Album Information:

About The Mothers Of Invention:

The Mothers of Invention were an American rock band formed in 1964 in California by Frank Zappa, who served as the band's leader and primary songwriter for the entirety of their existence. The band was renowned for their eclectic sound, which drew from a wide variety of musical genres, including rock, jazz, blues, and classical music.

The original lineup of the Mothers of Invention included Frank Zappa on guitar and vocals, Ray Collins on vocals, Roy Estrada on bass, Jimmy Carl Black on drums, and Elliot Ingber on guitar. They released their debut album, 'Freak Out!', in 1966, which was a critical and commercial success.

Over the next few years, the band released several more albums, including 'Absolutely Free', 'We're Only in It for the Money', and 'Uncle Meat'. These albums were characterized by their satirical and sarcastic lyrics, which often criticized American society and politics.

In addition to their music, the Mothers of Invention were also known for their provocative live performances, which often included elements of performance art and absurd humor. They were also early innovators of the concept album, with many of their albums containing a cohesive narrative or theme.

The band's lineup changed several times over the course of their existence, with Frank Zappa being the only constant member. Despite this, the band continued to produce innovative and groundbreaking music throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, until they disbanded in 1975.

Today, the Mothers of Invention are regarded as one of the most influential and important bands of the 1960s counterculture movement. Frank Zappa's innovative and eclectic musical style continues to inspire musicians and music fans around the world, and his legacy as a cultural icon and musical innovator remains secure.

About the album Absolutely Free:

Absolutely Free is the second album by the American rock band The Mothers of Invention, released in 1967. The album features a unique blend of avant-garde, experimental, and psychedelic music that established the band as one of the most influential groups of their era.

The album consists of two acts that were intended to be a musical satire of American culture. The first act includes songs that mock the conformity and consumerism of American society, while the second act is a more abstract and experimental piece.

The opening track, 'Plastic People,' sets the tone for the album with its biting lyrics about plastic conformity and its catchy, upbeat melody. 'The Duke of Prunes' and 'Amnesia Vivace' are instrumental pieces that showcase the unconventional musical arrangements and virtuosic musicianship of the band.

Songs such as 'Hungry Freaks, Daddy' and 'Brown Shoes Don't Make It' poke fun at the social norms of the time, while tracks like 'Invocation & Ritual Dance of the Young Pumpkin' and 'Oh No' demonstrate the band's willingness to experiment with form and structure.

The album's innovative use of sound collage and spoken-word passages is particularly evident in tracks like 'The Idiot Bastard Son' and 'Absolutely Free.' In addition to traditional rock instrumentation, the album also features brass and woodwinds, creating a multi-layered, complex sound.

Absolutely Free is a landmark album in the history of rock music. It showcases the adventurous spirit and irreverent humor of The Mothers of Invention and paved the way for countless avant-garde and experimental rock acts in the years to come.

Members:

The Mothers of Invention were an American rock band active from 1964 to 1975, led by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Frank Zappa. While the group's lineup changed frequently over the years, here are some of the key members:

1. Frank Zappa: Frank Zappa was the founder, bandleader, and chief creative force behind the Mothers of Invention. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1940, and began playing guitar as a teenager. In the early 1960s, he worked as a recording engineer and session musician in Los Angeles, before forming the Mothers of Invention in 1964. Zappa was known for his musical eclecticism, combining elements of rock, jazz, classical, and avant-garde styles in his compositions. He was also a prolific producer, record label owner, and outspoken social critic. Zappa died of cancer in 1993 at the age of 52.

2. Ray Collins: Ray Collins was a singer and percussionist who was one of the original members of the Mothers of Invention. He was born in Pomona, California in 1937, and met Frank Zappa when they were both working at a local studio. Collins appeared on the first several Mothers albums, but left the band in 1968 due to disagreements with Zappa. He continued to perform and record music throughout the 1970s, but struggled with substance abuse and died in 2012 at the age of 75.

3. Jimmy Carl Black: Jimmy Carl Black was a drummer who played with the Mothers of Invention from 1964 to 1970. He was born in El Paso, Texas in 1938, and was known for his humorous onstage persona and his catchphrase, 'Hi ho, silver.' After leaving the Mothers, Black continued to perform and record music, including collaborations with Zappa. He died in 2008 at the age of 70.

4. Don Preston: Don Preston was a keyboardist who played with the Mothers of Invention from 1966 to 1974. He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1932, and had previously worked with jazz musicians such as Charlie Haden and Herbie Mann. Preston's contributions to the Mothers' music included electronic effects and improvisational keyboard solos. After leaving the band, he continued to work as a session musician and solo artist.

5. Ian Underwood: Ian Underwood was a multi-instrumentalist who played with the Mothers of Invention from 1967 to 1973. He was born in New York City in 1939, and had previously worked with jazz musician Charles Mingus. Underwood's contributions to the Mothers' music included saxophone, keyboards, and electronic effects. After leaving the band, he worked as a session musician and composer.

6. Ruth Underwood: Ruth Underwood was a percussionist who played with the Mothers of Invention from 1967 to 1974. She was born in San Rafael, California in 1946, and joined the band after impressing Frank Zappa with her drumming skills. Underwood's contributions to the Mothers' music included marimba, xylophone, and other percussion instruments. After leaving the band, she continued to work as a session musician, primarily in the film and television industry.

Track List for Absolutely Free:

Sure thing! Here are all of the tracks on The Mothers of Invention's 'Absolutely Free' album, listed in order along with their play times and a brief description:

1. 'Plastic People' (3:42) - This satirical song takes aim at the conformist attitudes of American society, with lyrics that mock those who try to fit in and hide their true identities behind plastic masks.

