I’m an old guy and long, long time Zappa fan and it kind of surprises me that I never get bored or tired to listen to well informed ”Zappa scholars” such as You mr. Edwards! Well Done and keep on feeding U.S. With your knowledge.
I think Apostrophe and Over-Nite Sensation are probably the best starting point for complete Zappa virgins. Apart from some potentially "upsetting" lyrics and a handful of complex instrumental passages, there's nothing too demanding on either of those two albums. If anything, you could arguably play some of it on the radio! But then you also have people like myself who jumped in at the deep end of the Zappa pool without knowing anything about him, and then quickly realized that it felt good to be wet! I started with Sheik Yerbouti because I liked the cover. After that, it was Civilization Phaze III. Now, those two albums are universes apart, but I loved them both. And when I heard Roxy......oh my sweet Jesus.
In about 1966 I bought the album "Freak Out with the Mothers of Invention" when it came out in California. There was a sticker on the shrink wrap from the manufacturer which read "Has absolutely no commercial value" ))
Yes agree a great deal with your list, especially Overnite Sensation. In fact if I swapped Joe's Garage for Shiek Yerbouti it's almost identical! Nice 😎👌
Joe's garage. It's a concept album. I think it tops Pink Floyd's The Wall as a wry and sometimes humorous look at a dystopian world. All the songs could be singles. It contains i.m.h.o. two of the most emotionally stirring Zappa tunes ever: Keep it greasy and Watermelon in Easter Hay.
I’ve come to realize that the era I was introduced to Zappa (Roxy/Apostrophe/OverNite/One Size) is my “favorite” - but it’s probably a function of “when the mind opened” yadda yadda… I’ve grown to love the entire catalog - each band has quirks and strengths, and ALWAYS virtuoso musicianship. It’s amazing to me that as I “discover” new tracks, the through line of the Zappa musical world opens up - and yet connects to itself. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Music.
Probably one the most difficult discographies to rank no matter how you go about it. And of course as we know its all personal experience based opinion. My personal all time top three is 1. Overnight Sensation, 2. Live in New York, 3. Sheik Yerbouti. Cheers Andy! Zappa is a legend, may he rest in peace.
I love your descriptions, they scream enthusiasm and appreciation. I personally am a massive fan of "You are what you is", "Shut up" "Ship arriving" "Sheik Yerbouti" ( you've mentioned) I ALSO very much like the "Tinseltown" and "Joe's garageI+II+III" albums which feature the Colaiuta band - I can't get enough of them! Thank You!
Great choices all and like you say, you're picking between masterpieces, so a very personal thing...Grand Wazoo is a must!...and i travelled through California with Overnight Sensation in the cassette deck, very rock, but I love that album...Outside Now on Joe's Garage to this day will just pop into my head for no discernable reason
Loved this. Hugh Hopper said that Uncle Meat (and King Kong in particular) was a big inspiration for Soft Machine 3. I'd argue that more generally it did have an impact on prog rock and the Canterbury scene.
And also....Krautrock legends like Faust Can Xhol Großschnitt Eroc Floh De Cologne Embryo and various others...check them out , unless you already have!!
Absolutely agree with "one Size" as his best. Loved it for decades, and still do. Such inspired craziness with a great flow. Thank you, Andy! P.S. "Whip it on me, brother!"
Thank you for posting this. I’m writing as this video starts. My number 1 will always be Freakout. From its disc 1 and disc 2, it cover a huge spectrum of genres. That being said, each subsequent output was also greeted with joy. Miss you,Frank!
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I think Frank would have more to say on politics in general. In many ways he was very conservative. I would not have been surprised if he supported Trump….with criticisms of course. But the erosion of freedoms by the extreme left would have had him burning the airwaves frying them in speech and song.
Thanks Andy. Well done indeed for a top 10 FZ album list. I’ve been privileged to have seen 14 FZ shows, beginning with the ‘George Duke’ band of Mothers. Met the band in 75, in of all places a Holiday Inn! And five minutes before that was in an elevator with Frank and his bodyguard.. we had a little conversation with him. Should have asked for his autograph but we were too mesmerized. As you probably know, Holiday Inns were part of the Zappa universe. We went in to use the bathroom. Perfect timing. Oh yes, it was also in his birthplace, Baltimore. Anyway, great list. Fantastic! I’m with you on ‘One size fits all.’ And especially ‘Inca Roads,’ which might be one of the finest songs EVER WRITTEN when it comes down to rock, fusion, prog, and mind blowing/boggling! Can’t say enough about it. Wonderful. Thanks again. Love your channel. And your drumming. Must have been a blast traveling the world with Robert Plant. I can’t help but wonder whaat Robert thought of being referred to as Robert Planet by FZ Flo & Eddie? Frank respected Zeppelin. His last tour he was encoring with Stairway to Heaven. And instead of a guitar solo to finish up, the horn section played it note for note. 🎵 🎸👍🏻
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer thanks 4 that. Can you recommend a show with Robert’s band that’s on UA-cam or elsewhere that stands out as a really special night for you drumming or the whole band in agreement that yes, this is a great night? Would love a listen/view. …
Saw Narada play this song (with his Narada Micheal Walden Band) a little over 5 years ago,still sounds amazing! Enjoyed watching your video,great job here Andy!
Meanwhile we are fortunate enough to have both the complete Roxy performances and the New York shows available. And you notice: Yes, he did some overdubbing on the original issues - but he wouldn't have needed too! Both his and his bandmates' playing is just flawless. I particularly like the variations of Bruce Fowler's solos in the Roxy shows. And of course, Ruth does things "that will amaze everyone"
Bravo Andy In the recent years 200 motels has grown to be one of my favorites especially the orchestral suites of 200 motels conducted by Esa Pekka Salonen If I had to choose only one album to bring with me to live in the woods it would be Shut up and play yer guitar The sound and the interaction of Vinnie with Frank was the biggest musical impression I ever had along with the first Mahavishnu album
I agree totally with your comments about Shut Up. The way Vinnie plays is the stuff that made him a legend. It changed jazz forever and its equal to anything Elvin, Tony or Cobham pioneered.
One Size Fits All is also my favourite Zappa album, by my favourite incarnation of The Mothers, the core of which included Napoleon Murphy Brock, Chester Thompson, George Duke, Ruth Underwood and Tom Fowler. And of course the album includes my all-time favourite Zappa song, Andy!!! And yes, Inca Roads doesn't suck either. My other most cherished Zappa albums are from that same period too, those being Apostrophe ('), Bongo Fury and Roxy & Elsewhere. Genius stuff!
