Reviews (page 11 of 14)
Man. This was really cool. That first track is out of this world! I can totally see the appeal. This must be one of the foundational Frank Zappa records that started us off on the absolute roller coaster of records that were to come. There are certainly peaks and valleys, and not everything is perfect, but… I can’t stop thinking about how unique and singular this album’s sound is. It sounds like nothing I’ve ever heard— free-wheeling, very bizarre, improvised and off-kilter and seemingly made in a daze, but also so obviously composed, obviously written out with all the intention of a mad scientist dictating his every perverse thoughts. I have no idea how this could have been made, because it sounds too planned to be totally random, but also too “live” to not be done in a super loose and freeform way. There are definitely better and more complete “albums” that Zappa gets into, but this one struck me as this perfectly insane, bizarre concoction that I don’t quite understand. For musicians and writers like me who are all about jamming, improvisation, this seems positively genius. For someone with a jazz background, I’d bet you couldn’t help but feel that there’s some insane method to this that we’re all missing. Zappa before the absurdism really took hold, but also a really convincing, *good* piece of music that defies the laws of gravity somehow. I’m gonna be thinking about this for a while. It’s 1969 and this kid is blowing my mind, 5/5
Für Zappa recht eingängig. Ok! (3/5)
Wow
I don't know what this was but I dug it. 4/5
Better than expected
I think this is the first time I have knowingly listened to any music by Zappa. Whatever I expected this wasn’t it. Enjoyed the musicianship and the mix of carefully arranged and improvised parts.
Really interesting music. Great players. Frank is so unique. A lot of masturbatory soloing over one chord which knocks it down a bit on my ranking
3.6
Wow! Great mix of improvisation and catchy hooks. I've been meaning to get into Zappa for a long time. I just might do that. 1st listen 4.5/5
5/5
Awesome album ! 4
I cannot tell you why I’ll happily listen to seven minute tracks full of hard bop sax, piano and trumpet solos but felt like every track on this album was too long. Not horrible or unlistenable but I can’t think of a situation where I’d be in the mood to hear this again.
This is your jazz on drugs.
It’s almost completely lacking of the Zappa trademark humor, but everything is composed and produced to perfection. There’s a reason Hot Rats is often regarded as a highlight in his vast discography.
I really wanted to like this, but i just found it all a bit much
This is a fantastic album that really highlights Zappa’s composing and guitar playing genius.
I don't think the rats were very hot
- Knew absolutely nothing about this beyond Frank Zappa's name. Wow...had me almost immediately and did not let go. - Personally found Son Of Mr. Green Genes to be a true banger, but I could see almost all of this pumping me up. - Interesting, energetic, and often deep.
Utter genius, Zappa knows how to bring life to music.
Sounded pretty cool. Very unique. I was just annoyed at first but he busted out some cool tunes. Very psychedelic 60s feel
yeah this is extremely my shit. i don't know what it is, but zappa's music just really scratches an itch in my brain. it's complex, yet clearly doesn't take itself seriously. just some really cool stuff here - i especially love the first track, but the standout to me on this listen was the track with captain beefheart singing. just really cool, fun stuff.
This album showed me that I really didn't know much about Frank Zappa. It has a strong jazzy mixed with rock kind of feel to me. I may have to seek out some more of Zappa's stuff. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.
Big fan of Frank Zappa! Didn't know they did a (mostly) instrumental album. They have great live albums, hilarious. Though sometimes odd lyrically. Great overall though!
Pretty dang cool
Some pretty sweet tunes.
Such weird music, but something compelling about it.
A lot of notes. Extreme talent.
Had to turn it off two songs in because I got tired of hearing guitar noises lol!
Pass
Interesting introduction to Zappa. Really enjoyed the opening track.
The Best album of Zappa!
Zappa's (and even with his minimal contribution, Captain Beefheart's) best album.
There's parts I loved There's parts I hated 2.5/5
Classic. Excellent. One of the most perfect albums ever recorded.
4.7
Foda-se vou meter um 5. doidera demais
1st track was best and could have been a theme song to a 70s action/cop show. It got more bizarre from there but I suppose that's the point. Pulled out every instrument in the world too. Way more listenable than I anticipated, though.
Basically bland elevator music
Enjoyed
This is pretty much just jazz, which is awesome! It’s a quirky style, but I could see it holding up today with some different production.
Lot of instrumentals.
Liked the first couple tracks a lot. Nothing bad about the rest just not as memorable on first listen. Rating: 3.4
Fun! Way jazzier than I expected
One my top 5 Zappa albums.
One the easiest 5 star ratings. I've listened to Hot Rats so many times and one of my favourite Zappa albums. It's very different from other works by Frank Zappa as it's less weird in lack for better words. It's the perfect album to slap on some headphones, lean back and prepare for the ride.
Seems like this is what happens when you do a ton of drugs and suddenly think you know how jazz works.
