Zappa VS Hendrix
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Category: Progressive Music Lounges
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URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=96447
Printed Date: February 22 2025 at 10:39
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Topic: Zappa VS Hendrix
Posted By: MonsterMagnet
Subject: Zappa VS Hendrix
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 11:23
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Merry Christmas proggers!
To celebrate this, I made an odious and appalling poll between two genius: Zappa and Hendrix. Two legendary musicians who influenced deeply the course of rock. For me the main difference between them is that Zappa plays in a register more jazz/classical avant-garde whereas Hendrix is a true innovative bluesman. However both created music of an unsurpassed quality. What's your opinion ? |
Replies:
Posted By: Floyd Steely
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 11:45
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While I respect Zappa, I vote for the one that didn't burden his music with poop jokes. ------------- And if you can't be with the prog you love, honey, love the prog you're with. |
Posted By: ole-the-first
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 11:49
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Zappa. I have never understood what's so big about Hendrix. ------------- This night wounds time. |
Posted By: schizoidman
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 13:08
I voted Hendrix simply because his influence on me has been much, much greater than Zappa's. No comparison, really. I've never been attracted to FZ's music for whatever reason. Eventually, I intend to delve into his stuff. It's amazing that Hendrix is even considered along side FZ as only 5 or so albums were released in his lifetime, while FZ released, what, a couple dozen?? ------------- Making the useless useful 24/7. |
MonsterMagnet wrote:Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 13:14
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I couldn't get into either of their material, and don't really like either's playing.
Oh my. ------------- Crushed like a rose in the riverflow. |
Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 13:32
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Love them both very much. Although they were both trying (and succeeded) to push music boundaries, they came out with very different results. Zappa was much more diverse, progressive and all over the place while Hendrix was much more humble and exploring his own little niche. So it's down to who affects me the most? My avatar says it all I think. It doesn't take more than a few notes to pinch my heart, his true soulful playing and ideas are beyond me and I have yet to come across anyone that rivals him in that department. |
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 13:59
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Lol
Zappa ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: Hercules
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 14:09
I agree with you completely. ------------- A TVR is not a car. It's a way of life. |
Posted By: Dayvenkirq
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 14:58
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Posted By: smartpatrol
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 16:03
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Hendrix had an amazing command over his instrument, and from what I've read was a great guy. But Frank, despite some of his shortcomings, was extremely intelligent, and I think one of the most talent composers of all time.
------------- http://bit.ly/1kqTR8y" rel="nofollow">  The greatest record label of all time! |
Posted By: Evolver
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 16:24
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Hendrix was amazing for his time. Unfortunately, we'll never know what he could become.
Zappa had more time to develop, and had a truly unique approach to music. ------------- Trust me. I know what I'm doing. |
Posted By: HolyMoly
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 16:35
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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. ------------- My other avatar is a Porsche It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased. -Kehlog Albran |
Posted By: Progosopher
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 17:31
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Hendrix did not only jam like a wildman, he composed magnificent guitar lines and solos, and had an unparalleled mastery over his instrument. ------------- The world of sound is certainly capable of infinite variety and, were our sense developed, of infinite extensions. -- George Santayana, "The Sense of Beauty" |
Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 17:38
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^ Or so they say.
------------- Crushed like a rose in the riverflow. |
Posted By: The-time-is-now
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 17:46
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Hendrix. -------------  One of my best achievements in life was to find this picture :D |
Posted By: Manuel
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 18:23
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This is a very close call, since both were geniuses who made a great contribution to the development of rock, and music and general. I'll go with Hendrix, just by the tip of a hair, mainly for personal reasons.
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Posted By: Adams Bolero
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 18:51
I don't mind you preferring Zappa but does this poll really deserve a lol. Do you dislike Hendrix that much? It's not Justin Bieber vs Zappa. It's two giants of 20th century rock music. ------------- ''Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.'' - Albert Camus |
Posted By: Adams Bolero
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 19:14
Excellent song writer: Creator of prog epics: Amazing soloist: Creator of beautiful heartfelt songs: Mesmerizing live: All of these contribute to why Hendrix is so acclaimed. ------------- ''Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.'' - Albert Camus |
Posted By: Triceratopsoil
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 20:17
When you put it that way, I can't help but agree |
Posted By: ghost_of_morphy
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 20:36
While I respect Zappa, I vote for the one that didn't ENHANCE his music with poop jokes. ------------- 
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Posted By: twosteves
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 21:04
| 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. |
Posted By: proggman
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 22:40
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I always like to think about what kind of music Jimi Hendrix would have made if he had survived the 70's and died in 1980 instead.
