Hot Rats

Zappa is one of those people I feel like I should be a bigger fan of but never full clicks with me. I never "want" to listen to more. I listened to this. It was great! Like... really good! And yet my first instinct after the album was over was to go listen to Gordon Lightfoot (rip), and not more Zappa. I am waffling between 3 and 4 here. I think my brain says 3, since it didn't connect with me that much, but my heart is saying 4 because I know it's great and I think the fault lies within my stars.

Jazzy cooooooooool 3.5/5

This was not what I expected, but in a good way.

My dad showed my Zappa and the mothers of invention when I was a teenager, so I was expecting this to be way weirder. I was pleasantly surprised! Yeah some go too long, but others like peaches and umbrellas are really nice!

4.0

J'ai beaucoup aimé cet album qui me semble particulier, seul dans son genre. J'avais l'impression d'écouter une personne qui expérimente, joue pour elle-même, sans tenter de plaire aux autres

"a movie for your ears"

Very cool

It’s 1969 and the Mothers of Invention are dead, having given birth to Frank Zappa’s solar eclipse of an ego without knowing what to do afterwards. Now, the virtuoso, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, satirist and beloved anti-establishment figure spreads himself all over the close of the decade, mashing himself up into extended, bluesy, psychedelic-leaning jams. “Hot Rats” is perhaps Zappa’s most famous record, as much a brush with the mainstream as he’d ever be willing to admit. It’s also the only record of his I’d heard before this project, so I’m going in with some much-needed familiarity. First off, “Peaches en Regalia” is an absolute triumph: dense and diverse, memorable and accomplished. It brings all the talents of Zappa as a guitarist and an arranger into sharp focus with a structured, rigorous composition, cycling through distinct hooks with endless panache. Some are on flute, some on guitar, with a glorious saxophone break: it all works brilliantly. It’s become one of Zappa’s signature tunes, and deservedly so. The jazz number “Little Umbrellas” is of a similar length and equally disciplined, with a sleepy double-bass giving way to languid saxophone, organ and flute solos. The rest is nowhere near as structured or embellished, hanging on improvised jams with a smaller core group. While it begins to border on indulgent and shapeless by the end (“It Must Be a Camel” is a little superfluous) the performances are accomplished and expressive enough to allow Zappa and co. to pull through. Captain Beefheart’s vocal feature, at the start of “Willie the Pimp” before he seemingly gets bored and goes for a joint, gives a wonderful gruff flavour, and listen out for the ratchet playing early in the jam section to drive this one home. “The Gumbo Variations” has such a strong attack in its opening riff, with excellent saxophone, violin and guitar solos, and fluid bass work, that I can’t harbour too much animosity towards its length. “Hot Rats” was described by Zappa as “a movie for your ears”. While its lack of lyrics is a shame, at least this allows Zappa’s guitar work (arguably his greatest asset) to take front and centre alongside an ensemble of very talented musicians. Mercifully, no lyrics also means no dodgy misogynistic overtones like those which muddy the waters of his other work. What we’re left with is a group of great musicians playing to their hearts content, and it’s difficult to argue too much with that.

i don’t love Zappa’s stuff when he’s singing but this album is mostly instrumental so i liked it a lot!!

I should listen to more zappa - 4 stars

perfekt att plugga till

Yes, it's groovy and one admires the unique vision and commitment to same. And yes in a more just world Zappa would've realized richer commercial rewards, but it's not hard to understand why he wasn't. This is sprawling and fun and certainly interesting (perhaps that's the dominant trait) but it's also sort of indulgent and abstract. And while vaguely jazzy (mostly in its free-forming), it's not jazz actually, so those of us who prefer jazz would not be fully compelled. "Gumbo Variations" is best of a pretty strong lot overall.

Wow never heard anything like it before

The instrumentals are really amazing here. I love the guitar work and the electric fiddle in "The Gumbo Variations" is sweet. Zappa's voice sounds kind of scary sometimes, but he really does not sing enough for it to take away from the album.

It's not my usual cup of tea at all, but I'll be damned if I say I didn't enjoy it, the long ass songs can drag and honestly, that's not bad. The skill on display goes crazy

an all time favorite of mine. The music is simply extraordinary.

Liked it a lot more than I thought I would

Fun, weird, funky shit

Never been a huge fan of other Zappa albums, but this jazz-fusion one was pretty damn good.

Honestly, if I want to listen something without paying any attentions to lyrics, this is it. It's fun and rocks.

Pretty brilliant really. Nice stinky stonky music and no weird Zappa-risms/questionable lyrics.

I wouldnt listen to it regularly but I liked this

I'm on the fence about Frank Zappa. This album has lots of what I like and little of what I don't. The Gumbo Variations wander off a bit in places. 4.5

The prowess is so evident, it’s fun and funky but a bit ephemeral

A delicious rush

Really loving this one

The very unappreciated Frank Zappa. I hardly heard any of his stuff growing up in the 70’s.

It's a rich brew

Just the right amount of psych.

absolutely fucks.

I've seen Zappa described as less rock and roll artist and guitarist and more composer. When listening to Hot Rats through this lens you gain an appreciation for Zappa. I was never a big fan by any means, but also never really understood his music until I started listening to more avant grade styles to see what the big deal was (Miles Davis, Mahavishnu, etc). 4.5/5.

