The Mothers of Invention

Cruising With Ruben & the Jets (Bizarre/Verve)

An album I can listen to forever and it will make me happy is Cruising With Ruben & the Jets by The Mothers Of Invention, released in 1968. It’s doo-wop infused El Monte Legion Stadium R&B cynicism, twinges of psychedelic crossed eyes and killer arrangements, or derangements I shall say. As it says in the gatefold inner-sleeve, “This is an album of greasy love songs and cretin simplicity.” That’s a recipe to live by. Fave song is “Jelly Roll Gum Drop” .

Kid Congo Powers and the Pink Monkey Birds play with Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, Jail Weddings and the Oratorial Stylings of John Tottenham at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11 at The Echo and then at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at Alex’s Bar.

Frank Zappa Cruising With Ruben the Jets

(Courtesy of Bizarre/Verve)

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