Reviews (page 10 of 14)
Rock-forward, jazzy, bluesy, frenetic, energetic. Zappa lyrics can get a little silly at times, so this is a nice (mostly) instrumental album. A lot of folks consider Zappa to be a genius, and he may be; he's definitely an innovator and unique musician. Or maybe "composer" is a better term. This was good, but of its time. 3.4
I expected I was going to hate this when I hit play, and I absolutely loved it. Outside of one terrible vocal part, the entire album is fantastic
Interesting album
Interesting psychedelic instrumentals mostly. This is earlier stuff than I knew of his. I appreciated the use of clarinets.
Multi genre, soul, jazz, psychedelia. Crazy good bass, ridiculous jams. Willie the pimp is a standout. Challenging but very interesting compositions for a first time Zappa listener. Each track twists and turns and brings you along for the spin. Gorgeous sounding record, everything is mixed so clean. Big weird vibes.
Fun! Violin was kewl.
3.5☆/5 07.08.2024
Interesting, but all over the place
Loved this so much. I love how much Zappa embraces goofiness in this and ends up fully committing to a sound unlike any other. Such an influential album. Best Track: Peaches En Regalia Worst Track: It Must Be A Camel (only just)
No duds
Very groovy, a lot of piano. Sometimes it seemed all the same, which was a bit tiring.
Really liked when this album ended
Nuts for 1969, very experimental, can't see myself returning to it though
Frank Zappa seems to be sort of controversial, with a lot of people lauding him as a genius and others simply calling his music noise. It's not mainstream by any means. I feel like most musicians would love this album, the average everyday music fan probably not as much. From interviews and things I've seen about Zappa, he seems like he would have been a really interesting guy to sit down and talk to. For this album specifically - amazing guitar playing. And the tones he gets are unbelievable. Just fantastic throughout and really made me want to listen to this as loud as my ears would allow. Also Max Bennett on bass has to be mentioned - although the basslines are not super complex they are really interesting and played to perfection. Great bass tone too. Particularly on Willie the Pimp. That song has a groove that can't be beat. Production on this album is great as well, nothing overshadows anything else, sound quality is good, levels are balanced. Zappa said this album was "a movie for your ears" and that's certainly an apt description. It sort of devolves into a little more avant garde in the second half that I think most people wouldn't really care for but I like it. The horns on the second half of the album are great, but again not to everyone's taste. This is a hard one for me to rate because while I love it, I'm not sure I would give it 5/5. This is another case where we need ratings out of 10. This would be a solid 9/10 for me but I don't think I could rate it a 5/5. Maybe more like 85/100.
Very nice album with howling solo’s. 4/5
What is this trash?
Frank Zappa. This is what you get when you make jazz music out of rock. Extremely noodly, but also extremely well made. He can make the guitar sing when he wants just as well as Eric Clapton. This thing goes nowhere the whole time, similar to the early dead. This album is rock and roll fantasia. Total stoner background music. I love it. I debated whether or not it had a ton of value outside of a smoke session or campfire. This is the prelude to psychedelic rock, its all a complicated thing but anyways this is the sixties hippy music in a nutshell. Zappa is so talented and ny friend Parker says he could like it Zappa would just take it seriously. I think thats the magic, it isnt serious, its shredding an instrument for the fun of it. This isnt procedural, its not epic, its not pop, its a fun jam, and that's pretty cool.
A vibe for sure. Great guitar work. Love the instrumentals.
Look, I am willing to admit that this is some fun spastic instrumental album, if you are willing to admit that it is also exhausting and obnoxious.
Zappa. Just Zappa
#270. He's clearly a good musician, but the question is: do we care? And I suppose I can only speak for my self, but no, not really. There doesn't seem to be anything there to draw you in despite the clear level of talent. 3/5: it's fine, I guess. Song added to playlist: Peaches En Regalia I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Not for me
Ratshit, batshit, dirty old twat! 69 assholes tied in a knot! Hooray! Lizard shit! FUCK!
Listen I love instruments more than the next guy so obviously this album provides that in volume. It just has to be the best I’ve ever heard for me to sit and listen to an entire project of it. This was good but not great.
a marvelous merry-go-round of sound. zappa is unmatched when it comes to odd experimentation in his albums, and this album in particular is a shining example of his genius. combining progressive lines with experimental motifs and charming, almost ringing strangeness, this mostly instrumental album is like no other. it's just so silly. i love it. is zappa okay? who knows!!
Very strong 1.
Hoop moeilijk doen, maar af en toe wel echt lekker
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would! 3.5 stars.
Первые две песни интересные, остальные будто простой джаз, не распробовал.
3.5 Love the horns
Three songs in and it is pretty wacky, but not in a bad way. Wacky sax. I liked it overall. Was fun and interesting, but I do not think I would search it out to listen to again.
Zappas done better
He’s always hit or miss with me
I always thought people didn't like Zappa because his music was inaccessible. It's just boring! They just noodle along them start another noodle. It's not good enough to be jazz, just very, very dull.
I prefer this Frank to the one with the Mothers of Invention (and I really like that Frank)
Some of it was interesting, some of it was really annoying, a little was great.
Really, really weird and funky album.
Never took much notice of anything Zappa did whilst he was active. What I had heard did not appeal. A few years ago I was at a Christening party and had a conversation with a stranger about music. I was telling him of my love of Progressive Rock and he said I would like Zappa then? He was surprised that I didn’t as he classed it as prog. Since then I have heard/read many features (including UK Prog Rock Magazine) who all cite Zappa as a Prog trailblazer. So I have since been listening to Zappa in hope I could do a massive catch up. But thing is I still don’t get him. This album is good and I want really to like it but I cannot go beyond just above average. Some good extended guitar work which deserves more than a second listen. Also like the jazz influence. Not bad but I still fail to see the Prog Rock within it. 3/5 24/6/24
A strange album. Jazzy rock? It’s hard to define but at least it was interesting to listen to the whole time. You never knew what was going to happen next. Long guitar solo? Saxophone? Some instruments I’ve never heard of? Check.
Peaches in Regalia sounds like the soundtrack for an indie sidescroller game. Not a fan of Van Vliet's vocals on Willie the Pimp but its only a small portion of one track. Most of the rest of this is jazz, more or less. I found bits of it enjoyable, but mostly self indulgent.
Day 22 - June 23, 2024 I am now 20, and holy cow, what a wild album to celebrate to. It's quirky and odd in the most charming way possible. If I have to tell someone what my brain sounds like, it's Hot Rats. 5/5
I enjoyed this mostly instrumental album. 4/5
Musically really interesting, but not something you’d be listening to on repeat. 3.5
Not a fan
Frank does the “mess around”! Love Zappa - this is not my favorite- basically instrumental but it definitely has its moments
Teilweise etwas zu lange Stücke und mir etwas zu jazzig.
