In 1973 Frank Zappa released the album OVER-NITE SENSATION. From it came the single ‘I’m the Slime.’ At the time he was at the height of his career & one of the hottest acts around even though he once quipped “Jazz is the music of unemployment.” His genre of Jazz/rock really wasn’t to my liking but the fact so many friends kept singing his praises, I went along to see him in the late 70’s in Hammersmith Odeon, London. I must admit, live, Zappa & his band were great. They could all play.

However, while I could see he was a fine guitarist, little did I know how smart he was. Sure, even back in 1973 the TV was a tool to brainwash the masses but no way was it as bad as it is now. I remember seeing the horrors of the Vietnam war on TV over 45 years ago, as well as protests that often resulted in the US Police viciously attacking protesters. Now the horrors of war are kept far from the TV, while peaceful protests with massive turnouts, receive no publicity whatsoever.

These are the lyrics to Zappa’s song ‘I’m the slime’. Fair play to the man for well & truly sussing out exactly what the TV was back then & most definitely is now. Thanks to David Clark for sending me the lyrics to this song –

”I am gross and perverted
I’m obsessed ‘n deranged
I have existed for years
But very little has changed
I’m the tool of the Government
And industry too
For I am destined to rule
And regulate you

I may be vile and pernicious
But you can’t look away
I make you think I’m delicious
With the stuff that I say
I’m the best you can get
Have you guessed me yet?
I’m the slime oozin’ out
From your TV set

You will obey me while I lead you
And eat the garbage that I feed you
Until the day that we don’t need you
Don’t go for help . . . no one will heed you
Your mind is totally controlled
It has been stuffed into my mold
And you will do as you are told
Until the rights to you are sold.”