In his inexorable odyssey toward gesamtkunstwerk (the Wagnerian "total" artwork), Just Another Band is the most perfect example of the synthesis of theater and music in the art of Frank Zappa.

Billy the Mountain alone is exemplary…. Up front, the narrative is bizarre—and at least not about genital size, the Mothers' too often prevalent theme. But above all, the music is the energy of the piece, reinforcing and contributing to the comedy throughout.

On the other side, the reverse is somewhat evident, with the music more to the fore…. Magdalena for once integrates their bawdy burlesquing (this time about incest) with the music, without their lasciviousness eclipsing it.

In all, Just Another Band again proves the Mothers among the best ensembles and Zappa among the best composers in popular music.

Mike Bourne, "Record Reviews: 'Just Another Band from LA'," in down beat (copyright 1972; reprinted with permission of...