Very interresting list, glad you made SATLtSaDW number 2. Well deserved, this album is so overlooked but so brillant. And your number one is perfect. In fact it's a perfect list (except that I don't like Hot Rats at all but nevermind).
Thanks Alix....have a listen to Little Umbrellas again off Hot Rats. When I first listen to it i put side 2 on first by mistake and that tune won me over...
Love all the Zappa stuff up to 1977. I tend to be a bit more picky about the later stuff. Freak Out and Overnite Sensation big faves for me.Thanks Andy ,will have a look at your longer overview of Frank soon.
There is a definite change there. That coincides with Punk which of course FZ was pretty critical of but also seems to influence him too. Sheik Yerbouti is pretty punky....
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Absolutely! Just Listen to I‘m so Cute! It is a parody on Punk, where he also makes fun of Bozzio, who was into Punk at that time.
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I wouldn’t say it’s punky, but in songs like Broken Hearts Are For Assholes, it gives me some of that punk attitude, and as a big punk fan, that makes me love Zappa even more
It's hard to pick ten... even twenty! Great picks. I agree. Re: Burnt Weenie Sandwich I had the eight-track over forty-five years ago and just bought the CD. After all those years it's still fantastic, kids.
Great video. An artist I've just not been able to get in to. I listened to Ship when I was a student, many moons ago, but I just couldn't get in to it, despite loving Steve Vai and Chad Wackerman. I've downloaded a few albums but ... I'll try again. I feel I'm really missing out on something special but I just can't connect to it yet. Thank you.
Interesting. I totally agree with your choice for No. 1. Hard to beat Inca Roads, Andy and Florentine Pogen. Great artwork. It was my first intro to Zappa. I bought Studio Tan after and loved that back in 1978.
Love the way you start to mention the Flo and Eddie era and build up to Chungas Revenge then completely disregard them by going for Hot Rats. Good list though, wouldn't have Ship arriving too late anywhere near my top 30 but all perspectives interesting and valid.
Interesting! Your list agrees quite well with what I should have made. Anyway, given your introduction, I had expected one of the Flo & Eddie albums to be included, and definitely the Yellow Shark! But, its your list! 😁
I am a massive Zappa fan with all his albums or most of them. It might taste very similar to yours. I really appreciate you name checking uncle meat. I’m a little surprised grand wazoo isn’t in there, but too many masterpieces to pick from. And I am totally fine with your number one pick I think that would be in my top five your number to pick, however jumped right out at me because I’ll admit that one I have not really listened to very well and so now I need to go back and give it a serious listen. The problem with Frank Zappa‘s collection is it so deep and so rich and so great that I can’t help but I always go back to playing one of his top 10 albums or top 10 favorites of mine. Unless all you wanna listen to is Frank Zappa and I knew a man like that , I tend to drift towards my favorites, because there are so many of them
Really enjoyed this, Andy. I’m also torn between Burnt Weeny and Uncle Meat. I love that era as much as the later, more muscular fusion stuff. It has an incredible vibe. Yep, One Size is the big one, for sure. In answer to your question: where’s The Grand Wazoo? And Overnite Sensation, which contains some of his most ferocious guitar work! Cheers.
Hoorah to Roxy and Elsewhere. Almost a perfect live LP, the sound quality is incredible. Up there with Waiting for Columbus by Little Feat as a live performance milestone
I wanted to say "Why didn't you include The Grand Wazoo" but couldn't remember the name of the album. So, thanks for reminding me. Great list. Thanks. 👍
As a Zappa freak, it sucked that I was never in the same country as Frank at the same time he was performing, so it was a joyous occasion to see Dweezil do Roxy and Elsewhere at the Roxy in L.A. some 7 or 8 years ago for the 40th anniversary celebrations of what you rightfully describe as one of the best live albums, ever.
I had no idea there were any Mothers comp albums. Mind blown. "Let's put all of our biggest hits on one album." "What hits??" I need to give the late 70s albums another listen. Sheik and Joe's Garage never really appealed to me but I haven't listened to them in years. I bought Läther and Jazz From Hell when they first came out and I didn't quite get them. I think I need to reassess them with more mature ears. A few of my top picks: Waka Jawaka Apostrophé Overnight Sensation Make a Jazz Noise Here Weasels Ripped My Flesh Fillmore East The Yellow Shark Although Roxy is a great representation of that era (and fantastic), Apostrophé and Overnight Sensation should be heard in their entirety.
I always felt Bongo Fury one of his weaker releases, the idea of Beefheart and Zappa together for a whole album seems great but at that point in time they seem to diminish each other's strengths
My list would be, without regard to eras. Not so big on the early albums and love the George/Chester/Ruth band band: One Size Fits All Roxy & Elsewhere The Grand Wazoo Apostrophe Overnite Sensation Hot Rats Chunga's Revenge Weasels Ripped My Flesh Live In New York Sheik Yerbouti
I like one size fits all too(even if i didnt like it as much first listen) but i dont know, as far as studio albums i think on george duke era i prefer overnite sensation, thats the one that really get me from the beginning(or the one that got me the most)
I am glad to announce that I have seen all Zappa bands in concert. I was the least impressed by the Zoot Allures band, though it had Terry Bozzio on drums, Tommy Mars on organ and Patrick O ´ Hearn on bass. I just remember sort of a quartett and missed the „ orchestral“ element that Ruth Underwood or Murphy Brock contributed. As for the initiation to Zappas world, I fully agree with your suggestion. I really loved the „George Duke band“ . Saw remains of it few years ago with Tom Fowler and Don Preston. PS: is it true that Don, close to 90, has to live under dire conditions in a dump „somewhere in LA“? If true, what a shame.
10 - Bongo Fury 09 - Zoot Allures 08 - Over Night Sensation 07 - Waka Jawacka 06 - Apostrophe' 05 - Zappa in New York 04 - The Grand Wazoo 03 - Roxy & Elsewhere 02 - Hot Rats 01 - One Size Fits All
Läther has the German Umlaut Dots on it like on Ö and Ü. They all are a Mixture of A E, O E and UE, very common Sounds in German. So it is Laether in German spelling.
My list would be very similar, but I got to have 'Weasels' on my list. Side 2 of that album is my favorite FZ lp side , I think of it as one long composition, one that always blows my mind. Music can't possibly be better than Zappa at his best.
Too many best albums, impossible task to reduce it to ten. The albums I couldn't possibly omit are Thing-Fish, Uncle Meat, Lumpy Gravy, Joe's Garage, Them or Us, Apostrophe/Overnight Sensation, and we are already at 6 out of 10... impossible to cram it down to 10. One Size Fits All - agreed, great choice to anyone who's interested in Frank's work, but never heard anything "serious" other than what's occasionally on a commercial radio.