Es isch halt rein musikalische rap, ich weiss nid wie hoch sowas für mich überhaupt chan grated werde. Riffs undso töned schono nice aber halt so ohni text weissi nid wielang/viel ich da chan lose ohni das es mir langwilig wird. Nid schlecht aber au nid mega guet. 3.2/5
Ganz decents album aber hett mi jetz ned voll umghaue. Aber so zum casual lose eig ganz gut:)
Peaches en Regalia. stiimmt da hani mol glost. tönt huere geil. weird aber cool. Willie the pimp. sehr funny captain beefheart vocals. huuuuere langs gitarre solo aber er macht immer neus züg und d band reagiert uf ihn oder umgekehrt. elektrischi giige time? recht geil. Son of Mr Green Genes. horns und so töned hammer, irgendwie filmmusig für e montage oder intro für e polizeishow vode 70er. s tönt fantastisch und huere modern für 1969. giti solo foht geil ah. ER QUOTET COME TOGETHER BI 6:35 geil. Gumbo variations. bach reference? jammig. aber no funky und so. saxophon findi chli nasal. wird grating mit de ziit. It Must Be A Camel. huere spacy melodie und taktwechsel. de shit isch richtig fusion time. seeehr sehr eklektisch und so.
zappa zeig wasd chasch peaches en regalia sehr vilsitigs intro(?) aber nöd meh iwie willie the pimp hani zerst recht cool gfunde aber muss sege, nach 5 min solo langeds mier langsam nöd schlecht, eifach chli langwilig wenns lied 4 min gange wär, hettis recht cool gfunde aber bruder ich han mich voll uf mis neue buech gfreut aber es isch ultramüehsam gschribe :( und morn sött schlecht wetter werde, also nod so vill skifahre leider danke fürd ufmerksamkeit, wiiter zu son of mr green genes ok cool nomal 9 min recht en andere vibe omg sorry ich chan gad nüt mit dem umegedudel und umegenudel ahfange me muess aber naturlich au festhalte, dass de schnauz vom zappacosta sehr solid isch ja oke lohnt sich glaub nöd zu jedem lied öppis sege, ich würd glaub immer s gliche sege DRIIZEEHHH MINUTE????????????????? shit wird das ernsthaft mis erste 1 d musig gajtmer unglaubmich uf de sack JA ICH WEISS DU CHASCH MUSIG bitte hör UF oke han chli über ihn glese, find de frank eig no e spannendi persönlichkeit ok ich bin froh isches verbii
Not for me. 6 tracks and 43 minutes it was always going to be a bit weird.
What a surprise! I really enjoyed this album. I've heard some of Frank's other music and didn't really enjoy it, but this album was great!
Pretty ground breaking in its day but doesn’t really appeal to me after one listen. Now it sounds like every piece of soundtrack instrumental under a 60/70s street movie.
Zappa! Great collection of music
Minder 'weird' dan ik dacht, en dus best nog een goed album
this? this is frank zappa? i cannot believe he forced us to listen to mothers of invention when he was so capable of creating pleasant, engaging music! music that's different from the usual sound, especially for 1969. music that's nothing like his previous creations! i cannot believe all of this came from him! to be fair, this album did have that usual zappa sound, and surprisingly, i wasn't mad at it. it's hard to describe his usual sound, other than it contains unusual elements you wouldn't normally put together. turns out that when zappa doesn't go all balls to the wall, he can rein in his weird side and create some magnetic music. besides, using a lot of instrumental music allowed zappa to focus on the instruments and, well, that's where he excels. plus, with the jazz component, hot rats did remind me of the band chicago, who did release their debut album the same year as this album.
Man, I am not a Frank Zappa fan, and I dreaded having to listen to this. But really, this wasn't half bad! Frank Zappa was known partially throughout his career as a "composer", and this album shows off some of those chops. There are definitely hints of what is arguably more classical compositions with jazz fused over it, and then even further psychedelic shenanigans sprinkled on top of that. Zappa never took anything seriously, least of all himself, and so the song and album titles are definitely in defiance of and contrast to the pretty decent musical output that this album provides. Fortunately, he keeps his use of vocals to a minimum on this album, but even the vocals here are clearly for satire. I'm definitely nowhere near, nor will probably ever be ready to jump over into being a Frank Zappa fan, but I was really surprised to find myself even halfway enjoying this album.
The New York Ray Barretto
Frank was weird and not always my cup of tea, but always brilliant. This was a good listen after many years since my last listen.
Not my thing, ever.
I'm not into music that tries to blend every genre on the planet into every track. First track is dreadful. Willie The Pimp - a shade above dreadful. ...and the album goes on and on in a random choppy messy way Couldn't give more than 1 star
The jazz-rock fusion here is spot on. I loved the shorter lighter tracks mixed with the gritty longer freak outs. The small bit of vocals from Captain Beefheart are well placed and set the mood for the whole album. I think Zappa himself described this as a film, and it definitely evokes vivid imagery and could easily be a compelling soundtrack. I’ve never really delved into the Zappa catalog, but this one has peaked my interest.
I liked all the songs with no vocals
' is better
Pure unbridled creativity and a healthy dose of virtuosity. Not a single dull moment. This album might be the most constantly fun and boppin one on the list
Was disappointed when this album first popped up because I have never been a Zappa fan. This album was a lot of fun though and I liked it a lot. Will be returning to it.
Doing this challenge has made me really hate Zappas music. This was much better than the mothers of invention though. I liked the riffs but overall, the songs are too long and don’t go anywhere.
first ever frank zappa album and certainly not the last. the sounds from this album are immaculate and each instrument played their parts incredibly. notable highlights were the drums and bass, they kicked ass. I love the different genre fusions this album has, it has parts hard rock, jazz, funk, and pure noise. fuckin great
Although I’ve listened to a fair amount of Frank Zappa over the years, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to Hot Rats before. However, I did recognize “Peaches En Regalia.” Even if I hadn’t heard that song, I could never have mistaken the tracks on this album for anybody other than Zappa. His highly technical, yet not always aesthetically pleasing, guitar playing is easily recognizable. I have always admired his guitar playing and the dark humor that characterizes his song writing, but I could only take him in small doses. This album is no exception.
Experimentelle Musikstücke mit großer Varianz. Man muss sich darauf einlassen.
