One Size Fits All [LP]

by Frank Zappa, The Mothers of Invention

Overview

Released soon after the live Roxy & Elsewhere, One Size Fits All contained more of the material premiered during the 1973-1974 tour, but this time largely re-recorded in the studio. The band remains the same: George Duke, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Chester Thompson, Tom Fowler, and Ruth Underwood. Johnny "Guitar" Watson overdubbed some vocals and Captain Beefheart (credited as Bloodshot Rollin' Red) played some harmonica ("when present," state the liner notes). The previous album focused on complex music suites. This one is more song-oriented, alternating goofy rock songs with more challenging numbers in an attempt to find a juste milieu between Over-Nite Sensation and Roxy & Elsewhere. "Inca Roads," "Florentine Pogen," "Andy," and "Sofa" all became classic tracks and live favorites. These are as close to progressive rock (a demented, clownish kind) Zappa ever got. The obscurity of their subjects, especially the flying saucer topic of "Inca Roads," seem to spoof prog rock cliches. The high-flying compositions are offset by "Can't Afford No Shoes," "Po-Jama People," and "San Ber'dino," more down-to-earth songs. Together with Zoot Allures, One Size Fits All can be considered as one of the easiest points of entry into Zappa's discography. The album artwork features a big maroon sofa, a conceptual continuity clue arching back to a then-undocumented live suite (from which "Sofa" was salvaged) and a sky map with dozens of bogus stars and constellations labeled with inside jokes in place of names. An essential third-period Zappa album. ~ Francois Couture

Product Details

Release Date:	10/16/2015
Label:	Universal / Zappa Records
UPC:	0824302385319

Tracks

1. Inca Roads
2. Can't Afford No Shoes
3. Sofa No. 1
4. Po-Jama People
5. Florentine Pogen
6. Evelyn, A Modified Dog
7. San Ber'dino
8. Andy
9. Sofa No. 2

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Frank Zappa   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
The Mothers of Invention   Primary Artist
Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention   Primary Artist
George Duke   Guest Artist,Vocals,Keyboards,Synthesizer,Vocals (Background)
James Youman   Guest Artist
Bloodshot Rollin' Red   Guest Artist,Harmonica
Johnny "Guitar" Watson   Guest Artist,Vocals
Chester Thompson   Drums
Napoleon Murphy Brock   Flute,Vocals,Sax (Tenor),Vocals (Background)
Tom Fowler   Bass
Ruth Underwood   Marimba,Percussion,Vibraphone
James "Bird Legs" Watson   Bass

Technical Credits

Kerry McNabb   Engineer
Bob Ludwig   Mastering
Frank Zappa   Composer,Producer,Liner Notes
Joe Travers   Transfers
Cal Schenkel   Design
Coy Featherstone   Assistant
Matti Laipio   Assistant
Richard "Tex" Abel   Assistant
Bill Romero   Assistant
Melanie Starks   Production Manager
Gary O. Jukka   Engineer
Vernon Simpson   Typography