Such an arduous task! But, certainly anyone wanting to first get into Zappa -great choices. I do feel, not specifically including a focused “orchestral” representation of his cannon ( London Sym, Yellow Shark etc) is limiting who/what is Frank Zappa-a composer/ visual artist. This ( my humble interpretation) Zappa saw himself ( in the most positive way) as a composer ala Edgar Varese, Stravinsky etc. His wonderful forays with all the various incarnations of the bands you outlined, were the only economic means for him to have his “compositions” performed-and as we know-mind blowing!! But, as demonstrated by many documentaries, during a tour, you would see him sitting on a plane/bus “composing.” Also, his filmmaking was a vital part of his artistry. For example “Uncle Meat” ( forgive me if wrong) was supposed to or was a film he made. Anyhow, thanks for focusing on Frank!
But his greatest achievement regarding 'orchestral' music was the integration of 'rock' instrumentation into sophisticated modern classical pieces. And for that reason I find his orchestral stuff slightly less compelling. I like Orchestral Favourites best because it sounds like a 70s rock band. But I'm probably wrong on this one
You are what you is side 2 is a favourite for me too... Absolutely brilliant. Cheepnis & son of orange country (amongst others) are great songs from roxy / elsewhere. So far, I agree with you. Except they're impossible to rank. From the early post-mothers era, I'd pick weasles ripped my flesh. Flo & Eddie era, I love them as singers, and really appreciate side two from "just another band from LA". There's a great bootleg with flo & eddie though "Tengo na minicha tanta" (possibly, I didn't spell that correct) Side two of ship arriving is great, including "I come from nowhere" Nah... I don't like one size fits all. The songs are great live, though the studio recordings doesn't catch the live energy at all. I avoid listening to one size. 😅 But Where's the grand wazoo? And Bongo fury? Always nice to hear someone elses take on Zappa though. Good video!
The only Zappa you need : Waka Jawaka, Grand Wazoo, Hot Rats, Zoot allures, Apostrophe, Overnite Sensation, One size fits All, Roxy and Elsewhere, Zappa in NY, Sleep Dirt. Yeah, that's about it.
Interesting presentation. Thank you. I've been evaluating my 50+ Zappa lp's/CD's to decide which ones I'd like new vinyl copies of if they exist. It's nice to get another knowledgeable opinion. Like you, I'm also not a Flo & Eddie fan but I perhaps put too much value on the GD/Ruth/Nappy group. I rarely listen to the Drowning Witch and Shut Up albums. Perhaps I should revisit. Of his 1980's and beyond albums, You Are What You Is and Yellow Shark stand out in my mind.
A great stab at an impossible task there Andy! I've usually recommended 'Hot Rats' and 'Roxy' to anybody looking to get into Zappa but the guy has such a wide range it is impossible to cover all the bases. Oh and somebody has to ask - where IS the 'Grand Wazoo'?😁
I think the first two I heard were sheikyerbouti,which apparently was taken as UA-cam name, and freak out. Thier was a great BBC documentary back in day which they followed with clips of mothers etc at BBC amazing stuff which really got me hooked.
Hmmm, my top 3 are Hot Rats, Freak Out and Apostrophe yes, Apostrophe. And the one with “guacamole queen, guacamole queen, guacamole queen” all over it. And the George Duke live at the Roxy, etc. is amazing.
You are totally right there Sky..it should be in there, but which one goes? I would happily swap out Mothermania for Joes Garage but then there would be no early mothers in the list. Plus I have that band covered pretty much by Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar whic is one of my favourite albums by anybody so i hope you get my thinking. It would be at eleven though...
Какая сложная тема! Проще было бы развернуть дискуссию с другого конца/полюса: "Мои три самые нелюбимые работы Известного Гиганта". Вот налетело бы с разных сторон обиженных пчёл!)
Brilliant video! Love Zappa in all of his forms and have to agree with you on One Size Fits All. However, I have to disagree on his most commercial album, IMHO that is Apostrophe or possibly Joe's Garage Act I! Why? Because those were the albums that always appealed to my non Zappa loving mates! BTW I also think Zoot Allures is a great album even if Eddie Jobson is on the cover but not on the album!
don sugarcane harris doin' his bluesy vionlin on *little house I used to live in* in *burnt weeny sandwich* sounds still that amazing to me... to be mentioned without any doubt for me, to call the best 20 albums: live in new york absolutely free freak out! weasels ripped my flesh (it's the bassclarient at eric dolphy's memorial barbecue!) the grand wazoo bongo fury zoot allures joe's garage the best band you never heared in your life make a jazz noise here
My biggest complaint is the LOUD synthesizers Frank used starting in the early '80s. Too overwhelming and obnoxious. I'll take Don Preston ANY DAY. Imagine seeing the Mothers in 1968 at the Shrine Auditorium (the pictures of the show are cool) or 1972 Fillmore East. The sound is SO much more organic/analog sounding... it just sounds so much more 'less plastic/digital."
Great list tho it would have been interesting to see #10 if Mothermania was given honourable mention instead. Most are in my list. You Are What You Is is a top five for me, agree totally. My top 20 Zappa for me are all five stars and could swap around on any given day. Too hard. If I had a top 200 of all time, 20-30 would be Zappa
I clicked on this prepared to violently disagree with your list, and I sometimes do, but also, sometimes agree with your choices, if not their position. I'm gratified to not find Over-Nite Sensation on your list; that one and Hot Rats are nearly inevitable choices. My own top ten would rotate Uncle Meat and Burnt Weenie Sandwich in the top two spots. I love the latter so much that I commissioned Cal Schenkel to make me a print of the cover without the lettering -- looks beautiful, too. If I had to turn someone on to Zappa, I would probably give them Lather. That's the big picture for sure. And One Size Fits All would be my #3. You can't deny the majesty of "Inca Roads", eh?
A good selection. Picking just one Zappa album for the uninitiated is a difficult task but, having said that, One Size Fits All is a great album featuring his finest rockin' teenage combo & my favourite guitar solo, Inca Roads.. Personally I would have chosen Waka Jawaka, The Grand Wazoo & Jazz from Hell over some of the others but anything by Frank is worthy of our attention. Rather than recommending albums I often refer the curious to tracks that I feel are Frank at his finest: RDNZL, Night School, What's New In Baltimore, Strictly Genteel, G Spot Tornado, Pink Napkins, etc.