Frank Zappa es una figura singular en la música. Virtuoso y multiinstrumentista, outsider por decisión propia, sus discos permanecen ajenos al éxito comercial pero no de crítica y aclamación por unos pequeños pero fieles seguidores incluso hoy en día (suyo fue uno de los primeros conciertos virtuales con Hologramas). Hot rats presenta otra portada icónica (no es Zappa ni tampoco es una tumba) y una serie de temas, todos instrumentales salvo Willie the pimp (cantado por Captain Beefheart, pero con un espléndido solo de Zappa de 7 minutazos). El tema más conocido del disco y de su discografía es el inicial Peaches en regalia, aunque en mi opinión la clave es The Gumbo Variations (una maravillosa fusión con saxofón, violines, guitarra, batería...) como el resto del álbum es un ejemplo de composiciones complejas con toques de rock, jazz, progresivo y algo de blues. It Must Be a Camel cierra el disco con otra gran canción en la que en apnas 5 minutos cabe de todo. No apto para todos los gustos (es un disco perfecto para melómanos y también para expertos de conservatorio, jazz, chanantes, cuñaos y postureo) , pero al menos se debe intentar una vez en la vida salir de la zona de confort y este disco te lleva donde tú le dejes. Editado en 1969 año de otros discazos como Abbey Road, Tommy, Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire), Nashville Skyline, Let it Bleed, The Stooges, otros tres de la CCR, dos de MC5, otros dos de Led Zeppelin, In the Court of the Crimson King, Hot Rats, Trout Mask Replica, Ummagumma, Stand, Hot Buttered Soul, The Gilded Palace of Sin, el 3º de la VU, Dusty in Memphis, Elvis in Memphis, Odessa, debuts como los de Nick Drake, Van der Graag Generator o Can...
listened while playing sudoku (intensely) and not much stuck with me. it was all fun but just not riveting for me.
Groovier than I'll ever be that's for sure.
Liked this a bit more than I thought I would...
Way more jazz oriented than I anticipated. I really like this one a lot and way more than I thought it would.
This sounded like overstructured, overdone arrangements,over and over again! Not….my…cup…of…tea! Better than Bjork though.
3.5 I've never listened to Frank Zappa and didn't recognize any of the top 5 songs on his Spotify page by name, but I saw a shoutout to Captain Beefheart in the description, which made me nervous. Really loved Peaches En Regalia. The rest was a little weird but no where near as bad as I was expecting. Even enjoyed a lil Beefheart.
hot rats
It's like the forefather of dubstep.
Hauskaa progressiivista rockia. Osittain aika jazzia myös esim It Must Be a Camel ja Little Umbrellas. Paras: Son Of Mr. Green Genes
Nice and creative but not for me
That was a fun album
As odd as the Zapman is, he sure knows how to rock out with some funky jazz rock fusion. This album being mainly instrumentals was a pretty good showing of how good musicians can make jamming sound so good. This wasn’t anything exceptional as a whole but it’s a fun listen to enjoy the sounds of some funky guitar piano and drum work. 6.6/10
Thought this was a really solid album. Wouldn't say I loved it but was enjoyable. Zappa's pretty talented. 7/10.
funky to the max
Favorite Zappa album so far
This was surprising, at least good background music. The instruments were well played.
I enjoyed listening to it except his saxophone skills it was so whiny and off key
I was gonna give this a 4 until “Gumbo Variations”. That song single-handedly brought this down a star. The saxophone sounded awful he sounded like a dying sheep bleating out its last breaths. Also the fiddle (or violin I dunno even what it was) sounded equally as bad and the song just kept going and going and going. Otherwise I found the first half of the album quite enjoyable. It was fun, funky and sounded good. For that it gets a 3.
had no idea what to expect with this album but was very pleasantly surprised. the layering of instruments and melodies kept it very interesting. vocally-could have done without vocals on Willie the Pimp. 3.5 stars due to that
Dude, It's Hot Rats...
One of the best by Zappa. Great recording
A true genius
5-
muy interesante, me latió
Crazy mfer Zappa, wild album
Already listened. Grade B
"Hot Rats" is the second solo album by American musician, composer and bandleader Frank Zappa. The album was the first after the dissolution of the Mothers of Invention with five of the six songs being instrumentals. An apt description is instrumental jazz-influence compositions with extensive soloing. It was one of the first albums to use a 16-track recorder. Frank played guitar, octave bass and drums and his main collaborator, Ian Underwood, played piano, organ, flute, clarinets and saxophones. There were a lot of other musicians who also contributed. Commercially, it hit #9 in the UK and #173 in the US. One of Frank's most well-known songs "Peaches en Ragalia" opens the album. A drum and piano roll starts the song which goes to horns and keyboard for the melody. The song moves around....well, all these songs do. There's a great horn mid-section. Ron Selico killing it on the drums. Captain Beefheart sings the only album vocals on "Willie the Pimp." A down and dirty sound opens things up....more bluesy. Frank has an absolutely epic seven-minute guitar solo. Another highlight is Don "Sugarcane" Harris on the electric violin in the intro and outro. "The Gumbo Variations" has a nasty, bluesy guitar intro with the sax in the background. This nearly 13-minute long song is one of horn and guitar solos. I think Underwood used every horn he had. Some of the solos are layered. Some more stud drumming...this time by Paul Humphrey. The album closes with "It Must Be a Camel." The structure is pretty much the same with individual and layered solos of guitar, piano and horns. Jean Luc-Ponty on the violin. This song more in jazz area. This is a complex album with instruments coming in and out. They're layered at times. It is evident that Frank took full advantage of the 16-track recorder. Of course, the musianship is just top notch with some impressive solos especially Frank's guitar ones. This is one of my favorite Frank albums. Besides, some of the song titles, there's nothing gimmicky or sarcastic going on which can annoy me in some of his albums. An album worth listening to if only for the musicianship and/or the wonderful "Peaches en Ragalia."
This album is wicked fun.
yesssss i love this hahaha I slap you on the chest as I drop dead on the couch like a boulder breaking through a trampoline
Knocking a star off because halfway through Gumbo Variations I was feeling very jam band-ish. That being said, I like the music! Have never listened to Frank Zappa. I understand why he is a favorite and probably inspiration to Trey Anastasio. I liked Son of Mr. Green Genes best, Little Unbrellas least.
hot rats
There are some real good grooves hiding under the screaming guitar. But Zappa just can’t let the guitar breathe even for a couple of seconds.
"Like James Brown for neurotic Jews" sums Zappa up pretty well. Love the horns, a little too crazy and wild for my tastes to really love it. Good background music.
What a strange ass album. Grateful that Borno sent me down the path to listen to his congressional hearing on parental advisory music. Additionally, Linc Dawg showed me one of this better songs: Watermelon in Easter Hay
Zappa had some licks
Pretty jammy
Hot Rats was my first introduction to Frank Zappa, and it was a good one! This is such a fun album. It's like upbeat, psychedelic jazz. The vocals on Willie the Pimp were a little offputting, but the instrumentals more than made up for that. Best Songs: Peaches En Regalia, Son Of Mr. Green Genes, The Gumbo Variations Worst Songs: NA
Gets a bit too much
Too jazzy?
164 albums into this project and this is the second Zappa album I’ve listened to. One I think is enough. I have heard exactly zero Rolling Stones albums so far.
Music ok
Not my thing.
