ZAPPA

Via the Poor Man (whose comments regarding Zappa's music can be left aside), here's Frank Zappa's appearance on Crossfire from 1986. He's debating government censorship with Christian Reconstructionist and stark-raving goofballJohn Lofton. Watch as Lofton godwins at 16:07, comparing Zappa, who is against government censorship of the arts, to Hitler. Given that Lofton was and is an outspoken member of a movement which seeks to redefine American society according to strict biblical principles, the irony is thick, and certainly is not lost on Frank, who handles himself coolly and intelligently, even as he tells Lofton to kiss his ass.

The Real Frank Zappa Book was a hugely important book in my musical and intellectual development, and I highly recommend checking it out even if you don't consider yourself a fan of Zappa's music. Yes, Zappa had a preoccupation with poodles and poop, but don't let that fool you: he had some serious political game, too. Also, he was one of the greatest electric guitarists ever. There's no one who I more enjoy listening to improvise at length.

It would be interesting to hear Frank's take on America 2004, particularly since his fears about the coming of theocratic fascism seem more prescient than ever. And, given Frank's well known disdain for President Bongo-head (his nickname for Reagan), I'd just love to know what he thought of President You-Forgot-Poland. I think I have a fair idea, though.

I leave you with this, a Zappa quote which has gotten me through many a dark moment:

"You can't write a chord that's ugly enough to say what you want to say sometimes, so you have to rely on a giraffe filled with whipped cream."

Amen.