Inca Roads, Greggary Peccary, Cheepnis, Keep in Greasy, Drowning Witch, Sinister Foortwear Pt 2, I'm a Beautiful Guy, Deathless Horsie, Little House I Used to Live In, Regyptian Strut, Eat That Question, It Must be a Camel I could go on and on....
Excuse my english because I'm spanish but I don't consider you are a serious zappa fan if you don't put in your list Dance me this and Civilisation phase 3 .🤔😥😜
Well, you just made me count my zappa music. I have been a fan since I first listen to zoot allures in 76. Got 71 albums and 48 cds. When I was living in London, 1978 to 1986 I saw Zappa many times, hammersmith odeon, wembley, barbican etc. Also Madrid in 88. I'm sure you will be loving " dance me this " and " civilization phase 3" in a few years. I enjoy very much your chanel, you are a great maestro. Love all jazz fussion styles. One thing I strange is you don't mention in your choices to L.shankars brother l.Subramaniam. I think his indian - western fussion is magistral. Check out his albums "blossom" , " fantasy without limits " and " indian express " with musicians like stanley clarke, emil richards, frank morgan, zakir hussain, ralph hunphrey, bob forte, larry corryel, dave parlato, herbie hancock etc on it.
Wow, can't agree with some of the choices. You am what it is?? I think Zappa hit a low round that time. No one size fits all?? No greatest band you never heard???
Agreed with you Ned, the whole "Freak Out" LP is a gas, to use a well worn 60s phrase. And to think "Freak Out" was released back in 1966, it still sounds fresh today, in 2023. "It Can't Happen Here", indeed. Stay safe and go well.
I know it's an unpopular position, but my opinion of Zappa has changed over the years. He certainly is worth studying but as I've grown as a musician I've come to believe a lot of what Zappa does is just a game of musical math --intricacy and weirdness for no reason other to be weird and appear superior. His humor has also not aged well. It's pretty puerile. And just so you don't think this is all sour grapes, I do appreciate Frank when he's on, as evidenced here where I play all the parts to one of his best compositions. ua-cam.com/video/USItMzTmGH4/v-deo.html
One Shot Deal(2008) my fave 'cause it incls "Occam's Razor" Awesome guitar. stil trying to find good version 'T'Mershi Duween' tho? Is it true that Frank Zappa disovered Van Halen's tone before Van did?
I'm delighted to agree with your #1. However, surely there has to be room for Joe's Garage. Watermelon in Easter Hay alone is worth the price of admission. And the story... Let's just say substances and repeated listens went hand in hand. Extraordinary drumming and synth work. And Ed Mann. Contributed heavily to one break up (for which I'm eternally grateful). Ah, happy days.
Zappa once said he thought not everyone would get everything he did. The example he gave was Baby Take Your Teeth Out against something like Sinister Footwear. I think he underestimated us. I have the theory / listening chops to understand Footwear but I still love Baby, Take Your Teeth Out Because it is simply fun. Good call on Roxy and Elsewhere - got it on vinyl in Camden Market when I had been into him for a while but was really not prepared for it. YCDTOSA 2 sealed the deal as his funky era.
I remember in the park behind my house 3 guys were trying to win a girl over in their break from work...They were showing off their cricket skills and decided to allow the girl to have the bat as one guy was behind her like a golf instructor showing the stance she needed to hit the ball.......Right then the song' ''baby take your teeth out'' came to mind ...so i turned the system up to eleven and let them have it....The courtship ritual ended right there for some reason.
I’m an old guy and long, long time Zappa fan and it kind of surprises me that I never get bored or tired to listen to well informed ”Zappa scholars” such as You mr. Edwards! Well Done and keep on feeding U.S. With your knowledge.
I love being called a 'Zappa Scholar'!!!!
A very articulate reviewer ! Excellent ! My favourite album is"Burnt weeny" !
One size fits all is a masterpiece. Might be the most beautifully crafted outside and in.
I'll never tire of Zappa content.
I think Apostrophe and Over-Nite Sensation are probably the best starting point for complete Zappa virgins. Apart from some potentially "upsetting" lyrics and a handful of
complex instrumental passages, there's nothing too demanding on either of those two albums. If anything, you could arguably play some of it on the radio!
But then you also have people like myself who jumped in at the deep end of the Zappa pool without knowing anything about him, and then quickly realized that it felt good to be wet!
I started with Sheik Yerbouti because I liked the cover. After that, it was Civilization Phaze III. Now, those two albums are universes apart, but I loved them both.
And when I heard Roxy......oh my sweet Jesus.
In about 1966 I bought the album "Freak Out with the Mothers of Invention" when it came out in California. There was a sticker on the shrink wrap from the manufacturer which read "Has absolutely no commercial value" ))
1. Over-Nite Sensation (1973)
2. Hot Rats (1969)
3. Joe’s Garage (1979)
4. One Size Fits All (1975)
5. The Grand Wazoo (1972)
6. Apostrophe(‘) (1974)
7. The Yellow Shark (1993)
8. Uncle Meat (1969)
9. Studio Tan (1978)
10. Roxy & Elsewhere (1974)
Yes agree a great deal with your list, especially Overnite Sensation. In fact if I swapped Joe's Garage for Shiek Yerbouti it's almost identical! Nice 😎👌
Was waiting for this, Andy. Our tastes in music are so similar. I have always referred to Frank as "the father of my ears." Thanks for posting.
I thought a few here would like this one so hear it is...I love that comment!
Joe's garage. It's a concept album. I think it tops Pink Floyd's The Wall as a wry and sometimes humorous look at a dystopian world. All the songs could be singles. It contains i.m.h.o. two of the most emotionally stirring Zappa tunes ever: Keep it greasy and Watermelon in Easter Hay.
agreed
Packard Goose and Outside Now are beautiful too 😊👍👍
Watermelon in Easter Hay is my favourite guitar solo.
Probably my favourite. A misunderstood album and people miss the beauty of some of the writing. Stellar playing comes as standard.
Agree with you .............Zappa is underated !
Excellent choice, very difficult to fault, I think you nailed it. For beauty........ "Watermelon in Easter Hay" from "Joe's Garage" is sublime .......
Or St Etiene of Jazz From Hell...both albums not on my list...thats how hard it is to choose 10 albums!!!
I’ve come to realize that the era I was introduced to Zappa (Roxy/Apostrophe/OverNite/One Size) is my “favorite” - but it’s probably a function of “when the mind opened” yadda yadda… I’ve grown to love the entire catalog - each band has quirks and strengths, and ALWAYS virtuoso musicianship. It’s amazing to me that as I “discover” new tracks, the through line of the Zappa musical world opens up - and yet connects to itself. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Music.
