For my money, or the lack thereof, no Zappa character says Zappa to me like “The Central Scrutinizer,” the narrator on Joe’s Garage (November, 1979). It’s Zappa in snarky hyperbolic perfection, introducing himself as the enforcer of laws that haven’t been passed yet, and the messenger of the dangers of that horrible force called MUSIC. . .
Album covers gave musicians an opportunity to use visual art as an insightful dimension to their music. Zappa’s THEM OR US cover features the remarkable artwork of Donald Roller Wilson, which uses themes from other Wilson work starring PATRICIA, in the red smock. The Heinz ketchup bottle and nipple baby bottle are items which appear frequently in Roller’s work. It’s not surprising Zappa appreciated Wilson’s work, as they are similar in important ways.