Alright
I’m not always the biggest Zappa fan, because I can usually do without the stand-up comedy, but this one is nothing but the hottest, tastiest jams, with deeply interesting horn arrangements. I can respect why more of his work isn’t like this…but I wish it were.
Giving Mario Bros. background music in a very good way
Someone give these rats a popsicle!
I am ashamed to admit that I have never been able to get into Frank Zappa. I also have never listened to a Frank Zappa album front to back. I was surprised by Hot Rats. I do like jazz and that's what Hot Rats is more than anything. But it's weird jazz because I know how weird Frank Zappa was. But it isn't bad jazz. I'm not sure if it's a right of passage or something that all dads must like Frank Zappa as soon as they become dads. Or maybe Frank Zappa tapped into the insanity that is being a father. I don't know what hot rats are but I liked them.
Still amazing riffs??? I'm not great at paying attention hahaha.
All that I knew about Frank Zappa before listening to this album is that he had crazy hair, a crazy mustache and crazy names for his kids. Appropriately enough, this album is a crazy mix of jazz, funk, rock and psychedelia that bounces around all over the place. The album is mostly instrumental with crazy lyrics from crazy Captain Beefheart on just one song. Technically very accomplished, but it’s all a bit much.
I love the energy, and I love this kind of all-over-the-place sound, going in all directions at once, with instruments and sounds colliding to create music out of this seemingly random chaos.
irgendwie grossartig chaotisch und hörenswert, wenn auch (fast) ohne gesang.
Dieses Album braucht wohl etwas Zeit um sich reinzuhören. Habe es dann aber sein gelassen.
One of my all time faves
Every now and then he managed to put out something that I found listenable and a good listen. "Willie The Pimp" is one of those. But for every one of those songs, there are at least 10 garbage tracks like "Peaches En Regalia". I'm very content to be one of those people who just doesn't get Frank.
Also fine. Makes me a little anxious as background work music.
It's a bit long a lot of the songs. They're interesting at the start but go nowhere.
Idk not a big fan of this. Largely forgettable.
No sabía que zappa hacía jazzy prog???
Day149 - weird is good and this is weird
Some of Zappa’s most palatable work for the masses. Peaches En Regalia is surely the theme song that plays in a lot of peoples’ heads as one of the main scores of their life; I know it does for me.
Hot Rats in your local area.
Überwiegend instrumental. 6 lange Songs. Für die richtige Stimmung ok, für den Alltag nicht geeignet. 2/5
Some fun, funky jazz. Fun progressions throughout, and the instrumentals seem to be in dialogue with each other, whether harmonious or bickering; "a movie for your ears" indeed. (Peaches En Regalia practically sounds like a precursor to many videogame tracks.) Have listened to this a couple of times now and it's grown on me quite a bit. Every song seems to have its intrigue (whereas initially the first two tracks seemed to stand out), though The Gumbo Variations sort of peters out towards the end (it'd probably be better as 9 minutes, rather than 12), and It Must Be A Camel is weak as a stand-alone (but functions fine as a more laidback Coda).
A lot of guitar rock out over jazzy proggy tunes. Practically cop show jazz. Did I mention there's a lot of guitar rockin' out. It's Jazzy and pretty much an instrumental album. Jazzy and chaotic sometimes.
Day 12 of listening to 1001 albums, on day at a time. Frank Zappa proves himself to be an absolute artistic legend with this. It’s pretty rare to see just instrumental albums nowadays and so it’s nice to sit down with one. This is not only a great guitar album but just an amazing instrumental album itself.
I keep getting reminded of this album. Had it in the 70s. It's brilliant. I must buy it.
An hour of crazy jazz rock... Perfect for when you need such a thing.
Album of Riffs
Super je ne connaissais pas
Enfant terrible, jazzy, rocky, genious
Fun, groovy rock album
High 2. Good background music
Trash emo music 2/10
Okay, intramental.
An album that could just keep going. Fun and catchy tracks, I’m used to Zappa tracks with more vocals but this proves they are generally not needed.
Very enjoyable background music. Favourites: peaches en regalia, Willie the pimp instrumental parts, son of Mr green genes. Always appreciate it when a man keeps his mouth shut and has banger instrumentals. 4/5
Banger instrumentals, not a lot of mid singing, and was easy to listen to while working. Yay! Second album of the day and liked this one a lot more than the previous. Favourite tracks were Peaches En Regalia and Son Of Mr. Green Genes, 4
### "Hot Rats" by Frank Zappa: An In-Depth Review Released in 1969, "Hot Rats" is the second solo album by Frank Zappa, and it stands as a significant departure from the work he did with The Mothers of Invention. This album is primarily instrumental and is noted for its pioneering fusion of rock and jazz. Here's a detailed exploration of the album focusing on its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, followed by an assessment of its pros and cons. #### Lyrics "Hot Rats" is largely instrumental, which means that the album's impact isn't driven by lyrics in the traditional sense. However, the one track that features vocals, "Willie the Pimp," provides a glimpse into Zappa's lyrical style on this album. Captain Beefheart’s growling delivery of the lyrics complements the gritty and raw feel of the track. The lyrics are minimalistic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a seedy, underground world: ``` I'm a little pimp with my hair gassed back Pair of khaki pants with my shoes shined black Got a little lady walk that street Tellin' all the boys that she can't be beat ``` These lyrics, while simple, encapsulate the raw and unfiltered aesthetic that Zappa often embraced, fitting seamlessly into the bluesy rock foundation of the track. #### Music The music on "Hot Rats" is where the album truly shines. It is a rich tapestry of genres, primarily blending rock and jazz but also touching on blues and classical influences. Each track is a testament to Zappa's musical ingenuity and his ability to craft intricate, yet accessible compositions. 1. **"Peaches en Regalia"**: The opening track is one of Zappa’s most famous compositions. It features complex time signatures, a plethora of instruments (including electric violin, flute, and vibraphone), and a melody that is both memorable and sophisticated. The track is a masterclass in arrangement and showcases Zappa's skill in orchestrating rock music with a jazz sensibility. 2. **"Willie the Pimp"**: This track stands out with its bluesy rock foundation, highlighted by a searing violin solo by Don "Sugarcane" Harris and a dynamic guitar solo by Zappa. The interplay between the instruments creates a raw and energetic feel, making it a highlight of the album. 3. **"Son of Mr. Green Genes"**: This piece is an extended instrumental reworking of "Mr. Green Genes" from The Mothers of Invention's "Uncle Meat" album. It features intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, blending rock, jazz, and a touch of classical influence. 4. **"Little Umbrellas"**: A more laid-back track, it showcases Zappa’s ability to create mood and atmosphere through subtle instrumentation and nuanced arrangements. The track is less frenetic than others, offering a moment of introspective calm. 5. **"The Gumbo Variations"**: This is perhaps the most overtly jazz-influenced track on the album. It features extended solos, particularly from Ian Underwood on saxophone and Zappa on guitar. The track is a tour de force of improvisation and dynamic interplay among the musicians. 