Probably one the most difficult discographies to rank no matter how you go about it. And of course as we know its all personal experience based opinion. My personal all time top three is 1. Overnight Sensation, 2. Live in New York, 3. Sheik Yerbouti. Cheers Andy! Zappa is a legend, may he rest in peace.
Thanks Richard...so hard not to fill it with the George Duke band....
It's not diffcult, 80% suck.
A great list Andy-like you I'm a long time fan of FZ-keep up the good work!
I agree totally that One Size Fits All should be at number one in the Zappa catalogue.
I love your descriptions, they scream enthusiasm and appreciation. I personally am a massive fan of "You are what you is", "Shut up" "Ship arriving" "Sheik Yerbouti" ( you've mentioned) I ALSO very much like the "Tinseltown" and "Joe's garageI+II+III" albums which feature the Colaiuta band - I can't get enough of them! Thank You!
Those are great
Great choices all and like you say, you're picking between masterpieces, so a very personal thing...Grand Wazoo is a must!...and i travelled through California with Overnight Sensation in the cassette deck, very rock, but I love that album...Outside Now on Joe's Garage to this day will just pop into my head for no discernable reason
Loved this. Hugh Hopper said that Uncle Meat (and King Kong in particular) was a big inspiration for Soft Machine 3. I'd argue that more generally it did have an impact on prog rock and the Canterbury scene.
And also....Krautrock legends like Faust Can Xhol Großschnitt Eroc Floh De Cologne Embryo and various others...check them out , unless you already have!!
Love your List Andy....I really Like Bongo Fury also. I really like the Captain Beefheart /Zappa combo recordings.
Absolutely agree with "one Size" as his best. Loved it for decades, and still do. Such inspired craziness with a great flow.
Thank you, Andy!
P.S. "Whip it on me, brother!"
Thank you for posting this. I’m writing as this video starts. My number 1 will always be Freakout. From its disc 1 and disc 2, it cover a huge spectrum of genres. That being said, each subsequent output was also greeted with joy. Miss you,Frank!
He is much missed...I would have loved what he made of Trump...I don't think people could take it nowadays
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I think Frank would have more to say on politics in general. In many ways he was very conservative. I would not have been surprised if he supported Trump….with criticisms of course. But the erosion of freedoms by the extreme left would have had him burning the airwaves frying them in speech and song.
@@syn707 I agree totally
Thank you for this! Very cool
Thnks James
Thanks Andy. Well done indeed for a top 10 FZ album list. I’ve been privileged to have seen 14 FZ shows, beginning with the ‘George Duke’ band of Mothers. Met the band in 75, in of all places a Holiday Inn! And five minutes before that was in an elevator with Frank and his bodyguard.. we had a little conversation with him. Should have asked for his autograph but we were too mesmerized.
As you probably know, Holiday Inns were part of the Zappa universe. We went in to use the bathroom. Perfect timing. Oh yes, it was also in his birthplace, Baltimore.
Anyway, great list. Fantastic! I’m with you on ‘One size fits all.’ And especially ‘Inca Roads,’ which might be one of the finest songs EVER WRITTEN when it comes down to rock, fusion, prog, and mind blowing/boggling! Can’t say enough about it. Wonderful.
Thanks again. Love your channel. And your drumming. Must have been a blast traveling the world with Robert Plant. I can’t help but wonder whaat Robert thought of being referred to as Robert Planet by FZ Flo & Eddie? Frank respected Zeppelin. His last tour he was encoring with Stairway to Heaven. And instead of a guitar solo to finish up, the horn section played it note for note. 🎵 🎸👍🏻
I don't think he liked it, he was a Zappa fan..............
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer thanks 4 that. Can you recommend a show with Robert’s band that’s on UA-cam or elsewhere that stands out as a really special night for you drumming or the whole band in agreement that yes, this is a great night? Would love a listen/view. …
Brilliant top 10. Happy to see Drowning witch up there, what a fantastic album.
Saw Narada play this song (with his Narada Micheal Walden Band) a little over 5 years ago,still sounds amazing! Enjoyed watching your video,great job here Andy!
Thank you very much!
Meanwhile we are fortunate enough to have both the complete Roxy performances and the New York shows available. And you notice: Yes, he did some overdubbing on the original issues - but he wouldn't have needed too! Both his and his bandmates' playing is just flawless. I particularly like the variations of Bruce Fowler's solos in the Roxy shows. And of course, Ruth does things "that will amaze everyone"
Bravo Andy
In the recent years 200 motels has grown to be one of my favorites especially the orchestral suites of 200 motels conducted by Esa Pekka Salonen
If I had to choose only one album to bring with me to live in the woods it would be Shut up and play yer guitar
The sound and the interaction of Vinnie with Frank was the biggest musical impression I ever had along with the first Mahavishnu album
I agree totally with your comments about Shut Up. The way Vinnie plays is the stuff that made him a legend. It changed jazz forever and its equal to anything Elvin, Tony or Cobham pioneered.
One Size Fits All is also my favourite Zappa album, by my favourite incarnation of The Mothers, the core of which included Napoleon Murphy Brock, Chester Thompson, George Duke, Ruth Underwood and Tom Fowler. And of course the album includes my all-time favourite Zappa song, Andy!!! And yes, Inca Roads doesn't suck either. My other most cherished Zappa albums are from that same period too, those being Apostrophe ('), Bongo Fury and Roxy & Elsewhere. Genius stuff!
Very interresting list, glad you made SATLtSaDW number 2. Well deserved, this album is so overlooked but so brillant. And your number one is perfect. In fact it's a perfect list (except that I don't like Hot Rats at all but nevermind).
Thanks Alix....have a listen to Little Umbrellas again off Hot Rats. When I first listen to it i put side 2 on first by mistake and that tune won me over...
What about doing a show on your 10 favourite Zappa guitar solos and another show about your 10 favorite Zappa tracks?
I may well do that....I was thinking of going through his drummers too
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer good idea =)
Love all the Zappa stuff up to 1977. I tend to be a bit more picky about the later stuff. Freak Out and Overnite Sensation big faves for me.Thanks Andy ,will have a look at your longer overview of Frank soon.
There is a definite change there. That coincides with Punk which of course FZ was pretty critical of but also seems to influence him too. Sheik Yerbouti is pretty punky....
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Absolutely! Just Listen to I‘m so Cute! It is a parody on Punk, where he also makes fun of Bozzio, who was into Punk at that time.
