Album Info
| Artist: | Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention |
| Album: | Cruising With Ruben & The Jets |
| Gatefold: | Yes |
| Released: | Europe, 9 Dec 2016 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Cheap Thrills | 2:20 |
| Written-By - Frank Zappa | ||
| A2 | Love Of My Life | 3:17 |
| Written-By - Frank Zappa | ||
| A3 | How Could I Be Such A Fool | 3:33 |
| Written-By - Frank Zappa | ||
| A4 | Deseri | 2:04 |
| Written-By - Paul Buff, Ray Collins | ||
| A5 | I'm Not Satisfied | 3:59 |
| Written-By - Frank Zappa | ||
| A6 | Jelly Roll Gum Drop | 2:17 |
| Written-By - Frank Zappa | ||
| A7 | Anything | 3:00 |
| Written-By - Ray Collins | ||
| B1 | Later That Night | 3:04 |
| Written-By - Frank Zappa | ||
| B2 | You Didn't try To Call Me | 3:53 |
| Written-By - Frank Zappa | ||
| B3 | Fountain Of Love | 2:57 |
| Written-By - Frank Zappa, Ray Collins | ||
| B4 | "No.No.No." | 2:27 |
| Written-By - Frank Zappa | ||
| B5 | Anyway The Wind Blows | 2:56 |
| Written-By - Frank Zappa | ||
| B6 | Stuff Up The Cracks | 4:29 |
| Written-By - Frank Zappa |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times.
- If you order an in stock item together with a pre order or back order (listed as available from supplier rather than in stock) then the order will be shipped together when all items arrive. If you would like the in stock items shipped first please place two separate orders or contact us to arrange shipping items separately.
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Cruising with Ruben & the Jets", released in December 1968, is a fascinating entry in Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention's discography. This album stands out as a loving yet satirical homage to the doo-wop and R&B music of the 1950s, genres that Zappa held in high regard despite his often irreverent approach to music. The album is both a parody and a tribute, showcasing Zappa's deep understanding of the styles he emulates while infusing them with his signature wit and eccentricity.
The concept of the album revolves around a fictional band, Ruben & the Jets, which serves as a vehicle for Zappa and The Mothers to explore and reinterpret the doo-wop sound. The songs are crafted with meticulous attention to the conventions of the genre, featuring lush harmonies, simple yet catchy melodies, and lyrics that often playfully subvert the tropes of 1950s love songs. Tracks like "Cheap Thrills" and "Love of My Life" exemplify this approach, blending earnest musicality with a tongue-in-cheek sensibility.
One of the most striking aspects of "Cruising with Ruben & the Jets" is its production. Zappa, who was known for his innovative studio techniques, recorded the album in a way that mimics the lo-fi aesthetic of early rock and roll records. This deliberate choice adds an air of authenticity to the project, making it feel like a genuine artifact from the era it seeks to emulate. At the same time, Zappa's characteristic musical complexity and penchant for experimentation shine through, particularly in the arrangements and instrumental performances.
The album's reception was mixed upon its release, with some listeners appreciating its cleverness and others finding it perplexing. Over time, however, "Cruising with Ruben & the Jets" has come to be regarded as a unique and important work within Zappa's oeuvre. It demonstrates his ability to navigate and reinterpret musical traditions, blending reverence with irreverence in a way that is uniquely his own.
"Cruising with Ruben & the Jets" is a testament to Frank Zappa's versatility as a composer and his deep appreciation for the music that influenced him. It invites listeners to reconsider the boundaries between parody and homage, challenging them to engage with the music on multiple levels. For fans of Zappa and The Mothers of Invention, as well as those with an interest in the evolution of rock and roll, this album is a must-listen.
