Hot Rats

he went jazz mode

ahead of its time for sure

A very intriguing listen. Zappa delivers a quirky yet engaging. His aggressive style, utilizing the vast array of instruments and the conflict amongst them to find harmony from chaos. Reminds me a lot of Sebastian from La La Land and how he praises the strong competition between the instruments as adding onto the experience. It's like watching a sports game within an album. Overall I'm feeling a strong 7 to a light 8.

Fedt album - masser af god musik, blev forelsket i willie the pimp… Det her er vejen ind til Frank Zappa

Jazzy

Fun, crazy album. Loved the music. A couple songs went on a little long, but overall a great album. 4/5

Damn, what a trip this record is. No [or at least, barely any] vocals necessary. Never a stranger to producing some of the most bizarre music ever produced, 'Hot Rats' is a relatively tame affair as far as Frank Zappa is concerned, though a 'tame' Frank Zappa is akin to Evel Knievel with training wheels on. Gone is the hilarity and sheer ridiculousness of The Mothers of Invention, and in its place is an inspired six-track set of mostly instrumental music that, while still experimental and bizarre in places, is far more subtle and focused than anything Zappa had produced previously. This album is pure cinema, right from the one-two punch of 'Peaches en Regalia' and 'Willie the Pimp' to open the record to the free-form jazz of 'The Gumbo Variations'. Even though there's barely any vocals present [Don Van Vilet AKA Captain Beefheart gets a few throwaway lines on 'Willie the Pimp'], there's something oddly intriguing about 'Hot Rats' that it's hard not to be entertained. Zappa's guitar playing on this record is outstanding. His guitar takes on a multitude of different voices, from groove laden ['Willie the Pimp'] to bombastic ['Son of Mr. Green Genes']. Then you have full-blown mystical jazz ['Little Umbrellas'] and horns as demented as a screaming cat ['The Gumbo Variations'] and it all contributes to an unusual yet satisfying blend of jazz and rock. While not immediately accessible, Zappa's influence on popular music is endless, and 'Hot Rats' is arguably Zappa at his most focused and straight-forward, and the first record where he truly let his guitar do the talking! 4/5

Never knew Zappa did instrumental jazz fusion. 4 stars for a taking the chance and putting out a decent album.

Partial credit for the creative arrangements…extra credit for Sugarcane Harris

Cool and rich!

I went through quite a short, but very intense Zappa phase, when I was around 17 to 19. I saw a Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention tribute act at the Platform in Morecombe (this is what passed for a big gig there) and they were crazily good. So this was a nice thing to come back to and hear again. Musically, it's very all over the place, but mostly in a very good way. Great fun, if a little silly.

Really enjoy this one. The frenetic sounding jams are what I love! 5 stars

Peaches En Regalia gets better and better with age. I am a Zappa fan, but can see how its too much for some.

I’ve known about this album forever, glad I was “made” to listen to it!

Good, not really big into jazz but very well produced

Zappa’s best in my opinion - love it. Willie the pimp is an absolute tour de force. So glad this came up yesterday!

Actual first time for me to listen to any Zappa on purpose. All these years I never listened to him, thinking that I wouldn't like any of his music. But it seems I've been missing out.

4.5 great album one of frank zappas better early stuff willie the pimp

hot take - great album. the first few songs make you feel like you're going to places

Zappa is hard because his music was so complex and varied. Every now and then though he nails experimentation and complexity with genuinely immersive music. Excellent album. Fave Tune: The Gumbo Variations

Ah Zappa - I do love it but it's not for everyone.

Enjoying. Lots of wig outs.

This is the first time I’ve actually enjoyed Frank Zappa. I’ve tried many times, but couldn’t get into it and thought I was missing something. It’s some kind of jazz/rock that just works. If the horns didn’t sound as much like the horn section on a synthesizer, it would’ve been much better, but then I don’t know if that was the sound he was going for or a limitation of the technology of the time. Regardless, I’m glad I finally appreciate something he’s done.

Enjoyable listen.

Awesome. Did not expect a non lyrical album from Zappa

A great place to start with Zappa. Here he curbs his more juvenile tendancies (well, mostly) and gives us a jazzy, proggy, rock amalgamation. Best Tracks: Peaches En Regalia; Willie The Pimp; The Gumbo Variations .

Музыка: 7/10 Разнообразие: 7/10 Тематика и вайб: 8/10 Цепляемость (отдельные песни зашли): 7/10 Реиграбельность (можно ли рандомно врубить на фон): 7/10 Итог: 7.2

One of the best jazz fusion albums I've ever heard. This might not be my go to genre but it still is a killer album. 8/10

Muy bueno, jazz? rock? progresivo?, bueno un poco de todo y más.

The guitar work on this album is infinitely groovy and fun, while also sounding completely unique. Tickles my ADHD brain in all the right ways. My only complaint is that some of the songs drag on a bit.

Silly, funky, and consistently engaging. I wanna be there.

Great record. I haven't liked a single Frank Zappa record up to this point, but this one was amazing. Favourite Track(s): Willie The Pimp, The Gumbo Variations, Least Favourite Track(s): Little Umbrellas

Very fun album, will need to revisit it

Wild stuff, can hear the influence on Trey for sure.

YMMV. Some songs run too long and there is a general “jam band vibe”. I found this album really captivating, some new riff, scale or time signature/arrangement change always felt right around the corner. Ear candy.

Listened through once, thought it was fine. Switched over to Freak Out (the other Zappa I've gotten so far), then back to this - and on the second listen it went down a lot smoother. It felt like something I could sink into. The solos go on a bit too long, I think, but the variety of instruments makes up for it. Honestly, though, listening to this made me go back and bump my rating for Freak Out from a 4 to a 5. That shit... that is the shit I do like. Wish this had more of the weird lyrics and confrontational arrangements tbh! Felt tame in comparison.

Mostly instrumental jazzy-rock. Great sounds. Songs 2&3 in particular

Loved it. Will definately add to collection. Willie the Pimp. Best track

With how Frank Zappa looks and being weary of older music after being bored so much my bob Dylan, I wasn’t particularly excited about this… but I was very wrong. This absolutely rocks. Lively, surprising and chaotic, but also just completely pleasant start to finish

Didn’t listen!

I like Zappa's unhinged stuff, but I was pleasantly surprised by this instrumental work.

What was this guys smoking?? Jazz fusion/jam band stuff isn’t for me but I really liked a lot of this. Will probably not listen again, expect maybe that first track, but I enjoyed my time.

adorei a guitarra. fez me pesquisar um pouco sobre ele. e ganhei um novo artista

Nice instrumentals for reading. Did not really like the song with singing.