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I wouldn’t say it’s punky, but in songs like Broken Hearts Are For Assholes, it gives me some of that punk attitude, and as a big punk fan, that makes me love Zappa even more
It's hard to pick ten... even twenty!
Great picks. I agree.
Re: Burnt Weenie Sandwich
I had the eight-track over forty-five years ago
and just bought the CD.
After all those years it's still fantastic, kids.
FZ rules -- I think my favorites are the YCDTOSA series -- great fun video Andy!
Great video. An artist I've just not been able to get in to. I listened to Ship when I was a student, many moons ago, but I just couldn't get in to it, despite loving Steve Vai and Chad Wackerman. I've downloaded a few albums but ... I'll try again. I feel I'm really missing out on something special but I just can't connect to it yet. Thank you.
Interesting. I totally agree with your choice for No. 1. Hard to beat Inca Roads, Andy and Florentine Pogen. Great artwork. It was my first intro to Zappa. I bought Studio Tan after and loved that back in 1978.
Two of his greatest albums!
The early mothers is my favourite era
Love the way you start to mention the Flo and Eddie era and build up to Chungas Revenge then completely disregard them by going for Hot Rats. Good list though, wouldn't have Ship arriving too late anywhere near my top 30 but all perspectives interesting and valid.
Interesting! Your list agrees quite well with what I should have made. Anyway, given your introduction, I had expected one of the Flo & Eddie albums to be included, and definitely the Yellow Shark! But, its your list! 😁
It would be 200 Motels....
I grew up in the 80s I was 14 or 15 ish when heard them or us and ship arriving both were mind opening in my fledgling rock prog blues jazz adventure
I am a massive Zappa fan with all his albums or most of them. It might taste very similar to yours. I really appreciate you name checking uncle meat. I’m a little surprised grand wazoo isn’t in there, but too many masterpieces to pick from. And I am totally fine with your number one pick I think that would be in my top five your number to pick, however jumped right out at me because I’ll admit that one I have not really listened to very well and so now I need to go back and give it a serious listen.
The problem with Frank Zappa‘s collection is it so deep and so rich and so great that I can’t help but I always go back to playing one of his top 10 albums or top 10 favorites of mine. Unless all you wanna listen to is Frank Zappa and I knew a man like that , I tend to drift towards my favorites, because there are so many of them
Really enjoyed this, Andy. I’m also torn between Burnt Weeny and Uncle Meat. I love that era as much as the later, more muscular fusion stuff. It has an incredible vibe. Yep, One Size is the big one, for sure. In answer to your question: where’s The Grand Wazoo? And Overnite Sensation, which contains some of his most ferocious guitar work! Cheers.
Yes...and Joe's Garage....Them or Us...Make a Jazz Noise...Yellow Shark...impossible task, but I thin these are my favourites...
Hoorah to Roxy and Elsewhere. Almost a perfect live LP, the sound quality is incredible. Up there with Waiting for Columbus by Little Feat as a live performance milestone
I wanted to say "Why didn't you include The Grand Wazoo" but couldn't remember the name of the album. So, thanks for reminding me.
Great list. Thanks. 👍
Oh yes please
Had to be done Jack!
Just pre ordered mothers 71 box set 😋 🇬🇧
As a Zappa freak, it sucked that I was never in the same country as Frank at the same time he was performing, so it was a joyous occasion to see Dweezil do Roxy and Elsewhere at the Roxy in L.A. some 7 or 8 years ago for the 40th anniversary celebrations of what you rightfully describe as one of the best live albums, ever.
I saw him in '88 in Birmingham in the UK...I have a cassette of the gig somewhere
I had no idea there were any Mothers comp albums. Mind blown.
"Let's put all of our biggest hits on one album."
"What hits??"
I need to give the late 70s albums another listen. Sheik and Joe's Garage never really appealed to me but I haven't listened to them in years.
I bought Läther and Jazz From Hell when they first came out and I didn't quite get them. I think I need to reassess them with more mature ears.
A few of my top picks:
Waka Jawaka
Apostrophé
Overnight Sensation
Make a Jazz Noise Here
Weasels Ripped My Flesh
Fillmore East
The Yellow Shark
Although Roxy is a great representation of that era (and fantastic), Apostrophé and Overnight Sensation should be heard in their entirety.
Uncle Meat, Were only in it for the money, Apostrophe, Overnite Sensation, Bongo Fury...thats the shit!!!
I always felt Bongo Fury one of his weaker releases, the idea of Beefheart and Zappa together for a whole album seems great but at that point in time they seem to diminish each other's strengths
WHAT IS A FLORENTINE POGEN? Not a cookie? A pogo stick? A wealthy pogo rider? Symbolism? 🎶
'she was a debutant daisy
with a colour note organ....
deep in the street....
she drives a '59 morgan....'
My list would be, without regard to eras. Not so big on the early albums and love the George/Chester/Ruth band band:
One Size Fits All
Roxy & Elsewhere
The Grand Wazoo
Apostrophe
Overnite Sensation
Hot Rats
Chunga's Revenge
Weasels Ripped My Flesh
Live In New York
Sheik Yerbouti
I like one size fits all too(even if i didnt like it as much first listen) but i dont know, as far as studio albums i think on george duke era i prefer overnite sensation, thats the one that really get me from the beginning(or the one that got me the most)
I am glad to announce that I have seen all Zappa bands in concert. I was the least impressed by the Zoot Allures band, though it had Terry Bozzio on drums, Tommy Mars on organ and Patrick O ´ Hearn on bass. I just remember sort of a quartett and missed the „ orchestral“ element that Ruth Underwood or Murphy Brock contributed. As for the initiation to Zappas world, I fully agree with your suggestion. I really loved the „George Duke band“ . Saw remains of it few years ago with Tom Fowler and Don Preston. PS: is it true that Don, close to 90, has to live under dire conditions in a dump „somewhere in LA“? If true, what a shame.
10 - Bongo Fury
09 - Zoot Allures
08 - Over Night Sensation
07 - Waka Jawacka
06 - Apostrophe'
05 - Zappa in New York
04 - The Grand Wazoo
03 - Roxy & Elsewhere
02 - Hot Rats
01 - One Size Fits All
Läther has the German Umlaut Dots on it like on Ö and Ü. They all are a Mixture of A E, O E and UE, very common Sounds in German. So it is Laether in German spelling.
My list would be very similar, but I got to have 'Weasels' on my list. Side 2 of that album is my favorite FZ lp side , I think of it as one long composition, one that always blows my mind. Music can't possibly be better than Zappa at his best.