Great album as far as musically allowing free thought. Like a jazz album. Nobody can deny Zappa’s guitar playing ability or his ability to make music, but I did not like the first track and gumbo went on waaaaay too long. I was happy the album was over I felt a relief.
Weird and wonderful. Peaches En Regalia is beautiful. Willie the Pimp has the only lyrics on the album - and they're strange - before Zappa starts shredding. It's complicated music, but there melody everywhere as the guitars weave in and out of the other instruments. Some of the best stuff doesn't even have guitar, eg: Little Umbrellas. In the first part of The Gumbo Variations, sax and bass are just as happy to take the lead. Instant classic.
Information is not knowledge. Knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is not truth. Truth is not beauty. Beauty is not love. Love is not music. Music is THE BEST. Frank fucking Zappa
Delicious album. Very difficult to put in a genre box, but luckily we don’t need to. It’s entertaining and crowded with sounds-in the good way. We have a word in Argentina for jamming-it’s “zapar”. What a lovely coincidence.
I still didn't "get" it. It's an excellent Jazz album, but I still need to listen to more from Frank Zappa to understand why he is so well-received as a genius.
Just sounds like background film or 1970s cop show music. Fine playing it whilst busy. Not the worst I’ve heard but doesn’t grab me or make me want to play it again.
This isn’t my thing. I associate Frank Zappa with the Dr. Demento show. (DJ who featured odd music). I’m not even sure if Dr. Demento ever played Frank Zappa on his show, because I never listened to but it is the sort of music that I imagine was on. He probably also played The Sensational Alex Harvey Band.
I'm something of a devotee to Zappa, and this is one that took me a while to appreciate. Listening to this with the notion that FZ is a modern-day composer — that, like a symphony, every part is constructed and mapped out — that his sensibilities are influenced by modern and classical and jazz music, and that his palette just happens to be (mostly) rock/electrified instruments might help to make more sense of this. Then again, it may not. It's dense, and I don't believe he was concerned about making it accessible, but it's masterful and inventive and evidence that FZ is a serious cat. There are sections of improvisation, and Zappa's guitar playing is in great form here. This is one of those albums that gets better with every spin, which pretty much means it's not likely to appeal to the casual listener.
I like the song-based Zappa more than the instrumental Zappa. I can appreciate the musicianship, but there's something about his instrumental compositions that has never connected with me. They're too herky-jerky and theoretical for my tastes. Also, I find his version of jazz fusion too composed; but at the same time, when the band does let loose and jam, like on The Gumbo Variations, I don't love their groove. I was trying to figure out why I love Miles Davis' brand of jazz fusion, which is often crazier than the music we're hearing on this album. But I think it comes down to two things. Zappa's band's interplay (at least on this album) isn't thrilling, and the arrangements often irk me. I'm never swept away like I almost always am by Miles or like I was on the recent Herbie Hancock album. I'm more aware that these are great musicians than I am enjoying what they're playing. Anyway, I admire Zappa more than like him. I'm amazed and happy that he had such a successful career following his uncompromising artistic vision. It's just not a vision that I always dig. I prefer his albums with the Mothers.
I like the idea of Frank Zappa more than I like his music. Creative, intellectual, freaky, guitar playing, dark & good looking---he checks all the boxes. But every time I've explored a Zappa album I'm left confused and a bit empty. I should like this but truth be told, I just can't ever seem to connect. (Though I always liked Valley Girl) I liked that this album had funky stuff, jazzy stuff going on. But then at times I was thought where am I on this album? It's an endless jam and did I end up at a Phish show? I'm confused and empty.
Very good album
I have to admit that I have never listened to Frank Zappa, but the instant I played the first song on the album, I was intrigued to say the least. I genuinely feel like I'm being taken on a musical journey. Love it so far and I'm only one song in - can't wait to keep listening. After listening to the rest, I did sincerely enjoy the album. Sounded great!
I hadn't heard a lot of Frank Zappa, other than his comedy songs about eating yellow snow, STDs, or Valley Girls. This wasn't what I expected at all. No idea why this is classed as Psychedelic Rock when it's clearly Jazz Fusion. I can see the criticism that sometimes the guitar solos sound a little bit mechanical, but I still enjoyed this very much indeed. The second side wasn't quite as remarkable as the first, so a 4 star rating seems fair.
I like the sound, I listen to these guys 40 years ago, Frank Zappa died in 1993, 3 stars
Very interesting…not a fan at all of the vocal pieces but the instruments are strong and varied in some cool ways! Strings, horns, banjo…love it all.
Funky vibes. Really enjoyed it.
No me gusta nada
Jazz infusion rock?? Weird but very fun album.
Could barley remember the album today after listening to it yesterday. Think that speaks for my listening experience, nothing really stood out, just a bunch instrumentals.
Funky! I like that it's mostly instrumental.
Jam band. Not my cup of tea.
tengo que volver a escucharlo
Classic Zappa music salad, tossed to perfection! Love it!
Frankly it shocks me that this record is the only Zappa entry on the 1001. This record isn't in my Zappa top five... it might not even make the top ten, depending on if you count certain albums as Zappa or Zappa + Mothers or Zappa + Beefheart or just the Mothers. Do your ears a favor and check out "Joe's Garage" before writing Zappa off!
Is Zappa a genius or just crazy? Well it doesn’t really matter because either way, I don’t think anyone will listen to these tracks more than once. Some incredible song structure and fun ideas with complex key changes. Really fun combos of instruments, especially with some of them playing in unison. Can’t say I’ve ever heard a tenor sax and a xylophone share a melody line before. But the chaos is just too much to enjoy most of the time.
Fabulous! There was only one Zappa!
Invigorating Instrumental
Avant garde jazz
Did not like at all.