Kind of an interesting mix of rock, pop, and electronic? Good?

Another one of those albums where I'd love to have more than five steps for comparibility. But it's more four than three stars.

Great. Pretty front loaded though

Still holds up.

An extra star for the Beefheart feature.

You can see they know music because the cultural influences are clear!! You'd have to be blind not to hear them!

Funky jazzy freak out a bit too much horn on spots and a little too free form to make it a 5/5

Total vibe. Varied and creative, Zappa is a magician when it comes to getting the max out of an instrument and making it serve the broader, insane vision he has for a track. Like five separate times I got lost in a sax solo or a drum beat or violin and ended up feeling like it's as good as those instruments ever sounded. I struggle to connect overly with Jazz, and that's still an issue here - like, what is any of this supposed to mean? - but it doesn't hurt my enjoyment of this one too much.

-Not at all what I expected -Fantastic guitar work -I appreciate the minimal vocals, it really lets you focus om the solos -Lots of ofher very funky sounds I enjoy

exciting and dynamic yet never frantic. great jazz rock.

A pretty good album, I liked Son Of Mr Green Genes the most.

Great!

38/1001 Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ✅ Well this was a bit of a revelation! This is such a fun record! Jazz, groove, wig out session album. Only one of the six songs has vocals (provided by Captain Beefheart) and enjoyed pretty much all of it.

This was a great listen, Frank Zappa pretty cool

Absolutely love Zappa!

9.3

Fresh and original melodies for this prog jazz rock pop fusion instrumental work. I can hear where Steve Vai got his inspiration largely from by listening to any Zappa. Wide variety of instruments. More rock than anything else.

I liked this album. Very eclectic, noisy and somewhat discordant. Was surprised by the horns and lengthy instrumental jams. I can tell that Phish listened to Zappa. Overall enjoyable.

I would say I enjoyed this one, opening on the instrumental “Peaches En Regalia” which is an enjoyable opener and moving straight into the mostly but not completely instrumental “Willie The Pimp” which I enjoyed thoroughly, it was my favorite track on the record and that extended solo is just perfection. I also liked the instrumentation and solos on “Son Of Mr. Green Genes” however by this point I was feeling like it may have been going on a little long as this and the previous track were both 9 minutes. “Little Umbrellas” was a pleasant change of pace at only 3 minutes. But the next track was the worst for me and the longest running at 13 minutes and was called “The Gumbo Variations” I thought it felt like more of the same but longer. However I loved “It Must Be A Camel” ending it off. This was good but not quite great.

Sounds like the beginning of psychedelia. Pretty good listen. Probably better with an edible

Pretty much just 40 minutes of Zappa going crazy on the guitar and it slaps

Jamz

Enjoyed this a lot, very jazzy, also a surprisingly good running album

3.5

This, *Apostrophe (')*, and *Over-Night Sensation* have historically been the only Frank Zappa studio albums I've really enjoyed thoroughly. All at solid 4½ star ratings. This one is probably my favorite and I think it is probably because it is mostly instrumental. His lyrics get really silly. I appreciate them but I'm at a slight arm's length at them, but I don't think that they're bad at all. In fact there are songs on both *Apostrophe (')*and *Overnight Sensation* that I can see where *Weird Al* gets his influence. But still it's lo e reading a comic book for insight. I do need to get this on LP because it is honestly just a great jam all the way through. Whether it is bizarro psychedelic to its Jazz/Rock fueled moments, I find myself eating this up.(9.55) ★★★★½

Groovy. First time with Zappa, and I loved this.

Ich hatte keine Ahnung was mich erwartet. Hat mich dann sehr überrascht etwas ähnliches wie Jazzrock zu hören. Es hat mich jedenfalls an Brand X, J-L Ponty, Mahavishnu Orchestra erinnert. Spannend.

Complex and hard to access but also listenable. Great guitar tones. Out there instruments. Willie The Pimp is silly. The musicianship is top notch but I don't know who this is for other than music students.

Love it

Albums like this is why I started this project. I knew virtually nothing about Frank Zappa beyond my father’s opinion growing up that he was a no good, drug-addled, unproductive, rabble-rousing troublemaker hippie. Consequently, I knew even less about his music and had no idea what to expect this morning. What a delightful surprise. The arrangements don’t appear terribly technical, skilled, or complex playing but the free flowing, jam-session vibe really works for me. Willie the Pimp is a real banger. In fact the first 3 songs are really good. The last 3 not as much - I like the funk of Gumbo but the horn becomes too much. On first listen I decided ‘it’s probably a 3 but I’ll give it a 4 to ensure I come back later.’ On second listen I concluded solid 4, no doubt. Thanks dad. 4/5

Surprisingly I enjoyed this.

Peaches En Regalia 4 Willie the Pimp 4.4 Son of Mr. Green Genes 4.3 Little Umbrellas 4 The Gumbo Variations 4 It Must Be a Camel 4 Score: 4.116666667

This was a really fun record. Glad I listened. Grooved all the way through my commute.

This ain't music.

Great playing. Some jams get boring after a while.

Yeah good, Willie the pimp stand out. Had heard the odd Zappa song here and there but nice to get into an album. Definitely would recommend

I probably like this more than most people. Pretty groovy and weird. Made me wanna burn one which is funny considering how zappa felt about drug use. Got a little long by the end

Without giving it much thought I would’ve landed on a 3. But i just found myself grooving and I know Tim would give it a 5, so I’ll go with 4.

I may not listen to much jazz, but this was an experience, and I dug it. My Dad fucking loved Zappa, so extra points for him. It was groovin, it was jazzin, it was rock n roll. I can picture my Dad with his eyes closed, smile on his face, arms out, moving to this. What a time. Hell yeah.

Jam seshhhhhh

Reminds me how much blues influenced rock.

banggggerr

he cooked

First listen for me and very much enjoyed. It's one I will need to return to so I can appreciate it more.

Gotta give some love to Zappa - He's sometimes weird, often great, very talented.

I have a lot lot lot of issues with frank zappa... primarily I think he's untalented and a fake freak (worst offence imaginable) but sometimes the stars align with him and something interesting comes through in his albums... anyways I know im being a bit pedantic and not explaining myself much but he sorta represents all the worst things about the hippie movement to me (i.e. he's racist, stupid and has nothing to say) but i also liked this album enough LOL so fuck it 4 stars

This was not my normal jam but I really got into it. Would listen to more.

