This was an exchange I had in a Facebook group for Frank Zappa fans. I am copying it here for posterity.

Q: it took me until recently to realize that “weasels ripped my flesh” is a great essential classic mothers record up there with the first 4, but i cant seem to get into “burnt weeny sandwhich”. i enjoy every note of the album in some ways but unlike “weasels” which has “oh no” and “my guitar”, BWS doesnt seem to have anything essential to his conceptual continuity and feels like it was put together without a lot of care. Can someone make a case for it? I want to enjoy it

A: Sure. Put it down for a while. Stop trying. If you’re trying, and you don’t get it, you won’t make it. Listen to “Weasels.” Listen to “Uncle Meat.” Listen to “Apostrophe.” Listen to “ABBA Gold.” Then, put on a nice dress and walk around your apartment in the dress and scream the first verse of Edward Lear’s “The Table and the Chair” at the top of your lungs. Then whisper the second part. Then say the third part like you’re Howard Cosell. Skip the fourth verse. Then sing the fifth verse to the tune of “Oh When The Saints Go Marching In.” Then, look into a mirror and say “I’m good enough, I’m strong enough, and doggone it, people like me.” Wait one week and then eat an entire pecan pie. After this, try “Burnt Weeny Sandwich” again. I think you’ll be ready.

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