Broadway the hard way, indeed. Frank Zappa's mock musical is also one of his most scathing satires, and sure to offend the sensibilities of many who hear it. Those who get past its prickly skin will be pleased to discover an ambitious, hilarious, and catchy look at life and love in the 1980's--with an outlook not so good. Government experimentation on prison inmates leads to the creation of a new race of super beings, The Mammy Nuns, who start their own Broadway musical. Yuppie couple Harry & Rhonda come to the show, unaware that they are more than just part of the audience in this production, and find their own lives under the scrutiny of the Mammy Nun's leader, Thing-Fish, voiced by long-time Zappa cohort Ike Willis. Organized religion, homosexuality, feminism, and racial identity are just some of the subjects Zappa throws onto a groove of tight rock and a sheet of vocal sound. Maybe not one of Zappa's best albums, but certainly one of his most daring.
--Andrew Boscardin
Customer Review: Frank still causing debate!
It's funny to see both sides of the coin. I, like many others, think this is a wonderful album. Some think this is the worst album he's ever released. I love "Broadway The Hardway" and "Best Band You've Never Heard In Your Life" and "Thing Fish" follows suit. Looking forward to the release of "Trance-Fusion" next week!
Customer Review: Would have been better on Broadway....
The only real complaint I have on this album is that most of the material is from other albums, and those other versions are vastly superior to the ones contained on Thing Fish. I do like the story of it, and the actual Thing Fish costume is something to behold. I would have loved to seen this on Broadway, but Zappa never got anyone to finance it. A shame. It probably would have worked better on stage than on record.
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Thing-Fish
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