Ten Frank Zappa must haves

I am not a big Zappa fan, I can't get on with the vocal stuff, but his instrumental playing was amazing.

Slight surprised not to see 'Zoot Alures' not mentioned so far, mostly instrumental jazz rock, and a really outstanding album.

Also 'Sleep Dirt', previously mentioned has some lovely music.

I also have a soft spot for 'The Best Band You Never Heard in Your Life (Live)'.

Doctor Jazz!

Thanks very much for the link which sure enough has turned up trumps! I am buying my birthday present early this year. Cheers.

Steve2

quote:

Originally posted by munch:
He was a MUSIC GOD.

He's one of those artists I just don't get.
I've bought stuff by Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Bill Nelson based on really enthusiastic reviews on this forum and other similar ones.
My loss no doubt.
Regards,
Steve.

Perhaps and album Frank produced might be a good place to start - what about Trout Mask Replica by the Captain.

Why limit yourself to just ten.

quote:

Originally posted by ROTF:
Perhaps and album Frank produced might be a good place to start - what about Trout Mask Replica by the Captain.

I know that I must be missing something as so many of my friends have tried to get me into 'Trout Mask Replica'. I don't know why but I just can't access this music. What am I doing wrong?

You have to play if a good few times and it'll suddenly click in to place. As the Captain once said I may be hungry, but I sure ain't weird. It takes some getting used to as it is not easy listening by any means - please click here for some sessions the Captain did with Frank for radio.

quote:

Originally posted by Doctor

I know that I must be missing something as so many of my friends have tried to get me into 'Trout Mask Replica'. I don't know why but I just can't access this music. What am I doing wrong?

There's no accounting for taste. If you dont like it you dont like it. Its really easy to understand. No amount of listenings, short of brainwashing, will convince you otherwise.

I dont really dig Elvis Costello. Although I know many I respect and love really like him.

Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch - if only for the glorious Valley Girl

Does Humor Belong In Music - three / four track sequense with eg. Jewish Princess; hilarious."Don't tell me; you're Italian. Oh - your Jewish? Love Your Nails.."

I find the earlier stuff more enduring. If I had to keep just one album it would be "Uncle Meat", followed by "Weasel's Ripped My Flesh", "Burnt Weeny Sandwich", "Hot Rats" and possibly "Wakka Jawaka". The Mothers really had a sound, especially when they used two drummers, lots of interesting cross rhythms. And I think Don 'Sugarcane' Harris is brilliant on "Sandwich" and "Hot Rats".

But I find myself returning to Beefheart more than Zappa.

Mr. PCStockton; maybe "Troutmask" wasn't the best place to start. One of my favourite Beefheart albums is the more blues based "Spotlight Kid" from around 1970. Great playing and thoughtful lyrics delivered as only the Captain could.

Interesting article by John "Drumbo" French regarding Beefheart in this month's Mojo.

Who is going to start a Beefheart thread??

whoops! apologies PCStockton, I meant Dr Jazz of course!!

Munch,

Just bought it online for nothing..... cant wait.\-p

quote:

Originally posted by graham halliwell:
whoops! apologies PCStockton, I meant Dr Jazz of course!!

I like some of the other Beefheart albums. It's just that everyone informs me that 'Trout Mask Replica' is his masterpiece. I just can't access it though

quote:

Originally posted by munch:
If you like Zappa? You will love this album.

Give it a go.
Stu

Awesome, Stu!!

I like this even better:



"Deja Vu"
"Carbonara"

I have 85555 by Spliff - must dig it out and give it a spin of ye olde LP12.

I think I bought it when in a record shop in Cologne during the early 80s along with the obligatory Floh de Cologne elpee - if only I could understand the words to Fließbandbabys Beat-Show, which I've had since it came out in 60s.

You can't see Frank on stage anymore, but Dweezil has a very good go at it - saw him doing Zappa plays Zappa at Shepherd's Bush Empire last year, it really was an outstanding show. Keep an eye out for his return.