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The Mothers of Invention
The Mothers of Invention was an American rock band from California. Formed on May 9, 1965, their work is marked by the use of sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Originally an R&B band called the Soul Giants, the band's first lineup comprised Ray Collins, David Coronado, Ray Hunt, Roy Estrada, and Jimmy Carl Black. Frank Zappa was asked to take over as the guitarist when a fight between Collins and Hunt led to the latter's being fired. Zappa insisted they perform his original material—a decision that resulted in Coronado's leaving because he did not agree to the change—and on Mother's Day in 1965 the band changed its name to the Mothers. Record executives demanded the name be changed again, and so, "out of necessity", Zappa later said, "We became the Mothers of Invention", referring to the proverb "Necessity is the mother of invention". After early struggles, the Mothers enjoyed substantial popular commercial success. The band first became popular playing in California's underground music scene in the late 1960s. With Zappa at the helm, it was signed to jazz label Verve Records as part of the label's diversification plans. From Wikipedia (

Songs

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1
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Carolina Hard-Core Ecstasy (Live)
Frank Zappa
2
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Muffin Man
Frank Zappa
3
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Camarillo Brillo
Frank Zappa
4
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Apostrophe' (Live June 21, 1974)
Frank Zappa
5
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Debra Kadabra (Live)
Frank Zappa

Albums

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Bongo Fury 50th Anniversary

2026
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The Mothers 1971

2022
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Over-Nite Sensation

1973
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Township Sessions

2025
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200 Motels: 50th Anniversary

2021
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200 Motels (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

1971
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One Size Fits All (50th Anniversary Super Deluxe)

2025
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The Mothers

2014
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Over-Nite Sensation (50th Anniversary)

2023
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One Size Fits All

1975

Singles & EPs

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Something/Anything (Rough Mix)

Single • 2025
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Homemade Radio Spot

Single • 2022
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RDNZL (Live June 21, 1974)

Single • 2025
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Can't Afford No Shoes (Rough Mix)

Single • 2025
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Wonderful Wino (FZ Vocal)

Single • 2020
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Hungry Freaks, Daddy (FZ Mono Mix) (Live)

Single • 2024
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Cruising For Burgers / Homemade Radio Spot / Willie The Pimp

Single • 2022
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Sharleena (Roy Thomas Baker Mix)

Single • 2020
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Homemade Radio Spot / Willie The Pimp

Single • 2022
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Sleeping In A Jar (Live)

Single • 2026

Videos

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Frank Zappa Muffin Man Live 1977 HD

schuerbuikske • 3.6M views
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Frank Zappa - Inca Roads (score)

DGP • 45K views

Live performances

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