4-

Frank Zappa released something like 412 albums during (and after) his life so the great thing if you like Zappa is that if someone doesn't like one of his albums, you can steer them in almost literally any other musical direction with another of his releases. Of course with some of them you might need to be mindful of the audience as some of the lyrical content gets a bit *questionable* let's say. Only leading with that because this one barely has any vocals/lyrics at all ("Willie the Pimp" - which incidentally is most definitely not Frank on vocals). If you're immediately turned off from/by instrumental albums this is still worth a spin or two - there's a rock/jazz feel to it that has just the right balance - it doesn't go off into too esoteric a space nor does it simplify to the point of boredom. I'd put myself in the "I like Zappa" category (emphasis on *like*, not love) and one of the things that might be impossible for me to extricate from my enjoyment of this album is that lack of vocals. I actually like Frank's voice and *some* of the vocalists that he had through the years but on too many of his albums the lyrics were often a 30 year old's idea of a dirty middle school song - completely distracting at best and downright stupid at worst. "The Gumbo Variations" is the one that is just too long. Venturing dangerously into "jam" territory which is like....get on with it already. In a vacuum though I'll just call this record "cool" - some memorable and catchy musical phrasing throughout. This is the Zappa album that can be mostly enjoyed by musicians, nerds, geeks, rockers, sportos, motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, waistoids, dweebies, and dickheads alike. 7/10 4 stars.

listened to again still one of my favorite Zappa records

9/10

Soft 4

this shit makes sense to me

The first two tracks are absolutely incredible but I do feel the album peaks quite early. The rest is pretty good but nothing sticks out as much as those openers. Still a banger though

Strange confession on my part: I can't quite explain why, but I've never really listened to Frank Zappa. He kind of checks all the boxes for me in what I enjoy in music, so that's the strange part. Anyway, now I have. Thank you, 1001 Albums project! Although this album is a bit too on the late-60s psychedelic production style for my tastes, I absolutely and totally hear the incredible virtuosity and talent expressed in the art he's making. Wow. Okay, I'm in. More Zappa to come.

o bom de ter ouvido todos os albuns do zappa é que eu aprendi a apreciar qualquer album so pelo fator criatividade. solos, uso diferente dos instrumentos, mudanças de ritmo melodia e tom do subto nada. tudo isso me deixa impressionado. outro fator é que eu sei do que esse maldito é capaz de fazer numa guitarra, e aqui fica claro. o bom de ter ouvido todos os albuns do zappa é que eu aprendi a amar todos albuns dele que não são impossiveis de ouvir.

wild eclectic

Great debut record. Mixes genres (psychedelic rock, garage rock, doo-wop, r&b, etc.). Pretty accessible for a Captain Beefheart record, but is just enough “out there” to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The vocals were definitely the low point here LOL. But the instrumentals? Groovy and fun and here for a good time.

Love the jazzy rock sounds of this album, didn't need vocals

Much more accessible than the last Zappa I listened to. Enjoyed it quite a bit. Reminded me of riding round lost lake too, which is a bonus.

There's some rats

Jazzy

un flash me encantó!! 8.5 / 10

It sounds classy, but it has your pants off in about five minutes... and last time you checked, you didn't need to sit in a fridge to ensure your rectal comfort. That's Willie the Pimp. Frank is getting weirder... somehow. But not weird enough yet. The music gets even better, so does the humour.

This one was super dope, loved the zany feel

Ovo je moj privi Zappa album. Mislim da si ga neću sama pustit ponovo ali je ovako bio jako ekscentričan i slusljiv.

ovo mi je najdraži njegov.

090126 15:57 3.5

Funky as hell. Love it!

8/10 legendary Frank Zappa, a lot of good and funky progressive music

No lyrics So much I don’t know

Perfect blend of groovy and weird. Will definitely listen again

Weird in the best way

Really cool instrumental album. Lots of guitar but also jazzy

Riktigt bra, man hör zappas kompositör-talang.

Weird and wonderful

Some of those guitar pieces grab the listeners by the throats and commands a listen. Some of the stuff got a bit weird, but it’s all very entertaining

Get Weird!

I've listened to quite a lot of Zappa, but not this one particularly. Kinda weird to listen to an almost entirely instrumental Zappa album! The goofy lyrics are usually one of the main appeals... Fave track - gotta be "Peaches En Regalia" for that soundtracky my-life-just-became-a-weird-70s-tv-show vibe...

No other artist sounds quite like Frank Zappa. Combining jazz and psychedelic rock with how own bizarre sense of humor, Zappos’s first album after The Mothers of Invention is a fascinating window on his musical psyche.

My favorite Zappa album. I've always liked his humor (though it does get kind of nasty sometimes) but this album he shows his musical chops.

Un essentiel de Frank Zappa grâce à Peaches En Regalia.

Great LP with some lovely meandering Jazz rock tunes. Love the "Gumbo Variations" and "It Must Be A Camel"

Ah monesti tämmöinen tiluttelu on vähän turn off mut tästä tunne välittyi hyvin. Meni ihan tanssiksi.

Still not a huge Zappa fan, but it was a good record

liked it a lot, had a very improvisation jazz sound.

It's fine, not great.

