Kickin' Tail and Takin' Names Week: Frank Zappa

This is a week for music so powerful, it has a kind of force that can knock you out just thinking about it.  It's relentless.  It can stick with you for a lifetime.

In the world of progressive rock, there's one name that comes to my mind that fits the mold of a "tail kicker."  That would be Frank Zappa.

He was always one to speak his mind and not hold back, whether it was through his recorded music, in a live performance, in an interview, or appearing in front of a Senate committee.  Zappa saw the world the way it is, warts and all, and he described it the way he saw it.

Frank could "kick tail" through his lyrics or just strapping on a guitar and letting it all hang out.  He wrote music that was insanely challenging, and could kick the tails of the best players on their particular instruments.

He was one of a kind.