New Edition, Revised & Updated: Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa: Laurel Canyon 1968–1971

I bought this book with a very open mind, having been disappointed by similar publications, which lacked both style and substance. Frank Zappa, being a hero of my elder brother, (whose records were often on our shared stereo and influenced my younger brother's musical aspirations), meant I wanted to know more. The author who worked for Mr Zappa at the height of his fame, writes in a beautifully easy style and the fact that she is, like me, English added much to my understanding of the creative genius for whom she wasn't simply an assistant, but lived with as part of his family. I would recommend this book to anyone, regardless of whether or not you know or like Frank Zappa; it stands out not simply as a biography of the renowned Mr Zappa, but also as a memoir of the author's own extraordinary life. This title lacks neither style nor substance

Imagine you’re a straight English girl and in 1968 you’re invited to Hollywood to help write a book on politics. Your employer says you will live and work in his house with his wife and young baby so you believe you are going to a Hollywood mansion with white carpets and sofas and a swimming pool with loungers where you'd sip iced tea through a bent straw. Instead, Pauline found a huge, wrecked log cabin in Laurel Canyon where seven hippy-types already lived. Pauline's obsession with her new boss kept her from fleeing but she struggled when his wife came between them.

I have read a few biographies of Zappa, but this has to be the best. Focusing on her four year experience of being Zappa's personal assistant, Pauline Butcher provides a fascinating insight into a unique artist and a unique period in music. Laurel Canyon was the centre of a brief flowering of definitive bands and artists. Zappa and The Mothers however stood out from the pack, producing music that defied classification. Zappa himself was a complex figure who Butcher unravels in an almost novel like approach. I have been a fan of both the man and the music for decades, but Butcher brings to light his personality, his qualities and contradictions in a way that few other writers could. She knew Zappa and had her own personal dynamic with him, which is the essence of this book. It has helped me balance some of the mixed feelings I have had about his personality; his political acumen, his satire, his clear care for others, contrasted by his unfair treatment of his own musicians and inevitable chauvinism. A great but flawed figure whose legacy is monumental. Buy this book.

If you are a fan of Frank Zappa, this book is a must have and should be on the top of your list. It is fully loaded with details about Frank and all people around him in perhaps one of the most exciting time in his lifetime when he moved to LA. Pauline had the opportunity to see and meet all persons around him first hand and the details and anecdotes you will read are just amazing, you will learn what person Frank was in his private life with stuff you will not hear in his interviews, also about the Mothers, the GTO's, Ruth and Ian Underwood, Calvin Schenkel, his wife Gail just to name a few. The book is structured in chapters covering and describing all persons and locations which were important at this time.Also the way he was composing the iconic albums at these years is been portrayed, you also find details about the music scene in LA in the late 60's.To wrap it up: I enjoyed reading the book as it is fully loaded with details you probably would not have heard of before. So if you like Frank Zappa and his music get it!

I have been a fan of Zappa from the early ‘70s and, like the rock royalty during the era of Frank’s life covered in this brilliant book, I have been intrigued about the man as much as his music. In the style of an ethnographer we hear an account of living and observing Frank and his behaviour, lifestyle and relationships close up, but most importantly the author navigating her own relationship with a complex and often confusing personality. Frank obviously recognised the author’s qualities and encouraged her to write about her life in Laural Canyon. Like most of those around Frank she was in awe of him but seemed to be one of the few who had courage to challenge him directly and I assume he respected this. Strangely it brought me to mind, in some respects, of the relationship between Kurtz and Willard in Apocalyptic Now.I have read both editions and passed both onto people who I felt would benefit from reading this account of Frank. I didn’t want the book to end but like the author’s period of living in the middle of a musically historic era it sadly had to end.

Brilliantly written. Her writing paints a picture on every page; superb book even if you don't know who Frank Zappa is.

