Frank Zappa - (1998) - Cucamonga! Frank's Wild Years

Cucamonga

Cucamonga

In 1963, FZ arrived at Del-Fi's doorstep with these self-produced doo-wop, East L.A. R&B and surf novelties (all were written and performed by Frank and his protégés at his Cucamonga-based studio, hence the title of this compilation). "How's Your Bird?" features vocals by eventual Mother Ray Collins. Features all new artwork & 14 remastered tracks. 1998 Del-Fi Records release.

Unique material: Yes, but this is also available on other, similar compilations

Cucamonga! Frank's Wild Years (original issue)

    1. Bob Guy: Dear Jeepers
    2. Baby Ray & the Ferns: The World's Greatest Sinner
    3. Baby Ray & the Ferns: How's Your Bird
    4. The Heartbreakers: Every Time I See You [Zappa/Collins]
    5. The Heartbreakers: Cradle Rock [Galleges]
    6. Paul Buff: Slow Bird
    7. Paul Buff: Blind Man's Buff
    8. Mr. Clean: Mr. Clean
    9. Mr. Clean: Jesse Lee ["Jessie Lee"]
    10. The Pauls: Cathy, My Angel
    11. The Pauls: 'Til September
    12. The Rotations: Heavies [David Aernie/Paul Buff]
    13. The Rotations: The Cruncher [David Aernie/Paul Buff]
    14. Bob Guy: Letter from Jeepers

    15. The Penguins: Memories of El Monte [Zappa/Collins] [German version only]

Tracks 6-7 & 10-11 have zero Zappa involvement.

In 2004, Rhino reissued this compilation, changing a few things around. The new tracklisting is:

    1. Bob Guy: Dear Jeepers
    2. The Penguins: Memories of El Monte
    3. Baby Ray & the Ferns: The World's Greatest Sinner
    4. Baby Ray & the Ferns: How's Your Bird
    5. The Heartbreakers: Every Time I See You
    6. The Heartbreakers: Cradle Rock
    7. Paul Buff: Slow Bird
    8. Paul Buff: Blind Man's Buff
    9. The Hollywood Persuaders: Grunion Run
    10. The Hollywood Persuaders: Tijuana Surf
    11. Mr. Clean: Mr. Clean
    12. Mr. Clean: Jesse Lee
    13. The Pauls: Cathy, My Angel
    14. The Pauls: 'Til September
    15. The Rotations: Heavies
    16. The Rotations: The Cruncher
    17. Bob Guy: Letter from Jeepers

At this time, we do not have information as to the mastering (i.e. whether it's changed). Send us in information if you know any better!

From Biffy the Elephant Shrew:

    Here's the poop: the cover is a cartoon of Zappa in lurid blue & red on a green background. The art is based on the 1968 'Meet a Mother!' drag photo from Melody Maker, but without the pigtails. The back cover is a collage that Cal Schenkel oughtta sue over.