Zappa VS Hendrix

I've been a Hendrix far forever....  Zappa is also great at times... but I have to go with Jimi

I have to side with twosteves on this. Both men were insanely talented in their craft, however I think Zappa was able to accomplish more in his life. I have about 20 of his albums (mostly between Freak Out! and Joe's Garage) and just listening to the bit and pieces in my head is just staggering. Also, one of my Top 3 American lyricists (the others being Bob Dylan and Steely Dan's Donald Fagen).

Sagichim wrote: HolyMoly wrote: Zappa for me. He's an all time favorite forme, even though I listen to him only occasionally nowadays. Hendrix had a fair number of pure magical moments (the Are You Experienced album, about half of Electric Ladyland, and a few other tracks here and there), but lots of songs that do nothing for me. Great guitarist, not so great songsmith. Whereas Zappa could always hold my attention with his guitar or his writing. I think those magical moments you refered to on these albums shows a very censored Hendrix, it only exposed his songwriting and not what he could achieved with the guitar. I mean getting to know his songs is great but if someone wants to hear how he plays must listen to live albums, it's an entirely different Hendrix and has nothing to do with how he plays on the studio albums. Here's a 3 minute song interpreted live...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFBubfUUuio

I must agree with you. I'm still not sure I would hold Hendrix in such high esteem as many other fans, but for a long time I wondered what was so great about him after listening to his usual hits, and then getting a greatest hits album... it had some fine songs, but not much more. Now I got a few live albums, and it's a very different beast. I would say Live Hendrix is the real Hendrix (just as it was with early Pink Floyd).

I was first introduced to Hendrix through my older cousins and FM radio.
I was first introduced to Zappa through the Dr. Demento show.

Both would make a top 5 in my personal 'greatest guitarists ever' list, but Hendrix' music was a much bigger part of my life, so he gets my vote.

HolyMoly wrote: Zappa for me. He's an all time favorite forme, even though I listen to him only occasionally nowadays. Hendrix had a fair number of pure magical moments (the Are You Experienced album, about half of Electric Ladyland, and a few other tracks here and there), but lots of songs that do nothing for me. Great guitarist, not so great songsmith. Whereas Zappa could always hold my attention with his guitar or his writing.

I think those magical moments you refered to on these albums shows a very censored Hendrix, it only exposed his songwriting and not what he could achieved with the guitar. I mean getting to know his songs is great but if someone wants to hear how he plays must listen to live albums, it's an entirely different Hendrix and has nothing to do with how he plays on the studio albums.
Here's a 3 minute song interpreted live...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFBubfUUuio

As good as Hendrix is, Zappa appeals to me more. 

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think Hendrix checked out too soon to know how talented he would become--think Zappa is really gifted---love the jazzy stuff---so overall Zappa.

Floyd Steely wrote: While I respect Zappa, I vote for the one that didn't burden his music with poop jokes.

When you put it that way, I can't help but agree

Man With Hat wrote: Lol Zappa