turned into Bill Withers she’s done!
You can try this recipy on any bitter person.
Greetz.
Just a thought…. Doesn’t BERGER KAHN sound like BURGER KING?!!???
They’re (the lawyers) taking away our 4 course banquet of Frank Zappa music and replacing it with a large cheeseburger ………WITH EXTRA CHEESE!!
Poo on you, Gail.
So I guess now it’s time for The Grateful Dead…!
[quote comment=”18143″]Just a thought…. Doesn’t BERGER KAHN sound like BURGER KING?!!???
They’re (the lawyers) taking away our 4 course banquet of Frank Zappa music and replacing it with a large cheeseburger ………WITH EXTRA CHEESE!![/quote]
They are already trained at serving whoppers…
@Freon P. Sandoz: Being a Waters admirer myself, I had a bitter laugh reading your new lyrics´. It fits like a True Glove!
@ Jamez: Great deal on phonetics !
Let´s see, what the next move from the “Tower Of Laurel Canyon” will be. Finance Soldiers (Of Fortune) marching from home to home yelling “Trick Or Treat”?
And my final question to Barry is: Will you turn this into a Jean-Claude van Damme worship site? ;-)
Back to Ben Watson, I have to say I enjoyed ‘Poodle Play’. If you read it as if it was written with tongue in cheek, it is pretty funny. And credit for getting a 500 page book of that kind on the subject of ‘he who must not be named’ published in the first place.
Well, I’m sorry you’ve taken such a decision because I liked your blog, your wit and creativity, I liked the zappaesque twist of it all. I’ve never been in it for the boots… and paradoxically, I think the event of Gail’s reaction might be good … for that simple reason, that the blog could exist for what made its price years after years : your writing, about Zappa, or your zappa-inspired whims. To me, it’s never bee good to share boots via a group, so many people are in it only for getting boots, for getting something, without paying much interest for who writes; I don’t know how to put it clearly, sorry. Maybe I’m thinking of what zappa said in an interview, that anybody has to express something, and find the medium to do it. This blog was your blog, your expression through Zappa’s aesthetics. If you’re tired of that, if you need another medium, to express something else, then do. But if it’s still the right way for you to express yourself, don’t stop it just to react to Gail’s reaction. She wants the boot sharing to stop, then stop. Because the people you wrote for never came here for the boots, to get something : they came here to relate to your world, your expression of it.
I’ll miss you !
We’re only in it for the booty.
I can honestly say i never listened to any of the boots offered here.
Mainly because bootlegs have awful sound quality.
Jane23, I fully agree. I didn’ t listen either to any of the bootlegs as it looked like being too much focused on one square centimetre ( FZ- mania).
The question for Barry is : how to proceed?
The way I see it my own humble way :
– Broadening the spectre. The holistic way. ” From 50ties R & B to Ensemble Modern”.
– Future oriented & forward loooking. This indeed happens to be the most difficult exercise : (1) be an atavist ( meaning : respect for the good things of the past, reinventing / reshaping things) and (2) turn it all upside down, the innovative way( ie basically overlooking old ideas .
– Combining things that do not seem to glue at first sight. The joy of exploring new combinations. Just two John Cage related examples : (1) the importance of Silence, (2) the imporatance of street noise.
– Overlooking borders ( mentally, intellectually, musically, almost physically, etc. ), while keep listening to each other & respecting each other within the frame of this blog.
– Turning a disadvantage into a step forward. GZ allowing.
Thus : conceptual continuity, the FZ way, still right now.
Yes – bernard – Yes ! The Big Note from The Big Bang to Eternity! ;-)
Change is the only constant in the universe (besides stupidity), and he who resists change risks stagnation.
Whatever Barry decides to do, I’m certain that it is going to be interesting and creative (two great hallmarks of KUR). And I’m also certain the zappaesque quality of whatever he does will be evident to anyone who has followed this weblog: you can take FZ out of the weblog, but can you ever take the effect of FZ out of the webmaster?
It’s a big big big, wild wild wild, wacky wacky wacky world, folks!
Let’s all strip down to our skivvies and take a dip!
Rock on, Barry — Bravo.
Go out on your own terms and change direction while you’ve still got the passion to publish. Better things deserve the press. I do not sense a turnaround in ZFT ethics or practices any time soon. It is sad to see the regular coverage go, but what is there left to cover? Lately I have become disillusioned (read: bored) with official Zappaland. The product has become predictable and dare I say comparatively expensive, next to other musicians that I support. Over $25 per release is asking a lot for what is on the discs, and I cannot morally justify supporting financially such stubborn and ignorant business practices. I agree with your assertion that exclusive Zappa coverage is no longer worth the effort. The demise of Friday Boots is upsetting, but GZ can’t shut down a worldwide web of bootleggers. There are a thousand other cyber-yards from which we may collect our tasty weeds : )
As a *former* journalist, I can empathize. I have always asserted that covering a pile of actual bullshit is wholly more satisfying than reporting on the figurative, human variety. I will continue to read and digest whatever you have to offer, your material has never done wrong by me. Keep ’em coming, and keep the world posted.