This greatly exceeded my expectations. The first two tracks absolutely whip, the first sort of struck me as pleasurable in the same way a Henry Mancini soundtrack is, and the second genuinely rocked, which is not something I expect in the jazz fusion world. The rest sort of wore on me and got pretty same-y, but overall a good listen and something that may enter the rotation as background/working music. Will probably check out other Zappa as a result, which is also contrary to my expectation.

Didn't finish it but enjoyed what I heard.

This is a very cool album. It mixes blues, rock, and jazz. This album is CRAZY! I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. This record changes second by second and I think it’s incredible how Zappa could fuse many different styles into one. This album is really cool!

Pretty interesting ablum.

Very cool album. My first time listening to Frank Zappa! I loved it.

Much better than 90% of other Zappa I have heard

Great album. The highs are high, and when you think you've reached one peak you're surprised to find that you really had just got to the foot of the mountain.

Really impressed with the opening tracks, and find that Zappa succeeds here when I treat the record like the work of a composer who is using rock and prog instruments, instead of trying to fit his work into the idea of a band writing rock songs

His most accessable album. My problem with Frank Zappa is that his guitar solos are often too long and often overstay their welcome. Even 5 minutes of noodling can get boring. I'll make an exception for Willie the Pimp because that's a fun jam track. I like of the sense of humor. It walks a fine line between not being serious and chin stroking pretention.

The rats are, in fact, hot

Another one I own a physical copy of. I love me some Frank Zappa. He is weird in all the best ways. Peaches in Regalia fucking rules. This album fucking rules. 4.5 ⭐️ because I have to be in a Zappa mood.

When I saw Zappa I was afraid we were in for some avant garde bullshit that I wouldn't get....but this album rips. Psychedelic bluesy jazz fusion is everything I didn't know I needed. 4.5 stars.

Oh to be a fly on the dirty ass wall of whatever drug den this album was created in

Hot Rats is a surreal ride—a psychedelic rock-and-roll circus shaped by a wide range of influences. You can hear traces of rock, blues, jazz, classical, even beat vibes…all filtered through Zappa’s unmistakable avant-garde lens. What’s most striking is how purely he leans into artistic freedom. Unfiltered, fearless, and entirely nonconformist. A subtle genius, really. Cheers to doing it all his own way.

Despite my best intentions to investigate the work of this zany genius over the years, all I can recall on the spot about Zappa are his novelty tracks "Bobby Brown (Goes Down)" and "Valley Girl"; the latter I no doubt heard on Dr. Demento's show when I was a kid. So here I am finally listening to this funky as hell record I've been seeing in used vinyl bins my whole life, (and just as long loving the cover art with its rad juicy weirdo photo and perfectly kerned Helvetica typeface). And what can I say? I AM GROOVIN' ON THE FREAK SCENE, MANNNN. It's not hard to be transported to the mindset of peak far-out, wig-flipping, hairy jam-out weirdness from when this dropped in '69. But what is also remarkable is to hear the 1:1 influence this has had on modern stuff like Animal Collective, Ween, and King Gizzard. The musicianship is stellar and the compositions are engaging. Definitely of a time and of a place. (It's probably also had an influence on 90s hippie jam bands I can't stand, but you can't win 'em all.) The album ends on a great free jazz skronk-fest, which is fun and chaotic and reminiscent of the stuff I used to do with a band I was in. I probably should have gotten into this more when I was younger and a little more adventurous, but hell , I'll take it at any age. After all, "when the going gets weird, the weird go pro." - Frank Zappa

First time really listening to Frank Zappa. He sounds like the musical representation of Tom Robbins. I like the experimentation and jazz influence, but probably not something I'd listen to every day.

In Zappa’s earlier work with Mothers of Invention, like ‘We’re Only In It For the Money’ which we previously reviewed, the listener kinda gets the impression that they’re on the outside of an inside joke about what is music, anyway? It feels strangely nihilistic, as if to say music is dead and we’re dancing on its grave. We’re reanimating its corpse in a grotesque way and we’re laughing at those who find it in poor taste. In this solo effort, I get no impression that Zappa is anything but sincere — this is music for music’s sake, and it makes it clear that the anti-music from Mothers of Invention was being driven by someone with a lot of musical intelligence and intuition. And Zappa is very much in charge on this album: in addition to playing guitar, bass and percussion, he is also credited as writer and arranger of all songs on the album and the album’s producer. The opening track, “Peaches en Regalia”, is a fantastic track, a fantastic opener, and I wish it were longer. I found this to be a theme throughout the album — my favorite tracks tended to be the shortest. “Little Umbrellas” and “It Must Be A Camel” are both around or under five minutes, and were both two other favorites from this album. That is probably my biggest complaint with this album—it spends too little time one really cool, jazzy, intricate songs like those and some parts of “The Gumbo Variations”, and more on blues rock extended jams like “Willie the Pimp” and most “Son of Mr. Green Genes” that I found to be slightly less creative although not unenjoyable to listen to. Overall, this album is just really fun to listen to and will catch your attention at several points in each song. Not your typical guitar album; high replay value. Strong 8/10 Playlist pick: “Peaches en Regalia”

I’ve never listened to much Frank Zappa but I knew this album would be pretty out there. It was a strange mix of different genres but I didn’t mind it. I gotta stop doing these reviews days after listening because I forget half the album… anyway this was good!

Really enjoyed this. It’s a musical soundscape with some great tracks

Quite liked this one. Willie the Pimp was a real highlight. And the Gumbo Variations was also a good listen. Perhaps dips slightly in places after a great start but overall a surprisingly nice listen this morning.

I loved the first two tracks and the bold enthusiastic style of this album. Let down by the last two tracks that just went too far with the sax.

Real hard and real groovy. Crazy that this came out in 1969. Bitches Brew but rock.

8.5/10. Frank Zappa was one of the most-brilliant musicians to ever live. I don't really know why I listen to him so rarely. This is a really cool jazz album!

I did not enjoy the singing, but everything else was surprisingly good! I guess I judged the album by it's cover

Very cool.

Great instrumental album, first time I've really heard something from Zappa and it didn't dissappoint

I own Freak out by the Mothers of Invention, so I was looking forward to this one. Very surprised to find out it was an instrumental album (with the exception of Willie the Pimp). Gotta admit loved it. No track really stood out but you can't deny the musicianship. Not too messy and unstructured but just enough improvisation to keep you listening. Nice

Kinda weird. In a good way. I like the bluesyness on some of the tracks but I would prefer more shorter tracks rather than so few 9 min tracks.

