Author Archives: urbangraffito

About urbangraffito

I am a writer, editor, publisher, philosopher, and foole (not necessarily in that order). Cultural activist and self-described anarchist.

Frank Zappa on KPFA-FM, Los Angeles, circa 1970

I recently came into possession of an audio clip of Frank Zappa as special guest on “The Johnny Otis Show” which ran on KPFA-FM, Los Angeles, circa 1970. During most of hour they spun old records, yet in this clip, … Continue reading

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Zappanale 20 – Highlight: Sheik Yerbouti

Take one Zappa tribute band, Sheik Yerbouti, add three alumni from Zappa’s touring and recording bands – Napoleon Murphy Brock, Denny Walley, and Robert Martin – put them all together on the Zappanale 20 Main Stage, and the result is … Continue reading

Posted in Alumni, Frank Zappa, Music, YouTubery, Zappanale | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Son of Tweezer Glint – Part 3A

More alternate versions. More proto versions. More live versions. I bring you, “Son of Tweezer Glint – Part 3A”, the second to last installment of the series (which will be up for the next two weeks for your listening enjoyment). … Continue reading

Posted in Frank Zappa, Music | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Frank Zappa – The Pier, NYC – August 26th, 1984

It always strikes me as unusual when Frank Zappa actually states that a concert is going to be a very long one – like the The Palladium show on October 31st, 1978:

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Frank Zappa – Let’s Move To Cleveland solos – 1984, Los Angeles

Frank Zappa and the Teenage Rockin’ Combo whips it out on “Let’s Move To Cleveland” in Los Angeles on July 21st, 1984. Teenage Rockin’ Combo: Frank Zappa – lead guitar, lead vocals Ike Willis – rhythm guitar, vocals Ray White … Continue reading

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Does Doo Belong In Bop? – Frank Zappa, a Memorial Barbecue

Everyone knows the soft spot I hold for Zappa Tribute Bands of all shapes, sizes and origins. This Finnish group of musicians performing the Zappa Tribute, “Does Doo Belong In Bop? – Frank Zappa, a Memorial Barbecue” Live at the … Continue reading

Posted in Bizarre, Miscellany, Music, YouTubery | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Frank Zappa’s Compulsions

Frank Zappa talks about his attitude towards drugs, and Tommy Mars speaks of Zappa’s compulsions: number one of which was his work, his music.

Posted in Alumni, Frank Zappa, Interview, Miscellany, YouTubery | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Supertramp – Crisis? What Crisis?

One of the most overlooked albums of the 1970s, in my opinion, is Supertramp‘s 1975 release ‘Crisis? What Crisis?‘ which was often relegated to the bargain bins of record stores. I’ve never understood why progressive rock fans weren’t more accepting … Continue reading

Posted in Miscellany, Music, Official Releases, Personal, YouTubery | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Captain Beefheart VPRO Radio Interview, 1980

During the European leg of Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band‘s tour promoting ‘Doc at the Radar Station‘, Don Van Vliet was interviewed by VPRO Radio (Amsterdam) on November 1st, 1980 (no doubt prior, or just after the infamous Paradiso … Continue reading

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Zappa & Beefheart – The Torture Never Stops (Bongo Fury Tour 1975)

In his 1975 Bongo Fury Tour with Frank Zappa‘s band, Captain Beefheart delivers his blues-infused vocals in what I feel is the quintessential version of “The Torture Never Stops” (part one, above; part two, below). I’ve heard other vocalists sing … Continue reading

Posted in Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa, Music, Official Releases, YouTubery | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments