FRANK ZAPPA - "WATERMELON IN EASTER HAY" (reaction)
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- čas přidán 9. 06. 2021
- Check out Sight After Dark reacting to "Watermelon on Easter Hay" by Frank Zappa!
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This piece will be played at my funeral.
blessed relief will be mine.
Try “Jordan” by The Rival Sons.
This beautiful instrumental has a depth of profound sorrow to it that I can hardly bear. It's like a final statement from Frank declaring that he had done all he could do throughout his life and career to remain a free artist and a free human being, as he had tried to awaken people to what was going on around them; warning them not to be dumb sheep, who just accept and swallow everything the establishment and the government feed them. Hard work and individualism and standing for something were always tenets of Frank's lifestyle. He just wished there were more Americans who were there with him. I saw a video of Dweezil performing this number, and he had tears in his eyes ..... That being said, this is one of Frank's most brilliant compositions/recorded performances ....
Perfectly put brother!!! When Dweezil started playing this tune He couldn't make it thru the end
@@darrylaldrow7274 Thank you very much for your reply, Darryl!
Profound sorrow! Yep, nailed it! I forget her name, and certainly don’t want to promote another channel, but before I found this one, I ran into a woman’s reaction to this same song, before it was over she was mopping her eyes having to clear the tears from them so she could see! Quite a statement! Soon becoming a patreon because I’m voting for the entire “Joes Garage”! Epic!!!
@@brianparker3630 Thanks, Brian for your reply. I really appreciate it!
to me, there is a melancholy. i wouldn’t call it sorrow, so much as a reflection. it sounds like triumph over pain, anguish, suffering, loss. it sounds like the version of your life that flashes before your eyes as you pass. all the tears, heartbreak, loss, and suffering, all in past tense, with a certain sadness, but above all a certain peace with it all. this song hits my soul on a spiritual level. it has me smiling with tears in my eyes. amazing how such a simple melody can do so much.
Joe experiences one helluva journey to reach this point of zen resignation.. although the track stands alone as a track. it is improved immeasurably by context.
Joe's Garage is a masterful concept album and in my opinion should be listened to from start to finish in a dark room with really good headphones. and don't bother with internet files do the CD or Vinyl.
On one of your points, I highly recommend that you guys invest in REAL headphones, earbuds do not do justice to this level of music.
Fair
Yes. Makes much more impact when listening to all of Joes Garage. Watermelon In Easter Hay is from a quote when he said "Playing a guitar solo in this band is like trying to grow a watermelon in Easter hay."
@@alancumming6407 but the origin of that idea calls back to what I assume was a childhood memory of Frank's( it is for me) of receiving Easter baskets with candy surrounded by a type of shredded plastic "hay", which included Watermelon flavored hard candies.
@@tommccrea9738 I still have a tape of Frank being a "fraudulent" DJ on BBC Radio and that is what he said just before he closed his show with "Watermelon.....". No assumptions then, just a direct quote from the man himself.
Zappa is my favorite guitarist. He builds and releases tension in such a sublime way.
Agreed!
That 9/8 beat builds and releases tension every time around most pleasantly.
I'm pretty sure FZ is where Trey Anastasio learned how to deconstruct then resolve.
the most beautiful tune that you’ll ever hear, absolutely beautiful
So, a friend of mine is Diva Zappa, and she got her dad’s record collection. All of it. It’s a lot and it spans decades and about every genre. She showed me an album jacket that was Captain & Tennille, but inside was a one-sided test pressing of Joe’s Garage, Act II, in pristine condition, and proceeded to play it for me. Phenomenal.
Great visuals on the story....thanks for sharing
Music had been banned that's why he imagines music. New subscribers here. You have great taste in music, most from my youth.
Keep well from England
Makes sense! Thanks so much! Stay well from NYC!
Scholars will be dissecting Zappa's work for centuries to come. He will become as revered as any of the classical composers from history are today.
Hope you are right.
Fact!!!
This song was dedicated to his son Dweezil. I was in the audience the time Dweezil first played this. He played it for his Mom, Gail. He was crying, the audience was crying, it was so so beautiful!
Love it! Thanks for watching!
I have always loved this composition as if it were my favorite all-time to the point of learning how to play it - the most complex time signature I've ever confronted. Now I have another reason to love it. I'm tearing up a little just thinking about that moment you recounted. Thank you.
@@mr.jeffmusic7668 I don't think he went for or even cared about time signature. It's just about feel. Must have been murder on the bassist and drummer though.
It ’s the song I like the most, the nicest, and the most sentimental in the world.
At my funeral, I'm planning to have this song played and toast the beer and it will be disbanded.
I wanted to see you get the real emotional impact this song has, and you did not disappoint. It was clear that when it actually started, after the Central Scrutinizer's commentary, you were caught off guard. A real simple tune by Zappa standards, but it is the one that usually hooks the newbies, especially the ones that love the electric guitar. You said he could become your favorite guitarist Sifa, and I am pretty sure after a few more solos, especially the longer ones, you will . Thanks again for taking my request!
Thanks so much for suggesting this Peter!
I've been listening to Zappa for some 30 years now and never really got it. The only song I really liked was Valley Girl. Heard one song when he sang, "why does my dick hurt when I pee" and thought that was funny. Having said all that this song is fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
@@Joe-Flow what Zappa did you listen to for so long without hearing this? I suggest a deep dive friend, you have no idea what you have been missing.
@@Peter-K tell me some more songs that sound like this please.
@@Joe-Flow some very good guitar pieces are, Black Napkins, Zoot Allures, Apostrophe' Chunga's Revenge, and so many more! These songs are all available on the Frank Zappa CZcams channel, they keep 500of his songs on it.
I have almost every one of Frank's songs in my head,somewhere. Thank you guys for introducing Frank's music to people. Frank is my favorite guitar player, next to Jimi. I'm recovering from cancer, and you guys make a bad day a lot better. God bless the two of you and your family's. ♥️
Sending great healing energy to you David, thanks so much for watching!
One of the finest electric guitar instrumentals ever recorded. Certainly the very best in 9/4 time signature.
Agreed
I read that Frank wrote this after watching the birth of his son, Dweezil, giving the image of watermelon in Easter Hay.
Frank was, quite simply, a genius.
Carry On!!
Thanks for watching Jeff!
One of the rare occasions when Frank had the courage to do something purely beautiful through and through, without messing it up with some weirdness. Wish he'd done it a bit more often. Just a bit.
Well atleast we have we this! Thanks for watching!
@Zolar Czakl I didn't say the only occasion. There certainly are some tracks (or parts of tracks) on W/J and GW that fit the description, as well as the title track on Sleep Dirt (and Jonestown, which is beautiful in a kinda scary way). But considering the amount of output, they're rare birds.
@Zolar Czakl You're totally right. For example BLESSED RELIEF on Grand Wazoo is unbeliefable peaceful. One of the most beautiful melodies I know...
Accept for the title my friend. Considering he wrote this due to the birth of Dweezil. The first glimpse of his son was like a ....
This song hits you on an emotional level Everytime. Check out Dweezils tribute to his Dad playing this one in concert. It'll move you ...believe it
Thanks for the tip Peter!
Probably listen to this song over 1000 times, one of the top 5 Zappa songs ever, sometimes I have it on repeat.
It really is amazing
Frank said that finding musicians good enough to play his music was as rare as finding water melon in Easter hay
@
Master of Parsnips - Actually, Frank statement was "playing a guitar solo with this band is like trying to find a watermelon in Easter hay."
@@Frunobulax74 I stand corrected ... knew it was something like that 😉
@@Frunobulax74 not to be nit picker, BUT the actual quote is “trying to GROW a watermelon in Easter hay”.....🙃
Love that!
@@theopinionatedhippie470 Hahaha, you're picking nits
I’m always getting severe goosebumps when he changes the sound color for the actual solo. And the entire production is top notch. I don’t think you can get more perfect than this
This is a perfect composition. Pure stream of thought wedged into a rock opera. This song NEVER gets old. Glad you did this and glad you enjoyed it!
We’re glad we did this too! thanks for watching!
This is my favourite Zappa guitar solo. Heart-achingly, transcendentally beautiful. Tasteful mastery of dynamics and emotional phrasing.
It’s a great one
I was lucky enough to see him live on the 1980 tour. This album was fresh on the market, but I already knew it by heart. Even though the acoustics in the hall were not the best, this concert is one of the best I have ever seen. Zappa on stage, guitar and a Winston cigarette pinned to the guitar neck.
I would love to see Dweezil Zappa, his son, live on stage. The last time he was in Germany in 2018, I was on vacation and missed him.
Working or intended title of this track were: "Playing a guitarsolo with this band is like Growing Watermelon In Easter Hay". I´m just very happy that its out there, and it will be played when I leave the dismortal coil!
Zappa Lives!
One of three guitar solos that the family believe contains the soul of Frank. From memory other two are Black Napkins and Filthy Habits. Quite simply this is awesome. Played at my brother’s funeral. I got to see Dweezil play it live in 2018.
Such a beautiful song
The third one is Zoot Allures.
"The Frank Zappa Guitar Book" is a collection of FZ's transcribed solos, Steve Vai's first gig for Frank. he was too young to join the band at the time.
This song is near the end of a 3 album set. It's a concept album, try to experience it from start to finish. It makes much more sense.
Love that y'all are listening to my personal lord and savior.
Gotcha. Thanks Joey!
Beautifully sad song. It sounds like the guitars crying
Yessss, for sure
Fantastic work of art , and I don’t know if you guys are aware that when Frank was on his deathbed , he asked his family to play this song , and Frank passed away during it , that’s why if you look at a couple of dweezils performances of this song , he is crying while playing
😢 how sweet! 🕊
If you listen very closely to this song you'll notice all the background instruments that begin to assert themselves slowly as it progresses and there's like a compression wave throughout. Very subtle. Sounds almost like wind. It's an incredibly interesting song, given it's the same two chords (with walk) in 9/4 time played over and over for 9 minutes or whatever it is.
Amazing! Thanks for bringing that to our attention Dave!
He has been my favorite guitar player since I first saw him in 74. And 7 times after that
Great opera by Frank and most came true... Check out how this album was made, in the 70s. Fuck
truly one of the most beautiful guitar pieces ever. So full of pathos and longing.... EPIC.
It is always hard to listen to since his death..........LONG LIVE FRANK ZAPPA!
I agree. It's incredibly beautiful! ♥
Lyrically, Frank was always a comedian first. (In the *very best* way, but still... 😉) It was almost only in his instrumental songs that he would ever allow himself to be earnest, vulnerable and emotionally raw like this. I get a feeling he was a little bit afraid to appear sappy or sentimental, so he would usually give his most beautiful songs the most comically bizarre names, just to even things out...
I was 17 (1983) when I first listened to this track and was taken by the raw emotions. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for listening!
The Central Scrutinizer's voice is the result of a broken microphone. When Frank tried to use it the strange sounding voice is what came out and he liked it so he used it.
Never thought I could feel so much for listening to this masterpiece after years. Still floating in zappa solos, he and all of his healthy insanity mood. Thanks for sharing this again,...
Of course! Beautiful piece of music
the timing is amazing
I love how Zappa leaves your brain alone in this song. You don't need to figure it out you don't need to do the counting do the counting you just need to flow with it and and think
beautiful
Agree with every ones comments, but my big take away on this cut..is Vinnie's left foot! a super tasty left foot. His Hi Hat licks on this emotional track only adds another layer to Franks incredible composition. Will always love this. Lucky enough to see Frank Live. Thanks guys.