Too many best albums, impossible task to reduce it to ten. The albums I couldn't possibly omit are Thing-Fish, Uncle Meat, Lumpy Gravy, Joe's Garage, Them or Us, Apostrophe/Overnight Sensation, and we are already at 6 out of 10... impossible to cram it down to 10. One Size Fits All - agreed, great choice to anyone who's interested in Frank's work, but never heard anything "serious" other than what's occasionally on a commercial radio.
IF i have to Choose 1 Zappa Album i needed to Listen to For the Rest of my Life it would be Roxy and Elsewhere.
Such an arduous task! But, certainly anyone wanting to first get into Zappa -great choices. I do feel, not specifically including a focused “orchestral” representation of his cannon ( London Sym, Yellow Shark etc) is limiting who/what is Frank Zappa-a composer/ visual artist.
This ( my humble interpretation) Zappa saw himself ( in the most positive way) as a composer ala Edgar Varese, Stravinsky etc. His wonderful forays with all the various incarnations of the bands you outlined, were the only economic means for him to have his “compositions” performed-and as we know-mind blowing!!
But, as demonstrated by many documentaries, during a tour, you would see him sitting on a plane/bus “composing.” Also, his filmmaking was a vital part of his artistry. For example “Uncle Meat” ( forgive me if wrong) was supposed to or was a film he made. Anyhow, thanks for focusing on Frank!
But his greatest achievement regarding 'orchestral' music was the integration of 'rock' instrumentation into sophisticated modern classical pieces. And for that reason I find his orchestral stuff slightly less compelling. I like Orchestral Favourites best because it sounds like a 70s rock band. But I'm probably wrong on this one
I cannot explain to myself how could you NOT include : Apostrophe' Overnite Sensation and The Grand Wazzo
Thankx!
You are what you is side 2 is a favourite for me too... Absolutely brilliant.
Cheepnis & son of orange country (amongst others) are great songs from roxy / elsewhere.
So far, I agree with you. Except they're impossible to rank.
From the early post-mothers era, I'd pick weasles ripped my flesh.
Flo & Eddie era, I love them as singers, and really appreciate side two from "just another band from LA".
There's a great bootleg with flo & eddie though "Tengo na minicha tanta" (possibly, I didn't spell that correct)
Side two of ship arriving is great, including "I come from nowhere"
Nah... I don't like one size fits all. The songs are great live, though the studio recordings doesn't catch the live energy at all. I avoid listening to one size. 😅
But Where's the grand wazoo? And Bongo fury?
Always nice to hear someone elses take on Zappa though. Good video!
The only Zappa you need : Waka Jawaka, Grand Wazoo, Hot Rats, Zoot allures, Apostrophe, Overnite Sensation, One size fits All, Roxy and Elsewhere, Zappa in NY, Sleep Dirt. Yeah, that's about it.
My favorite Zappa LP is 'Watch Out For The Ants'.
Interesting presentation. Thank you. I've been evaluating my 50+ Zappa lp's/CD's to decide which ones I'd like new vinyl copies of if they exist. It's nice to get another knowledgeable opinion. Like you, I'm also not a Flo & Eddie fan but I perhaps put too much value on the GD/Ruth/Nappy group. I rarely listen to the Drowning Witch and Shut Up albums. Perhaps I should revisit. Of his 1980's and beyond albums, You Are What You Is and Yellow Shark stand out in my mind.
Andy, if you had to pick just one Zappa song, a favourite if you like, what would it be?
A great stab at an impossible task there Andy! I've usually recommended 'Hot Rats' and 'Roxy' to anybody looking to get into Zappa but the guy has such a wide range it is impossible to cover all the bases. Oh and somebody has to ask - where IS the 'Grand Wazoo'?😁
Yes...where is The Grand Wazoo???
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer They say that it is within hearing distance of Waka -Jawaka!
I think the first two I heard were sheikyerbouti,which apparently was taken as UA-cam name, and freak out.
Thier was a great BBC documentary back in day which they followed with clips of mothers etc at BBC amazing stuff which really got me hooked.
I remember that doc. There was a jam on there with bozzio l shank are and Johnny guitar watson I think
Hmmm, my top 3 are Hot Rats, Freak Out and Apostrophe yes, Apostrophe. And the one with “guacamole queen, guacamole queen, guacamole queen” all over it. And the George Duke live at the Roxy, etc. is amazing.
Where's The Grand Wazoo?! Kidding. I do love that one though. Great list. Great artist
Eat That Question...Jazz Fusion meets Roman Fanfare!!!
Great choices, but Joe's Garage is a huge omission for me!
You are totally right there Sky..it should be in there, but which one goes? I would happily swap out Mothermania for Joes Garage but then there would be no early mothers in the list. Plus I have that band covered pretty much by Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar whic is one of my favourite albums by anybody so i hope you get my thinking. It would be at eleven though...
However, Sky, its hard to pick a best of Ten from the 60 Albums FZ released in his lifetime.
No Apostrophe’ ? :(
Какая сложная тема! Проще было бы развернуть дискуссию с другого конца/полюса: "Мои три самые нелюбимые работы Известного Гиганта". Вот налетело бы с разных сторон обиженных пчёл!)
Loved your video....mmmm...no Apostrophe?
I had two albums in there by that line-up, like I said...that my favourite line-up
Brilliant video! Love Zappa in all of his forms and have to agree with you on One Size Fits All. However, I have to disagree on his most commercial album, IMHO that is Apostrophe or possibly Joe's Garage Act I! Why? Because those were the albums that always appealed to my non Zappa loving mates! BTW I also think Zoot Allures is a great album even if Eddie Jobson is on the cover but not on the album!
I thought he released 45 Albums during his Lifetime i guess i have A LOT to learn
man from utopia!
don sugarcane harris doin' his bluesy vionlin on *little house I used to live in* in *burnt weeny sandwich* sounds still that amazing to me...
to be mentioned without any doubt for me, to call the best 20 albums:
live in new york
absolutely free
freak out!
weasels ripped my flesh (it's the bassclarient at eric dolphy's memorial barbecue!)
the grand wazoo
bongo fury
zoot allures
joe's garage
the best band you never heared in your life
make a jazz noise here
Where’s civilization phase 3?
Thanks for BERT WE NEED SANDWICH. I hear Ike Willis sing it…
My biggest complaint is the LOUD synthesizers Frank used starting in the early '80s. Too overwhelming
and obnoxious. I'll take Don Preston ANY DAY. Imagine seeing the Mothers in 1968 at the Shrine Auditorium (the pictures of the show are cool) or 1972 Fillmore East. The sound is SO much more organic/analog sounding...
it just sounds so much more 'less plastic/digital."
