We're Only In It For The Money
by The Mothers Of Invention

An attack on hippiedom. We're only it in for the money, has some wonderful moments, but as a whole it flatters to deceive. Considering that a lot of the artists they aim to tear down are making music much cleverer and original than the Mothers are at this point kind of makes a mockery of an album that is already making a mockery. Still, some excellent bits here and there but as a whole, extremely messy. Not quite as good as it thinks it is. (Edited)

From Brad1770 TOP 100 COMMENTER 03/04/2018 10:54 | #210069 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

My journey to listen to the BEA Top 500 ( twice ) has taken me to my 2nd Zappa album hot on the heals of 'Freak Out'

Picture if you can an art gallery with an abstract painting of wild colors and swiggly lines . Then picture 2 art critics inspecting said painting , critic 1 loves it and declares it a masterpiece whilst critic 2 absolutely hates it and claims it is nothing more than a bunch of swiggly lines . This album is exactly like that scenario

'We're Only In It For The Money ' isn't an album with traditional music and song structures per se rather its a concept art piece that satirizes the hippy sub culture , politics and Sgt.Peppers Album . Its sum is greater than its parts & you either love it or hate it , there's no middle ground here

I get what is being presented here but I don't dig it , its all too unconventional for my tastes

I 100% agree with a previous comment that states this album isn't as smart as it thinks it is , that absolutely hits the nail on the head

Arty

40/100 (Edited)

From mdbaxter TOP 100 COMMENTER 12/09/2021 15:12 | #277298 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

A refinement of the concept of the concept album as Frank sees it. Comes together as much more than the sum of its parts. The Mothers mock and master a number of different styles and Frank shows off his studio wizardry to the furthest extent thus far. As goofy and out there as anything they'd previously released. Certainly not for everyone, I'd imagine. (Edited)

Not a bad record to me. But, it didn't age well AT ALL. Not funny either, it's just bunch of hipsters criticizing hippie culture, without the self-awareness or originality. Zappa would be better in musicianship later years on, but sorry, Sgt. Pepper is a great album. They weren't in it for the "money". (Edited)

A zany Zappa spoof, but I've never found this particularly convincing as a musical exercise. It's more like political and cultural dada in the studio. Or just self-indulgence. Helps to be buzzed. (Edited)