Release Title: The Mothers 1970
Format: 4CD Box Set
Tracks: 70 unreleased tracks
Personnel: Mark Volman, Howard Kaylan (Flo & Eddie), George Duke, Ian Underwood, Jeff Simmons, Aynsley Dunbar
Recording Locations: Trident Studios, London; Various Live Venues
Engineer: Roy Thomas Baker
Overview
The 4CD box set The Mothers 1970 marks a significant milestone in the world of rock and avant-garde music, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Frank Zappa’s groundbreaking 1970 lineup of The Mothers of Invention. This collection offers an expansive look into a pivotal period of Zappa’s career, featuring 70 previously unreleased tracks, including rare studio sessions, historical live performances, and more.
Disc-by-Disc Breakdown
Disc 1 – Trident Studios, London, England (June 21-22, 1970)
The first disc provides a deep dive into the studio sessions held at Trident Studios. These tracks capture the raw and experimental essence of Zappa’s creative process. Highlights include:
- “Red Tubular Lighter” and “Lola Steponsky” showcase the band’s improvisational prowess.
- “Sharleena (Roy Thomas Baker Mix)” and “Wonderful Wino (FZ Vocal)” present alternate takes and mixes, providing a fresh perspective on these well-known tracks.
- The “Envelopes” and “Giraffe – Take 4” recordings reveal Zappa’s intricate studio experiments and arrangements.
Disc 2 – Live Highlights Part 1
This disc features live recordings from two notable performances: the “Piknik” VPRO concert on June 18, 1970, and Pepperland on September 26, 1970. It includes:
- “Introducing…The Mothers” and “Wonderful Wino” from the Piknik show, offering a glimpse into the band’s live energy and audience interaction.
- Tracks like “What Kind Of Girl Do You Think We Are?” and “Happy Together” from Pepperland highlight the band’s diverse repertoire and adaptability in live settings.
Disc 3 – Live Highlights Part 2
Spanning performances from Santa Monica (August 21, 1970) and Spokane (September 17, 1970), this disc features:
- “Agon” and “Call Any Vegetable”, both showcasing Zappa’s knack for complex compositions and improvisation.
- The inclusion of “Pound For A Brown” and “Trouble Every Day” captures the raw, unfiltered essence of the live performances, blending humor and social commentary.
Disc 4 – Live Highlights Part 3 – FZ Tour Tape Recordings
The final disc presents a compilation of Zappa’s own tour recordings, offering a more personal and intimate view of the live experience. Highlights include:
- “Paladin Routine #1” and “Portuguese Fenders” reveal Zappa’s distinctive humor and satirical edge.
- “King Kong – Outro” and “Gris Gris” are standout tracks that showcase the band’s improvisational skill and Zappa’s avant-garde vision.
The Mothers 1970 is an essential collection for any Frank Zappa fan or enthusiast of experimental rock. The 4CD set provides an impressive array of previously unreleased material that beautifully captures the essence of Zappa’s 1970 lineup.
The studio sessions on Disc 1 are a treasure trove for those interested in the creative process behind some of Zappa’s most innovative work. The quality of the recordings and the breadth of the material highlight the meticulous nature of Zappa’s approach to his music.
The live recordings across Discs 2 and 3 offer a vivid portrayal of The Mothers in their prime. The varied setlists, spanning different performances, display the band’s incredible range and Zappa’s ability to blend humor with musical complexity. The energy and spontaneity of the live shows are palpable, making these recordings a delight for fans of live rock and avant-garde performances.
Disc 4’s focus on Zappa’s tour recordings provides an even more personal touch. The informal nature of these recordings offers a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s touring life, complete with Zappa’s characteristic wit and the raw energy of live performances.
Overall, The Mothers 1970 serves as both a historical document and a celebration of a seminal period in Frank Zappa’s career. With its comprehensive tracklist and high-quality recordings, this box set is a must-have for collectors and new listeners alike. The set not only commemorates the 50th anniversary of The Mothers’ 1970 lineup but also reaffirms Zappa’s lasting impact on the world of music.
Disc 1 – Trident Studios, London, England June 21-22, 1970
1. Red Tubular Lighter
2. Lola Steponsky
3. Trident Chatter
4. Sharleena (Roy Thomas Baker Mix)
5. Item 1
6. Wonderful Wino (FZ Vocal)
7. “Enormous Cadenza”
8. Envelopes
9. Red Tubular Lighter (Unedited Master)
10. Wonderful Wino (Basic Tracks, Alt. Take)
11. Giraffe – Take 4
12. Wonderful Wino (FZ Vocal, Alt. Solo)
Disc 2 – Live Highlights Part 1 – “Piknik” VPRO June 18, 1970 / Pepperland September 26, 1970
1. Introducing…The Mothers (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
2. Wonderful Wino (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
3. Concentration Moon (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
4. Mom & Dad (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
5. The Air (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
6. Dog Breath (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
7. Mother People (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
8. You Didn’t Try To Call Me (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
9. Agon (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
10. Call Any Vegetable (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
11. King Kong Pt. I (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
12. Igor’s Boogie (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
13. King Kong Pt. II (Live on “Piknik” June 18, 1970)
14. What Kind Of Girl Do You Think We Are? (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)
15. Bwana Dik (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)
16. Daddy, Daddy, Daddy (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)
17. Do You Like My New Car? (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)
18. Happy Together (Live at Pepperland September 26, 1970)
Disc 3 – Live Highlights Part 2 – Hybrid Concert: Santa Monica August 21, 1970 / Spokane September 17, 1970
1. “Welcome To El Monte Legion Stadium!” (Live)
2. Agon (Live)
3. Call Any Vegetable (Live)
4. Pound For A Brown (Live)
5. Sleeping In A Jar (Live)
6. Sharleena (Live)
7. The Air (Live)
8. Dog Breath (Live)
9. Mother People (Live)
10. You Didn’t Try To Call Me (Live)
11. King Kong Pt. I (Live)
12. Igor’s Boogie (Live)
13. King Kong Pt. II (Live)
14. “Eat It Yourself…” (Live)
15. Trouble Every Day (Live)
16. “A Series Of Musical Episodes” (Live)
17. Road Ladies (Live)
18. “The Holiday Inn Motel Chain” (Live)
19. What Will This Morning Bring Me This Evening? (Live)
20. What Kind Of Girl Do You Think We Are? (Live)
Disc 4 – Live Highlights Part 3 – FZ Tour Tape Recordings
1. “What’s The Deal, Dick?”
2. Another M.O.I. Anti-Smut Loyalty Oath (Live)
3. Paladin Routine #1 (Live)
4. Portuguese Fenders (Live)
5. The Sanzini Brothers (Live)
6. Guitar Build ’70 (Live)
7. Would You Go All The Way? (Live)
8. Easy Meat (Live)
9. “Who Did It?”
10. Turn It Down! (Live)
11. A Chance Encounter In Cincinnati
12. Pound For A Brown (Live)
13. Sleeping In A Jar (Live)
14. Beloit Sword Trick (Live)
15. Kong Solos Pt. I (Live)
16. Igor’s Boogie (Live)
17. Kong Solos Pt. II (Live)
18. Gris Gris (Live)
19. Paladin Routine #2 (Live)
20. King Kong – Outro (Live)