Highlights: cool instrumentals overall jazz fusion not from japan (wow!) -it must be a camel (why does it sound like it's from zelda from time to time?) -son of mr. green genes liked: it's ok, i enjoy instrumentals a lot, more jazzy than i expected from frank zappa

When Hot Rats by Frank Zappa appeared as the recommendation I thought, "Oh boy, this is going to be a doozy." I know of Zappa, and have heard clips of various tracks. The only songs that I have heard all the way through are "Valley Girl" and "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow", neither of which have made me want to listen to more Zappa. I know that many people list Zappa as an influence or admire his unconventional approach to music, but I have not heard enough to appreciate that point of view. Hot Rats was a good surprise. I may have heard a portion of "Peaches en Regalia" before, and I liked listening to the full track. My two favorite tracks were "Son of Mr. Green Genes" and "Little Umbrellas". Even though "Little Umbrellas" was relatively short, those two favorites had an interesting progressive rock feel. Other tracks on the album (e.g. "The Gumbo Variations", "It Must Be a Camel"), didn't just have a prog-rock sound. More specifically, they reminded me of King Crimson during the 80s. I'm not an immediate fan of every part of the album. For example, there were these repetitive violon squawks in "The Gumbo Variations" that detracted a little from the listen. But after my first full listen to the album, I'm curious about a second listen to find out what else I might hear. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Zappa gets such a bad press

This gets to 4 on the strength of Peaches en Regalia alone. The other stuff is fun and beautifully played, but once you’ve heard Peaches it’s a high bar.

Zany artist Frank Zappa mostly restrains himself into making this jazz rock classic. Favourites: "Peaches En Regalia", "Willie The Pimp", "Son Of Mr Green Genes"

Wow I'd never heard of Frank Zappa but this is super cool. I understand this is different to some of his other work. I love how there's so many video-game sounding sections in Peaches en Regalia. It's really nice focus music for while working. Super inventive and unusual. So many different themes in here and I want to do some more research about this guy and his music.

I don't know an awful lot of Frank Zappa but got into this and enjoyed reading about his life. A mad life he had! Lots of genres covered here: blues, jazz, classic rock but all a bit experimental. Loved it!

Wahoooo! This is mad, I love it. Willie the Pimp was wild. I've heard of Frank Zappa and kind of knew who/what he was but don't think I've ever delved, now I've delved and I am happy about that.

4.5

Not a huge Zappa fan but this album is actually really good.

Zappa is all but revered by friends whose musical opinions I take seriously. But I haven’t always found his music easy to get into. I liked this right from the start though, and thought the whole album was fantastic.

I was previously completely unfamiliar with anything by Frank Zappa, and for the most part, jazz rock. I enjoyed this album. Personal high point was the use of a jazz violinist. I wasn't even aware they existed.

I go into this having listened to some of his work and struggled to enjoy it. I hope this experience will be different. Sounds like an interesting jam session, I am enjoying it more than I expected so far. I think the reason I like this album more so far is that it is mostly instrumental. I really liked the guitar solo on Son of Mr. Green Genes. Overall a fantastic album.

Perhaps the absolute best representation of the jazz fusion era of Frank's career. He was an enigma, a one of a kind talent. He could dabble in many genres and could produce stellar albums in those styles. This is one of them. From Peaches en Regalia onwards, Hot Rats is a relentless force that sounds as fresh now as it did in 1969. There are plenty of memorable moments throughout, peaking at The Gumbo Variations: twelve minutes of some of the finest playing Zappa ever did. Highly recommended. Favorites: Peaches en Regalia, Son of Willie the Pimp, The Gumbo Variations, It Must Be a Camel.

It's a really weird, mostly instrumental jazz/funk/prog-rock mash-up and I love it - that is I absolutely loved the first 4 tracks and wasn't that keen on tracks 5 and 6 which were a bit too dissonant for me. Easy five stars especially for the first 3 tracks but the last 2 bring the album down a bit.

Just a blistering combination of jazz and rock. Sounds spontaneous yet controlled and methodical. The instrumentation is insane. Only one song on here I didn't particularly enjoy, luckily it's the shortest here ("Little Umbrellas"). Favorite tracks: "Willie the Pimp", "The Gumbo Variations"

Frank Zappa was an icon when I was young, but I didn't really know why. He was one of those celebrities who was famous for being famous. It was a big deal when "Valley Girl" came out when I was 14, but again it was probably the Valleyspeak it brought attention to and his daughter's name being Moon Unit that were more famous than the song itself. Somehow this rock-jazz fusion was not what I expected. But then although this is an acclaimed Zappa album, there is no "typical" Zappa album it seems. In any case, it certainly doesn't sound too "experimental" or "out there." I sometimes get very restless with the longer pieces, but I didn't with this album, so I give it credit.

I have never listened to a Frank Zappa album (that I recall), but I was anticipating more lyrics...and absurd ones at that...for some reason. So, this was an unexpected dominance of jazz fusion instrumentals. Fine enough!

Fun, mostly instrumental fusion of rock, jazz, blues, and funk, with appearances by Captain Beefheart and Jean-Luc Ponty(!). I would call it unexpected, but when I stop to think about it, I have no idea what to expect from Frank Zappa. At any rate, I quite enjoyed it.

Rockin', bluesy, jazzy. It's a really good overall rock'n roll album. Can't really say I like his voice, but still...

Peaches en Regalia and other instrumentals

Zappa was the absolute man. Unironically one of the most talented musicians ever, but sadly underrated because.. uh.. I guess people don't want to listen to a guy singing about how he can take an hour on the tower of power as long as he gets a little golden shower. Those people are weak. This album is some proggy psychedelic jazz mix. "Peaches En Regalia" is a classic, "Son Of Mr. Green Genes" was probably my favorite of the three long songs on the album and "Little Umbrellas" is also really good. Not the biggest fan of "The Gumbo Variations", which goes completely into jazz hell territory. Overall a very solid album.