Now I thought I knew what Frank Zappa sounds like - guess I need to listen to other Frank’ albums if there are some more like this. Really enjoyed the mostly instrumental songs. Standouts were "Willie the Pimp", "Son of Mr. Green Genes” and "The Gumbo Variations".

When Zappa doesn’t have some kind of intellectual axe to grind he is much more interesting. Add in Sugarcane Harris and you have something pretty marvelous.

Rock instrumentals that sound fresh even after all these years. Favorite track: the gumbo variations other picks: peaches en regalia, willie the pimp,

funky!

awesome! Very creative, ahead of its time.

Probably my favorite jazz album I’ve heard to date, very fun and vibrant sounding album. Could hear a lot of personality in his instrumentation and it sounded great. Favorite Track: Son Of Mr. Green Genes.

This album rocked. One of those 1960’s releases where I can see the DNA path lines to like 20 different bands in the contemporary. The genre shifting within tracks was rad as hell. I think the entire experience was probably enhanced by the fact that I was running around town to grab light beers. Jazzier tracks were a bigger hit for me (Little Umbrellas / Peaches) but there’s something to enjoy in each of the 7+ min tracks lol.

Incredible album. First time listening to Zappa and I am not disappointed. The freedom of each note played, the pure madness of the guitar and sax solos, how each song has its own feel and identity. Will be coming back to it for sure. 8,5/10 fav songs : Peaches in Regalia & The Gumbo Variations

This was not what I expected, in a good way. I had associated Frank Zappa with offbeat experimentally weird music, which this is, but it also had skill (I didn't know he was a renowned guitarist!), jazz/classical elements, and was approachable. I spent some time trying to figure out which song the beginning of Little Umbrellas reminded me of. Not Swan Lake, but something like that? Especially liked Gumbo Variations and Willie The Pimp

𝘏𝘰𝘵 𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘴 is what happens when Frank Zappa decides to behave — at least a little. Stripped of most of his trademark absurdism (minus a dash of Beefheart chaos and some delightfully odd titles), this album dives deep into jazz-rock fusion with surprising accessibility. Tracks like 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢 don’t just groove — they glide, twist, and sparkle. It’s experimental, yes, but with enough structure to welcome even the Zappa-curious. A wild ride, but one with seatbelts.

Each of these songs take a while to get going but hot damn are the jams tasty. Put it on half-burnt toast by adding violin solo's and sell it.

Vrhunski album! Baš baš dobar. Dugo vremena sam mislila da ne mogu slušati Zappu, ali eto očito je Tihin utjecaj ostavio traga 🤣 baš sam guštala! 4/5, 8.5/10

Highlights: Peaches en Regalia, Son of Mr Green Genes In a nutshell: hot jams This goes down smoothly compared to the Mothers of Invention album "We're Only In It For The Money" I had a few weeks ago. More prog blues and jazz fusion tunes than avant garde rock here. Also, Frank looks like a stoned clown peering out of the empty pool on the album cover. And if you go to the official YouTube playlist, some tracks have this creep playing peekaboo to the music. Overall: 7/10

Awesome

I was born to a Zappa track: The Torture Never Stops Hot Rats is a much more accessible but even more satisfying collection of sounds - vivid and cinematic. The studio isn't so much an instrument as another musician. Tasty and tasteful playing all over the place! Favourite tracks: Willie the Pimp, The Gumbo Variations

Great vibes, would be cool to see live for sure. It does become noise at times when it feels like a jam by great players. Like im not listening to songs im hearing people go ham. And thats cool in its own ways

spunky, and i feel like this would be so enjoyable to listen to under any influence. def need to listen to more

Very sophisticated jazzy jams. Some jarring moment prevent a top score. “Gumbo” and “Green Genes” were favorites.

I love Peaches En Regalia, and the next couple were good. But the last 2 or 3 seem suspiciously like jazz. And that didn't sit right with me. 3.5* rounding up for Peaches.

Real good. Peaches en regalia will always be one of my fav pieces of art ever it is absolutely perfect. Some of the Jams get a tad boring but green genes is soooo sick

want to give this a 5 but i also don't like long songs.... it'll be a true 4.5

i'm giving 4 stars to an instrumental jazzy vibes album who am i

Great album. Shows off Zappos musical talents.

This was cool

A nice surprise. I expected this to be very experimental, and although it was experimental, it was quite accesible. Solid musical basis, with good and extensive soloing.

I didn't know anything about Frank Zappa except that he was a hippie era guy who did A LOT of drugs. I went into it not really sure how I was going to like it, and honestly, I really enjoyed it. I don't know that I would listen to it with other people around or all that often, but it was worth the listen. It was definitely weird. The drummer had it going ON, and there was specific instrumentalist later that really hit it too.

Zappa can shred.

Good guitar man

Got this album rec from Willie The Pimp and he never steers me astray.

I never really got into zappa. Not necessarily something i would listen to again but i enjoyed listening to it, was way more interesting than most on this list. 3 for me but 4 for the project

wow this is funky and i liked it

Impressive? Yes. Good? Not sure. In parts it is brilliant.

This album made me grow a mustache I can’t remove.

Zappa, especially + Beefheart, is where so much prog rock wanted to go but never could, too bogged down by pretensions, whereas the former, at least on this record, is all about substance and the goods. Few rock/blues artists can take a turn into European classical form w/o either being utterly overwrought or feebly intellectual, but Zappa doesn't go there to be cool, or to learn precision or perfection, but b/c there's something there that has the potential to pop and swing. 'Willie The Pimp' defines a classic, the best instrumentals are 'Little Umbrellas' and 'The Gumbo Variations,' and the whole gestalt does have a cinematic quality (Zappa's design apparently). I only wish we got more Beefheart - I guess he's the ultimate draw for moi.

I really didn’t expect this First listen was in the car on a long journey. Ok but not really the environment to concentrate on a ‘new’ album. All I can recall about that listen is that there weren't many words. Which I thought was odd since my only real solid experience of FZ is “Joe’s Garage”, which is FULL of words. Second listen on headphones. This is what I imagine the Muppet Show band, y’know the one with Dr. Teeth, Zoot, Animal, Floyd, Lips and Janice would release if they made an album. An excellent accompished jam, with all sorts of unusual instrument sounds coming through. Really liked it. But I did miss the studenty lyrics. I think there are more FZ albums on the list I haven’t heard yet. I look forward to them.