Its ok. Not quite the fusion jazz genius composer he is sometimes touted as. Not so tight composition and meandering feeling solos even if composed
All I really knew by Frank Zappa was the song valley girl. This was a great instrumental album
started amazing and then 'the drugs kicked in' as someone else said lmao out of tune cellos arent cool come on why..? it falls off but still giving it a 4
The only frank zappa album I own, I enjoy it. Good guitar / instrumentals. 2.9
Psychedelic jazz, man. The in sound from way, way out
Still just as fun nearly 40 years later. 4/5
I had heard of Frank Zappa before just whilst hearing about music in general so I was somewhat curious about what sound he created for his music. That was until I realised I had seen his face before from the cover of “Freak Out!” by The Mothers Of Invention which I had got previously on this list and an album which I found to be practically unlistenable upon my first listen, this reduced my expectations massively for this album but I still entered with an open mind. Now what did stand out to me from the first 2 songs was that this album was going to be mainly instrumental which I didn’t have a problem with I was more apprehensive of the 6 song, 43 minute run time. I’ll say that I enjoyed the majority of the guitar and brass instrumentation across the album and I was pretty happy with how the first 2 tracks came across as a sort of futuristic jazz ensemble with some guitar, however, from there on I found it to just be a collection of improvisational pieces that dragged on for a while. “Son Of Mr. Green Genes” did follow suit of the first 2 tracks so that was fine but afterwards it felt like a mess, especially “The Gumbo Variations” which went on for way too long. As music, I’m happy to listen to it but I really didn’t get the most enjoyment from this. The 2nd half of the album really felt like you’d walked into a dusty jazz club and the band had already been up there for 2 hours and now they’re just stringing together anything that goes, I guess for some people that gives it some charm but for me it just sounds messy. I’m glad I gave this album a chance because I can appreciate some of the instrumentals on here enough that I might come back to them but honestly I would’ve given this a 2 if not for the first half which holds the album up way higher than the latter half. I liked this album far more than “Freak Out!” but I’m still not a great fan of Frank Zappa’s work.
Jazz straight up.
Loving it - Peaches en Regalia
Experimental jazz guitar braingasm! Loving the guitar solos on Willie the Pimp and the Gumbo Variations! eclectic and surprising album, will be returning
I was prepared to be irked. My prior exposure to Zappa is brief and left me with the firm conviction that Frank Zappa is somehow important currency exchanged between 12-year old boys. A rite of passage or something. Resolved to listen openly I was surprised to discover things to like! The opening cheery sweetness of Son Of Mr Green Jeans bicycling its way to a groovy chunk of funk kept me happily intrigued and amused by its narrative story telling. I found similar doses throughout the rest of the album as well. While it still contained its share of jangly parts requiring an angsty 12 year old boy to truly appreciate, I have to say I feel good about this album and I’m glad I listened. I may even listen again.
FRANK
Perhaps a great album and a genious musician but I do not take drugs to like this music... ;o)
Perfect
“It must be a camel” was too much fit my brain 😵💫
Pet Sounds is the better album, and Smile was best off shelved. A convoluted album that lacks clarity.
Something of a surprise - I had no idea Zappa was this jazz-influenced but it's clear this is an adventurous and highly accomplished record. I pretty quickly found elements worming their way into my brain and as challenging as Captain Beefheart's singing may be, his performance on Willie The Pimp is memorable and brilliant in its own way. The bluesy elements and dense production definitely appealed to my more classic rock taste, although the composition is looser than I tend to prefer. I can understand why this is an important album and glad to have met it, but we're likely to stay acquaintances, rather than friends. 7/1001
yes good
zappa zaps again with all the noodling on this one
Highlights - Peaches in Regalia was amazing, and then after Willie the Pimp I mostly enjoyed just vibing to the rest of the album. Didn't like - Willie the Pimp - Though not so much didn't like as didn't know what to think about it. The music, especially the guitar solo, is very good, the vocals and lyrics (for being the only song on the album with vocals on, no less) are bizarre, though I do like the delivery of the line "Hot Meat, Hot Rats". Overall - I don't know anything about Frank Zappa except that there is a bust of him in Vilnius. It feels like this is the kind of album to just let wash over you and enjoy the ride without thinking about it too much. Jazz. Weird. So many instruments. Meandering solos. Gave it a 4 mostly because it kind of merged into one long song towards the end of the album and became background music. I don't think I'm on enough drugs for this.
Exhibit A for why objectivity is a fleeting perfectionist parade. If I’m ethnographically inclined, I watch from the bushes to not disturb the natural environment. Is that ever possible if you have a record on every available format withhold 8 track? It’s the coke bottle from the sky of revelation and modernity. Classic no matter the season. It hits heavy from beginning to end and is produced in almost perfect balance.
1st listen: The drums! Rock and Roll. Interesting voice... Not many vocals, thank god cuz his voice. 2nd listen: Drums and guitar are heavenly. Jazzy + orchestral + rock. Vocals, tongue in cheek. Light and funny song names. Remind me of Minus the Bear. Masturbatory guitar solos that get tiring after a while. 3rd listen: Plays front to back seamlessly like a well curated playlist. Voice is actually appreciated in the middle of all instruments. Jazz and rock. Played a 4th time :) Favorite songs. Peaches in regalia, Son of Mr. Green Genes, Little Umbrellas
Rating: 8.5/10 Great album, a lot of fun to listen to. Really enjoyed the eclectic mixture of styles and instruments used throughout. The fantastic production and mix also made each individual instrument shine, making for a very dynamic experience. The experimental nature of the album was great, definitely very unique in sound while still being very enjoyable to listen to musically. Favorite songs: Peaches en Regalia, Willie The Pimp, Son Of Mr. Green Genes, Little Umbrellas, The Gumbo Variations. Least favorite song: It Must Be A Camel.
