Electric Don Quixote: The Definitive Story of Frank Zappa

An excellent bio of Frank Zappa's obsession to make the music that he heard in his head come to life, beginning with his first band,The Mothers of Invention right up to the end. It also tells the tale of Zappa the producer along the way, as it exposes his search forbetter sound quality to be captured as the technology progressed, both on the road and in studio.The book is a winner to me because if stayed on track and covered the musical relationships and struggles and did not go astray inpolitics and relationships. Zappa's compulsion was certainly concentrated on the act of writing and performing his music as it got more and more complicated.

I must admit. Neil Slaven is thorough, and readable. A no nonsense book. Combine it with The Real Frank Zappa Book and you're in the clear. No need to spend much more money. If you're an S/M person buy Them or US.Warning: If you like to believe all the bulls*** that's been written about Mr. Zappa, don't read this book as it will leave you with all of your illusions shattered.Mr. ZAppa was a hard working man that thought that As long as it doesn't cost murder, hey, let's get on with it! or statements like; Without deviation from the norm progress is not possible.Guarantee: If you like to laugh at stupidity and get to know more about what really went down, buy it or even better buy both books.My ex commented on TRFZB and said it was one of the funniest books she'd read in a long time, and mind you she's still no big fan of FZ.One last word, thank you Mr. Slaven.

Since the 1960's I have enjoyed listening to the work of Frank Zappa. In my more recent years, I have enjoyed reading about his work and life. The books I have read include:THE REAL FRANK ZAPPA BOOK by Frank Zappa and Peter OcchioigrossoELECTRIC DON QUIXOTE: THE DEFINITIVE STORY OF FRANK ZAPPA by Neil SlavenNECESSITY IS... THE EARLY YEARS OF FRANK ZAPPA AND THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION by Billy JamesCOSMIK DEBRIS: THE COLLECTIVE HISTORY AND IMPROVISATIONS OF FRANK ZAPPA by Greg RussoNO COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: THE SAGA OF FRANK ZAPPA by David Walley THEM OR US by Frank ZappaUNDER THE SAME MOON by Suzannah Thana HarrisBEING FRANK: MY TIME WITH FRANK ZAPPA by Nigery LennonWith no doubt in my mind, ELECTRIC DON QUIXOTE is most creative title among the Zappa biographies. Clearly this title accurately reduces Zappa's musical contribution to the fewest read possible words. Thus, the title is a masterpiece of composition and creativity.In many ways, the book's content is similar to THE REAL FRANK ZAPPA BOOK. However, Slaven doesn't offer that whimsical and playful flavor that is found in Zappa's and Occhioigrosso's words. Slaven lays out the facts in a well-written and humanistic manner. Of books in my Zappa library, Slaven offers the most even-handed approach. I didn't find this even-handed approach in any of the other Zappa books I have read. However, being even-handed can lead to some dry reading, but nonetheless still worthy for those interested in Zappa's life.One significant reaction emerges in my head. I hope young musicians read ELECTRIC DON QUIXOTE. Zappa made some critical errors of judgement early in his career that effected his entire life. The evil characters - in this and other Zappa biographies - are record company executives. In his naiveté, Zappa was too trusting or too hungry to make rational decisions prior to signing a record deal. If young musicians carefully read ELECTRIC DON QUIXOTE (and COSMIK DEBRIS by Greg Russo), they can avoid making the mistakes that plagued Zappa and the Turtles.The ELECTRIC DON QUIXOTE will be enjoyed by all Zappa fans. In addition, I think it should be required reading for all musicians who intend to record.

Those familiar with the life and music of Frank Zappa might conclude that Neil Slaven has explained Conceptual Continuity better than Frank ever did. Slaven has written a masterpiece biography of one of the most difficult personalities to ever stir the stew of artful politicosociology. Other Zappa biographies, even that written by Frank himself, come across as dry and disorganized in comparison to Electric Don Quixote. Slaven's analysis seems even-handed to me and is far from being the drippings of a starry-eyed Zappa fan. Punches are not pulled, but then again, praise is dealt out when deserved.Compared to other sources of all things Zappa, Electric Don Quixote is like a spotlight that illuminates not only the facts and chronology, but also the mood and mentality surrounding Frank and the key individuals in his immediate circle. I'm reminded of how much a step forward the new Jimi Hendrix biography (Musician, by Keith Shadwick) is in comparison to the competition. Musician takes the reader into the musical mind of Hendrix and Electric Don Quixote does the same for Zappa, except that Frank's years in the industry were longer, his story more complex, his art less popularly appreciated and his psyche far more difficult to analyze. But Slaven was up to the challenge and we are all the richer for his ability and dedication.As good as Electric Don Quixote is, I do not consider it adequate to stand completely on its own. It stands on the shoulders of past Zappa bios and without reading at least one or two of them, the reader might lose the sublety Slaven has incorporated. I'd recommend "No Commercial Potential" and "The Real Frank Zappa Book" as possible starting places. These other books provide factual detail, such as info about Frank's settlement with Warner Brothers that could and probably should have been discussed more clearly in Electric Don Quixote.I'll also warn that the reader is in for a long ride because, as the years pass, this hardcore fan has witnessed the evolution of Zappa's impact. The body of work is so immense and so dense, that it must be digested sequentially, with periodic rest breaks, then the process restarted anew. Zappa's art is like a perrineal flower that slowly mutates over time, reemerging the next spring, or even in winter with newly discovered clues and perspectives. Thanks to Neil Slaven for shining the spotlight in a way that illuminates previously darkened corridors.

Excellent read. Very insightful filled with lots of information on Frank Zappa. A good follow up to 'The Real Frank Zappa Book'.