Good catch! Thanks Steve!
So many great instrumentals by Frank this is one of my favorite. Try apostrophe or zoot allures. Good reaction.
Thanks Tim! We appreciate you!
Aaaah Zoot Allures is another (quite shorter) instrumental gem. It's so beautiful and Frank's feedback control in that one is out of this world.
Zappa es un gran compositor que te revuelve las tripas en unos minutos!!!! esa es la gran diferencia con muchos musicos de su epoca y la actualidad,...
Many great musicians over the years went through Frank Zappa's studio and his band including: Lowell George (Little Feat), Steve Vai (Stve Vai), and Tina Turner and the Ikettes (The Ike and Tina Turner Review, at the time), and many others. Frank was a task master, he wanted what he wanted, and he usually got it, no matter the toll. That's why Frank Zappa is a legend.
Legend indeed!
The colour and beauty that Frank brought into the world is inestimable. Yes, he could be puerile and provocative by times, but the proof is in the pudding. Really enjoyed your reaction. Thank you.
Thank you so much for watching!
This is among my favorite tunes, every incarnation of it. If you want to see what Frank's guitar solos look like written down, seek out "The Frank Zappa Guitar Book", with a bunch of solos transcribed by Steve Vai. It's beautiful.
Oh wow, thanks SalamaSond!
There's a live version of this performed by Zappas son Dweezil, that's possibly one of the most emotional live performances I've ever seen. Have hankies at the ready if you ever check that one out!
Awesome! Thank you!
I was Extremely Fortunate to Have experienced Mr. Frank Zappa Live in 1981 in Boulder Colorado. of more then 300+ Concerts, his Show is today still the Greatest Concert I've Ever Experienced. Magnificent and some Phenominal Musicianship.🎸🎸🎸🎸Crank Some Frank.
In 1980 I saw Frank at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix. My cousin and I were walking to the car in the parking lot after he had finished his third encore and the house lights had come on figuring that was the end of the show naturally. About half way to the car we heard cheers go up in the Celebrity where some of the crowd had stayed still clapping. We ran back inside to grab a seat quickly to hear Frank play this for the FOURTH encore. There was nobody like Frank.
This is my first listen to this song, and it was incredible. It’s almost like a mix of Maggot Brain & David Gilmour, but all Frank.
That's a great way to put it! Thanks Jeremy!
@@SightAfterDark No problem!
Franks most beautiful song
Somewhat funny; I grew up in Brooklyn back in the 50 and 60s, left in the mid 70s; but Zappa was awesome in concert in Atlanta in the 70s.
Zappa made an album called Shut Up N Play Yer Guitar. All crazy guitar solos.
Awesome!
haha awesome!
I was going to put in a request for one his guitar instrumentals
Frank once said to his bandmates in a fit of frustration something like “you guys are as difficult as growing watermelon in Easter hay.”
😆
This song will take you places inside your mind. Places that maybe you haven't visited for a while. Nice places that will bring a smile, maybe a laugh. Really good music will do that to you, and it's always over too soon.
TRUTH
Zappa no mostraba sus sentimientos en canciones, ,su humor acido e ironico destruyendo una sociedad norteamericana tan decadente e ignorante era su diversion pero no necesitaba decir una palabra ni un chiste para hacerte llorar sin saber por que...un musico unico en esta modernidad muerta de hambre y soledad @Sight After Dark
This song was used in the closing credits of the film "Y Tu Mamá También". The director, Alfonso Cuarón (who also directed "The Children of Men" and one of the Harry Potter movies), said that his intent was to make his movie feel the same as this song.
Interesting!
The same director also made the film Roma more recently.
Can't wait that long ! Give us a sneak peak !
It'll be here before you know it!
All three acts are a MUST!!!!!!!! Get the whole story, Mary, the bus, the crew, the leather, jack n the box, the church social club......
beautiful piece~
This song makes me weep Everytime. It’s so beautiful. 😭❤️
Guess I found you though the YT algorithm. Kudos to the song/requestor. My favorite Zappa instrumental.
