Zapropos

I haven’t posted much bike-related content lately, but yesterday my buddy and erstwhile bandmate, Joel, brought this series of videos to my attention. Appropriately, they combine a bunch of my interests: bikes, experimental music, and Frank Zappa!

I’m struck by how much Zappa, in his clean-shaven youth and skinny tie, could easily be a modern-day hipster. Something about his unshakable sincerity also reminds me of an composer friend of mine from college—Dan Futura, are you out there?

I also think it’s interesting how everybody on TV or the radio during that era seems to have kind of casual, polished swagger in their voice. I can’t quite put my finger on what it is…

And I love how he plugs his record at the end!

Allen: Is there anything you’d like to say in closing?

Zappa: Yes, I would… Next week this record is being released called called “How’s Your Bird?” … Go out and buy it.  It’s wonderful.  It has everything but a bicycle.