High atop a hill, obscured by the visible trappings of normalcy, exists a house. In that house exists a recording studio in which strange and wonderful things happen. With an everpresent muse guiding the light, Ahmet and Dweezil Zappa -- aka Z -- have created Music For Pets, an audacious album rife with social satire, comic commentary, deep grooves and more cool guitar riffs than you can shake a stick at.
But for all the visual camp and sardonic wit which characterizes the work of these maverick brothers, Music For Pets is a serious sonic offering, consistent in its idiocyncracity, as well as its stellar musicianship. Bolted together by an unyiedling dedication to an honored pop tradition -- albeit with a few loose screws -- Z's followup (their first for their own Zappa Records) to their acclaimed 1992 debut, Shampoohorn, defiantly fuses elements of rock, metal, punk, and disco with sugar sweet pop melodies, luscious vocal harmonies and flawless musicianship.
Produced by Dweezil (who served the same role for his solo offerings), most of the 19 songs on Music For Pets were written by the elder Zappa sibling, although some key assistance was provided by Ahmet whose tendency towards complex Iyrical terrorism further lends credence to the frontman's slightly skewed take on the world. Recorded at Utililty Muffin Research Kitchen, the famed home studio in which Frank Zappa created some of his most important work, Music For Pets also features the fine drumming of long time colleague and friend, Joe Travers, guitarist Mike Keneally (former member of Frank's touring band and current solo artist) and bassist Bryan Beller.
But it's a dog-eat-dog world and Z took that into consideration when creating this second offering. As Ellen DeGeneres explains: "I've lost so many friends and family members from my pets listening to the wrong kind of music." But, the actress/comedienne now notes, all that has changed since the release of Music For Pets. (yes, she really said that!). Rosanna Arquette claims that her "animals are so much nicer" as a result of Music For Pets. Hopefully, this antidote to uncivilization will similarly effect humans, as well.
With the animal market in mind, Music For Pets features unique contributions from Arkansas and BingJang, two members of the Zappa menagerie, whose endearing mugs are featured on the album artwork as well as in press shots and on billboards throughout Los Angeles. "We love our dogs and thought the pet market was as good a place as any to start selling some music," Dweezil reasons. "We scientifically crafted these songs for pets and it's been widely documented that they seriously enjoy this music."
So, is ail this for real, you ask? Well, yes, actually it is. Listen carefully because enshrouded in Dweezil and Ahmet's inimitable tongueincheek delivery is an astute awareness of sociallyrelevant issues, deep personal insights and detailed character sketches.
While offbeat humor infuses most of their artistic endeavors, Dweezil and Ahmet are committed musicians. A guitar prodigy since first picking up the instrument at age seven, Dweezil was nominated for a Grammy at age eighteen and has played with such celebrated musictypes as Edward Van Halen, Herbie Hancock and Brian May. Dweezil has also made his mark as a recording artist with the release of three acclaimed solo efforts -- Havin' A Bad Day (1986), My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama (1988), and Confessions (1991).
A parallel vision, however, prompted the brothers to form Z in 1991. While Ahmet had made appearances on all of Dweezil's albums, it wasn't until 1992's Shampoohorn, the first record under the Z moniker, that he made his debut as a frontman/lead vocalist.
Z is an interesting consummation of an equally interesting musical marriage, because, although bonded by blood, the brothers' aesthetic influences could not be more dissimilar. Dweezil's Van-Halen-inspired guitar style "walks that fine line between accuracy and sloppiness, stupid and clever," while Ahmet cites Phil Anselmo of Pantera, Cheap Trick's Robin Zander, and even Kate Bush as among his vocal icons. "When I was really young, I used to sing 'Oliver' all of the time in school," says Ahmet. "l had all these pathetic influences. I'm such a victim of the '80s. It was Thompson Twins, Tears For Fears, Bananarama, Depeche Mode and Ratt for me, man." Whereas Dweezil is more erudite, Ahmet's vocal approach and life philosophy is of a slightly more organic nature. "I just come in naked and do it," he shrugs.
As such, Music For Pets is an inspired and eclectic manifestation of the brothers' vast musical background and divergent musical tastes and stands as a testament to the pioneering and experimental spirit of their legacy. To Dweezil, however, "It's the most straightahead record that I've ever done. The joke was that we were selling our souls to the devil to be radiofriendly."
Selling their souls will hardly be an issue as both Dweezil and Ahmet continue to pursue their other creative goals. Ahmet is collaboating on an upcoming comic book series, creating several new video games and maintaining a flourishing acting career while Dweezil persists in his record and video production work, writing, directing (he helmed the hilarious Music For Pets "infomercial" currently airing on national cable outlets), providing the voice of Ajax on Duckman and working on a soon to be released instumental record that features a plethora of legendary guitar heros.
Take your dog for a walk on the wild side. Rock your cat's world. For an
aurally invigorating and spiritually stimulating shared musical
experience, we suggest Music For Pets, the delightfully eclectic new album
from Z.