I have always appreciated Frank Zappa but when ever I listen to his work I always feel like I am missing something. It is like I am not privy to some kind of in joke and I would suddenly get it if I got told what the reference meant. Or like the comedy of Monty Python, I will just never get, no matter how many times it gets explained to me. Having said that, I still enjoy this album and consider him and the other talented musicians on this geniuses. It is just that I probably won't rush out and listen to Hot Rats again for a while.

Always been a fan of this record and Zappa’s jazz arrangements (even still have a CD single with Peaches En Regalia / Lucille Has Messed My Mind Up). Sometimes it seems so unlikely that the same guy who created Sheik Yerbouti and Joes Garage also created Peaches, Little Umbrellas, and It Must be a Camel.

Zappa, like his rats, are a dish best served hot.

Very jammy and cool album. 3.5 stars!

I have never listened to Frank Zappa for more than maybe one song on a playlist playing at a restaurant or bar or something. Had no idea how much I would enjoy it. Very "far out" at times but also seemed very organized for entire 12 minute tracks. Loved it.

Frank was the shit. The most underrated musician I can think of. His music is borderline genius but it wasn't "radio worthy". I hope he doesn't end up as a footnote in 20th century music.

Don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't a nearly full instrumental album, but then again, I really know nothing about Frank Zappa. This album has been described as a "movie for your ears," and I get the description after listening. Smooth jazz fusion that tells a fun and engaging story.

And I thought Neil Young was eclectic. This is what, rock meets jazz? I've listened to a couple Zappa albums before, but more straight ahead rock (from the 80's maybe?). The first track is pretty short so I didn't really notice the heavy jazz motif until I got past track 2; clear as I go back to it. Most of the album felt like jazz fusion with electric guitar and a rock feel. I was thinking that it sounded like some of the jazz albums on this list and then read that Shuggie Otis is featured on the album, so yep. The second track felt like quintessential prog rock and it was pretty damn cool. I would've liked even more of that but tracks 3 and 4 were still pretty cool. Track 5 was up there with track 2 - slick. On top of Zappa, Ian Underwood was pretty impressive on the sax (and other woodwinds).

Apart from his reputation as an extravagant, sometimes difficult rock artist with free-jazz and musique concrète proclivities, I didn't know the first thing about Frank Zappa. This record was a surprisingly pleasant listen. I've browsed through other Zappa album deemed important by certain critics and fans, and now I know that immediate pleasure is not the first thing that comes to my mind with these high-conceptual and/or tongue-in-cheek recordings. *Freak Out*, by the Mothers of Invention, is the only one of those records I found genuinely enjoyable on first listens. The rest is really, *really* for the fans, I think. Two things stand out in *Hot Rats*, though. As in *Freak Out*, the lush arrangements provided by horn and reed sections is a huge plus. But in *Hot Rats*, there's something that not even *Freak Out* can boast about, and it's the hard grooves. Some drums are in a funky mode that's particularly lively, almost krautrock in their intent. And when they don't, they swing in a slower yet as efficient fashion, hereby supporting jazzier cuts that are equally satisfying. I barely noticed all the tracks were all instrumental except one sung by Captain Beefheart. I was too much taken in the soundscapes. Obviously, I'm a rookie when it comes to Zappa, so I can't really judge this effort in a broader context. But I understand he's an acquired taste anyway, and you can't rush things with an artist as productive and unhinged as him. Let's just say that *Hot Rats* does sound like a promising entry point, at least, just like *Freak Out* was on a more classic-rock, partly parodic, mode. [Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 975 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 9 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 7 (including this one) Albums from the list I will *not* include in mine (as I think many others are more important): 8 Albums I might not be able to judge (some might end up on my final list but it's because I recognize how culturally important they are): 1]

This is one that I have on vinyl, an original press that belonged to my dad ❤ I obviously had to bust it out for this. I don't have a great deal of experience with Zappa, outside of this album, but I do really dig this. It's a great listen top to bottom and that fuses jazz with prog rock at the time. Great stuff

A master piece.

Frank Zappa is weird! But he pulls together some pretty great jazz rock that really pushed the genre. A lot on instrumental craziness that ultimately the reason why this album is on here. Fully worth the price of admission.

Finally, a good album. It's been almost two weeks since this thing has generated anything that's cracked a 4. It isn't Zappa's best, but at least there's some representation on this infernal list. Why is this the only Zappa album on here? Boring-ass REM and U2 have four albums apiece on this thing, and they couldn't spare a second slot for a guy whose discography is over twice the size of both of those mundane bands combined?

Not bad.

Muy instrumental, pero con un toque rock/psicodélico, que lo hace agradable de escuchar. No había oído gran cosa de este artista. Buena nota

I wish I was half as cool as this guy obviously was

Awesome instrumentals. Fluid and complex. Really enjoyable to listen to when you are working on something creative.

Zappas first really strong album

Good, probably more revolutionary at the time

Ja va kinda distraherad när vi lyssna men för sidners skull blir de en fyra 😎

Zappa brings bangers

Nifty

Thoroughly enjoyed the loose nature of the songs. Willie the Pimp was a standout

I was into this album, good sound. Have not listened to Zappa before

Weird and wonderful and fun. Just a whole lotta noodling and soloing and creativity that was really enjoyable to listen to. Favourite Tracks: Peaches En Regalia, Little Umbrellas, It Must Be a Camel

I have never listened to Frank Zappa but I liked this album, I didn't expect it to have jazz inspiration/piano but I enjoyed it. Favourite songs: Willie the pimp, Little umbrellas

Weird and good, funky.

Never listened to Zappa before. Some crazy instrumentals!

"This music is wobbly like jelly!"

