Frank Zappa, Moon Zappa – Valley Girl
Zappa’s biggest (only?) hit? [Apparently the only top 40 entry in North America – Dancin’ Fool narrowly missed] Seems like a bit of an anomaly for him, but it’s not too far from I’m the Slime or Dancin’ Fool (less biting/politically-incorrect/”cleaner” than Jewish Princess). Big old bass with multi-tracked vocals and Moon doing that valley voice. Perhaps a bit long, but fun.
Jellyfish – Sebrina, Paste and Plato
This reaches the highest echelon of Power-Pop-Psychedelia IMHO. Wouldn’t change a note and will play it again if you don’t mind – thank you very much.
“Valley Girl”/Zappas. Definitely the best-known Zappa song among non-Zappa fans. An uncharacteristically slamming, radio-friendly beat and a nice bass solo. Quite funny as a showcase for Moon’s satiric characterization (as “Ondrya.”) A stickler might note that the ’80s-styled pop-art video for this spoof on consumer culture makes it seem like the song references more brand names than it actually does. Unless you count the Galleria — and Encino — the only one is Pac-Man!
“Sebrina, Paste and Plato”/Jellyfish. Yes, definitely a 1967 tune somehow not recorded until 1993. A fun little bike ride to the moon. The brand here appears to be Play-Doh (TM), lightly disguised as the famous Greek philosopher.
Zappa- I remember 2 things from this song–the whimsical/grating Moon Unit warblings and the pounding, bigger-than-life bass sound. On relistening, I can more easily appreciate the humor here and the acidic social commentary. The standout parts for me are the background vocals (“Ok, fine. Fer sure, fer sure…”) and the thrashy, uneven rhythm guitar. I believe the song spawned a movie (that’s more than American Pie and Band on the Run did).
Jellyfish- Sadly, these guys flew under or around my radar during their heyday. What a great little tasty confection. Love it.
Some pop goodness about childhood infatuation I think. I am hearing hints of Queen in the harmonies. This is a well put together tune and made me smile.
Frank Zappa, Moon Zappa – Valley Girl
Zappa’s biggest (only?) hit? [Apparently the only top 40 entry in North America – Dancin’ Fool narrowly missed] Seems like a bit of an anomaly for him, but it’s not too far from I’m the Slime or Dancin’ Fool (less biting/politically-incorrect/”cleaner” than Jewish Princess). Big old bass with multi-tracked vocals and Moon doing that valley voice. Perhaps a bit long, but fun.
Jellyfish – Sebrina, Paste and Plato
This reaches the highest echelon of Power-Pop-Psychedelia IMHO. Wouldn’t change a note and will play it again if you don’t mind – thank you very much.
“Valley Girl”/Zappas. Definitely the best-known Zappa song among non-Zappa fans. An uncharacteristically slamming, radio-friendly beat and a nice bass solo. Quite funny as a showcase for Moon’s satiric characterization (as “Ondrya.”) A stickler might note that the ’80s-styled pop-art video for this spoof on consumer culture makes it seem like the song references more brand names than it actually does. Unless you count the Galleria — and Encino — the only one is Pac-Man!
“Sebrina, Paste and Plato”/Jellyfish. Yes, definitely a 1967 tune somehow not recorded until 1993. A fun little bike ride to the moon. The brand here appears to be Play-Doh (TM), lightly disguised as the famous Greek philosopher.
Zappa- I remember 2 things from this song–the whimsical/grating Moon Unit warblings and the pounding, bigger-than-life bass sound. On relistening, I can more easily appreciate the humor here and the acidic social commentary. The standout parts for me are the background vocals (“Ok, fine. Fer sure, fer sure…”) and the thrashy, uneven rhythm guitar. I believe the song spawned a movie (that’s more than American Pie and Band on the Run did).
Jellyfish- Sadly, these guys flew under or around my radar during their heyday. What a great little tasty confection. Love it.
“Sebrina, Paste and Plato” by Jellyfish:
Some pop goodness about childhood infatuation I think. I am hearing hints of Queen in the harmonies. This is a well put together tune and made me smile.