------------- When he rides, my fears subside. For darkness turns once more to light. Through the skies, his white horse flies. To find a land beyond the night. |
Posted By: darkshade
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 22:53
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<
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/MysticBoogy" rel="nofollow - My Last.fm 
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Posted By: smartpatrol
Date Posted: December 25 2013 at 23:09
------------- http://bit.ly/1kqTR8y" rel="nofollow"> The greatest record label of all time! |
Posted By: irrelevant
Date Posted: December 26 2013 at 00:20
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As good as Hendrix is, Zappa appeals to me more.
------------- https://gabebuller.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow - New album! http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7385" rel="nofollow - http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7385 |
Posted By: darkshade
Date Posted: December 26 2013 at 00:24
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The two got along just fine. http://wiki.killuglyradio.com/wiki/Jimi_Hendrix" rel="nofollow - http://wiki.killuglyradio.com/wiki/Jimi_Hendrix ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/MysticBoogy" rel="nofollow - My Last.fm
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Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: December 26 2013 at 02:27
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" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFBubfUUuio |
Posted By: someone_else
Date Posted: December 26 2013 at 05:41
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Hendrix was a left-handed blues-rock guitar virtuoso with two right hands, Zappa an inventive composer who explored many kinds of music. I vote for Zappa. ------------- 
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Posted By: Prog Sothoth
Date Posted: December 26 2013 at 06:27
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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. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: December 26 2013 at 06:36
I love the Zappa cover of Purple Haze on The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life. 
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened... 
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Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: December 26 2013 at 19:02
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). |
Posted By: Adams Bolero
Date Posted: December 26 2013 at 19:28
I hope you eventually got to listen to Jimi's original studio albums rather than just a greatest hits. Axis Bold As Love & Electric Ladyland are Jimi's definitive statements in the studio in my opinion though the unfinished First Rays Of The New Rising Sun has some jewels in it not to mention the astonishing debut that is Are You Experienced. Jimi live and in the studio are indeed two very different beasts but I take them as two different but equally beautiful sides. ------------- ''Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.'' - Albert Camus |
Posted By: KingCrInuYasha
Date Posted: December 26 2013 at 21:44
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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). Not that Hendrix didn't accomplish anything, his stuff is just as good as Zappa's, however, he passed away before we could see how far he would have gone. Would he stand tall with his successors or would he have been left in the dust? Would he have kept making music or stopped, going into retirement or settling for being a producer? ------------- He looks at this world and wants it all... so he strikes, like Thunderball! |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: December 26 2013 at 21:56
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Posted By: digdug
Date Posted: December 27 2013 at 07:12
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I've been a Hendrix far forever.... Zappa is also great at times... but I have to go with Jimi
------------- Prog On! |
Posted By: Xonty
Date Posted: December 27 2013 at 16:05
Hendrix for me, I never really got into Frank Zappa. Not very accessible. Great poll options though! 
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Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: December 27 2013 at 18:26
No, not really. However, after listening to both studio and live versions of his songs, I would rather spend some money in one or two more live albums than in the studio ones. His live songs are so much better. |
Posted By: verslibre
Date Posted: December 27 2013 at 18:37
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Hendrix vs. Zappa reminds me of the Eddie Van Halen vs. (usually) Joe Satriani or Steve Vai argument, i.e. the more influential player vs. the more virtuosic, technically proficient muso. ------------- https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ipg=50&_sop=1&_rdc=1&_ssn=musicosm" rel="nofollow - eBay |
Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: December 27 2013 at 18:49
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I enjoy both from time to time but don't really see why so many people put them at the tops of their favorite artists lists. |
Posted By: Luna
Date Posted: December 27 2013 at 19:02
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Henxdix for his music, influence on music (see: the entire 1970s), and seemingly wonderful personality. The more I learn about Zappa, the less I like him as a person.