Excellent album. Second only to Sheik Yerbouti in his discography

Cool guitar

Very much right up my alley. Awesome instrumentals, such a fun listen.

I like guitar, and this album was a lot of it. Frank Zappa is a really good guitarist, I prefer the kinda slower rather than funkier/jazzier style Zappa has, but the point is he is a very good guitarist. the begging of willie the peep was weird, but the guitar was insane in all the songs. I enjoyed it.

expected 60's stoner music, didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did

Played it a couple of times, doesn't happen a lot with albums in this list. Hence liked it

Never took the time to listen to this album properly but now I did: the Gumbo Variations is 5* - the rest is 3*-4*, so a very decent Frank Zappa album overall: 4*.

Hot Rats consists of instrumental jazz-influenced compositions with exhaustive soloing. Zappa described the album as “a movie for your ears.” Thank you wikipedia ;) (7/10) FT: Peaches en Regalia

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Willie the pimp, Som of mr. green genes

Enjoyed this. Proper eccentric and meandering

3.5

Shreds hard! Liked it

Thought this was excellent other than the sax solo in The Gumbo Variations. Totally killed my enjoyment of the song.

Enjoyed this a lot - free flowing guitar and a great sound in parts.

Impressive guitar and interesting experimental rock sounds. Tracks are incredibly well produced, especially for 1969. Super accessible too despite the avant nature. First three tracks are memorable and energetic. Quiets down after that with an interesting smooth jazz track. Last two tracks are fairly forgetful but have impressive aspects for sure, like the cosmic rock of "It Must Be A Camel."

Enjoyed quite a bit. Fun album

Sorry folks but I like this one!

Sometimes the dissonant parts were really grating, but overall this was really creative and cool, I especially liked the last track 8/10

Lots of groovy stuff going on here, but there are some production issues on the wind instruments that make parts of some songs tinny and hard to listen to. Still, the free form rock flow of this album makes it a fun listen. 8

Dels que conec, és sense dubte l'àlbum més jazz de Zappa. Sense perdre de vista la seva habitual inventiva experimental i búsqueda de nous sons, és un disc clarament jazzero, gran part d'ell instrumental. Sempre m'ha tirat més aquesta visió que la dels seus primers treballs, massa en búsqueda del xoc i l'experimentació...

good jazzy music

I like that this is mainly instrumental. Songs feel like they go on forever tho. Very jammy. Some of it's almost jazzy. Four stars.

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as I did ! Brilliant !

I've always enjoyed this album. An early entry point to the eclectic world of Zappa. The blues of Captain Beefheart is excellent as is the electric violin (and guitar of course!).

Not really what I expected given what I thought I knew about Zappa and had heard from him before. I figured it would be a lot more avant-garde and experimental. In any case, it was still some pretty great jazz-injected prog rock.

One of the first Jazz adjacent albums that didn't feel challenging to listen to in any way. Quite enjoyable honestly.

Great quirky, fun fusion album. Definitely revisit both the album and Frank Zappa.

Not what I was expecting, liked it, v good

Who else is this funky and fun? I mean, come on.

Frank Zappa is serious business (musically speaking). You may or may not like what he did (it may be hard on some ears) but there's no doubt that his creativity was out of this world and that his mastery of music genres, composition and instruments was exceptional. The musicians that played and recorded with him were always all extremely gifted and talented. In the case of Hot Rats, not only does he showcase his mastery of the guitar, but also of the technical aspects of recording, using an almost unheard of (at the time) 16 tracks to create the many layers in the album's tracks. Like it or not, this is definitely a "must listen to album".

Concerned when I noticed an 18-minute song. But guess what? I didn't hate it. Maybe don't love it, but really enjoyed this album and listened to a few songs more than once. Lots of instrumental, but good stuff. Great background music. Teetering between a 3 and a 4 but solid addition to the list. Glad I heard it. And I'M LISTENING AGAIN!

Listened walking thru town on a lovely day and matched the vibes perfectly. Very out there and very complex but a solid listen. Will try again and get more in depth with it. Been on my list for a while.

One of (if not THE) easiest Zappa albums to get into. Peaches en regalia is one of my favourite songs, it's a masterpiece. It's his first album without The Mother's and this new lineup is tight!

Starts off with fantastic psychedelic experimental prog, which only just begins to tire towards the end of the album.

This is amazing. Like nothing else.

Fun Energetic album with that Zappa jazz flair

A solid album that truly demonstrates how well Frank Zappa can improv with a multitude of different instruments. It is considered “rock” on Apple Music but I would consider it to be more jazz focused. Will certainly be listening to more of Frank Zappa in the future.

Schön rauer Rock. Jedes Stück gefällt mir erstmal sehr gut, geht mir aber meist nach ein paar Minuten ein bisschen auf die Nerven. Jedenfalls so beim nebenbei hören.

30th June 2021 Listened on my phone in the kitchen while working, the day after England beat Germany 2-0 in the euros. Really liked this, predominantly instrumental which I can see being amazing live. Nice cameo from Captain Beefheart on one of the singles, vibey and funky with some tasty guitar solos thrown in.

Prog Rog & Psychedlia met and had a pretty amazing baby in this album. Zappa's vocals can be a bit alarming and pull you out of the experience, but largely this album is instrumental and has several large jams.