Great list tho it would have been interesting to see #10 if Mothermania was given honourable mention instead. Most are in my list. You Are What You Is is a top five for me, agree totally. My top 20 Zappa for me are all five stars and could swap around on any given day. Too hard. If I had a top 200 of all time, 20-30 would be Zappa
No Joe's Garage? 😪
I clicked on this prepared to violently disagree with your list, and I sometimes do, but also, sometimes agree with your choices, if not their position. I'm gratified to not find Over-Nite Sensation on your list; that one and Hot Rats are nearly inevitable choices. My own top ten would rotate Uncle Meat and Burnt Weenie Sandwich in the top two spots. I love the latter so much that I commissioned Cal Schenkel to make me a print of the cover without the lettering -- looks beautiful, too. If I had to turn someone on to Zappa, I would probably give them Lather. That's the big picture for sure. And One Size Fits All would be my #3. You can't deny the majesty of "Inca Roads", eh?
You Are What..........has a Nice Beefheart Jam . ???????
In twenty minutes or less
A good selection. Picking just one Zappa album for the uninitiated is a difficult task but, having said that, One Size Fits All is a great album featuring his finest rockin' teenage combo & my favourite guitar solo, Inca Roads.. Personally I would have chosen Waka Jawaka, The Grand Wazoo & Jazz from Hell over some of the others but anything by Frank is worthy of our attention. Rather than recommending albums I often refer the curious to tracks that I feel are Frank at his finest: RDNZL, Night School, What's New In Baltimore, Strictly Genteel, G Spot Tornado, Pink Napkins, etc.
Inca Roads, Greggary Peccary, Cheepnis, Keep in Greasy, Drowning Witch, Sinister Foortwear Pt 2, I'm a Beautiful Guy, Deathless Horsie, Little House I Used to Live In, Regyptian Strut, Eat That Question, It Must be a Camel I could go on and on....
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer And on and on and still we would only have merely scratched the surface and missed so much that we wanted to include!
Zoot allures.
Here, here. "The Torture Never Stops".
Excuse my english because I'm spanish but I don't consider you are a serious zappa fan if you don't put in your list Dance me this and Civilisation phase 3 .🤔😥😜
Ha Ha...I have been a Zappa fan for about 38 years and have about 80 albums.
Well, you just made me count my zappa music. I have been a fan since I first listen to zoot allures in 76. Got 71 albums and 48 cds. When I was living in London, 1978 to 1986 I saw Zappa many times, hammersmith odeon, wembley, barbican etc. Also Madrid in 88. I'm sure you will be loving " dance me this " and " civilization phase 3" in a few years. I enjoy very much your chanel, you are a great maestro. Love all jazz fussion styles. One thing I strange is you don't mention in your choices to L.shankars brother l.Subramaniam. I think his indian - western fussion is magistral. Check out his albums "blossom" , " fantasy without limits " and " indian express " with musicians like stanley clarke, emil richards, frank morgan, zakir hussain, ralph hunphrey, bob forte, larry corryel, dave parlato, herbie hancock etc on it.
Wow, can't agree with some of the choices. You am what it is?? I think Zappa hit a low round that time. No one size fits all?? No greatest band you never heard???
Where's "the Grand Wazoo", where's "the Grand Wazoo"?
I started with Apostrophy on vinyl ..............CD is mostly inferior to the original Zappa sound ...
For me One size fits all is one of the most disappointing albums put out by Frank.
What were you expecting?
I would include Apostrophe into Top 10. The 'Nanook Rubs It' as well as Duke's 'Uncle Remus' are unbeatable. Fantastic album.
Overrated
I'm totally agree with ya, Buddy!!! Tremendous album...
Fantastic is the word !
How about a Beefheart list?
Just ten - impossible. Any Top Ten are right ;-)
Yep...thats pretty much true
I agree. Pick any Top Ten from the 60 Albums FZ released in his lifetime. Frank is sourly missed by this musical lover.
_Trouble Every Day_ (Freak Out!) - I don't think you can bypass _Freak Out!_
Agreed with you Ned, the whole "Freak Out" LP is a gas, to use a well worn 60s phrase. And to think "Freak Out" was released back in 1966, it still sounds fresh today, in 2023. "It Can't Happen Here", indeed. Stay safe and go well.
I know it's an unpopular position, but my opinion of Zappa has changed over the years. He certainly is worth studying but as I've grown as a musician I've come to believe a lot of what Zappa does is just a game of musical math --intricacy and weirdness for no reason other to be weird and appear superior. His humor has also not aged well. It's pretty puerile. And just so you don't think this is all sour grapes, I do appreciate Frank when he's on, as evidenced here where I play all the parts to one of his best compositions. ua-cam.com/video/USItMzTmGH4/v-deo.html
The perfect gateway album would be 'Overnite Sensation'. Great album, quite easy to get into.Stuff like 'Inca Roads' is too
complex for that purpose.
One Shot Deal(2008) my fave 'cause it incls "Occam's Razor" Awesome guitar. stil trying to find good version 'T'Mershi Duween' tho? Is it true that Frank Zappa disovered Van Halen's tone before Van did?
I'm delighted to agree with your #1. However, surely there has to be room for Joe's Garage. Watermelon in Easter Hay alone is worth the price of admission. And the story... Let's just say substances and repeated listens went hand in hand. Extraordinary drumming and synth work. And Ed Mann. Contributed heavily to one break up (for which I'm eternally grateful). Ah, happy days.
Zappa once said he thought not everyone would get everything he did. The example he gave was Baby Take Your Teeth Out against something like Sinister Footwear. I think he underestimated us. I have the theory / listening chops to understand Footwear but I still love Baby, Take Your Teeth Out Because it is simply fun.
Good call on Roxy and Elsewhere - got it on vinyl in Camden Market when I had been into him for a while but was really not prepared for it. YCDTOSA 2 sealed the deal as his funky era.
I make exactly that point with exactly that example on my next Zappa video coming out tomorrow...great minds!!!
If there ever was a "hit or miss" musician/songwriter, it was Frank Zappa. I love some of his stuff, but hate plenty more.
I remember in the park behind my house 3 guys were trying to win a girl over in their break from work...They were showing off their cricket skills and decided to allow the girl to have the bat as one guy was behind her like a golf instructor showing the stance she needed to hit the ball.......Right then the song' ''baby take your teeth out'' came to mind ...so i turned the system up to eleven and let them have it....The courtship ritual ended right there for some reason.
You guys should be listening to Late Lunch with Out To Lunch @@mikedemike5393