This album was way better than I remember. Prototype for many jam bands that would come after. Weird experimental production and a lot of it feels like a live band in a room energy. Great and weird album
This is such an incredible album and so significant in the history of music in the 20th Century. Zappa is a genius and this is him at the genesis of fusion, multi-track recording and is probably his most accessible. Hard to believe he released this and crafted Trout Mask Replica in the same year! Every second of every track is pure wonder and I never tire of hearing it.
Peaches En Regalia - 10/10 Willie The Pimp - 8/10 Son Of Mr. Green Genes - 8/10 Little Umbrellas - 8/10 The Gumbo Variations - 8/10 It Must Be A Camel - 8/10 TOTAL - 50/60
A solo project by a member of the Mothers of Invention, featuring a song with Captain Beefheart on vocals. I'm not optimistic that I'll enjoy this... UPDATE: In the end it was ok. Certainly not horrific like MoI or CB. 5/6 track are instrumentals. Whilst self indulgent its not awful as background music. I can confidently say I will never listen to this again, though. Rating: 2.5/5 Playlist track: Peaches En Regalia Date listened: 22/12/23
Listened to this while playing Roll Player solo. I lost. I had a roommate in college who looooved Frank Zappa, so I have listened to a number of his albums. While the jams venture into self-indulgence, there is absolutely no denying that they are all incredible musicians. As a pianist, I was immediately drawn in by the use of piano in the opening moments. Is this an album I'd want to listen to over and over? Not really. This still gets a 4 because of the ridiculous amount of technicality and musical expertise present on this album. I also loved the final track. The horns were particularly satisfying!
What a brilliant album. I'd never listened to any Zappa before, but I definitely will be now. Absolutely amazing from the first note.
Hot stuff
Some of this is ok, but it gets a bit annoying for me after a while. Sounds like carnival or old school video game music.
Me pareció mono, buena combinación de cosas, no hubo nada que me super mamara pero estuvo mono, creo que no lo volvería a escuchar.
A largely enjoyable collection of noodling, funky, proto jazz-rock, although the outstanding Peaches en Regalia is something entirely different. Requires a bit of repeated listening and not for those averse to lengthy guitar solos, of which Frank Zappa was undoubtedly a virtuoso
Zappa can be very hit or miss sometimes, and with that album cover and jazz fusion as the main genre I was worried. I was however pleasantly surprised. This was a good listen.
Really cool jam album that featured a lot of spacey and experimental sounds. I can see why some people wouldn't be into this type of music but I enjoyed it alot especially as background music for working
Good but bordering on jamming.....we'll see how this 13 min track goes for me Yeah, about as i expected.
Some of the tracks are interesting but nothing particularly so, mostly just pointless avant garde jazz noodling.
I was not expecting to like this. I’ve never given Zappa a fair shake. I thought it would just be bizarre experimental noodling. I don’t know where I got that idea but it was ingrained in me at some point. This album was wild! Peaches en regalia while not being as crazy as the other tracks was an amazing kickoff. After that it was nonstop in your face energy. It was by and large an instrumental album and man can this band jam!
Good musicianship but too "far out" for my tastes.
Fun, good amount of wacky and wanky
I didn't pay a whole lot of attention while listening to this but I thought the guitars were interesting. I did find some tracks to drag on, though.
This album left me with a lot of questions. This is 1968? Why was this so good? Why are three of the four songs more than eight and a half minutes? How many instruments does he know how to play?
Production was very fun and avant garde at times. I did enjoy this listen, but do not see myself coming back to this album often.
Most of this music confuses me, but somehow interesting.
Loved the first track, “Peaches in Regalia!” I struggled to connect to “We’re Only In It For The Money” with the Mothers of Invention, so I was a bit wary of this record before hitting play. But that first track put me at ease—it was inventive, exciting, and rocking. Zappa really shows off his guitar skills on this album, which is exciting to hear!
Blind album, know the name. Glad I finally got the opportunity to listen to this artist. Great listen and super unique and groovy
enjoyed most of it. the songs that were experimental were just annoying
Классический роцк, 1969 год. Никогда не слушал франка заппу, но слышал о нём. Ну что тут сказать, сорок минут запилов на гитаре+саксофоне. И вроде неплохо, но ничего особенного. Низ тройки
this shows zappa's composer side instead of the usual crazy guitarist side everyone is used to. and boy what a composer. this album gets to sound funny even when it doesnt have lyrics, the instruments itself are saying absurd nonsense and always telling jokes to one another. like on the end of the 3rd song where theres at least 5 differents endings to the track and it keeps going off. everything is so well arranged and written even when it doesnt sound like it. it has a great mix of both beautiful and trash sounding melodies, and they transition into one another seemlessly. i dont know if its my favorite zappa album, but its definetely waaaaay up there.
I like the story albums more sry
Jazz and madness
I was wondering when Frank Zappa would make an appearance on the list. Good choice, there's a lot of great albums to choose from.
Nope. I like nuts but this was too far.
I'd listened to this for the first time about a year ago. I'd totally forgot most of it. Re-listening, yup, it's batshit crazy and I dig it!
Incredible jazz-fusion album with exceptional performances. This album epitomises the genius of Zappa, not only in his skills as a guitarist but as a band leader and composer.
I love zappa
Peaches En Regalia // Son Of Mr. Green Genes // 3.5/5
I was really intrigued by this album. I'd listen again.