It's like a lullaby.
Pink Floyd instrumental, long, moody, gorgeous ... 'Echoes' i think, maybe ... almost as textural as jeff beck , beautiful solo
You said it!
I’m thinking Marooned
Why compare Zappa to anyone else?
Never heard this before. Only have heard the first album. Was impressed with Frank's guitar playing. I could fall asleep to this everynight and not get tired of the song. At least for a while anyways. These days that's a winner for sure. Oh there's a song you could do....These Days by Jackson Browne.😊
Thanks for watching Steven! We appreciate you!
Yeah I love the marimbas and you know you got that tone of the guitar and then it goes to the regular electric guitar with this distortion and then at the very end it has that David Gilmour signature tone that was used on his first solo album yeah that song changed my life
Thanks for watching Bryan! Everything about this is great!
Cluster one and Marooned are the two instrumentals on the Division Bell
Kudos to Peter K. He has come up with some truly difinitive examples of what Zappa did. Joe's Garage was the first Zappa album I bought. It inspired me to buy many more over the years. One day when finances are bettr, I will go to Patreon and send you some of my own suggestions. For now I will just ride for free, you guys are fun to watch,
Brings a tear to my and I've never known why ...Maybe its Joe and seeing him in his cell imagining
ॐ shanti ॐ shanti ॐ shanti ॐ ......this healing guitar solo always amps up my vibrations....amazzzzzing tune...keep on rocking Frank wherever you are 🙏 🙏
I love this song, it’s one of zappas bests. Although, I’d say St. Etienne off of Jazz From Hell is his best guitar solo
Best of the best of the best of the BEST. His laugh was contagious
One of my faves off the 'Joe's Garage II & III' album. I doubt youtube would allow anyone to play many of the songs of of the Joe's Garage saga parts I, II & III. "On the Bus" from JG Act I another guitar solo next level. Thanks for the great reaction. ✌️
Thanks for watching!
I've heard this done by other guitarists.
I am an casual guitarist ( not quitting my day job ), and I play a Mel Bay-type version of the tune.
The tune is nothing short of great and I've been listening to it for some decades, and I still get goosebumps.
If we were going to send a message to outer space people in distant solar systems, I would want this tune on
that outer space DVD, along with "Holiday in Berlin (Full Blown)" and "RDNZL" and "Peaches En Regalia" and "Strictly Gentile".
And I'd squeeze in "Aybe Sea". And other classical composers, mainly Bach, Beethoven and Sibelius...plus Gershwin.
The day after he died, when you called 818 PUMPKIN (FZ merchandise order line) this was the recording for a long time afterward. I personally like the version of Watermelon from FZ in Barcelona 1988 a video. FZ knew he had really nailed it and seemed happy at the finish. The name of song came from FZ saying that trying to whip out a guitar solo with a certain band lineup was like trying to grow a watermelon in easter hay.
What are great music talent, zappa was a genius ❤👌✌
Indeed!
This song will be played at my funeral.
Check out the live 1988 Barcelona version of this -- not an official release but it was a TV broadcast, all over youtube, widely bootlegged. It skips the intro Central Scrutinizer chatter and some of the colder studio sound, stunning playing by Frank. A few steps more beautiful, at least to my ears.
Awesome! Thank you!
@@SightAfterDark If youtube cooperates... here ya go: czcams.com/video/bWBYjjzKvIw/video.html
This is a very moving tune. First, the very harmonic climate is great in itself. And when the beautiful melody joins in... It's magic. All the many versions are great, but my favorite one is the 78 version that came out recently in Zappa (original motion picture soundtrack). Check it out.
