The Frank Zappa Review
Page
One Size Fits
All (1975)
This was
officially the last of the 'Mothers' albums. It is a strange album to assess
because i've had it for five months but i'm still not entirely sure how I feel
about it. I like all the songs on the album, but I love only one of them. It
would be unfair to call this album indifferent because there is some
interesting music and strong lyrics, it has never really struck me as being
brilliant. I never think wow I must listen to 'One Size Fits All'. Yet amongst
the supposedly discerning Zappa fans this album is meant to be one of the best,
I disagree. So much has been made of 'Inca Roads' being arguably Zappa's best
song, and this track opens side one. I cannot believe that it is the best Zappa
song, I would scarcely bother to compare it to 'Son of Mr Green Genes' or
'Peaches En Regalia'. 'Inca Roads' seems to be undirected, rambling, long and
tiresome. I failed to see the magic in it and I hope that in time I will be
proved wrong. 'Can't Afford No Shoes' is next, it is a catchy rock song and one
of the better ones on the album. 'Pyjama People' is okay, but the other
highlights are the two 'Sofa' compositions they are very well structured and
exciting pieces, but at under three minutes each they hardly take up a
significant amount of space on the album. 'Evelyn' is a sweet little number and
the jazz infused 'Andy'is great in patches but goes off into too many directions.
'San Ber'dino is recognised by many as a 'great' song, it is good but only
that. I suspect that there are many conflicting oppinions about this album.
It's quite good but not wholly inspiring.
Rating – 66%
