Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention - We're Only In It For The Money

We’re Only In It For The Money is Frank Zappa not only at his satirical best, but also one of his most focussed albums. As evidenced by its cover, a painstakingly faithful parody of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, We’re Only In It For The Money is a powerfully sharp attack on the whole psychedelic culture of the late 60’s. The only sympathy shown to those affectionately referred to as ‘freaks’ is in the track Mom & Dad which addresses the police brutality towards protestors at the time.

The production is fairly primitive, even by the comparison of the previous album, Absolutely Free. There’s a lot going on in certain areas, for example the more experimental works on side two but it sounds pretty muddy throughout. The mixology for this is hell. There is a censored version and a heavily censored version (no wonder Zappa was so active in the debates against censorship in the 80’s). There is also an uncensored version with (bad) rerecorded drum and bass, so you can’t win exactly. There is also an acetate where the cuts from Harry You’re a Beast and Mother People intact.

Despite the fact it’s the 60’s equivalent of ‘trolling’ it’s still one of the most important statements on the hippy movement. Even more importantly it’s really good music.

What's The Ugliest Part of Your Body?
 Absolutely Free
 Mother People