The Return of the Son of Monster Magnet is a Frank Zappa composition, performed by the Mothers of Invention, released on the Mothers' debut album, Freak Out!. It is the longest song on the album, at 12:17, consisting of 2 parts: "Ritual Dance Of The Child-Killer," and "Nullis Pretii (No Commercial Potential)." The composition includes a musical quote from "Louie Louie" (Richard Berry). The Monster Magnet, which almost certainly inspired the song's title, was a toy magnet in the shape of a monster, then being heavily advertised on television.
According to Zappa himself, the Freak Out! version of this song is merely a rhythm track and was never finished as intended. Apparently for budgetary reasons, Verve executives curtailed further recording of the track even after shelling out $12,000 for rented percussion. Indeed, the subtitle of the track is "an Unfinished Ballet in two Tableaux." Strangely, though, unlike many of his extended works, Zappa never augmented or completed this piece when he had the time, money and his own recording studio.
Dr John (Mac Rebennack) appears on piano. Van Dyke Parks was also present at the recording session, but it is unclear what, if anything, played by him was used for the released version.
According to Beatles author and Zappa biographer Barry Miles, the unreleased Beatles experimental track "Carnival of Light" which was recorded in January 1967 resembles "The Return of The Son of Monster Magnet," although it is believed that "Carnival of Light" is more fragmented and abstract than Zappa's effort the previous year.
Read more about The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet: Suzy Creamcheese
Famous quotes containing the words return, son, monster and/or magnet:
“I hate that word. It’s return—a return to the millions of people who’ve never forgiven me for deserting the screen.”
—Billy Wilder (b. 1906)
“In the middle classes the gifted son of a family is always the poorest—usually a writer or artist with no sense for speculation—and in a family of peasants, where the average comfort is just over penury, the gifted son sinks also, and is soon a tramp on the roadside.”
—J.M. (John Millington)
“What monster have we here?
A great Deed at this hour of day?
A great just Deed—and not for pay?
Absurd,—or insincere.”
—Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861)
“Yes, but I do not travel to find comfortable, rich, and hospitable people, or clear sky, or ingots that cost too much. But if there were any magnet that would point to the countries and houses where are the persons who are intrinsically rich and powerful, I would sell all, and buy it, and put myself on the road to-day.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)