6. **"It Must Be a Camel"**: Closing the album, this track is characterized by its unusual time signatures and intricate melodies. The interplay between the instruments is tight, and the composition is complex, highlighting Zappa's avant-garde approach to music. #### Production The production of "Hot Rats" is a significant aspect of its success. Zappa employed 16-track recording technology, which was cutting-edge at the time. This allowed for greater flexibility in layering sounds and achieving a clarity that was remarkable for the era. - **Engineering**: Zappa's meticulous approach to recording is evident throughout the album. The clarity of each instrument is superb, and the separation between sounds allows each element to shine without becoming muddled. This precision in engineering was rare in rock music at the time and set a new standard for production quality. - **Innovative Techniques**: Zappa's use of overdubbing and tape manipulation added layers of complexity to the music. The precise editing and innovative use of technology contributed to the album's distinctive sound, which remains fresh and engaging even decades after its release. #### Themes While "Hot Rats" is predominantly instrumental, certain themes can be discerned through its musical compositions and the one vocal track: 1. **Musical Exploration and Fusion**: The album's blending of rock and jazz elements showcases Zappa's desire to push the boundaries of genre and create something that transcends traditional categorizations. This theme of exploration is central to the album and reflects Zappa's broader artistic vision. 2. **Technical Mastery and Virtuosity**: Throughout the album, there is a clear emphasis on technical proficiency and musical complexity. The extended solos, intricate arrangements, and sophisticated compositions highlight Zappa's dedication to musical excellence and his ability to assemble and direct a group of highly skilled musicians. 3. **Whimsy and Humor**: Even in its instrumental tracks, "Hot Rats" retains a sense of playfulness and whimsy that is characteristic of Zappa's work. The quirky titles and unpredictable shifts in musical style contribute to this theme, making the album both intellectually stimulating and entertaining. #### Influence "Hot Rats" has had a lasting impact on both the rock and jazz worlds. Its innovative fusion of genres paved the way for future artists to explore similar territory, and its high production standards influenced countless recordings that followed. 1. **Pioneering Fusion**: The album is often cited as a precursor to the jazz fusion movement of the 1970s, influencing artists like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. Its successful integration of rock energy with jazz complexity demonstrated the potential for cross-genre experimentation. 2. **Guitar Innovation**: Zappa's guitar work on "Hot Rats" is highly influential, showcasing his unique approach to the instrument. His solos on tracks like "Willie the Pimp" and "The Gumbo Variations" have inspired countless guitarists, both within and outside the realms of rock and jazz. 3. **Production Techniques**: The album's production set new standards for clarity and complexity in rock music. Zappa’s meticulous approach to recording and mixing influenced many producers and engineers, contributing to the evolution of studio practices in the 1970s and beyond. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** 1. **Musical Innovation**: "Hot Rats" is a groundbreaking album that seamlessly blends rock and jazz, setting a new standard for genre fusion. 2. **Technical Mastery**: The album features exceptional musicianship and complex compositions, showcasing Zappa’s talent and vision. 3. **Production Quality**: The use of 16-track recording and meticulous production techniques result in a clear, dynamic sound that was ahead of its time. 4. **Influence**: The album’s impact on both rock and jazz is profound, influencing a wide range of artists and contributing to the development of jazz fusion. **Cons:** 1. **Accessibility**: The complexity and primarily instrumental nature of the album might be challenging for listeners who prefer more straightforward rock or pop music. 2. **Cohesiveness**: The eclectic mix of styles and the absence of traditional song structures can make the album feel disjointed to some listeners. 3. **Vocals**: With only one track featuring vocals, those who appreciate Zappa’s often witty and provocative lyrics might find the album lacking in that regard. ### Conclusion "Hot Rats" is a seminal work in Frank Zappa's discography and a landmark album in the fusion of rock and jazz. Its musical innovation, technical mastery, and high production quality make it a standout album that has influenced numerous artists and continues to be celebrated by music enthusiasts. While its complexity and instrumental focus may not appeal to everyone, its impact on music history is undeniable. The album remains a testament to Zappa’s genius and his relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.
1969 was arguably the greatest year for music ever and this album is definitely one of the main reasons. Frank Zappa's Fusion of Jazz with Psychedelic Rock stands still today as one of the greatest albums in either genre. The album itself is very complex in its structure without being too weird or Avant-Garde. Zappa shines not only as an incredible guitar player but as a true composer. The arrangements outside of the typical Rock instruments like the flutes on Little Umbrellas work perfectly within the songs context and do not feel like they were put in for the sake of it. Additionally, the album is mostly instrumental with only Willie the Pimp featuring vocals in the first half and these vocals done by Zappa's longtime friend Captain Beefheart work perfectly in the songs context although the song looses a lot of what made it so great at first in the second half. Even the lengthy Gumbo Variations has enough variation to still be entertaining the whole way through. Hot Rats is one of the most diverse and fun albums ever created and is one of my favourite albums EVER. favourites: Peaches on Regalia, Son of Mr. Green Genes, The Gumbo Variations least favourites: Willie the Pimp (second half), Little Umbrellas Rating: a strong 9 to a *10*
Though I was able to enjoy some of this album, I still don't understand why there are so many people who see Zappa as God... Having said that, I did appreciate the music.
Of it's time
Totally instrumental except track 2 which had captain beefheart on it (Camden reefer) Enjoyed this but think I made the mistake of putting on the next album which was the machito one - it was an instrumental overload and my experience beyond suffered
Quite psychedelic, very 70s. Just not my favourite style
Yes - one of the reasons I got into music and this album does not disappoint :) rattled through it twice :)
There’s a fine line between genius and madman - Zappa strides it confidently. Probably his most accessible album but even then it tests your patience at times when it descends into the band having a drawn out jam session.
Super experimental but quite enjoyable
Lot of edge and grit on this album that exists on nearly entirely instrumentals. What could be "too noodly" or "too jammy" works thanks to the left-field approach to the playing. Very psychedelic, hard hitting, and like all great Zappa often is, overall fun in a dark way.
Here's my problem, I am not a fan of rock instrumentals. I find them very repetitive and too long. I do like classical music, though. This was just too much guitar solo for me. I did not enjoy it.
3.5
More unexpected groove! Has some contemporary musical moments (for being a 1969 album) and some really nice and fun music! “Peaches En Regalia” is definitely my favorite, as I think it’s the grooviest tune of the album. I think it’s interesting seeing how short the album is, only having 6 tracks, but longer songs to make up for it.
Not my fav Zappa album, but peaches en regalia is an all time jam for my money. 3.8.
