Weasels Ripped My Flesh is the eighth album by the American rock group the Mothers of Invention, and the tenth overall by Frank Zappa, released in 1970. Following the Mothers' late 1969 split, Zappa assembled two albums - Burnt Weeny Sandwich and Weasels Ripped My Flesh - from unreleased studio and live recordings by the band, as well as some outtakes and leftovers from his 1969 solo album Hot Rats. While Burnt Weeny Sandwich focuses mostly on studio recordings and tightly arranged compositions, Weasels Ripped My Flesh focuses mostly on live recordings and loose/improvisational pieces.
While Burnt Weeny Sandwich features a more polished studio sound, Weasels Ripped My Flesh includes live recordings characterized by a raw, improvisational style that aligns with avant-garde and free jazz.
The album includes "The Eric Dolphy Memorial Barbecue," which serves as a tribute to the influential multi-instrumentalist Eric Dolphy. It begins with a complex melody in 3/4 time, transitions into howls and laughter, and concludes with a stop-start rhythm. This track is featured at the annual Dolphy Day celebration at Le Moyne College.
Another notable track is "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Sexually Aroused Gas Mask," a satirical take on Claude Debussy’s Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune. "Oh No" is a vocal version of a theme from Zappa’s Lumpy Gravy, also serving as a critique of the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love." "The Orange County Lumber Truck" incorporates the "Riddler's Theme" from the Batman TV show. The album’s closer features a chaotic two-minute noise and feedback session, with an audience member heard asking for more.
The album also includes "Directly From My Heart to You," a straightforward rendition of Little Richard’s R&B song, featuring Don "Sugarcane" Harris on violin and lead vocals. "Didja Get Any Onya?" features Lowell George (later of Little Feat) and includes a story narrated with a German accent.
The Rykodisc CD reissue includes extended versions of "Didja Get Any Onya?" and "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Sexually Aroused Gas Mask," which feature previously edited music. The 2012 Universal Music reissue returns to the original LP versions, omitting the extended content from the Rykodisc reissue.
Overall, the album reflects Zappa’s eclectic style, blending experimental jazz with satirical elements and paying homage to various musical influences.
