Review Summary: Genre hopping, abrasive satire, and brilliant musicianship make You Are What You Is a difficult listen, but surely a rewarding a one.
Frank Zappa's music is famous for a number of reasons: his eclectic lyrics, his satire, his brilliant guitar riffs, his use of genre hopping, and his variety of vocalists. By showcasing the ability to release classic after classic nearly every year since his debut, (in some cases multiple albums a year would be released) Zappa had a knack for constantly topping himself. Yet after his three act rock opera, Joe's Garage, which displayed Zappa's satire at its most silly and yet cut-throat, the question arises, where does he go next? Well that answer was simple for Zappa: release another classic live album (Tinseltown Rebellion) and after that release a three disc album of just solos (Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar.) But Joe's Garage was not the end of his satire. In the same year as Tinseltown and Shut Up, Zappa had decided to push the boundaries of social commentary further than he ever had before in his next frontier - The 20 song epic double album, You Are What You Is.
The range of topics Zappa facetiously plays around with walks a fine line between satirical perfection and immature mindlessness. Whether he's commenting on race, religion, the rich, partiers, drugs, adultery, the draft, suicide or the even teenagers who love his music, Zappa is light hearted, reckless, and without regret. The thing about Zappa's satire that's so engaging is that he doesn't beat around the bush, he hits you with a cinderblock of opinions.
"The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing" is a perfect example of this. The title of the song itself is a satirical play on The Bible's famous phrase: "The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth." In the song, a chorus of vocalists sing: "Eat that pork/eat that ham/laugh till ya choke on Billy Graham/Moses, Aaron and Abraham.../They're all a waste of time/and it's yer ass that's on the line." Zappa doesn't hesitate to tell his audience exactly what he thinks. The grammar in a large portion of the songs is purposely off and resembles stereotypical caricatures of southerners. This in itself is a comment on the uneducated mode of thinking and how it affects society. In some cases it could be considered that Zappa takes satire too far. The lyrics in "Suicide Chump", especially "Go on and get it over with then/Find you a bridge and take a jump/Just make sure you do it right the first time/'Cause nothing's worse than a Suicide Chump" take something next to no one would joke about, and jokes about it. With that said, it's that exact quality that makes the album both a smack in the face, and something worth remembering lyrically. Even simple additives such as the chanting of "dip***" during "Teen-Age Wind" serves to solidify his points about the stupid and those who abuse society. Yes, Zappa takes it way too far, but that's the point.
Now of course this album is more than just humor and satire. Because this was the first album Zappa had recorded in his personal recording studio, The Utility Muffin Research Kitchen, he had more time to focus on a cleaner and more lush production. Ray White's impressive vocals in songs such as "Doreen" and the title track, "You Are What You Is" are thrilling and expressive in all of the right ways. However, Most of the songs are sung by a mixed chorus (predominantly Ray White, Ike Willis, and Frank Zappa.) This gives the album an odd gospel like quality that serves to be both ironic and symbolic. This album is clearly against organized religion and the abusive rich, but at the same time it seems as though Zappa is self aware that's he's preaching as well. Former Mothers of Invention drummer Jimmy Carl Black as well as two of Zappa's children (Moon and Ahmet) can also found on the album. When Zappa himself takes the lead vocals in songs such as "Mudd Club" and "Dumb All Over" he comes off as God himself who tells you exactly as it is. This parody holds together the strong theme of exposing the stupid and those who abuse them.
Musically, the album truly takes the cake. Whether it's the country tune "Harder Than Your Husband", the lounge-rock song "I'm a Beautiful Guy" or the direct parody of Traditional black gospel music "Heavenly Bank Account" the album touches upon many genres. Guitar solos are found in the most appropriate of spots and somewhat frequently, each containing Zappa's impressive style. These solos were recorded in the studio, which was a change from his previous technique of using live solos. Even organs, Zappa's classic marimba/vibraphone, and the kazoo can be found within this album.
With all of this praise, one thing can be said about the album: It's not the best album to start with when getting into Zappa. As it was stated before, this album can go a little too far and is a little too out there for someone not used to this abrasive form of satire. It certainly deserves a listen, but maybe check out Over-Nite Sensation, Apostrophe(‘) or even Joe's Garage first so you'll be prepared. Overall, if you open your mind, you may realize that this is one of the best things Zappa has to offer.
Best tracks: "Teen-Age Wind", "You Are What You Is", "Dumb All Over", "Suicide Chump"