------------- https://aprilmaymarch.bandcamp.com/track/the-badger" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Barbu
Date Posted: December 27 2013 at 20:20
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Just a sec...I'm using the chicken to measure it. ------------- |
Posted By: Adams Bolero
Date Posted: December 27 2013 at 21:19
I don't mean to press the issue but there are many great Hendrix songs that were never performed live so you are missing out on a lot of great songs such as 1983 (A Merman I Shall Turn to Be), Angel, Bold As Love & Third Stone From The Sun to name but a few. Hopefully somewhere down the line you might give his studio work a chance. You can't really know if his live songs are better if you haven't given a listen to his studio albums. Greatest hits are not a good way to judge an artists work especially for someone like Jimi whose albums are carefully crafted and put together to be listened to as a whole. ------------- ''Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.'' - Albert Camus |
Posted By: Rockinrobin
Date Posted: December 28 2013 at 05:21
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Would have to be Zappa While Hendrix was ground breaking in his use of feedback and lots of cool blues licks, Frank was a true composer and had a unique style, just listen to Trance Fusion released in 2005 and you will see for yourself. ------------- If you want to get laid, go to college. If you want an education, go to the library. Frank Zappa |
Posted By: hellogoodbye
Date Posted: December 28 2013 at 05:28
| Composer : Zappa. Guitarist : Hendrix. |
Posted By: dr wu23
Date Posted: December 28 2013 at 12:27
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I voted Zappa.....mostly because there's more to listen to and Hot Rats is one of my favorite lp's of all time ....but all the Hendrix albums are a must own imho. ------------- One does nothing yet nothing is left undone. Haquin |
Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: December 28 2013 at 23:08
Yeah, I know. I usually like getting the studio albums instead of hits collections, because most of the times some great songs are left out of the collection albums. However, I can't gett all the studio albums from every artist I get some interest in, so I have gotten the discographies of the artists I have found more interesting at a certain time (or at least the most important albums from them), but from some others I have to go with greatest hits and live albums. On this point, I usually prefer to get live albums to begin knowing an artist, because those are some kind of greatest hits that might help me know where to start with an artist, and I won't feel like I'm buying the exact same songs later on when I get the studio albums that interested me the most later on. Plus, it's not unusual that I end up liking live versions of songs better than the studio ones, mainly because the sound usually seems more authentic and energetic, and often they have extended instrumental sections (but Hendrix took this to another level with his songs). |
Posted By: HackettFan
Date Posted: December 29 2013 at 12:51
| I voted for the guitarist that was the first "Prog" musician, put out the first ever concept album, was insanely rhythmically complicated, helped usher in Jazz-Rock fusion, and was the first to use a wah wah pedal on record. I can't even list all the reasons for Zappa's greatness. With all due respect to Hendrix, who does get a lot of respect from me, this comparison isn't even close. |
Posted By: twosteves
Date Posted: December 29 2013 at 14:56
well said HackettFan
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Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: December 29 2013 at 22:31
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I'm actually very surprised from the results, I thought Zappa would take this very easily. I mean maybe the most progy and appreciated musician around here Vs. a non prog guitarist in a prog site? I'm glad since I love them both deeply. |
Posted By: dr prog
Date Posted: December 29 2013 at 22:55
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Zappa. If Hendrix didn't die then he may have won but 3 years of music(alot of it being dated and a bit simplistic eg. Are you experienced album) is not going to match what Zappa produced in the 1972-83 period. So please tell me why this poll is dominated by Zappa. Oh wait this is PA  ------------- All I like is prog related bands beginning late 60's/early 70's. Their music from 1968 - 83 has the composition and sound which will never be beaten. Perfect blend of jazz, classical, folk and rock. |
Posted By: jude111
Date Posted: December 30 2013 at 17:55
Count me in with you guys :-)
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Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: December 30 2013 at 18:16
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There is so much amazingness, goodness, beautyness and brilliance to what Hendrix did and continues to do (thru others).......He will never be forgotten and will stand as a musical genius. When we colonize Mars, his Woodstock rendition of Star Spangled Banner will be played, then Purple Haze. -------------   
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Posted By: uduwudu
Date Posted: December 31 2013 at 04:59
This. Although Bieber is good for trainee music consumers from what little I've observed in our retail shop. Not that the spitting little sh*tehawk deserves his fans. ANyway FZ had a poster off Jimi in his studio. The thing about Jimi is his otherwordly imagination into how he composes his comples solos. PLus 3rd Stone From The Sun is such a unique and magnificent piece. Zappa I tend to regard as he originally intended to be a composer of often extraordinary music. The smut jokes are his irreverence at contemporary society whereas Jimi kind of rose aboove all that. Having said that he still started work at 9 am on a Monday in August '69 same as many others. Such as his Woodstock audience. Zappa was a friend of Dylan but still satirized him, Jimi owns Watchtower. What does that mean in the context of all this.... Probably nothing. Hendrix made rock what it has been over the past near half century - without whom what would have been. FZ was productive and lived longer but Frank... those cigarettes are not food. So the ironic twist. Why does it hurt when he pees - written by a guy who died of prostate cancer. That's irony Alanis. And the other choked on his own vomit despite being in medical care. Played Shut Up and Play vinyl continuously when it emerged. Just played Electric Ladyland - which sounds like it's in surround rather than stereo - fabulous remastering. I don't have surround. Vote? Nah. Why spoil it. Zappa always said vote but... he can't have meant this... If you don't like poop jokes go for 69 to 74 era Zappa, Hot Rats to Roxy. With Jimi - his releases while alive and then due diligence should lead you to the quality releases but not that hideous Steve Paul's Scene Club jam. Rock on... |
Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: December 31 2013 at 12:07
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Hendrix without a second thought. Three brilliant studio albums that revolutionized rock guitar. There's a lot of drek one has to wade through to find the good nuggets in Zappa's work. ------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: MythosDreamLab
Date Posted: January 01 2014 at 01:00
HENDRIX, I have never understood what's so big about Zappa |