Them Or Us

While Frank Zappa albums can never be considered typical in the generic sense of the word, an album such as 1984's Them or Us can be looked upon as a very Zappa-like LP. It features stellar instrumental work from Steve Vai, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, and son Dweezil. Old-time associates George Duke, Roy Estrada and Napoleon Murphy Brock add a variety of instruments and backing vocals, while Zappa himself continues writing his satires on modern society. "Be In My Video" casts a jaundiced eye towards MTV and David Bowie. "Ya Hozna" tracks backwards vocal takes featuring daughter, Moon Unit, with previously released vocals dating back to 1968's We're Only In It For the Money. A favorite R&B tune of Zappa's, The Channels' "The Closer You Are," opens the album, while a fan's request for the Allman Brothers Band's "Whippin' Post" ends the record on a bizarre note. Sandwiched in between are "Stevie's Spanking," featuring Steve Vai's guitar work, and "Baby, Take Your Teeth Out," which warps Barry White with Zappa's own humor.