Check out the version Warren Cuccarullo does on his youtube channel from a Duran Duran (!) concert shortly after Frank died. Warren was one of dozens of phenomenal musicians that got their start training under Frank and is on the Joe's Garage album. Right after he got hired by Duran Duran which for a few years in the early to mid-80s was tje biggest band in the world. You can tell how much Warren loved Frank and how much gratitude he had for the gift and opportunity Zappa gave him when he was just starting out.
That’s some really cool history. We’ll check it out!
So nice to see young folks who appreciate good music, not just mainstream stuff. I can remember back in the day hearing Suzy Creamcheese, yeah we had The Beatles, Stones, etc, but this...this is bohemian, down the side street, complex, and more entertaining stuff. I was hooked, as were hardcore Zappa fans. By the way...I hope Watermelon In Easter Hay is played at my funeral. What a good send-off!
Thanks for sharing!
A musical masterpiece!
One of my favorite albums is zoot allures just amazing guiter playing 💖💕💓
First time hearing this gorgeous cut; more accustomed to the sillier tales of the band's I-IV-V dirges/jams from this album. Thank you, your patrons have exquisite taste, imnsho, lol. 👍😘🎶💞😂
Passion and inventiveness, not just "clouds of pentatonic gnat-notes", as he termed and decried them. Must check the live version from Barthelona, lmao, referenced by Wagstaff613 elsewhere here. ⬆⬇?
If youtube cooperates... here ya go: czcams.com/video/bWBYjjzKvIw/video.html
I read that Frank's will instructed Gail to sell his catalog, except for this song, which had too much personal meaning for him. Ultimately, Gail opted to not sell the catalog, but it's still an interesting story.
Unusual for a melody line in rock to start on a Major 7th.
True
one of the most underrated genius
Epic song. It hits me in the feels 😪 😢
😢
without any doubt this is the piece of music that moves me most of all. i have my own take on it, which isn’t important to share but i am VERY glad you heard this after hearing frank’s more typical compositions. Proof that Frank was actually human and had feelings.
if you ever get the chance to hear this on high quality equipment without compression, please do… you’ll be blown away by how well produced it is and how wonderful the rhythm section of Vinnie Coliauta, Arthur Barrow and Ed Mann is on this piece.
i have read many write: “i want this played at my funeral.” yeah, i’m one of those…
Beautiful. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching!
WIEH is in my will GDS.
I want this played at my funeral
100 percent
Love the Dali reference, makes perfect sense.
Thanks for watching!
In one of your films you mentioned radiohead, if you haven't already, try King krimson discipline, a straight line from that to radiohead. Adrian belew once with fz
Keep well from England
On the way ;)
Here's an interesting factoid. Although Frank improvised his solos he would occasionally have one of them transcribed then arrange it for other instruments. There's an interesting example of this in "Music for Electric Guitar and Low Budget Orchestra". The best known example though, is in a cover he did of Led Zepplin's Stairway to Heaven where he has a horn section playing Jimmy Page's guitar solo at the end.
That sounds awesome! Thanks Thomas!
I Saw that live in Copenhagen it was The Broadway The hard Way tour 1988
It was amazing
I love this song, it's really sad...
Absolutely
wow
One of the best songs in rock history...
Brought to mind "Albatros" by Pwtwr Greens Fleetwood Mc.
Frank was a very underrated guitar player
"Watermelon in Easter Hay", full name "Playing a Guitar Solo With This Band is Like Trying To Grow a Watermelon in Easter Hay", by
i have not written my will yet as im only 44 but everybody that knows me knows that this is the version of the song i want played at my funeral (the Joe's Garage version including the spoken word intro)
It’s a beautiful piece
No one else plays like Frank.
For real!
@@SightAfterDark You may like the work of Jan Akkerman with Focus. His guitar work was extraordinary and so different to other players. Forget the usual 'Hocus Pocus' reaction, that's just their novelty hit. I'd recommend Eruption from the album Moving Waves but it's about 20 minutes long. The guitar playing is very special though. He's the only player I rate up there with Frank.
Will be played at wake
♥️