Summary: Very cool. Jazzy, multi-instrumental, varied, and musically super engaging. A lot of the tracks sounded similar to one another at a distance (i.e. when not close-listening) but it's seriously good overall, especially for 1969. Peaches En Regalia: Fresh, exciting, and almost classical with its structure, showcasing a theme and several brief variations. The variations showcase a wide variety of instruments. A near-perfect track. Willie The Pimp: Strange raspy vocal. I checked later, and it seems this was sung by Captain Beefheart. I'm not surprised. Approaches being unmelodic, but the vocal-sounding guitar and very melodic/dynamic basslines make up for it. The extended instrumental gets away with being largely one chord because of how texturally crazy it is. The music really picks up around the 6-minute part, with some great playing on drums, guitar, bass, and some keyboardy instrument that's very quiet in the mix. Son Of Mr. Green Genes is essentially an extended version of the opening track. It's weaker overall, but the keyboards (I think those are keyboards) and percussion are a highlight. I listened to side 2 without my laptop nearby, so I couldn't write direct notes, but they would've been similar to my discussion of Son Of Mr. Green Genes. Wacky prog rock with jazz elements (also known as "jazz") dominates side 2. It Must Be A Camel was my favourite on this side. It had a lot of personality and energy, and the track name is fantastic. 4/5 Key tracks: Peaches En Regalia, Willie The Pimp, It Must Be A Camel
8/10 Really pleasant surprise, my first Zappa Bluesy rock backbone with lots of jazz, plus world, folk, sea shanty influences Maybe the best jazz and blues in this project so far? Really good, tight band. Incredibly accomplished playing Best: Peaches En Regalia
Absolutely love the first half of the album, and I honestly used to love "The Gumbo Variations" as well. These days, the second half is pretty rough to listen to, but not completely unpleasant. Still a big fan of the album.
The rats were so hot on this one. Sweet jams and jazz fusion. Pretty fun and interesting listen.
This was a super fun listen. It's for sure out there. I really like the psychedelic nature of the songs and how layered they are. It flows really well, despite being so out there. In a lot of jam / psych rock, I'm not able to really pick up on jazz influences very easily. However, this record feels very jazzy in how the songs are structured. Especially the back half of the album, but throughout as well. Its not necessarily an "easy" listen, as it's a bit out there but its really good and really well produced. You can definitely hear the influence that this had on future artists.
Great.
Eh
Good God, this was even worse than the Moss Side story album. Just terrible.
3 Zappa does jazz - aka, a person I haven’t been the kindest on does a genre I’m not the biggest fan of… and it turns out to be probably the best thing I’ve heard from him. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not earth-shattering by any means, but for 43 minutes and 19 seconds, I found myself in the mildest of grooves - hell, even Captain Beefheart’s garbled singing on Willie The Pimp kind of worked for me. As someone not normally drawn to a lot of instrumental music, I thought this was paced well and that each song felt unique - not quite to a point where I feel I have much to comment on in particular, but if you’re a fan of jazz (or even jam records), I would imagine you'd probably be a big fan of this. For all the shit I’ve thrown his way, I’ll give Zappa credit for his musical evolution and maturation here. I definitely wouldn’t say that I’m any kind of newfound fan of his by any means, but I would consider this at least deserving enough of having him removed from my list of “Worst Artists” on the site. That probably won’t happen given that it’s technically The Mothers of Invention that are listed, but I’m willing to acknowledge the invisible asterisk.
Hell yes , nothing needs to be said about this album. It's just brilliant.
Could never get into Zappa. As much as my father would've liked me to
Nr. 169/1001 Peaches En Regalia 4/5 Willie The Pimp 2/5 (2x) Son Of Mr. Green Genes 3/5 (2x) Little Umbrellas 3/5 The Gumbo Variations 2/5 (3x) It Must Be A Camel 3/5 Average: 2,89 Actually liked this better than expected. Still won't listen again.
STANDOUTS: n/a; not the kind of album I'm here for. OVERALL: 1/5
The experimental jazz parts are a bit too heavy for my tastes, but I definitely see the appeal here.
This was fun
More Zappa - love it.
that's a nope
I can appreciate the technical prowess but it doesn't make me feel anything
Experimentele jazzrock waar gelukkig amper bij gezongen wordt. Experimentele muziek kan sowieso al wat zwaar aanvoelen en als de zang dan ook nog te experimenteel is wordt het een doodvonnis. Gelukkig is dit dus 90% instrumentaal, als het niet meer is. Het wordt niet gruwelijk abstract en dat is ook een plus. Geen gekloot met continu wisselende maatsoorten oid. Bij 'The Gumbo Variations' klinken de koperen blazer en het viooltje alsof er iemand met een kettingzaag achter Nils Holgersson aan zit. Ik ben uiteindelijk opgelucht als die 13 minuten erop zitten, maar ik kon het enigszins hebben omdat de instrumenten redelijk netjes om de beurt een solo afsteken. Het album viel me mee en ik vond het voor één keer wel leuk om te luisteren, maar een 4 zou waanzin zijn.
1. Peaches En Regalia - Really nice piano intro, the kind of thing i'd write tbh. Not too sure about the synth melody but I think the song owns it. Sounds like midi wood winds as well, and an organ, which the organ sounds really cool I think. Might be a fun jam song to play, but I feel like it lacks a fair amount of melodic substance, like each instrument isn't stream lined with one musical theme. Definitely a style I haven't heard much of, and would certainly dig in specific moods. 2. Willie The Pimp - Really awesome guitar playing, feel like the intro started off a lot more dicey, but once you ease yourself into it the groove is quite enjoyable. I don't really dig the vocals that much but I understand the kind of style that they are going for. For a nine minute track, the guitar playing manages to stay pretty fresh throughout, can't say it felt like it was dragging along, mainly due to the several registers and styles the guitar explored. Nice parts of drums throughout the track, really cool and unique ways of carrying the groove that I haven't heard much before. Near the end might be my favourite part, when they bring the tempo back and play more on the beat, pretty groovy. The drums and guitar also communicate to each other quite well. 3. Son Of Mr. Green Genes - Feeling a very big stylistic contrast between all the track on this album which is pretty cool. Like the overlapping melodies on this one, feels very well put together. Really nice guitar part coming in as well, would've love to hear a different tone or style than the last track but thats alright. Am I hearing a Glockenspiel? or some kind of Synth? pretty cool little scales it's playing though. The horns are super cool, loving the line coming from the Tuba, with that slight growly edge to it is pretty nice. The tempo of the track is almost suggesting a jazz/rock hybrid, but feels a lot more like a jam styled genre than a rock album. Each note on the guitar sounds pretty crystal, and the bass line is nice and complicated. Interesting use of scales as well, diverting from the blues scales to other modes, and then falling backing into the blues. Briefly plays 'Come Together' for some reason, but you know what good for you I guess. I like the outro, the piano chords are pretty crunchy and cool, as well as the harmonic switch going to a primarily major sequence. 4. Little Umbrellas - The double bass naturally creates a much more jazzier feel, sounds a lot less like King Krimson at the moment. I like the little melodic dissonance between the saxophone and the supporting instruments. The Organ has a simple yet quite effective little solo, I feel like it may overstay its welcome within the song, the recorder coming in on the ending line does make for a good finish though. 5. The Gumbo Variations - My notes unexpectedly quit and did not save, and the song itself is simply not worth listening to again. Felt like Pink Floyd on crack. 6. It Must Be A Camel - Super cool drumming on this track, very refreshing going to a more refined song after listening to jam tracks like the Gumbo Variations. Keys and horns compliment each other quite well. Like all of the other tracks, the instruments seemingly switch between diatonic and dissonance a little too often and with no warning. For me, its too jarring and especially for tracks that demand an uncommon level of attention (compared to that of modern song formulas) it is difficult to enjoy the song the entire time. I'd say the two most best and most consistent parts of all the tracks have been the drums and either the guitar or sax, otherwise, the tunes aren't strong enough to stand on their own. Overall, there was a lot of interesting and unique arranging and concepts within this album, but I can't imagine giving it a second try personally. It sits in an uncomfortable position between art music and rock, blues and jazz, which unfortunately blends into ideas that to me don't sound completely cohesive. Rating: 5.2/10
Never really listened to a full Zappa album other than Apostrophe. The musicianship is crazy. Very entertaining and interesting.
I'm conflicted. I hated his voice when he sang but I really enjoyed everything else about the album. I think that gives it 4 stars???
Eh maybe just not my thing.
RIP FZ. Great album, especially Peaches En Regalia
Great stuff. Love a journey
Step 1 get drunk Step 2 go into a music store Step 3 record Step 4 randomly start playing every instrument there into a cluster of an 8 min song Step 5???? Step 6 this album and frank zappas music in general This is hot garbage, just an absolute mishmash of random noise
pretty groovy, mostly enjoyable
I couldn’t find my way with it. I couldn’t make it make sense. I could feel into bits of it but as a whole, it didn’t work for me. 2
Expertly composed, but just not my jam.
Maybe a tad too experimental for me
Only one song has vocals, raging background music
I only liked peaches en regalia
Peaches en regalia automatic 5, hadn't really tried everything else prior to this. Got hung up on the harshness of Willie. However, upon further proper listens Willie is a great break amidst what I didn't realize was an instrumental album. And what a bonus it's sung by Captain Beefheart. All else is quite enjoyable, landing closer to another recent 1001 listen 'A Love Supreme'. Perhaps a little too avant jazz by the end, especially 'The Gumbo Variations', but all in all the album is a great listen, enjoyable on headphones in the backround listened all the way through.
I'm a huge Zappa fan. 5/5 Love it.
- peaches en rangalia got me feelin' silly - oh these tracks are 4+ minutes but idm - silly instrumental album for the first half, excited for the second - 12 minute song with gumbo in the title instant banger - the gumbo variations got me feelin' something - 4/5, funky ash album
Peaches. Willir the Pimp.
Yeah this album rocks. Only 6 songs but 3 of them are 9+ minutes which I think is a good choice. Great jamming and excellent drum & guitar work. A pleasant surprise. 7.5/10 (3.75/5)
A very strange and interesting musical trip. Definitely felt like an acid trip. I am glad I listened to it. I liked the more chill songs like little umbrellas and peaches en regalia. Other songs are a bit too full on for me.
Great musically but much rather listen to this live in a bar than playing the whole album
Difícil de digerir
Thoughts before listening: Zappa is one of those artists that I want to like because I'm told I should like him, and I have tried over and over again...and I find him very polarizing. There are some absolute gems in his catalog but there is also a lot that is unlistenable. Hot Rats falls in the first category. I love this album. Excited to listen this morning. Review: This album starts out with the great "Peaches en Regalia" which was a song I knew from Phish's cover long before I listened to Frank Zappa. This is followed immediately by "Willie the Pimp", and these represent my favorite songs on the album. I also enjoy "The Gumbo Variations" which even at 12 minutes long never gets boring and keeps great energy throughout. Overall a fun to listen to jazz-rock album that is getting 5-stars.
Bunch of noise
This is an absolutly ridiculous album! The opening track is one of my favourites, and the remainder where no less positively surprising. Zappas guitar solos gets a bit masturbatory at times, but his eclectic composition and arranging more than makes up for it. A lot of his guitar playing is also quite tasty, which is more than can be said about many players.
Most of the stuff I don't really like by Zappa is the vocals and lyrics. I mean, yeah it's funny and different and clever for a while, but then it gets a little irritating. Luckily this album didn't have many vocals.
Если послушать 1 раз, то хочется оценить низко. +мы не шарим за контекст, который любому американцу прям с детства знаком это интересная работа для тех, кто шарит (я не такой)
Крепкий просто фьюжн. Но я не понимаю его без контекста, так как уже были более крутые фьюжн алкоальбом: квас с виски
Фигасе, это Фрэнк Заппа, который ещё не начал шизить. Или уже не шизит, непонятно. Неиронично, даже зашло. По сведению есть вопросики, а так прикольный фьюжн, такой, заводной. Понимаю, почему его любили в Монтрё.
Very funky
Strange and surprisingly brief.
Those are some hot rats but as with the previous album on the list, however the competence of musicality it just fades to the background with nothing to pull me back.
You know what? Some of this is pretty nice. I like "Little Umbrellas," which seems to echo Chopin's funeral march.
Agradable. Instrumental rockjazz fusionprogressive rock.
Väldigt intressanta solon. Även om låtarna är långtråkiga första lyssningen så blir de bättre sen. Tycker dock att Joes Garage är mycket bättre.
Clearly did not do enough acid in college to get Zappa.
Strangely compelling and brilliant
I always thought of Frank Zappa is a musically talented shitposter but I never really internalized the talented part until now. This was a wonderful instrumental album that combined so many differed genres throughout each song. Some jazz, some big band, some soul, some funk it really was impressive and sounded great high.
Was a banger.
Zappa is an education. This album is great. Not my favorite Zappa, but still a satisfying listen.
Hot dog! 661albums in and I finally get two 5's in a row! I know I'm pushing my luck, but let's go for 3 generator! You can do it!! Here we go!
frank zappa was on some good drugs
Not my cup of tea...
I expected words for some reason. I won't hold that against the album. Interesting for sure. I would never complain about it being on, let's say that much.
They can jam that's for sure. 2.5 rounded up
I was expecting a lot less accessible. Sure, there were some weird parts, but overall that was a jam!
More psychedelic than rock
Sonic soundtracks be like: Favourite track: Peaches En Regalia.
This is one of my favorite jazz-rock fusion recordings. I have always loved Frank Zappa's music and this is one of my favorites. Frank's guitar prowess has been underestimated and his ability shines through on this record. I also love the "Willie the Pimp" with Captain Beefheart's gravelly vocals. I was disappointed back in 2020 because I had tickets to see Zappa-plays-Zappa on the Hot Rats Tour which was performing this album for its 50th anniversary. The concert was canceled due to COVID. I hope Dweezil will be out to perform this album on his next tour.
Amazing all the way through. Not a single miss, love it. Production and instrumentation unique incredible, especially for 1969. Favorite track: every track.
now this…is epic
i like the instrumentation and the jazz feel a lot. not a life changing album but can definitely appreciate its impact and influence. best songs: peaches en regalia, son of mr green genes
I can’t say that it is bad but I really can’t stand this kind of music
It was pretty alright.
High experimentation Vocals on one of the tracks almost made this two stars
WOAH. I had heard of Frank Zappa, but I did not expect an album that answers the question of “What would happen if Led Zeppelin broke into the jazz scene?” Each song stood on its own and brought a new dynamic that highlight jazz and blues roots, while showing the similarities of these genres.
