Album of the Day

Joe's Garage, by Frank Zappa (1979): Not only is this a fine album, but it was particularly timely this morning, in the wake of the House vote to drastically increase "indecency" fines for both broadcast outlets and performers. Frank's tale of obsessive censorship run amok seems particularly appropriate in this red-state times (sadly). Still, there's a lot of really cool music beyond the message, from the insane bass lines in "Catholic Girls" to Frank's graceful guitar solo in "Watermelon in Easter Hay." And, of course, Mary's truism from "Packard Goose": "Music is the best." It sure is.