First time ever listening to a Zappa album and I can’t say I fully understand the hype, but I do understand how he can mesmerize musicians. It was a little lengthy but the composition and instrumentation is so interesting that it doesn’t seem like a longer album. It was fun to sit back and have no idea where a song was going to take me. Can’t say I’ll be taking a deep dive into his discography, but I’m sure we’ll have more of his work in the future.

what a guy. love the way he says hot rats. Would I listen again: sure Deserves to be on this list: yes 3.6

Pretty good music to just listen to, and watch the world go by 8/10

It doesn't seem right to call an album featuring a Captain Beefheart vocal and three 9+ minute jams "accessible", and yet, contextually, this still may be the most accessible Zappa record I've heard. I don't know if it's my favorite of his, but it's definitely up there. I'm never personally bothered by the song lengths given a) the energy of the performances and b) their persistent movement. The musicianship is obviously top-notch across the board (shoutouts to Ian Underwood and Sugarcane Harris are certainly in order), but there's a certain rawness to it that isn't always on display in Zappa's music. Big fan. 4/5

nstrumentally, this is probably Frank Zappa's strongest release including everything he did with the Mother Of Invention.

this is the exact kind of album that made me want to do this challenge—it’s a record i’ve been meaning to listen to for ages and is constantly referenced and yet i’ve never actually sat down to listen to it. obviously i know who frank zappa is but i can honestly say i don’t think i’ve ever listened to a full song by him or the mothers of invention. so this is as good an excuse as any. even tho he had beef with the velvets. ok update i listened to it. well it’s kinda doing too much. but i think it’s still quite good. i doubt i’d listen to it in full again but i understand its relevance and importance to music history…still i’ll never forgive frank zappa for being a meanie bo beanie to sterling and the other members of the velvet underground. also RIP miss christine 💔 fav tracks: peaches en regalia; son of mr. green genes; it must be a camel

this was pretty cool!!! so interesting and impressive. it feels like all the insane guitar riffs and energy that i didn’t like about yesterday’s metallica album is channeled in a good way here. i just like that this sounds like a bunch of talented musicians going crazy together.

Fun jazz album

I struggled to listen to this. Not because it isn't great, but because I wasn't in a great head space. I recognize the amazing musical talent, but will have to revisit this later.

Interesting. Not really my cup of tea

I love guitar jazz and this is arguably the best guitar jazz album I’ve ever heard. Some tracks drag along the way which is why I give it a 4 but overall the tracks were excellent. This isn’t the easiest album to lay back and listen to but it’s easy to get into.

Heard a lot *about* Zappa before, but hadn't listened to much outside of Cheap Thrills and some of the big hits. Enjoyed listening to this, but felt like it could've gone on for longer. Ends too soon. Will probably relisten.

Blandat. Ganska rörigt. Men när det drar åt jazz-hållet, mycket, mycket bra! Fyra

I enjoy Willie the Pimp, and am surprised I've not listened to the rest of the album. Turns out I've been (somewhat) missing out! I really enjoyed Peaches En Regalia, Son of mr green genes, but started trailing off during Gumbo. It's a bit long and a bit too much of the same during Gumbo, but overall a great album. I bet this would have been insane to listen to live.

A freaking fun freakout. Love the sax and the drums.

I was skeptical because... Zappa. but it's a pretty good album from front to back.

I've tried to get into Zappa before, but struggled. Listening to this album through, I get it now. I can see how this band has influenced many bands that I love 40-50 years later.

Stank

good instrumental album

truly a movie for the ears! not my favorite jazz, but very fun to listen to

Wow, first off I'll say that I really liked this one. The first track had me right away; it was such a vibe. I've never listened to any Frank Zappa, but I've heard about him throughout the years. I recall my dad mentioning him a few times, and from that I got a certain impression of what his music was, but this isn't at all what I would have expected it to be like. Is this like a jam band? Kinda, but not really. Jazz rock? Whatever it is, I found it fascinating!

Very nice

Big fan of the instrumentals after the "hits". Solid and interesting stuff.

Enjoyed this far more than I thought I would. Cool jam album. Didn't care for the vocals in Willy the Pimp though.

Willie the pimp is a highlight. Mostly jazz instrumental. Fun album

First 3/4 of the album was great

Pepohappy, Zeitreise

Halt eifach musikalisch aber no geil rockig för e Hendergrond. Trotzdem rächt vom Jazz beiflosst. Alles sehr guet höhrbar aber s meischte tönt relativ ähnlech

fucking awesome guitar, loved the wah pedal used throughout a lot of the songs. definitely going to listen again.

I really enjoyed this! Captain Beefheart even sounds better and more focused here with Zappa than on his solo album. Some great tracks on this and a great feel!

Interesting!

Always found Zappa unhinged. But this mostly instrumental album is great.

Fav: Peaches En Regalia Least Fav: The Gumbo Variations This is Frank Zappa’s redemption arc after The Mothers Of Invention

Like Todd Rundgren, Frank Zappa was a master of so many other things it is easy to forget just how good a guitar player he was. Of course he would later release Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar but Hot Rats, a largely instrumental album, set the bar. Peaches En Regalia is the gem but the rest of the tracks display Zappa’s, and the band’s, prowess in both composed and improvised jam settings. Willie the Pimp, the non-instrumental, has Captain Beefheart howling’ the blues as an added bonus.

Good, easy listening.

Basically a long jam session, but a cool one... Bass and Drums are really fun to listen to...

Wacky album this guy was on some kind of drugs to get these songs out lol

Thought I hated Zappa. I probably do, for the most part. Although now I'm not so sure, because very unexpectedly I really liked this! Groovy, partly experimental jazz-rock. These rats are rad!

Gnarly riffs after gnarly riffs…not for everyone…but absolutely for me!

Radical

Not really a Zappa fan, although I've enjoyed pretty much everything I've heard from him before, and when I saw this this morning, was kinda not looking forward to it because just wasn't in the mood for weird progressive, bluesy, jazz rock type stuff. Not that it's appears on much aside from like the first track, but he has a knack for taking really cliche, overused sounds that come off as super dated and making them sound extremely fresh and interesting. But its undeniable that this thing is amazing. Definitely gets a bump up for being almost entirely instrumental, although I don't really dislike Zappa's singing, just that sometimes I am not in the mood for it.

my style

4.5

This is cool and it makes me feel cool when I listen to it.

Oh they're GROOVIN on this one. My first full-length Zappa listening experience.. what a wild ride. As a drummer myself, the drumming on this thing is exceptional - incredibly musically interesting, strikes a nice balance of jamming and explorational while not feeling too 'jam band-y'. Not that I hate jam bands per se, but there is a sound/style they're typically associated with that I would have been disappointed to see on this album.