Some really good horns
Delightful. I was already a Zappa fan, so this hit the spot. Although I understand and respect that Zappa is one of those artists that people generally either really like or really don’t like. That Zappa documentary from a couple years ago is decent for that kind of thing. It’s not on this album, but my favorite Zappa song is Apostrophe’.
I run pretty hot and cold with Mr. Zappa, but this, I think, is indisputably great. None of the characteristics that turn me off (“transgressive” lyrics, excessive soloing) are here, just solid tunes, in what is essentially a jazz fusion album.
I’ve heard the criticism before that Frank was better before he realized how good he was at guitar. He’s good at guitar! I’ve always liked Frank and this sounds just like him. I’m luke warm on some (not all) of his lyrics and vocals, so that was actually a plus for me on this one.
Good album. . . not sure what the fuss is about Frank.
Totally not what I expected. This is a super Jazzy album with some Funk laced in there. Was Funk a thing in 1969? This one's going in my favorites.
While this may have been a revolutionary album for its time, "Hot Rats," as the name may suggest, is all over the place. "Peaches en Regalia" starts the album as a mostly composed modern-jazz composition. However, the album really decays into just loud, free-form noodling. There really isn't anything that stands out in this album because its blaring, overly produced, and really just amelodic. Not to dash the avant-garde and inventive spirit, but this was hard to listen to.
Previously rated: Freak Out! (3/5) ********************** Groovy, jazzy, rockin', nice guitar and drums, just a bit of weirdness, barely any vocals. I liked this a lot!
Very cool but too much for me as a whole album. Needs mushrooms or something.
experimental instrumental. meh.
A treat for the ears, so much going on, the kind of album to listen to with a drink after a hard day.
I’ve tried to go through his works before and didn’t get hooked
Probably the least weird Zappa album I've listened to. Some really odd instruments, some moments where I wondered if they were in tune, and some moments that I completely forgot to pay attention. I'll give it a 3/5
Pretty chill and mostly guitar riffs.
First listen Saved 3/6 Top track: Willie The Pimp
Weird!
Zero
Love Zappa
The instrumentals are great but it does get a little taxing. “Hot Rats” is a fire name though.
Zappa’s Hot Rats were not bad company today, though after a first listen only enormous indifference stopped me from finding something else to play. Beefheart’s intro to one of Z’s long jams was my highlight, and I’m sure that the rest would go well with attendance at some school sports event; here I hope Simon can advise me. Until the happy day my scion rolls up to beat his schoolmates up at ice hockey or interpretative dance or somesuch, I shall not listen to this again. A lot of skill to admire here, all at the service of lecturing me with notes.
This is great, purchased on first listen. Ian Underwood's playing in particular is fantastic. Only criticism, Peaches En Regalia could have been 12 minutes longer. Wish I knew enough about Zappa to pick where to go next..
Another one where although the playing is impressive it leaves me cold. Noodling
The difference between this and a pure Jazz jam session is the length of the solos. A lot of great Jazz goes on for a long time, especially the Hard Bop stuff that I particularly love, but there is a structure. You play the head, everyone the band leader wants to take a solo takes a solo, and the bandleader lets you know when to cut it off. Maybe I just don’t vibe with Zappa as a bandleader, because he lets things drag on for far far too long. The solos don’t have any structure, they don’t have any rests. The quote from Miles Davis that everyone misinterprets is ‘it’s about the notes you don’t play.’ He’s talking about the space you leave inbetween phrases, where you let the music breathe, and then you launch into the impressive long runs when you’re building to the climax of the solo. You don’t launch immediately into a long run, because then you’ve got nowhere to build up to. I was gonna give an example, Joe Henderson’s solo on Song For My Father, but Zappa proves that he can do that in It Must Be A Camel, which is by far the best song on the album. Still, check out Song For My Father, it’s a great track. And the fact that Zappa proves that he can do it properly makes the mismanaging of the solos earlier in the album all the more infuriating. Some people should just not be allowed near Jazz
not for me tbh thought i wouldve liked it sorry frank zappa
Another bubble prog rock album that probably shouldn't be included on this list if it were more expansive beyond the narrow scope this list seems to want to occupy. It's a fine album but more of the same, i'm afraid. I have a lot of respect for Zappa as a person, I want to add, but didn't find anything insightful in this album aside from being a fun prog rock affair.
dope but didn't listen closely
Really fun album that was everything I'd expect from Frank Zappa. It's a short album with a few long sweet tracks filled with awesome solos and plenty of jazz influence. Check it out for yourself!
Zappa is an acquired taste. This is one of his best.
More listenable than I expected, but didn’t fully hold my attention.
Possibly the most accessible album of Zappa's catalogue. Some wonderful musicianship.
Completely outstanding. Creative integration of so many different musical ingredients! Must have inspired Beck Hansen
4 long live zappa fave songs: little umbrellas, peaches en regalia
Well, I love this. Haven't heard other Zappa, but this is just my cup of tea - jammy, complex, weird but disciplined, astonishingly talented, head-bobby. Instrumentals, and Captain Beefheart! One of my favorites of all the albums so far.
Instrumental but too much going on to be background music. It’s ok
this shit is 5 stars
Note to self: Zappa's instrumental stuff is much better than the vocal stuff.
Faktiskt väldigt svårlyssnat. Jobbigt tutande och gjort avsiktligen för att vara konstigt, på ett dåligt sätt.
Very cool jazz experimental pretty out there
Good stuff. This album made me want to shut up and play my guitar.