2. 'The Duke Of Prunes' (2:12) - This quirky instrumental piece features a variety of unconventional sounds and playful melodies, showcasing the band's experimental approach to music.

3. 'Amnesia Vivace' (1:01) - This short interlude is essentially a spoken-word poem set to atmospheric sounds, with eerie vocals describing the disorienting experience of amnesia.

4. 'The Duke Regains His Chops' (1:45) - This is a brief continuation of the previous track, featuring the same playful melodies and avant-garde instrumentation.

5. 'Call Any Vegetable' (2:19) - This funky, upbeat track uses food metaphors to comment on the state of politics and media in America, with lyrics that encourage listeners to 'call any vegetable, pick up your phone and dial.'

6. 'Invocation & Ritual Dance Of The Young Pumpkin' (6:57) - This haunting instrumental piece begins with an eerie chant before launching into a frenzied, tribal drumbeat and jazzy horns, showcasing the band's impressive musical range.

7. 'Soft-Sell Conclusion' (1:39) - This short interlude is essentially a parody of a cheesy TV commercial, complete with over-the-top sales pitches and saccharine jingles.

8. 'Big Leg Emma' (2:32) - This bluesy track features gritty vocals and a simple, stripped-down instrumental arrangement, making for a raw and powerful listening experience.

9. 'Why Don'tcha Do Me Right?' (2:37) - This upbeat track combines elements of rock, pop, and soul, with lyrics that describe a turbulent romantic relationship.

10. 'America Drinks' (1:52) - This upbeat ditty takes a humorous look at American drinking culture, with lyrics that describe the joys of getting drunk and partying.

11. 'Status Back Baby' (2:54) - This catchy, upbeat track features upbeat guitar riffs and playful horns, with lyrics that comment on the desperate desire for social status and validation.

12. 'Uncle Bernie's Farm' (2:10) - This lighthearted track tells the story of a visit to Uncle Bernie's farm, full of playful lyrics and upbeat instrumentation.

13. 'Son Of Suzy Creamcheese' (1:34) - This short interlude features a spoken-word monologue set to trippy, psychedelic soundscapes, making for a surreal and dreamlike listening experience.

14. 'Brown Shoes Don't Make It' (7:30) - This sprawling, epic track serves as a scathing critique of American politics and culture, with a dizzying array of musical styles and moods in its nearly eight-minute runtime.

Discography for The Mothers Of Invention:

Here is the complete discography for The Mothers of Invention:

Albums:
1. Freak Out! (1966)
2. Absolutely Free (1967)
3. Lumpy Gravy (1968)
4. We're Only in It for the Money (1968)
5. Cruising with Ruben & The Jets (1968)
6. Uncle Meat (1969)
7. Hot Rats (1969)
8. Burnt Weeny Sandwich (1970)
9. Weasels Ripped My Flesh (1970)
10. Chunga's Revenge (1970)
11. Fillmore East – June 1971 (1971)
12. 200 Motels (1971)
13. Just Another Band from L.A. (1972)
14. Waka/Jawaka (1972)
15. The Grand Wazoo (1972)
16. Over-Nite Sensation (1973)
17. Apostrophe (') (1974)
18. Roxy & Elsewhere (1974)
19. One Size Fits All (1975)
20. Bongo Fury (1975)
21. Zoot Allures (1976)
22. Zappa in New York (1978)
23. Studio Tan (1978)
24. Sleep Dirt (1979)
25. Sheik Yerbouti (1979)
26. Orchestral Favorites (1979)
27. Joe's Garage Acts I, II & III (1979)
28. Tinsel Town Rebellion (1981)
29. Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar (1981)
30. You Are What You Is (1981)
31. Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch (1982)
32. The Man from Utopia (1983)
33. Baby Snakes (1983)
34. London Symphony Orchestra, Vol. 1 (1983)
35. Them or Us (1984)
36. Thing-Fish (1984)
37. Francesco Zappa (1984)
38. Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention (1985)
39. Does Humor Belong in Music? (1986)
40. Jazz from Hell (1986)
41. Guitar (1988)
42. You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 1 (1988)
43. You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 2 (1988)
44. Broadway the Hard Way (1988)
45. You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 3 (1989)
46. The Best Band You Never Heard in Your Life (1991)
47. You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 4 (1991)
48. Make a Jazz Noise Here (1991)
49. You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 5 (1992)
50. You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 6 (1992)
51. Ahead of Their Time (1993)
52. The Yellow Shark (1993)

Singles:
1. 'How Could I Be Such a Fool?' / 'Help, I'm a Rock (Wooly Bully)' (1966)
2. 'Big Leg Emma' / 'Why Don'tcha Do Me Right?' (1967)
3. 'Lonely Little Girl' / 'Mother People' (1967)
4. 'Plastic People' / 'The Duke of Prunes' (1968)
5. 'My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama' / 'I Ain't Got No Heart' (1969)
6. 'Peaches en Regalia' / 'Little Umbrellas' (1970)
7. 'Tell Me You Love Me' / 'Would You Go All the Way?' (1970)
8. 'Wonderful Wino' / 'Sharleena' (1970)
9. 'Bobby Brown' / 'Stick It Out' (1979)
10. 'I Don't Wanna Get Drafted' / 'Ancient Armaments' (1980)

Other Releases:
1. The MOFO Project/Object (2006)
2. Greasy Love Songs (2010)
3. Carnegie Hall (2011)
4. Road Tapes, Venue #1 (2012)
5. Road Tapes, Venue #2 (2013)
6. Roxy by Proxy (2014)
7. Carnegie Hall (2014)
8. Road Tapes, Venue #3 (2016)
9. Meat Light: The Uncle Meat Project/Object (2016)
10. The Mothers 1970 (2020)

Note: This list only includes official releases, not bootleg recordings or unauthorized compilations.