One of those albums where I can't really put what I like about it into words. I used to think it was prog rock, but I never really got past Willie The Pimp when I tried listening when I was younger. It's far jazzier than I remember and I expected vocals for more than just a few minutes I always thought the vocals on the sleazy Willie The Pimp were bizarre, of course it turns it to be my pal Beefheart (unrelated, but he should've sounded like this on Trout Mask Replica, it would be more bearable). Son of Mr Green Genes has a weirdly whimsical kind of sound. I also like Zappa's solo on that one a lot The Gumbo Variations went on so long that I kind of stopped paying attention, and it went immediately out the other ear, but that's probably a me problem Highlights: Peaches En Regalia, Son of Mr Green Genes

Zappa!!

bão demais

tem sax = boa música. jazz fusion de ótima qualidade hein. altos solos de altos instrumento, pau quebrando demais.

A movie for your ears indeed

Haven't heard this before and it was a good surprise of a record. Great songs throughout and incredible musicianship.

This is actually the first album I've ever listened to by the legendary Frank Zappa and I suspect that it was the wrong place to start. I've been familiar with him for years from his reputation, a handful of songs, and his work with Captain Beefheart. But I've never listened to a full album from Zappa or the Mothers of Invention. As I understand it, this was Zappa's attempt to move away from the experimental rock of the Mothers and produce a more free form jazz record. Again, it's weird place to start, why do anything in a conventional way when it comes to someone so well known for being the opposite? "Hot Rats" is full of experimental and sometimes jarring or abrasive jam sessions that could turn off even the most hardcore jam band fans. But for thoe of us who love the weird and wonderful, it's quite a trip. It's not the kind of album where you might pick a favorite song. The whole experience should wash over you when you just need a frantic break from normality. I look forward to hearing the Mothers of Invention soon in this generator.

You love one Zappa album and hate the next.

This is a fun little jam. Feel like I'm in a 70s or early 80s movie.

The whole album is an amazing jam sesh, Mr. Green Genes is a masterpiece. Gumbo variations makes me happy. WTF is It must be a camel...

Great psychedelic feeling instrumental rock album. Excellent album to work to.

Really cool engaging listen, fun and inventive jazz fusion that definitely serves as the blueprint for successive projects of the same tone. By no means an easy listen really I wouldn't think unless you're a Zappa fan, but if you can get into the space to want to listen to stuff like this then this should be on your radar. Very cool soloing Frank :)

Interesting. No, better than that. Pretty fricken good. Like a soundtrack to a seventies movie, with cops and pimps, big cars and fast women. Zappa gets a four!

Very much enjoyed this! Sometimes instrumental albums are underrated and this was just funky in lots of good ways!

Yeah that was fun.

This one was interesting, I think I liked it. Really like the instrumental mix and unique rhythm sounds. One I would like to listen to again though. And some of the line longer songs seem to stretch on with too little variation. Anyways, would listen to again.

Pas pire foreal!

I love Frank Zappa regardless but I have never listened to this album and I'm not the biggest fan of prog but this is special, so fun to listen to.

Felt a bit like a carnival. Inventive. But feels like straightforward 70’s rock as well.

Zappa had had a falling out of sorts with his band, and he wanted a new direction for his solo work. Jazz fusion was an interesting choice as any, and it ended up working out well for him. However, this is still an atypical album for him, because he mostly plays it 'normal'. Normal for Zappa is, of course, still pretty out there. Long guitar solos, weird song structures, use of unexpected instrumentation... he even had to make his own 16-track recording desk. But aside from some vocals from Captain Beefheart on Willie The Pimp, it's lacking both the satirical lyrics and the music concrète elements that Zappa is known for. The songs are also too darn long. Tangent: Beefheart is both in character and strangely subdued. I know that sounds impossible, but it's true. Favourite Song: Peaches en Regalia Least Favourite: The Gumbo Variations Strong Bad Demerit Count: 0 (No, Beefheart's weird noises don't count)

Jan 29, 2025 (listened part in an airport waiting area, part while taking off) HL: “Peaches En Regalia”, “Son of Mr. Green Genes”, “The Gumbo Variations”, “It Must Be a Camel” From the 1st 5 seconds of Hot Rats I was once again reminded to expect the unexpected from Zappa Some of the songs (looking at you, “Gumbo” and “Willie”) were a bit testing, but the lengthy solos were in retrospect pretty awesome Was bracing myself for harsh noise à la the Mothers’ other two albums on this list, but it never came

Interesting music.

I haven't listened to this album forever--I used to like Zappa and the Mothers a lot when I was teenager. This albums starts off as a psychelic trip with Peaches Regalia--I always found it astounding that Zappa didn't do drugs based on their sound. Like many Zappa albums, this is often instrumental, like a rock orchestra. I'm not sure if it's the best place to start on Zappa--he has dozens of albums. But it's certainly one of the better ones from what I remember. I didn't like it as much as a teenager--I preferred Joe's Garage back then. But it's great to relisten to this as an adult--I think my appreciation has grown for the sounds.

C:7.5 Thin mix leaves me longing for more depth and bassiness and richness. Really successful at creating climactic moments in music. That keeps it from being one of those albums that sounds more fun to make than listen to. There's a sense of adventure and anticipation throughout the album that keeps it exciting.  nice use of electronics and weird lil sounds particularly in Son of Mr. Green Genes

That was fun! I love HOT RATS 4/5

I haven’t spent a deep amount of time with Zappa and have had it on the list for a while. And this album…look it’s jazz funk fusion wankery but god is it done well. I think the thing that keeps me into all of this is how propulsive the tunes are. There’s a LOT going on, and that makes sense for Frank, but it’s always moving forward. It’s a continuous groove, which keeps you in the rollercoaster. The first side is probably my favorite, with “Peaches en Regalia” as a perfect table setter for Beefheart’s cameo on the riff-fest that is “Willie the Pimp”. But “Son of Mr. Green Genes” is my favorite of the whole album - it just has a gorgeous groove and counterpoint, with the chorus feeling like a psychedelic big band. The second half is a bit less cohesive, though “The Gumbo Variations” builds really well around the funky swampy vibe. For an artist whose output is both prodigious and intimidating, this is a heck of a great album to dive into. Not perfect by any means but this is one I’d return to if I needed to just vibe out. And it makes me want to explore more of Zappa and the Mothers.