This is really good. The songs are intricate, unpredictable at times, and memorable. It is carried by the first side, and ‘The Gumbo Variations’ runs a bit long, but it’s still very good.
I like Zappa, but I‘m not musically strong enough to survive a whole album :D
Better than I thought, honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy those rats but they were pretty hot! Good background music
Some of these ten minute long songs feel like they're twenty minutes long. Pass.
hahahaha i love this goofy shit it's so funny but also vibes 5/5
Great composer and guitarist!!!
Man nehme ein paar unterschiedliche Instrumente, eine Gitarre, eine Prise Saxophon, zwei Esslöffel Piano und ein wenig schräge Trompete und lege dies auf den Tisch. Dazu ein bisschen vollgedröhnten Zappa und lässt diesen 2 Wochen im Studio brutzeln. Dann erhält man diesen ungenießbaren Auflauf vom Dröhnungsklang und Expentierkasten. Dies war ein Z Album.
Quirky and interesting. I find Zappa much more tolerable when I don't have to listen to him sing. Probably wouldn't listen to this again but there is some cool instrumental music and great guitar solos on this record.
Before hearing this, if you had asked me what I thought Zappas music was like, there is no possible way I would have said this kind of thing, no chance I would have guessed this genre. I think I might have said complicated metal music, but this is not that. And I like it
Not anything that stood out for me.
I had never listened to frank zappa before. The sound is much different than what I was expecting but I freaking love it.
One of the first albums that got me into fusion jazz in high school
Progressive jazz fusion for music connoisseurs. Really fantastic body of work with great melodies and drumming technique combined with quacky song premises. Surely this album isn't for everyone. But its totally worth a listen and I study. Zappa is respected for a reason. I must note, I like the experimental Zappa more than the Mothers of Invention and later rock opera stuff. But its a testament he can do so much.
God, this was hard for me to engage with. It was jazzy, proggy, I don't know. I think it was good? If you like this sort of thing? I really don't.
3.4 - Struggled, too much going on for me. I'm starting to think I should avoid this list when I'm in a bit of a funk, it has too much of an effect on my rating. Sick guitarist though and I always loved Muffin Man
I like the style of this album much more than I like the actual songs or songwriting. Rock-jazz rather than jazz-rock. Fave tracks: Peaches en Regalia 3.1/5
This is one of those albums you listen to and go huh pretty cool, then as soon as you see the year it came out you immediately think what the fuck how
I don't know.... I'm kind of impressed that this came out in 1969, it seemed ahead of it's time. I find the title kind of annoying because it seems to be trying too hard to be odd for the sake of being odd which seems to be a Frank Zappa thing. At times the music was too "out" or avant garde for me and in some songs the noodling and jams went on for way too long. I'm not a big fan of this type of rock/ jazz fusion if that's what you want to call it but there were times I was feeling it. As an overall listening experience it was better than a 1 but didn't really earn a 3.
Technically, Hot Rats is very impressive. The audio fidelity is unmatched by anything I've heard from its time. If you told me it was released yesterday, I would believe you. Musically there were some great moments as well, but overall it was tough to listen to. I get that it's experimental, but I don't see what useful findings they made, if any.
It's fine, Zappa is whatever, this is about as middle of the road as you can get
just dumb, playing the organ didn't help
Agradable. Instrumental rockjazz fusionprogressive rock.
Peaches En Regalia - 4 Willie The Pimp - 4 Son Of Mr. Greene Genes - 3.5 Little Umbrellas - 3.5 The Gumbo Variations - 3 It Must Be A Camel - 3.5 Average -3.58 Groovy 👌
Great instrumental from Frank. Only listened to his other album away from this project. Pretty fun tunes and good vibes.
Yesssss hell yea! really really loved it. Surprisingly accessible compared to the Mothers of Invention album that came up earlier
Best Zappa. I'm a little pimp.
strange, not usual, but at the end you listen it
cool
Yay....more jazz... This list is doing a good job of turning me off of jazz for the foreseeable future.
I was expecting more variety in everything. Lot of extended weird guitar jams that lacked structure and cohesion.
I guess I see why people like this! It's cool and fresh without being too weird. Not my thing though. I'm not big on instrumentals.
I've heard a fair amount of Zappa, would love to have seen him live. Some friends went to see him back in the 80's, but to get tickets from the touts would have cost a weeks wages. So they didn't get to see him. Anyway to the matter at hand, a very jazzy album this one, and though I liked it, I do prefer his songs. And there was only a small amount of vocals on 'Willy The Pimp' provided I believe by a certain Captain, of the Beefheart variety. To be fair can't really justify anything better than a mediocre 3.
Never listened to an album of his before. Best track was Willie the Pimp, coincidentally the only one with a vocalist. That one had enough going for it. The rest was just too jazzy for me, apart from The Gumbo Variations which I kind of enjoyed. A mid to low 2
Not too bad, I was expecting super weird, but got (what I consider) relatively normal jazz psyche fusion. It will get another play. A low 2.
some quality riffs, lots of randomness. Listened to it on a run and didn’t know where it started or ended but it was pretty sick.
I liked a song or two on this but the 10 minute long annoying songs put a dent in the rating. I get it, it's experimental, but it sucked to listen to. 2.5 stars
Alas, I couldn't even finish it, I was bored to tears. There's something I'm not getting about this style of instrumental music, and while I'm sure it's technically solid, it's just so dull and samey! I don't know.
It's jazzy, more jazzy than I like.
Pre Listening Notes: i have heard this name before but i am not familiar with his music at all. Hot Rats is an excellent name for an album tho lol Peaches En Regalia - there are so many influences going on here! honestly reminds me of a lot of video game music, but also clearly draws inspiration from many different cultures. i hear jazz, some latin, and bits of eastern music licks Willie The Pimp: I was a little distracted listening to this but it was easy listening and i liked the vocals at the beginning. very wobbly and technically interesting! i like the fiddle. lots of diffeeent instruments being used on this album so far Son Of Mr. Green Genes - i love a jazz clarinet i can’t lie. i have never heard anything quite like this though, the instrument choice and swing mixed with what sounds like a bigger band sound (meaning like, my hs band) does still give it an almost video game soundtrack vibe but the guitar and drum set mix it up! Little Umbrellas - starts off very jazzy with the bass and sax (love sax). i don’t really have much to say about this one. i would gladly listen to it while out to dinner somewhere, it’s very pleasant The Gumbo Variations - woooooo!! i like this one the most so far, strong start! as i mentioned before i like sax, so the sax solos/freestyles are welcome! even if experimental Must Be A Camel - a good one to end on, sims up the vibe of the album well. offbeat, experimental. at once expected and unexpected. Not bad! It’s kinda neat to get two famous jazz musicians in a row, each with very different styles. I get the allure of Frank Zappa, it seems like musically/instrument-wise he was doing a lot of stuff i haven’t heard before. experimenting with sound. very technical. i don’t know that i would ever revisit this album personally, but i’m not mad that i had to listen to it. 4/5
Peaches en Regalia - I was expecting hard rock but like this much better. The saxophone break was so inspired. Cool. Willie the pump - this voice is more what I was expecting and I do not like it. Long guitar solo is good but generic imo. Fiddle, yes! The gumbo variations - this one gave me a big of a headache tbh The last dinner party - very creative, very different Wiki says about Zappa “supporters of his music admired its compositional complexity, while detractors found it lacking emotional depth” and that’s how I feel about this album. Giving it a 3 for its creative sound, strong production, and overall musical influence.