I think I prefer my Zappa with the silly lyrics. These all feel like extended jams and maybe I'd grow to like this more on subsequent listens, but the lack of focus sorta had me not focusing. 3/5
Zappa made some gross music from a lyrical standpoint, but his compositions are among the finest in the popular canon. This being his first straight-up fusion album makes his work all the more appealing and just sounds incredible from beginning to end. An all-time favorite. A
So much fun. Can’t believe it’s from 1969.
Ver much mostly like this. The lyrics / vocals on Willie The Pimp are tough for me to get into. I really enjoy the jams though. The vocals make up for about 2 minutes out of 43 though. I can tell there’s something really cool going on here. Not sure I can give it a 5, for me. It’s missing something for my taste.
A collection of fantastic musicians. Great bass lines, some unreal runs on the keys and bold brass work. The brass does a great job of adding depth and texture to the mix
Interesting and enjoyed parts of tracks but was hard to listen to some tracks fully
Elevator music for cool people
A couple face melters
Frank Zappa instrumentals >>>> the alternative
Really liked it, but the second song could really have done without the vocals haha
ugh, prog
Delirio psicodélico con unas guitarras que te vuelan la cabeza. Raaaaaro. Pero me gustó
I enjoyed this despite the lack of words
Intricate and well made
Zappa is always an interesting listen for me. I love his creativity but it feels like a firehouse of musical ideas sometimes. Hot Rats being mostly instrumental helps this one.
It was good. It has some good songs, others are meh.
Really groovy album, not much to say here but it was solid! I would listen again, I love instrumental rock.
It is fun, it is wild, it is probably the best thing I've listened by Zappa. Not in love, but I kinda get why people could fall in love with this. (I don't like numeric ratings, I just give 3 to anyone)
Never really understood the appeal of Zappa, but this was a great listen. Didn't really care for "It Must Be A Camel" but otherwise liked this. I guess it's just his lyrics that I don't like.
I really enjoyed this album. I appreciate his E-Guitar skills. 3.7
Rating: ** 3 ** Notes: So lala would have loved to have more voice on the album. Okay to hear, but will prbl not listen to it again. Songs which stood out in no particular order (credits to Uncle Gue for the idea): "" ------------------------------------------------------------- Rating Scale: 1- very bad 2- bad 3- neutral 4-good 5-very good additonaly -/+ sign if necessary
Famous for the combo of jazz/rock and experimental. Knew him before from: I‘m The Slime, Uncle Remus, Fembot In A Wet T-Shirt, Bobby Brown Goes Down…… This album I didn‘t like so much but still 4 stars! Personal top3 in no order: Willie The Pimp Little Umbrellas It Must Be A Camel
Interessantes Album. Finde den Saxophon Sound teilweise ziemlich cool. 5.3/10
Frank crappa. Guitars good can take or leave the rest. Only song liked Willie the pimp. 3.5/10
Wonderful. I've tried to get into Zappa a few times but never enjoyed my way through a whole record. I did with this. Good to work to as well, surprisingly.
kinda cool, and i liked the beginning of most of the songs, but they went on for too long and started to annoy me just a bit, but it was a cool album and most definitely interesting. would not listen in its entirety but would listen to specific songs again.
5/5. Fantastic and excellent jams and instrumentals, each unique in their own way without getting jumbled together. Amazing solos on Gumbo and Willie, and honestly beautiful sounds coming from Peaches and Umbrellas. Overall, a glorious musical experience with new favorites every listen, something here for everyone, while sticking with that Frank Zappa sound.
ZAPPIN'
it was.......interesting
Awesome album listened to it twice in fact. Been a mainstay parking lot jam since 03'. The guitar solo in Son of Mr Green Gene's is Fire! Peaches is amazing. 2nd favorite Zappa era?
Good instrumental music, some very nice moments. Don't think I'll listen again though.
GOD DAMNNNN: This was such a pleasant surprise. I had heard of this album before but didn't think it would be so good. A jazz style rock album seems like it is made for me and thank the lord I found this. The chord progressions were creative and it just sounded like a pure boogie sesh.
I thought this was alright at the beginning but then it went full jazz
i looked at the song titles and thought it was going to be unbearable but it was actually Quite Good
Jeg er hård for at spare på antal 4/5
3.5
first album i got. songs are really long. there’s some really nice interplay between the guitarist and the drummer on a few songs, but there are also a lot of experimental sounds that i wasn’t a fan of
No
2.5/5 Not too into only instrumentals with lots of noiseeeee. Fav: Little Umbrellas
gostoso
Not my style
Really liked it. Reminded me of omar Rodriguez Lopez music a lot of times.
I give up. This is dogshit. Nearly all of these records are guitar bands from America. A tiny cross section of what's available. Ok, they might throw in the odd Zappa to show how wacky and irreverent the list is but it's just the same beef, different gravy.
fun and quality music but also forgettable. will need to try again
Divertido, sabroso, raro. Lo amo.
Was für ein Hippie Gedudel. Es tut jetzt auch nicht unbedingt weh, es ist aber auch einfach nicht geil. Aber immerhin weiß ich jetzt, was Frank Zappa für Musik gemacht hat.
Cool!
This is crazy! Might be the best Jazz-Fusion album of all time and definitely Zappa's best work. The guitar with it's jazzy chords and the beautiful arrangements make this a truely one of a kind experience. Like Peaches en Regalia is sooo good and Willie the Pimp is the only song with vocals and Zappa isn't even the one singing it's fucking Capitain Beefheart!!! I really don't get why a lot of people don't like this album on this site: It's perfect through & through! favourites: Peaches en Regalia, Willie the Pimp, Gumbo Variations & the rest too least faves: none... really none rating: light to decent 10
Much more accessible than expected. Just a fun and weird time, with strong 60s psychedelic and funky jazz vibes, like living in a bizarre spy movie. Some tracks are too long for their own good, but otherwise a very enjoyable time. I'm sorry for judging Zappa harshly prior to this. 04/11/23
I went into this not knowing what to expect. I did like the Green Genes song, but honestly the rest of it was just too random and noodley for me - there was one point in the Gumbo track I thought I was going to go insane.