Disco bien progresivo, con tonos psicodélicos y de jazz (esta última parte no me gustó tanto), tocado por excelentes músicos. Un álbum que volvería a repetir. 4.5/5

Great psychedelic cut. Guitar tones are great, riffs are amazing and solos blow your mind away. I really enjoyed the Captain Beefheart vocals on the second track (the only vocally-instrumental track on the record), which stand out in particular. The album starts strong, and, close to the end it ALMOST gets a bit too much of the same, but it drives the fine line of intriguing just enough until the end. One of the best Zappa records, honestly.

Good fun, I'm surprised their were so few vocals, every other Zappa album I've heard has them. I still prefer some later Zappa but I enjoyed this, looking forward to there being more Zappa on this list, I've only listened to a few of his but they're great

Jazz rockero instrumental, un crack el tipo

I bought this album in 1971. Always liked it, and I've gotten to appreciate it beyond. Peaches en Regalia.

Excellent throughout - not my usual thing but really creative harmonies and interesting guitar work

I kojeny Zappa na liscie, teraz juz solowo bez mateczki inwencyjnej, albumik z wczesnego okresu tworczosci, drugi solowy albumik i jeden z nielicznych pickow wystarczajaco poprawnych polityczno kulturowo, zeby znalezc sie na takiej liscie, bo jest to albumik praktycznie w calosci instrumentalny, poza pierwszymi dwoma minutami williego pimpa, ktory posiada wokale od kapitana wolowegoserca, z tego co pametam to chyba wszyscy muzycy ktorzy graja na tej plycie pracowali juz z Zappa w inwencyjnej mateczce, wiec ogranie juz bylo i zostalo skierowane w calkiem nowym kierunku, po satyrycznych plytach matkowcow tutaj mamy uczte instrumentalna, 9 minutowe traki gdzie Franek imponuje swoimi gitarkowymi skilsami, czy drumuje niczym tysiacreki siwa, ale jednak nie to stanowi o tym, ze albumik jest tak dobry jak jest, bo jest, a to z powodu dopieszczenia kazdego dzwieku jaki mozna uslyszec, jest to jeden z pierwszych albumow nagrany na 16 trakowej, podobno wlasnorecznie zorganizowanej przez Zappe, maszynie rikordujacej, co daje mozliwosci intensywnego overdubowania co od razu slychac zwlaszcza na takich trakach jak willie the pimp, gdzie wokale instrumentale i dodatkowe efekty blyszcza, na plejce mam juz wlasnie williego, wiec dorzuce tylko peaches en regalia, czyli trak najbardziej kojarzony z ta plyta, nie tylko ze wzgledu, ze dosc radiowy czas jego trwania, ale tez jako opening definiuje, ze bedzie to albumik rokowo podobny, bo influencje jazzowe sa bardzo wyrazne, wiec muzyka fuzji i awangardy jak by to okreslili na diszczogu

Crazy stuff

great album! a great psychedelic jazz album that i will definitely listen to again! 4.2*

Pretty Dope 1 good song with lyrics

Interesante, instrumental. No llega a ser demasiado psicodélico.

love these tunes, jazz influenced, alternative rock I believe.

Always a great listen.

Loooved the instrumentation on this record. Glorious!

so up until now, I've never listened to much of Frank Zappa's work, but man, that album was nuts. it just felt like a jam session on a plethora of drugs, but in the best way possible. I'm definitely adding this album to my work playlist.

The genre is definitely some kind of Jazz rock fusion. It sounds really nice the way it was laid out into long ballads. The soul and emotion from this album were quit incredible.

I mostly liked it. Less than half of my play through I got annoyed at how long or weird a song was. It was mostly pretty enjoyable and would definitely listen to it again.

Funny how Frank's weird personality comes through even in instrumentals. Not surprised to read that Captain Beefheart was involved with this one. Could hear the Beefheart influence on Tom Waits especially in "Willie the Pimp." I enjoyed this album, but I do wonder given FZ's vast discography whether this deserved to be on the list. Still, 3.5 rounded to 4 for me.

I’ve always had reservations about Zappa. This was a really groovy album. But I’m still not sold on some of his other works.

crazy rhythms n sounds. zappa at it again

A sonic treat to the ears... there is so much going on at any point of this mostly instrumental album that it is hard to unpack on a single listen.

Most enjoyable Zappa album to date. Perhaps I should explore more of his earlier stuff.

A pretty cool fusion album, some weird parts but overall really enjoyed it.

Veel beter als verwacht, echt een virtuoos

Hilarious and brilliant

this entire album is just one massive shredfest. and that's pretty cool. energetic old school rock instrumental. jazz blues feel in a few songs. not many words, but not many needed.

Some killer extended jams in here. Very raw sound but also very well arranged. Haven't listened to much Zappa but this shows me that I should

jesus, what a carnival. send me into the ether with this on the stereo. fav track: willie the pimp

It's very interesting, it has some great sounds, but I didn't really like listening to it. I think it might have been because I was working during it, if it is supposed to be like Frank himself says, a movie for your ears, then it's probably best to pay attention to what is being played. Having it in the background in a party would probably be pretty good.

Some good sounds

Zappa is so fun. Such a talented musician. I really enjoyed this one.

cool instrumental album, had some good fun listening

Like it

Tja, det Frank Zappa. Peaches en regilia dog, meget lækkert

Not at all what I expected but sill very good

Patchouliiiii

Zappa at its most digestible

4/5. Jammy jazz-rock with lots of emotion and cacophonous solos from my different instruments. Great working music, but too wild for it to be universally liked.

Overall, I really dug this album and I think it's a good album to have on in the background while vibing. Peaches en Regalia was definitely my favorite and I really want to find the perfect playlist to put it on.

Jazz fusion and not what I expected from my preconceptions of Zappa

It's a masterpiece, but not for everyday listening.