Weird and entertaining. Ahead of it time.
Chaotic
Absolutely fantastic. The only issue is that I have never heard this before.
Jazz standard, blues/psychedelic rock, 15 minute long jams. Everything about this album is great, it feels very advanced for when it was released.
An interesting album - I've wanted to listen to this album, and get more exposure to Frank Zappa's catalogue for awhile. Enjoyable and I'll revisit, there were some moments though that strained my enjoyment (mostly parts of "Gumbo Variations".
Trippy rock jazz - 2.5
The guitar on this album was on another level! The jazz influences made for a great listening experience. 3.5
Album 357 of 1001 Frank Zappa - Hot Rats Rating : 5 / 5 Frank Zappa is a longtime favorite and there are a couple of his albums (Joe's Garage & You are What you Is) which have been by my side for many years. Not being as familiar with this one, I had my doubts that it could hold up. Hold up, it does. There were a couple of tracks I was already familiar with and even on my 'Liked Songs' list. Just an awesome listen. Some great musicianship sans some of the goofiness that many seem to have issues with when it comes to Zappa. This is one to keep close.
In the distant past I have attempted several times to get into Frank Zappa's music but for some reason failed every time. Maybe I gave up too soon as this is pretty interresting and well worth listening to. Time to explore Frank Zappa a bit more.
This stuff bores. Not as insufferable as the last one of his I got though
Kinda wierd, but pretty cool
Il est de ces artistes qu'on garde longtemps dans un coin de son esprit en se disant qu'il faudra y jeter une oreille parce qu'on les dit importants. Franck Zappa est de ceux qui ne déçoivent pas ! Le jazz fusion joué ici séduit immédiatement l'amatrice de rock progressif que je suis. Quelle richesse d'écoute, ça foisonne de subtilités ! Définitivement un album que je réécouterai, au milieu d'une monumentale discographie qui ne demande qu'à explorée désormais... Y'a plus qu'à !
Funky!
Great musicianship and unique music.
When I was a high schooler. Frank Zappa was what the "cool" kids listened to. Not the popular kids, but the kids that I personally thought were cool. Usually these were grungy rock nerds who got into psychedelics way ahead of the developmental curve. Nearly two decades later, I get it. This shit rules. Put this on repeat and vibe. 9 out of 10, and I'm only hedging the 1 point because there are over 900 albums to go.
Was not a fan
This wasn't for me, I typically don't like jam sessions like this
More like, Frank Slappa amirite? I have a soft spot for instrumentals albums but this one was also crazy unique with great writing
Love Zappa, one of the most underrated guitarists ever. But this one isn’t my favorite of his
I don’t think I had ever actually listened to anything Zappa before this, but this was good! Not a huge fan of his vocals but I liked the instrumentals
Loved this one! Thought that it was a very fun mix of songs
Good jammy music, a bit weird. i like the bluesy "willie the pimp"
aw more jazz fusion again… yeah it’s fine but i don’t want to listen to it.
Get ready for a sonic journey into Frankland! Love the Gumbo Variations and It Must Be a Camel. Get lost in the sax and find your way out on the endless guitar riff.
Honestly, this was good. I've always liked (most) Zappa in a "he's doing something different, and I support that" way, but this had some good blues riffs apart from the novelty.
Прикольно. Как будто фильм с Луи Де Фюнесом посмотрел
This was awesome. I’ve tried to get into Frank Zappa in the past and it hasn’t really worked out. This is the album I needed to hear. Can’t quite give it a 5, but it’s a very, very solid 4.
Super fun and weird! Didn't realize that I enjoy that I'm a fan of Zappa. How was he making this shit in 1969?!
This is awesomeness. 1969? Incredible.
really short , offers 6 songs of some real jazzy stuff. appreciate the horns in the opening track. also I enjoyed Willie the Pimp, I distinctly remember hearing that song being played on a vinyl in my basement as a child. not much else stuck with me though.
“Peaches en Regalia” is a great song. The rest is just so so but I’m also not the biggest fan of jazz fusion. I want to rate this higher. I want to appreciate Zappa. This album didn’t do it unfortunately. Maybe it’s just me
Zappa is the kind of music lots of cool kids were listening to in college but it never resonated with me. This still holds true. I was also surprised this was an instrumental album. All props to him, the frenetic musicianship and his wide influence, but not my cup of tea
Not really my vibe; but not baddd
Great album. Interesting and unique instrumentals with lots to say. Would be a 4.5/5 if I could do half stars.
Wow, all the skills demonstrated here are unbelievable but especially the electric guitar!!
Wait a minute, this guy rocks!!
So far, to my ears, everything that I’ve heard from Frank Zappa has been absolute crap. I’m going to try to listen to this with an open mind, but you can’t blame me for being hesitant here. I’ve heard so much about Zappa being incredible, but I’ve simply yet to hear any evidence. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Willie The Pimp This album surprised me. Whereas other Zappa music has felt like musical nonsense and noise, this had much more structure and was generally a lot easier to listen to. I guess that, depending on your thoughts on his other music, that might make this album a bit divisive with his fans. My take on it was that it was decent rock music infused with a bit of zany, but not too much that it became a mess.
man. this guy really likes to play guitar. should listen again when inebriated.
A 13 minute song that has violin solos that sound like guitar isn't up my ally, I'm glad I heard it, but I don't need to hear it again.
Zappa very underrated guitar genius listen to the album apostrophe and you'll see what I mean been a Zappa fan since his early 60's beef heart band stuff
Would give it a 1, but “Peaches En Regalia” is a 5/5 track sooo…
Much better than I thought, I liked the jazz feel
I frankly loved this album. It was short and sweet and yet the songs seemed to go on a lengthy journey. I never looked too much into Frank Zappa before and I found this to be a good introduction. It seemed to me to be toward the jazz side of a psychedelic rock jam band style. The guitar was elegantly woven and the addition of brass brought it to fine art status in my mind. His voice, however sparse, was a sardonic rasp somewhere between Tom Waits and Jim Morrison and was a novel addition although I admit I was happy that the music spoke for itself rather than featuring long and drawn out vocals. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is that there were moments I wished the vibe would change or the music would go somewhere different but as is the spirit of adventure. I also couldn't pinpoint the differences between tracks enough to be memorable. The music is also not as timeless or recommendable as some of the other albums I have given 5s to. Was very pleasantly surprised by this one.
Good for some background music.
well, I like this one better then the "mothers of invention" that was in the list earlier. But really don't see the need for more then 1 "frank zappa" album to be in the list. Willie the Pimp had a catchy lil beat.
Jazziest rock album ever. Or is it the rockiest jazz album ever?
jazzjazzjazzjazzjazzjazzjazz hell yeah
Its Frank Zappa, so its good. Does not stand out much.