Cheers,
Chris
Re: the previous post
Gelatinous Adenoid = gail adelaide (sloatman)
get it folks???
to quote Mr. Frank: “Don’t take any GAS from your shopteacher.”
back to frank
you’ve seen the stevie’s spanking vid on youtube
it’s like 9 minutes of guitar solos
first steve vai
technically adept
then frank
rudeness and intellect
then they duet
steve mimmicks zappas playing
and nudges him further
when franks cigarette, stuck under his low e string burns out
steve blows off the ash
which is recognized by frank
and one measure later they are back into the song
which ends with strauss’s thus spake zarathustra
AAAFNRAA
what better reason to end the solo
you can’t blow ash onstage anymore
Just here to say: do what you like.
That’s the best course of action.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Staying tuned.
” … and every time a nice little muffin comes by on the belt, he poots forth … “
urbangraffito says:
[quote comment=”18141″]Overheard at a recent BERGER KAHN meeting…
Frank Zappa, musician, social satirist, a man no longer himself…gentleman, we can remake him in his widow’s image, we have the technology (and the permission from the zft), we have the capability to make him the world’s first artificial man…Frank Zappa will be that man…blander than he ever could have been before… blander… dumber… irrelevant…[/quote]
and don’t forget: …taller (no need for those platform soles in da future!)
“…Who was trained not to spit in the fan.
Who was told what to do by the man.”
[quote comment=”18167″]back to frank
you’ve seen the stevie’s spanking vid on youtube
it’s like 9 minutes of guitar solos
first steve vai
technically adept
then frank
[/quote]
My favorite concert experience was FZ, Vai, and Belew doing City of Tiny of Lights with drums by Bozzio and percussion by Ruth, although the original Mothers at Balloon Farm following Auto Salvage was really special. :-) Bunk Gardner, Roy Estrada, Billy Mundi, Jimmy Carl Black,and the rest of that eleven piece rancid crew of mayhem and anal feedback still gives me funny dreams 40 years later.
i saw a version of the original mothers in 1969
2nd concert i ever went to
(1st was the jefferson airplane)
The show was all instrumental
not one song was sung
how crazy is that?
a pop group in 69 that doesn’t sing one of their fucking songs!!!
could the beatles have gotten away with that???
Old farts
Old farts
Sit on the benches and talk art
West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. I still listen to that vinyl: A child of a few hours…
Same night I saw Zappa at the Balloon Farm, I caught Velvet Underground upstairs at the downstairs or vice versa. One of the group caught fire during Heroin.
Those were the days my friends. You know, unless you let them, they never end until you do.
It was fun while it lasted and Barry is a great guy who deserves our thanks.
But you know what? There’s lots of other great music out there so let’s move on!
Let me state that again: not dead yet!
Patience my friends… :)
[quote comment=”18178″]It was fun while it lasted and Barry is a great guy who deserves our thanks.
But you know what? There’s lots of other great music out there so let’s move on![/quote]
What is this, xorg, a wake?
If so, it’s a wake for the old format, a wake for the old way of thinking and doing things…so pass me a bottle of some of that Zuppu ale (if there’s any left) and let’s first toast to the last seven years of Barry’s prolific imagination, then cheer on the devious dervish of his imagination’s next incantation…
“Keep your chin up. Give life a good target.”
Just got this message.
Doctor Sharleena is taking cre of Saint Barry, while he is writing his own St Barry Passion.
However on Easter, Pascha, or Resurrection Day ( it all happens to be exactly the same day)he will reappear on earth.
Thanks bernard for this information. Until the reappearance I will listen to Francesco Zappa and his first digital recording in 200 years.
Funny, I was watching M. Night Shyamalan “Lady in the Water” on cable the other night. There’s a scene with a garage band playing a pool party. Of course the song they play is “I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s Farm no more”. You can easily find other parallels from this film’s story and your’s Barry. Look out ZFT Scrunts!
In the mornin’
By yer radio
Do the walls close in t’ suffocate ya
You ain’t got no friends . . .
An’ all the others: they hate ya
They won’t go
For no more
Great mid-western hardware store
Philosophy that turns away
From those who aren’t afraid to say
What’s on their minds
(The left-behinds of the Great Society)
thanks for the good job ..
as for what is planned for the future
me and my friends are behind you
since discovering this site i have grown to appreciate you like a friend,
the people want to cut you and hurt you and force you to bend.
but just as the bent bamboo comes swishing back into place,
there’s always gonna be someone-who catch it in the face!
loved your inventive ideas with the ‘cheese’and as previously expressed i lend you my support in the new venture/direction change
and thanks for giving so much of your time