Some incredible jams. Just Frank Zappa doing Frank Zappa things. Best track: Willie the Pimp

This was the first Zappa album I listened to in HS. Willie the Pimp is underrated and Peaches En Regalia still slaps

This is a pretty cool album. Bit of a vibe, really. Enjoyed some of the guitar solos and you can tell Frank Zappa was seriously talented. It just didn't quite grab me though. I liked it while it was on, but I probably wouldn't rush back to it. That's mainly because instrumental albums aren't usually my thing. Feels like the sort of album you'd stick on during a hot summer afternoon with a few beers. Just sounds like a load of really talented musicians having a great jam together. One thing I do love about this project is that I'd probably never have listened to this album otherwise, so I'm glad I gave it a go, even if it wasn't one that'll end up in my regular rotation.

This album wasn't really what I thought it would be, but it was nice leaving it in the background. It makes for a good soundtrack set of songs and it's overall not too bad.

Moments of cool and original, with at least 3 songs I would listen to anytime of the day. Overall though, probably not putting this on unless I want to hear one of the 3 songs that are worthy.

Very cool, love the 70s jazz style, it doesn't move me in the same way that classic jazz does but I do like the off beat aggressive nature of this. 3/5

I like and respect Zappa for the genius and eccentric creative artist he was. I like some of his work (Joe’s Garage) . Am not familiair with all of enormous catalogue. I know the cover of Hot Rats but never listened it. This is some kind of freestyle jazz which is probably great but is not really for me. I give it 3 stars for the guitar solo’s

I think that the record belongs on the list. Some parts are cool, but it doesn’t really hit me at the same time.

Honestly what a pleasant suprise. This was not what I thought it’d be. Tries lots and achieves lots with its experimentation. The jazz elements were my favourite and I even enjoyed some of the jarring jazz elements that I have found challenging before (think I’m becoming more open to it as an art form) I don’t think I’ll listen again but I thought as a whole it was great.

Solid jammy, jazzy listen

ziemlich rockig mit Fusion Elementen. Am richtigen Tag vielleicht ganz nett.

1969. Zappa dedicated the album to his newborn son. Recorded with a new technology: 16-track analog recording.

Zappa again? So soon? Just randomness, I guess. This one more enjoyable. I didn't know there was so much talent there.

Es uno de esos álbumes que no envejecen con el tiempo, porque nunca intentó sonar como su época, sino como el futuro, hasta hoy.

All instrumental - no denying FZ is a good guitar player, but missing his lyrical wit here. 3/5

This is just Zappa showing off for 45 minutes. One for the guitar folk, but wouldn't say it's his most enjoyable album.

Mucha instrumental, pero mola

Liked this more than I thought I would. It has a wild ferocity in the playing.

First Zappa album I ever made it the whole way through.

I do not like Frank Zappa music. Or so I thought. When this album popped up there was a strong feeling of dread. Then, there was little to almost zero Frank Zappa singing and it wasn't that bad! So... maybe it's Frank Zappa singing that sucks.

la verdad muy buena musica, alguna no tanto. un 3. digno, me gusta, disfruto de esta musica, pero no me cambio la vida.

So, this is an instrumental album which largely feels like a jam band. Not normally my favourite. There is one vocal song so the verbal jokes are less obvious on this one. However, there is still a whole lot of musical references. Most of the cuts feel safe. Maybe that is in retrospect but nothing feels too out of place here. Part of me always goes back to the fact that Zappa signed Alice Cooper for their first two albums. The danger and anticipation is missing from this record. The production comes through. I'm hoping that there is at least one more Zappa album on this list.

Very cool but not really my vibe. The songs are sooooooo long

This was absolutely nothing like what I was expecting to hear from Zappa; always thought his stuff was way out there bizarre but this had a very pleasant psych blues sound, musically. Lyrically, I admittedly did not catch much.

Is that hot rats as in "these rats have been in the sun too long" or as in "damn idk bout you but Mickey and Minnie be lookin awfully fine these days"

very cool, amazing for studying

This was ok! Not my favorite but I liked the music and enjoyed it more than I expected i would.

Fun jam session. But not something I'd really return to. A whole extra star for "The Gumbo Variations" though. Absolute banger.

Starts off really good, but gets tedious towards the end. Not my favorite of his works, but I will return to it.

Prog jazz? Interesting. Not memorable.

Okej do kawki

Enjoyable

Peaches en Regalia is great. The rest, meh.

The rats are indeed hot. However, instead of preening, perhaps they could do something about this guitarist who has been soloing for going on nine minutes now.

It always seems like I should like Zappa more than I do, what can I say? I'm.just not that interested

629/1001 2026.06.04

I probably liked it more than most but it got exhausting after 42 minutes

Soooooo much better than that other Frank Zappa album, dear god!

caramba

Liked this more than I thought I would. It has a wild ferocity in the playing.

на жаль, не мій тип музики, але спробую дослідити інші твори автора

I like zapping, but this is too weird for me hahahahaha

i wasn’t familiar at all w frank zappa before this so going into this i had nothing to base it on. i dod enjoy this album, its a great listen, maybe if i listened to more of his stuff i’d be into it

Think this is what they call 'fusion'

It was ok

This was a fun listen! I enjoyed the playfulness and the track titles. Never heard of Frank before but he seems like an alright dude. Favorite song - Son of Mr Green Genes

Listened on a crowded train, I like prog but this wasn't the best.

Never have listened to Zappa before but enjoyed this a lot. Will def check some of his other stuff.