An excellent account of Frank's life from 68-72. Stories and anecdotes seen only by those allowed into his closest circles. A must have for Zappa fans.

A wonderful insight into a fascinating man. The book is written beautifully and the audio is narrated fabulously. Well done, Pauline and thank you for sharing this.

Pauline Butcher has done an incredible job of observing Frank and Gail Zappa maneuvering the evolving rock music scene of Laurel Canyon in the late 60’s. She transports her life from the UK to be part of Zappa’s log cabin, and witnesses the revolving door of music contemporaries who flock to be part of Zappa’s world. It was interesting to hear about how Zappa isolated himself in the song writing process, and was never one to hang out with the band on a daily basis, yet still was able to create music that had never been imagined before. Frank would record music that would challenge the industry, without wanting or needing it to be commercially accepted. I loved Pauline’s style of story telling, and follows the ups and downs of the Mothers touring the US/Europe and some of the challenges that Frank had taking his ideas to the next level. She is also able to describe the insider version of the Mothers rehearsals, and the hippie culture of the time. A must read for any true Zappa fan!

Very well written. Entertaining. Interesting and paints a very intimate picture of wat those early years must have been like.

Zappa's music has always meant a lot to me from the very beginning, when I first bought the Freak Out album in 1966. So, this book was a must. The book is very well written and her stories are told in a style that holds one's interest from chapter to chapter. Her proper "Englishness," in contrast to all the insanity that surrounded her as she adjusted to her new American environment, gives a wonderful insight to that period of Zappa's crazy and incredible work and life in Laurel Canyon in the 60's and early 70's. She has presented an honest portrayal of Frank through all his faults and accomplishments, his contrasting personality and his wild creativity that honours both his genius and the role she played in his life. An informative and entertaining eyewitness account of a golden time in in music and alternative culture.

This book was absolutely fantastic! The writer puts you right there with her in the log cabin, and Woodrow Wilson drive. Also as a Frank Zappa fan I really enjoyed this different look at him from someone who spent quality time with him and who he clearly held very close. Her honestly is very admirable and she doesn't hold her punches what so ever. I couldn't recomend this book enough for any Zappa fan. Also the more romantic aspects were so cute and you can feel the writers excitement she must have felt at the time. Please go check this out!

This book provides a great deal of insight into Frank Zappa, but I am more taken with the author and her own evolution. It is not news that Frank was probably the only true genius of his generation regarding composing, arranging and conducting to go along with his astonishing guitar prowess. He demanded excellence from himself and all those around him. He pushed everyone's buttons, asked questions and challenged people. He was also a narcissistic megalomaniac. He treated many people poorly and was chock full of double standards (especially towards women). He was also stuck in a stage of obnoxious and chronic adolescent sexual obsession. The way he treated and eventually fired the original Mothers was heartless and cold blooded beyond words. He went on for years afterwards degrading the Mothers musical abilities in interviews. On the other hand, Pauline Butcher, a somewhat naive, conservative young woman was sucked into the Zappa vortex after being assigned to do some work for Zappa when he was in the UK. From not knowing who he was to suddenly living in California in the horrid and disgusting mess of a log cabin once owned by Cowboy star Tom Mix, she was constantly badgered about why she didn't go around sleeping with anyone or everyone. It was the seeming obsession among the inhabitants, especially the women, whose petty jealousies and back stabbing knew no bounds. Coming from a background of negativity, Pauline thrived off any kindness shown her by Zappa and worked hard as the only level headed professional among the degenerate, slimy and murky creatures invading the log cabin. It was a place devoid of soul. She suffered greatly from hearing problems and a horrific chronic ear infection, but slogged on until she came full circle nurturing her own individuality beyond being defined by any association with Frank Zappa. She has become a strong, wise, kind and insightful woman. I think she always was, but it took the life on a road less traveled to finally get there. This book is a must, not only for fans of Frank, but anyone who could use the level of the evolving individuality provided by Pauline Butcher.