I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with Frank Zappa’s “Joe’s Garage” records. As usual, Zappa’s heart was in the right place when it came to issues like government control, censorship and organized religion, and he certainly could play guitar. But I never really got off on Zappa’s scatological and somewhat immature lyrical side. “Joe’s Garage” highlights the best and worst of what Zappa had to offer. For amazing guitar work and musically challenging material, you didn’t have to look much further than tracks like “Watermelon And Easter Hay,” “Packard Goose” and this one. Even though some of the lyrics are a little wanting, they work because the music is so good. Just one listen to this track proves out the fact that Zappa was one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Then there are songs on the record that are perverted and immature like “Crew Slut,” “Keep It Greasy” “Wet T Shirt Night” and “Catholic Girls” that offer little in the realm of enlightenment. Now, I do have a sense of humor and I get Zappa’s brand of satire, but unfortunately many who listen to this stuff take it seriously and that’s where things get a little sticky for me. Anyway, here’s a live version of “Outside Now” from Paris in 1980 featuring Ike Willis and Ray White on vocals and guitar, Tommy Mars on keyboards, Arthur Barrow on bass, David Logeman on drums and, of course, Frank on lead guitar.