I was not expecting an almost instrumental chaotic jazz album, but it was still pretty good. I think I'm going to need to give this one another listen to full appreciate it. Mid 4.

Neat

Before he really went into the weird-sphere, Zappa and company really nailed this (mostly) instrumental tour de force. Jazzy, sprawling, jammy, and clever, a good Zappa to showcase his genius in a more digestible way, including guests Lowell George and Capt. Beefheart himself

Zappa's second solo album is one of his best ones in his catalogue. The musicianship is so great on it - it's jazz fusion at its best, a big jam, accessible enough to enjoy it, detailed and layered, jolly in some ways and also unsettling in others. It would make a great movie soundtrack too. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Jams

Me encantó los toques de jazz, a pesar de nos er muy fan de los álbumes instrumentales, este me gustó mucho

there's an article that the Hard Times did where they made up a story about Ten and how it was recorded, making outlandish claims and just sort of taking details from hit movies because the actual recording of Ten is so unremarkable and bog standard that actually telling people about it would put them to sleep. basically, Pearl Jam started after the death of Andrew Wood broke up Mother Love Bone. Eddie Vedder got his hands on a copy of the instrumental demo that Stone Gosser and Jeff Ament recorded, wrote some lyrics for the record after going surfing on the idyllic San Diego coast, and went to go to Seattle to start a band. They then recorded the album and released it. that's it. ideally, a wholly fictional biopic about the recording of Hot Rats would go like this: Frank Zappa, exhausted by the high vocal strain and experimental material of Uncle Meat decided to strip back his recording process. However, recording was fraught with issues, as several members of the band disagreed with Zappa on his much tamer and less humorous tendencies, with particular contention on the lack of his iconic vocals on any part of the song. as a result, only two of the Mothers of Invention are on the record, necessitating its billing as a solo album. a revolving door of studio musicians butted heads with Zappa and his perfectionist attitudes, with Captain Beefheart and Zappa coming to blows several times. eventually, the album was released, with months upon months of hard work creating a modern classic. it proves that true art comes from strife and passion, both working against each other and intertwining. how it was actually recorded: Frank Zappa wrote a bunch of songs, wanted to release them solo after the first incarnation of the Mothers of Invention broke up, and brought in a bunch of studio musicians to help, and when he was done recording after a month in the studio, he released the album. that's it. all the songs on the record are good and even people who aren't charmed by Zappa's obnoxious lure think it's great. can you imagine that? going into a studio, thinking "i'm gonna make my best album ever with zero hitches or interesting facts or sordid tales behind it, then release it"? nothing happened, it all worked out, and everyone loves it. honestly, i kind of hate him for it. i feel like i just watched the meanest girl at school push a kid in a wheelchair out of the path of a runaway bus. you always assume theyre capable of it, but also it just feels like an event God made manifest to piss you off in particular. fuck you Frank, fuck you and your really good album.

3.5*

Banger!

exceptional zappa

la prima canzone sembra l’intro di un gioco sulla wii o nintendo, e non è per niente male! musicalmente prima canzona super approvata, strana ma bella. Anche la seconda molto bella! Non mi è piaciuta molto “The Gumbo Variations”. Nella sua interezza un album che apprezzo molto, certe canzoni più di altre, è un bell’album strumentale, ne avevo anche bisogno per studiare! Sono felice che recentemente mi propongono album mega diversi dal mio genere ideale e mi piacciono tutti!

Interesting, seems to be incredible in a genre I don't understand enough of

One of Zappa's greatest albums.

9/10

I dont know much ab frank Zappa but I feel like if theres ppl out there who make frank Zappa their entire personality, I kind get it.

Responding to Iniyaa’s review on the last album, yea I read the reviews, and I also put off albums that are on this list. This was one of the albums I’d been putting off, since I’d heard a lot about frank zappa and never really had any idea who he was. After listening I think he deserves all the hype he gets from music snobs. This was good

For a lot of people I suspect Frank Zappa provokes a Love him! or Can’t stand him! reaction. I’m neither. Call me Mister Middle. I’m pleased to say I loved the album! https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-hot-rats-by-frank-zappa?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

So unexpected. So bizarre. On first listen, I was waiting for vocals for too long and just really thrown by the whole experience, so I needed another listen to form an actual opinion. And it's really great. It's a hard listen if you don't know what you're in for, but if you accept it as more of a score than a soundtrack, you can really enjoy this.

Much better than the other Zappa album. This was a fun take on jazz

This shit is wild

The only Zappa i knew was some questionable satirical Blues rock. So this was awesome and very unexpected

not quite a 5 but we love frank zappa in this household

1969 was such a good year for music. I don’t know why I haven’t listened to Zappa much, I thought he was more influential than good to listen to. First two songs especially were seriously fun. Definitely room for more Zappa in my life 4.5/5

Loved this, felt like I was in a 70s movie. Jazz/blues element kept it really interesting- would go back

Best fusion album that has hit my ears since Bitches Brew. A wonderful combo of the worlds and a great introduction into the wacky world of Frank Zappa.

Just a massive Jam session

Good, but not as great as they'd become.

Me and my mates used to listen to Zappa a lot as teenagers thinking he was just like us. Imagine our disappointment when we discovered he was an anti-drug teatotaller! Oh well his music is pretty amazing as is its scope. Great guitarist too.

I was prepared for Mother of Invention level of wierdness but it was just a generally well put together effort.

Really enjoyed it!

This is just a party in an album, and like all parties they die eventually. That happened for me when they brought the horn out in The Gumbo Variations.

experimental, but not annoyingly. quite early for something like this, it doesnt really sound like anything else at this time. Not too many downsides, the long song drags on quite a bit. Favorite song: last one Overall around 7/10

I've always avoided Zappa, as his stuff was always just a bit too weird and experimental for my tastes. But this album was great. Really enjoyed most of it, especially Willie the Pimp. I swear I've heard that sampled somewhere....

Nice! Will play it again.

Liked it a lot! Refreshing and nice with jazz.

not my fav Zappa album but it’s actually quite lovely.

Ah, the genius that is Frank Zappa. My dad was a huge fan, but I'd never heard this album until now. Favourite tracks: Peaches En Regalia, Willie The Pimp, Little Umbrellas.

PEACHES EN REGALIA IS A FIVE STAR TUNE

Expansive, out there and pretty engaging. The extensive soloing is the strength; even the limited vocals are borderline too much. This can be read as indulgent but one finds it mostly interesting. Weird and a touch ironic that this would be his commercial height. Good to know this one, which bears further listening.

