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previous: Carl S. (aka PurpleP) General Essential Listening -- 2/3/2000 5:34 PM

Waving the flag for Zappa

2/7/2000 4:38 PM
Jim S.	Waving the flag for Zappa Frank Zappa did some amazing rock guitar work during the 70's. He could play stuff that was beautiful and sensitive or furiously mean and nasty. He was creative, melodic, always took chances and had a unique, distinctive voice on the instrument. Here are some albums that show FZ's guitar playing at the height of his powers: Overnite Sensation ("Montana", "Dirty Love", "Zomby Woof") Roxy and Elsewhere ("Penguin in Bondage", "Cheepnis") One Size Fits All ("Inca Roads") Zoot Allures (title tune) Live in New York ("Illinois Enema Bandit", "Sofa") Sheik Yerbouti ("Rat Tomago", "Yo Mama") Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar (just about everything on this multi-CD set is great) You Are What You Is (early-80s) ("Dumb All Over", "If Only She Woulda" - lot's 'o fat Les Paul tones) During the 80's and early-90's, FZ's guitar playing was less consistent. I think he might have lost interest in the instrument. But the 70's stuff is a real standout and a treat for those who are willing to look into this somewhat challenging music (and who are not offended by the humorous, often sexually frank lyrics).

2/7/2000 4:38 PM

Jim S.

Waving the flag for Zappa

Frank Zappa did some amazing rock guitar work during the 70's. He could play stuff that was beautiful and sensitive or furiously mean and nasty. He was creative, melodic, always took chances and had a unique, distinctive voice on the instrument. Here are some albums that show FZ's guitar playing at the height of his powers:

Overnite Sensation ("Montana", "Dirty Love", "Zomby Woof")
Roxy and Elsewhere ("Penguin in Bondage", "Cheepnis")
One Size Fits All ("Inca Roads")
Zoot Allures (title tune)
Live in New York ("Illinois Enema Bandit", "Sofa")
Sheik Yerbouti ("Rat Tomago", "Yo Mama")
Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar (just about everything on this multi-CD set is great)
You Are What You Is (early-80s) ("Dumb All Over", "If Only She Woulda" - lot's 'o fat Les Paul tones)

During the 80's and early-90's, FZ's guitar playing was less consistent. I think he might have lost interest in the instrument. But the 70's stuff is a real standout and a treat for those who are willing to look into this somewhat challenging music (and who are not offended by the humorous, often sexually frank lyrics).

Replies:

Steve A. Just one addition: Hot Rats!... -- 2/7/2000 11:28 PM
Jimmy Page Unfortunately Zappa didn't do all t... -- 2/13/2000 4:51 AM
Mark Hammer The solos on "Trouble Every Day" (F... -- 2/13/2000 5:13 AM
Giacomo There is a triple album called "Shu... -- 2/13/2000 9:58 AM
Lew Collins My band opened for Zappa in 1966 -- 2/13/2000 2:06 PM