Excellent. Crazy busy bass parts. Weird and jazzy but not crazy weird like some of Zappa's other stuff.
Dirty, raw instrumentals
Haven't given Zappa too much of a listen. Liked this. Very fun instrumental jams.
Instrumentaali
Loved the jazzy chords mixed in with rock elements like electric guitar and drums. I missed vocals somewhat, but it's also refreshing to listen to something designed without them, too. Very happy to have learned about this one.
Yup
Frank
It's pretty nice, groovy background music, but although I enjoy it and realize it's objectively good, I wouldn't really listen to it again. I can't really think of a context in which I would listen to purely instrumental prog rock. Still, it's pretty cool.
ehh too jazzy for me, first couple of songs were fun but it got too repetitive and way too long, not to say it’s bad but i cannot imagine a situation where i’d want to sit and listen to 12 minute long jazz instrumental songs, it at Least has to be rock or classical music xD
I keep forgetting about the connection between Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart. This album reminded me - it sounds like some of Beefheart but with everything smoothed over, all the weirdness and discomfort replaced with technical musicianship. It's fine but I can't think of any reason to listen to it. Uncharitably rounding down to 2. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
Not all of Zappas records are good, but this one is.
Frank Zappa seems like a guy where if you were spending a day with him you’d be saying a lot of, “Ha ha, ok, let’s settle down, Frank…” I like this one a lot.
Goeie vibe
Iconic. Influential.
I hope the other 1000 albums are better
Jazzy, improvisional sounding, jammy
Perfect encapsulation of the late 60's to early 70's. Wide ranging sound. Jam band. They rip!
Are the rats sexy? Sweaty? No. They love a really long solo. 7/10
Weird and funky
Album is wild and crazy. Sounds are all over the place and I find myself grooving along prettt often Loved track 3.
Jazz rock fusion is more enjoyable than I would have guessed. The whole album is a bit too chaotic for me. Track 2 was my favorite.
Frank Zappa was the master of whatever the hell it was he was doing.
"A movie for your ears."
Fun instrumental album
This is my first listen to Frank Zappa. The style of music surprised me. In the end, I came to appreciate how eclectic the songs are - part jazz, part blues, part prog-rock.
started well, declined, gave up, sorry mr zappa
ummmm i'm happy he was able to make the music he wanted!
experimental and groovy. frank's kids are named moon, dweezil, ahmet and diva. that all tracks after listening to this album.
i liked it better when i hallucinated there being no vocals 🫠 i was still vibing and grooving though
ummmmmmmmm. was willing to root for him with peaches and then immediately i wanted off this acid trip!!!!!!!
alright thanks mark
The kind of music they play in the weddings in my place.
One of those artists where I haven't known where to jump in and start listening to. Enjoyed this, perfect Sunday morning jams
I believe this was my first time listening to Zappa, I actually quite enjoyed it even though some songs sounded like birds being strangled. Favorite track: Willie the Pimp
Too weird.
Peaches in regalia is in my top 5, of best pieces of music, of all time.
Mid
was ok, but not really my taste
Weird and awesome. I loved it.
He's a really great and talented musician, i suppose. Still, that doesn't inspire me to spent time listening to this.
Insane guitar production, this is great!
Eh, funky but not my vibe.
It is very safe to say that I was not expecting to fall in love with a Frank Zappa record. However, that is the beauty of this exercise. All of these songs absolutely slap. It's a magnum opus of saxophone playing. They are completely grooving from the very start of the album. This is wonderful. Favorite tracks: Son of Mr. Green Genes, The Gumbo Variations
Fun and improv based
Definitely not my style, but I recognise it's musical richness and variety
Glad I listened to this, it was at its best when Zappa let the instruments create a story
I would have given Hot Rats a 2.5 but since this site forces me to round up so I'm giving it a 3. This was definitely the most experimental of all the albums I have reviewed up to this point, Some paid off, some did not. The music was cool but i felt that some of the songs went on for too long. I did like the vocals though, too bad they were only used in one of these songs. Best Song: Willie The Pimp Worst Song: The Gumbo Variations
I've listened to some Zappa before. Don't Eat Snow Where the Huskies Go; seen 500 Hotels, etc. This may be quintissential Zappa and I like its flow more than what I've listened to in the past. The complete lack of lyrics doesn't hinder it, it heightens the musical audacity of each riff, each overlap of horns and other instruments. Great stuff.
ok didn't listen to all
Musically complex and impressive but possibly self-serving
Good listen, will listen to it again, nice vibes.
Better- and less weird- then I’d expected
Interesting.
It might be sac religion to say this, but I was never the world’s biggest Zappa fan. He’s great, and this album is by all definitions, great. But it’s a jam record. He was doing things in his day that no one else even came close to, and the inspiration he had on many modern artists is nearly is unrivaled. So why am I not a fan? The music isn’t too “unlistenable” or “weird” for me. In fact, this album is very much on the more normal side of Frank’s offerings. I’m not exactly sure I know what it is that deters me from it. I think I just get sort of bored with jam songs, even if they have a lot more to offer than a Grateful Dead or similar jam bands. There are elements here that are a blast, but it doesn’t feel cohesive, or like it really has a point. Maybe for me I’ve just heard all this so many times now that this just feels kind of…there. Anyway, listen to it. It’s important, and I’m sure I’m an outlier here.