HOT RATS

I don't like to give five points for each "good" or "great" album.But this one deserves it all. 1969 is defitely the year of jazz-rock,fusion,jam and all those things: just think to MIles Davis' "Bitches Brew". Zappa and the whole music made a giant step in this direction with this album. -"Little umbrellas" and "It must be a Camel" are nice jazzy song. -"Son of Mr. Green Genes" is a wonderful track with an unforgettable melody at the very beginning But what makes this album a true masterpiece are the other three songs -"Willie the pimp" is the most famous song here.Terrific VIOLIN riff and terrific solos by Frank.Angry voice and funny lyrics sung by Captain Beefheart.Many dislike his presence here becouse of his bad bad bad tone.But, I mean, the song is about a pimp...It must be BEEFHEART!!Imagine Jon Anderson handling the vocals there... -The gumbo varations" is one of the most amazing jam I've evere listened.And I've listened quite a few...if your heart stopped this rhythm section could make it keep on beatin'.There are three great parts.The long, though never boring, improvisation by Ian Underwwod at the sax.I can say that a certain point he's maybe raping his instrument.The listener just can't figure out what's happening because right away Sugar Cane Harris puts on your face a great violin solo.Same thing for Frank and his guitar.Each and every solo here has dozens of great ideas, phrases,magic passages in it.You need that. -"Peaches en Regalia".One of the most catchy songs ever.Without words.With strange instruments leading you in a new fantastic world.This is the peak.Frank showed he could write a great ultra-catchy song making it completely different from what is supposed to be a catchy song (the beatles' style for exemple). THIS IS A MASTERPIECE