The sound of a funky soul at peace

feeeling the fun

I love instrumental Zappa

frank zappa with a featuring from captain “my voice is gruff” beefheart? count me in. the horn is jazzy, the riffs are fresh. its a well composed instrumental album. frank zappa 4ever.

Frank Zappa is Drank Zappa

I'm not even sure what this was, but I liked it.

Rock jazz done the way only Zappa could do it. You'll love it or hate it, and I do rather love it.

Hver þarf syngjandi Frank Zappa þegar maður hefur svona skemmtilegan instrúmental Frank Zappa. Fjarki í hús.

Insanely listenable

Actually quite nice. I didn't love the vocals that were present, but the instrumentals are quite fun to listen to. I could see myself revisiting this one. 'Peaches En Regalia' was quite fun to listen to and wins my fave spot.

Certified hood classic

Zappa er et af de ikoner jeg aldrig har fået lyttet til, og et af dem jeg har set frem til kom på listen. Men han er nok også et af dem jeg har frygtet mest, for hvor underlig og udfordrende er hans musik egentlig? På Hot Rats må svaret være: lidt. Det er jazzet, groovende og sjovt. Men det afstøder mig ikke. Særligt de to førsg numre er virkelig gode.

I always enjoy Franks music.

no notes

An unexpected classic!

valamiért mindig sokkal punkabbnak hittem Zappát mint amilyen ez volt, valszeg a feje tehet róla. :D szóval kicsit váratlanul ért, amit kaptam, de igen jó cucc ez, csodálatosan van megcsinálva zeneileg, és némelyik bass lineba szerelmes vagyok 😎

Never really listened to Zappa before but more fool me, this is brilliant! Can hear so much in this that he’s influenced, wild it’s from 1969 too, his son Dweezil played King Tut’s in Glasgow which I only discovered recently, will listen again

Oh wow, what a revelation! Great album.

Nice record but at some points it’s too much. But still a great piece of art.

yeah I guess it grows on you. Perhaps ideally enjoyed with the right low dose psycho-active ingredients, or surrounded by happy and loving and Patchouli scented people in loose fitting clothes, spontenously free form dancing. I've never listened to this much Frank Zappa. He is definitely worth listening to once or twice. So this album, amusing and adds pepp on a friday afternoon - quirky - happy - unconventional - inventive - very Zappa... An interesting diversion. Not the greatest of all time by any stretch. But a style definitely worth it. Its good music if youre into live rock blues rock psycho zydeko experimental etc. Its growing...

Better than expected

Got off to a great start but was a little inconsistent. I really enjoyed Zappa's jazzy (dare I say fusion?) approach. The first track, the Peaches one, was my favorite but the sax on the Gumbo track was especially amazing. I wasn't a fan of the last track or of the Little Umbrellas one. Still, I'd be happy to hear this one again.

Got lost in this and loved it

I'm not a Zappa fan, but this was a surprise. Mainly instrumental, very jazzy. Massive overdubbing making this sometimes a bit overloaded. Still not my kind of music, but I recognize this as an outstanding and important work of art.

Zappa can be a bizarre and sometimes inaccessible artist, but Hot Rats is a surprisingly easy listen. Make no mistake, this is a jazz album. It's not art rock, math rock, experimental rock, or any of the other cliche, poorly defined categories most commonly thrown towards Zappa. It's jazz, with fusion elements; highly melodic, and thoughtfully arranged. Yes, it has the hallmarks of a lot of cliched funky music from the 70s, often called "porno music" but an active listen reveals outstanding musicianship and truly sophisticated arrangements that must have been charted out for the musicians. This isn't my style of music and I don't imagine I'll listen to it again any time soon. But's is a solid, high quality release, worth of a full four stars.

Surprised how much I enjoyed this Very entertaining

This is a great album. Favourite tracks are Willie The Pimp, Son Of Mr. Green Genes and The Gumbo Variations 4/5

Frank brings the hot rats to you hard and fast.

Prog wizardry. I hear so much of bands I would come to enjoy in this. Mainly dream theatre. Clearly a foundational artist for progressive music.

Zappa is always great

Gear: Abyss DIANA MR (vegan) Artwork: 🩷🪮🌳 Mix: 🎧😘🤌 Musik: 🙃💊🎸🎻🥁𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋ Wertung: 🐀🐀🐀🐀/5

One I've heard before, but years ago. While I was in my mid-teens, even. First thing I'm going to say is that the genres on the page are wrong. This is jazz. Call it jazz-rock, jazz fusion, whatever, the way the dynamics are played with here is extremely similar to jazz and the instrumentation, while not exactly 1 to 1 with Miles Davis' first quintet, isn't too dissimilar from something like his second quintet. So approach the album with that in mind if you haven't heard it before, because I feel it's what makes the album. It's not just guitar virtuosity throughout, hooks come in and out in a very natural-feeling way and the "jams" change dynamics in a really satisfying way - listen to the drums at any point during standout track "Willie the Pimp". While it's still the only Zappa album I've heard in full thus far, and while it definitely feels like it lacks the attitude present in key tracks I've heard from later on in his career, it's excellent. 8.5/10

Not familiar with Zappa's music, but enjoyed this one. A lot of it has the vibe of a car chase in a 70s cop movie, but I dig that. Understand why some see him as a genius. Musically very proficient and original. 4/5

Great musicians, upbeat music to get you going

I’m familiar with Frank Zappa as an influential musician and composer, whose work tends to be either improvisational or satirical. His second studio album Hot Rats leans towards the former, as he went about writing as if it were a soundtrack for a movie. The album certainly gives that impression of a movie. Starting at the opening credits bombast of “Peaches en Regalia”, we are then introduced to our main character “Willie the Pimp”. This is followed by an action-packed sequence in “Son of Mr. Green Genes”. We have a middle act breather where revelations come about in “Little Umbrellas”, leading to the climax of “The Gumbo Variations”, and followed by the closing credits roll of “It Must be a Camel”. Not only does this album capture the whimsy and excitement of such a movie, but it’s also well executed as Zappa, Ian Underwood and the other session musicians worked wonders for a mostly instrumental jazz fusion album, save for “Willie the Pimp” with the gravelly voice of Captain Beefheart. The only complaint I have is just how long the climax went for “The Gumbo Variations”, clocking in at nearly 13 minutes. It’s certainly well composed but feels like it goes on for longer than it should. Still, I enjoyed this movie of an album and wouldn’t mind rewatching it again in my ears. Give it a chance.

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