Zappa had founded the
Zappa Records label in 1977, and formed a deal with
Phonogram Inc., to distribute the label in the United States and Canada. Phonogram refused to distribute the single ''
I Don't Wanna Get Drafted'' in the US, though they did distribute it in Canada. The song's lyrics criticized president
Jimmy Carter's reintroduction of the military draft. Also in 1981 the label released three individual volumes in the ''
Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar'' series which were initially sold only in the United States by mail order. In 1984 Zappa intended to move Barking Pumpkin distribution to
MCA Records.
Thing-Fish was produced as a
test pressing by MCA. However, MCA cancelled the contract after a woman in the quality control department became offended by the album's content. ==Artists==