Frank Zappa was determined to form a bridge between so-called highbrow and lowbrow culture. He made work as complex and challenging as that of an accomplished neo-classical composer, often eschewing traditional rock structures for long progressive melodies. On the other hand, he also mocked the elitism associated with “high culture” by singing about elaborate nonsense and grotesque parodies. On 'Montana' he details his plans to start a dental floss farm, 'Who Needs The Peace Corps' is a surreal send-up of hippy culture, while the album title 'Weasels Ripped My Flesh' speaks for itself. Zappa died in 1993, leaving behind over sixty albums and a unique, influential artistic legacy.

JH