It was alright 😐🫠. My favorites were Peaches En Regalia, Little Umbrellas, and It Must Be A Camel. Overall, I would give it a 3.5/5! 😎🫡🌱.

Love Peaches En Regalia and Willie the Pimp. Gets a bit samey further into the album, but it’s a good one nonetheless

Great album! They recommend this to me before so idk wth these guys are doing here

I appreciate Frank Zappa and knew more songs than I thought, due to listening to the Elis James and John Robins podcast for years, but I didn’t connect with this album.

I found amusing how much vibes of certain songs transport me to a parallel story regarding adrenaline, treason, and anxiety.

Wenz: Pure band music????? Hmmm 🤔No comments…. S: the instrumentals aren’t too bad though? Good Bg music maybe?

Sure, I'll listen to this if I have to...better than expected, more jazz oriented, will listen more f'sure.

Fun album with some quirks.

Pretty nice soundtrack, I probably wouldn't choose to listen to the album again though.

I have been familiar with this album for many years, and the two tracks that I’ve always suck out our peaches and regalia and Willy the pimp. Peaches is a five star song no doubt, and Willie is also excellent, but there’s a reason the rest of the album did not resonate with me as much years ago and still doesn’t today. After such a strong opening, the record starts to feel a little bit indulging and repetitive. That being said, there are some really high moments here. Definitely a 3.5, but I'm rounding down.

It was pretty good. Mostly instrumental, which I prefer over his music with lyrics. But even so, one album at a time is about enough; this doesn't make me want to go listen to more right away.

Difficult to rank properly. It's thought through, sonically different, plenty of ambition it has charisma. But once again I respect it a lot more than I like it, and I don't feel the need to listen to it ever again. Except Peaches that I liked actually

Not, by any means, bad. Accomplished, groovy jazz. But a bit full-on for me.

Hmmmm..... I mean, Zappa is a pretty important aspect of music history. At the same time, a lot of people will balk at this or fail to see the value. So I can't really give this a 5 in good conscience. In fact, I can't really give it a 4 either, since I fail to see this album's legacy. I think 3/5 may be generous, but I'll stick with it because of the name attached to it. Probably realistically a 5/10.

Some grooves here Fave track: Peaches en Regalia

Interesting, but needs a lot of listening as there's so much going on. Been through it twice and would probably need a lot more to get anywhere with it.

Quite interesting, very different and experimental

Cool, jazzy, angry violins.

(4/7) more enjoyable than expected, despite many weird percussive noises

Peaches En Regalia 9/10 Like Pokemon if it was made in the 60s Willie the Pimp I was going to give it an 8 but its too damn long so its a 7 I Iike his voice. Wish he sung more Son of Mr. Green Genes The beginning sounds like the song they play to announce royals Little Umbrellas 5 Elevator music The Gumbo Variations Omg its also soooooo long. I tuned out. Idk a 6. Still elevator music but spicier It Must Be a Camel 7 Reminds me of the background music for little bill

Zappa is one of those acts that I appreciate more than I enjoy. I get why he was important, I just don't want to listen to it more than the one time that I need to for educational purposes.

nice

What on earth

I liked it. all instrumental with one song with lyrics. good background music.

Was pleasantly surprised by the instrumentals. I liked it a lot better than I anticipated. I now have a better appreciation of Frank Zappa

Never really listen to any Frank Zappa. However, I have a greater appreciation for him now. I can see that he was a driving influence in The Honeydrippers. Robert Plant gets all the credit for that band, but I bet you Frank Zappa had a bigger influence in that group.

I enjoyed this more than a lot of the Zappa stuff I've heard. It's jazzy.

Quite a bit of noodling but I liked it

funky. good guitar and keyboard.

No private session used for Spotify. I think I have listened to this album before as I have always thought I would enjoy Frank Zappa and like what I have heard in individual songs. I like the jazz infused rock, though there are some songs that get too jam band for me.

Jazz played like rock composed like classical. I *appreciate* Zappa's intellectual and guitar chops, but I don't really *like* his music: ubi sunt soul, heart, feel?

I enjoyed this far more than I anticipated

Raw talent and creativity. Just so weird its hard to get into.

Nothing wrong with it, it’s just not my style.

Really funky, enjoying a little desk boogie. The brief bit of vocals was a bit off putting though. Probably wouldn’t listen again.

Jammy

First listen

quite liked it, only one song with lyrics problem is songs are really damn long so none made it to the playlist but defo worth a listen again.

A fairly interesting fusion album, featuring a wide array of instruments. It is hard to describe the genre of the album, but it has a sort of psychedelic feel to it that was interesting; although the album was quite long, and felt like a classical composition with rock instruments.

very very good album, zappa is obviously fire. But just not my kind of things. I really admit that this is good, but maybe it's not for me. I'll give it a chance another time in another moment of my life

Above average

hot rats indeed! funky rats? little jazzy, bluesy, poppy rats even. so '69 of the rats. real deal experimental jam band from the hippy era with SO MANY instrumentals throughout. liked it, brassy n jammy, gives punky wes anderson vibes? indie alty movie soundtrack? but probs won't revisit the ~10 minute songs much, but fun listen, unless it's the songs that give too much hotel lobby/elevator music vibes

Phew, no songs about diarrhea!

Ok

good background music ,i think.

Amazing musicianship but fuck me 9 minute jam songs are indulgent (and boring)

Liked this. Son of Mr. Green Genes was the standout for me. Think I need to relisten to fully get it as I got a bit lost in the sauce for a lot of this