Discover Permanent Damage, the only album by the a cappela girl group from Los Angeles and The Sunset Strip scene: The GTOs (Girls Together Outrageously). Produced by Frank Zappa, this psychedelic rock album was released in 1969. The group was only active for two and a half years (1968-1970). The members were connected by their association with Zappa, who encouraged their artistic endeavours despite their limited vocal skills. The group performed live "only 4 or 5 times", although they created a strong impression at their December 1968 performance at the Shrine Auditorium opening for The Mothers of Invention, Alice Cooper and Wild Man Fischer. A mix of theatrics, singing, dancing, wild costumes, and unusual lyrical content were staples of their act. Their only album, Permanent Damage, (Straight Records) was produced in 1969 by Zappa with the assistance of Lowell George and Russ Titelman (tracks 7 and 11). The latter track also features Titelman's brother-in-law, guitarist Ry Cooder, both of whom appear on Captain Beefheart's Safe As Milk album. Track 5 The Captain's Fat Theresa Shoes is a GTO comment on Beefheart's taste in footwear (his cousin Victor Hayden had introduced him to Pamela Des Barres). The songs are mixed in with conversations between the members of the group, friends, and others, including Cynthia Plaster Caster and Rodney Bingenheimer. The album features songwriting contributions from Lowell George, Jeff Beck and Davy Jones. A young Rod Stewart (Jeff Beck's singer at the time) pops up on track 14.
