Just listened to some Frank Zappa

I just visited the Frank Zappa mymusic space: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=11993640 I listened to the third song on the list, and was completely blown away.

It is amazing how many great musicians went through Frank's band and went onto stardom on their own.

Baby Snakes kicks my arse.

I saw Franks backing band at the good old Harvestfest two years ago.  They were pretty awesome.  Can't recall what they called themselves though.

MikeEnRegalia wrote: Didn't know the track (or I forgot about it). But out of those tracks the most hilarious has got to be Cosmik Debris.

MikeEnRegalia wrote: ^ of course Zappa fans know the phrase "Imaginary Diseases" from Stinkfoot: "Out through the night An' the whispering breezes To the place where they keep The Imaginary Diseases"

Any time is the right time to put a little Frank in your tank. If we only had his composing alone - that would still be incredible. If we only had his humor and nothing else, he would be an immortal. If we only had his blistering guitar work - he would still be an icon. Instead of any one of those things, he excelled at all three. His band were among the tightest in the land, James Brown tight, sometimes. the only knock is that more of his proteges didn't have his same success and fame (compare the way Miles' sidemen almost all became successful band leaders). That's a pretty small piece of criticism for a career that was so prolific and extraordinary.

^
^ I can kind of see your point.  But it seems Zappa's one of those artists, that was compelled to churn out stuff.  And it's really up to you what you want to listen to and collect.  The info and reviews are here to help you pick and choose.  I'd be surprised if even the most dedicated fan has collected and totally enjoys everything.  And new stuff is still being released.  I haven't heard of anything in that category that is particularly compelling.  I'd recommend sticking to the stuff that got a good airing when he was still alive for the most part.


Edited by Slartibartfast - March 13 2008 at 07:02

Yes Frank was prolific, and quality control was not always Job One at the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen.  But even at his worst, he was still better than 95% of the other drivel being released during any of the eras -- 60's, 70's, 80's -- when he was active.

tuxon wrote: tell me I'm not the only one.   I have a lot of frank's albums, but now It seems to be I have to buy some more, great and fabulous

Zappa is one of my biggest musical inspirations. He uses so many notes in his guitar playing and had the rare ability not to come off as aimless or showy in his solo's. (ok, maybe in his later self indulgent guitar albums, but i don't listen to those) I also admire that he didn't regurgitate some mundane and sappy lyrics about sexual relationships to sell records but made them fun. (and in a satirical way, sometimes made some pretty good points)