Not Just a Classic Issue, MAD #115 (December 1967) Predicted the Future
OnHome to one of the iconic TV parodies, ‘Star Blecch,’ December 1967’s MAD #115 also features a couple examples of surprising prognostication.
‘Mothermania’ Was the First of Many Official Zappa-Directed Compilations, and a Well-Chosen Mix
OnThough at this point, Zappa had released five albums, the first official compilation, Mothermania, only features a selection from the first three.
Welcome to Rite Gud, a Podcast Dedicated to Helping You Write Better
OnThis isn’t a podcast for total beginners. We’re going to assume that you know what plot structure is, what a protagonist is, where ideas come from, and how to use a semicolon. This is a podcast for people who can already write okay, but want to do better.
‘Cruising With Ruben & the Jets’ Is Zappa’s Reverently Satirical Take on the 1950s
OnWhat better way to follow up your avant garde musique concrete classical LP? Why with ‘Cruising With Ruben & the Jets,’ a doo-wop record, of course!
‘Shop: A Pop Opera’ Is Tops, Full of Bops, and You Should Watch Chop-Chop
OnThis last week, Adult Swim posted Jack Stauber’s Shop: A Pop Opera, a collection of short songs about groceries in a weirdly Sparksian vein.
Ronald Reagan: Success or Failure?
OnAn essay on Ronald Reagan and whether or not he’s the hero folks make him out to be (Spoilers: No, he’s not. Not at all.)
‘Catwalk’ Is a Light, Breezy Trip to Canada’s Best Cat Shows
OnRecently, Netflix got ‘Catwalk: Takes From the Cat Show Circuit,’ and it’s a lovely little film about adorable cats showing off their stuff.
MAD #346 Has Its Claws Out For Pat Buchanan, Newt Gingrich and a Pre-Coming Out Ellen DeGeneres
OnIn MAD #346 from June 1996, the lead parody is a spoof of ‘Ellen’ BEFORE Ellen DeGeneres came out, along with a look at ‘Mr. Holland’s Opus.’
Frank Zappa’s ‘Lumpy Gravy’ Was the Composer’s First (Official) Foray Into ‘Serious Music’
OnLumpy Gravy, Zappa’s third or fourth album, depending on how you count, was originally for Capitol’s classical music label, but it’s still definitely Zappa.
If You’re Not Watching ‘Those Who Can’t,’ You’re Doing TV Wrong
OnTruTV’s ‘Those Who Can’t’ recently entered its third season, and if you’re not watching, you’re missing out on one of the best sitcoms running.