Just Another Band from L.A. is a live album by The Mothers of Invention, led by Frank Zappa. It was released in 1972 as the fifth Mothers of Invention album, with Zappa initially disbanding the group a few months later. This album is unique for featuring all original compositions. It was recorded live on August 7, 1971 at the Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles.
Notable tracks on the album include "Billy the Mountain" and "Call Any Vegetable." "Billy the Mountain" is a particularly notable epic, comprising the first side of the original vinyl pressing and marking Frank Zappa's further foray into elaborate storytelling in his music. The composition was a staple of the Mothers' 1971 tour, essentially a comedy rock opera featuring dialogues and monologues interspersed with musical dramatization and showcasing Zappa's use of the band as characters in his lyrics.
This album signifies a shift from Zappa's intricate and often improvisational earlier work, towards more succinct and humorous storytelling, influenced by doo-wop and 1950s rock n roll. The final track on the album, "Eddie, Are You Kidding?" satirizes the hair-care industry, reflecting Zappa's trend of humorous societal commentary in his music.
The lineup on this album included Zappa (guitar, vocals), Mark Volman (vocals), Howard Kaylan (vocals), Ian Underwood (woodwinds, keyboards, vocals), Aynsley Dunbar (drums), Don Preston(Keyboards, Mini Moog), and Jim Pons (b
