I know there are, so I need some help. I have a friend who listens to nothing BUT Frank Zappa. Everything I've heard, I've really liked but his catalog is so huge that it's a little intimidating for a potential new fan as far as where to start. I do know that some of the best musicians in the world (especially drummers) are Zappa band alumni and they all say it's the most challenging gig they've ever had. I remember (being stoned) in college watching a video of the drummer (maybe Terry Bozzio?) wearing a devil mask or something like that. That's all I remember about it. Also, my percussion ensemble did a version of The Black Page. So if I were to start getting some of his stuff, where would be a good place to start?
Shut up and Play Yer Guitar I like alot of his stuff, but I gotta be in the right mood for it since its so far out there.
All I know is that my favorite Zappa lyric is: "You sniffed the reeking buns of angels and acted like it was cocaine." And Zappa is best listened to drunk late at night.
Oh my lord ima where to start? I would start with the following albums Freak Out (His first) We're only in it for the Money Lumpy Gravy Over-Nite Sensation (Personal Fav) Apostrophe (Personal Fav) Bongo Fury Zoot Allures Joe's Garage Acts I, II & III If after that you're still interested there's all of his political music and he's got a bunch of experiential stuff. If you want a taste of live stuff pick up "You can't do that on Stage anymore" vols 1 - 6 God there is some much more. Zappa was crazy prolific; had over 80 studio albums alone. That's not including live albums, compellations and side projects.
Shortly after his liaison with the taco stand lady, joe makes a horrible discovery... Joe: Why does it hurt when I pee? Why does it hurt when I pee? I dont want no doctor To stick no needle in me Why does it hurt when I pee? I got it from the toilet seat I got it from the toilet seat It jumped right up n grabbed my meat Got it from the toilet seat My balls feel like a pair of maracas My balls feel like a pair of maracas Oh God I probably got the Gon-o-ka-ka-khackus! My balls feel like a pair of maracas Ai-ee-ai-ee-ahhhh! Why does it Why does it Why does it Why does it hurt...when i Peeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?
Joe's Garage is pure genius. And a must listen for any musician! I can't tell you how often we would put on vol 1 while building sets in college! BE A CREW SLUT!!!!
We're only in it for the Money Over-Nite Sensation Apostrophe Joe's Garage Acts I, II & III Skeik Yerbouti Strickly Genteel Zappa was a genius.
When I first started to get into Zappa, one of my buddies suggested "Strictly Commercial" because it has a broad overview of his career. You can then take the tracks you like and use that to find the CDs you like. BTW Ima, as a fellow drummer, you're making the right decision by finally getting into Zappa.
I spent the first five years of my life hearing Zappa records everyday, sandwiched between avant-classical and jazz and Black Sabbath/Led Zeppelin/The Who/The Doors. (My dad was a music major in the early 70s - actually prepared John Cage's piano once, my mom was a rock-radio listener, and we didn't have a TV). I'd have to say 'Strictly Commercial' would be a good introduction. Just to see if you want to spend the money - all people I know who have listened to Zappa either just don't like it, or become weirdly obsessive. Doesn't seem like there's much middle-ground.
Big time Zappa fan here and I like it all so I'm not too objective. mcmark's list is a good start. He was best appreciated live since his concerts were a thing to behold. One of my favorites is "Roxy and Elsewhere" circa '73 or '74. The band was top notch and the movie of these performances is the holy grail of Zappadom. "One Size Fits All," "Apostrophe," and "Overnight Sensation" all had pretty much the same lineup and contain his more "commercial" output. If you like his more "commercial" stuff buy "Strictly Commercial" kind of a greatest hits collection. His first album "Freak Out" is a must. Even more incredible when you place it in the context of 1965. "You Are What You Is" "Tinseltown Rebellion" "We're Only In It For the Money" was a great parody of Sgt. Peppers All of the "Joe's Garage" stuff is classic. Rent the DVD "Baby Snakes" for a true treat to the genius of Frank.
I concur, the album is exactly what it says it is, Zappa's most easily listenable tunes for the neophyte. An excellent way to survey his history without having to get too lost in 5 minute kazoo solos. Side One: 1.Peaches En Regalia (Hot Rats) 2.Don't Eat The Yellow Snow (Apostrophe (') - single version) 3.Dancin' Fool (Sheik Yerbouti - 12" dance mix)*** 4.San Ber'dino (One Size Fits All) 5.Let's Make The Water Turn Black (We're Only In It For The Money) Side Two: 1.Dirty Love (Over-nite Sensation) 2.My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama (Weasels Ripped My Flesh) 3.Cosmik Debris (Apostrophe (')) 4.Trouble Every Day (Freak Out!) 5.Disco Boy (Zoot Allures) Side Three: 1.Bobby Brown Goes Down (Sheik Yerbouti)** 2.I'm The Slime (Over-nite Sensation) 3.Joe's Garage (Joe's Garage - single version) 4.Fine Girl (Tinsel Town Rebellion) 5.Planet Of The Baritone Women (Broadway The Hard Way)*** 6.Sexual Harassment In The Workplace (Guitar) Side Four: 1.Tell Me You Love Me (Chunga's Revenge)* 2.Montana (Over-nite Sensation - single version) 3.Valley Girl (Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch) 4.Be In My Video (Them Or Us) 5.Muffin Man (Bongo Fury)
Too true. I was lucky enough to see him perform live several times, and he collected the most amazing musicians to play with him. I don't know that Frank made any money from his tours, because the groups were enormous, and they were all the best of the best. Just brilliant. Zappa, in my opinion, only showed just what a genius he was as a guitar player live, in concert. The man ranks with the best there ever was. Period. You had to sit there (if you could sit) and watch him play when there weren't the time contraints imposed by making an LP. Pure genius. I've seen all the great guitarists from the glory days of rock, most more than once, and Frank took a backseat to no one.
Since this thread was started, I have gotten 6 Zappa albums and plan on getting more: Hot Rats Absolutely Free We're Only in it for the Money Burnt Weeny Sandwich One Size Fits All Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention
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