Revisiting Old Albums

Thanks for the Zappa reminder. I haven’t listened to him in a long while. Way back when, an acquaintance was a super-fan with the stated goal of owning at least one copy of all of Frank’s recordings, and this was in the late seventies. I wonder if he’s achieved his goal.  As for lyrics vs. instrumentals, I remember seeing an interview with his widow who mentioned that Frank was always more interested in the instrumentals than the lyrics, and would have preferred to record instrumentals only, but the lyrics sold better. His is certainly one of the largest catalog of an artist’s works ever. 

I'm a big Zappa fan, especially of his earlier work, and think his albums were generally well-recorded for their time and style.  The Grand Wazoo is a good recording, with largely jazzy music.  Uncle Meat is a favorite of mine, with a wide range of styles, crazy editing, and good recording quality.  I have original pressings of these on Zappa's Bizarre label.  Mothermania is a nice anthology of his first few albums which Zappa himself assembled, and contains much of the best music from those albums.  I like the Flo and Eddie period, in which he hired two singers from the Turtles and some more competent musicians such as George Duke. The 200 Motels soundtrack album is one of my favorite all-time albums,  with a phenomenal variety of musical styles, although the recording EQ leaves something to be desired.  If your system is bright, this recording may have some painful moments.

Starting with Overnite Sensation Zappa's albums took a more commercial turn and were more successful commercially.  He relied on simpler rock and R&B music and humorous lyrics that he often delivered himself.  But he also released albums of his more serious music in the contemporary classical genre, with orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra.  He complained about how poorly orchestras played his music, which was often very challenging rhythmically.

Interesting breakdown of Zappas works. Amazing how prolific some musicians can be. I saw a video on some of the most difficult songs to play. An orchestra/jazz/rock piece by Zappa was one. Being a Frank Zappa " newbie",  Id probably prefer his more commercial works.

Not to knock those who own every recording by some musicians. Ive got my big favorites, but not interested in having every Stones, McCartney, Diana Krall, etc recording.

There is SO MUCH music out there and only so much time.

Zappa's covers of Whipping Post and Stairway to Heaven are superb 

Enjoy what you can...Frank Zappa Rules....well he did,once.