Reviews (page 8 of 14)
I don't think Zappa and I are operating on the same wavelength, but it sure is something
Don’t know that I really got this one.
Bluesy, jazzy, funkadelic…I quite enjoyed this one overall. Other than the one vocal track which I really didn’t like. 3.5/5
I can see what he’s intending on, but half of it is just weird. Other parts are fun jam-sessions but not worth coming back to again
1. Peaches En Regalia - it’s giving pokemon town music in the best way 2. Willie The Pimp - really good, i’m impressed! dragged on way too long though, so replay value goes down significantly. still a great tune 3. Son Of Mr. Green Genes - really really good 4. Little Umbrellas - not as good as the previous tracks 5. The Gumbo Variations - 12 MINUTES? oh boy. 6. It Must Be A Camel - a really solid track, enjoyed it Conclusion: The album’s worst enemy is it’s length. Otherwise, it was a great listen and I will definitely return to most of these tracks
Música instrumental, legal pra trilha sonora de algo mas pra ouvir no dia a dia não
Never heard this before
Pääosin instrumentaalia 2. kappaletta lukuunottamatta. Genre vaihtelee Jazz fusionin, blues rockin ja instrumental rockin välillä, ja saattaa olla sekoitusta kaikista näistä. Tapahtumarikasta musiikkia vaihtuvilla teemoilla. Vaikka musa onkin instrumentaalia, niin se silti vie kuuntelijan matkalle. Biisit on pitkiä, ±10min.
Quite enjoyed the instrumentals in the last few tracks
A bit too much going on, not enough vocals.
Not riveting but interesting enough to have on in the background and into my earholes.
I think I liked it, but this passed me by without as much active listening as perhaps it deserved. Sounded like eavesdropping on a bit of a jam session at times and, whilst there were some more off the wall musical melodies at times, nothing as extreme as some of the work he ended up doing as his career progressed.
6 songs I knew Zappa was a geat guitarist, but whenever I tried to listen to some of his work, it was very tedious. This album is very much the same, although it has enough pleasant sections to warrant it 3 stars. It ranges from groovy and fun to boring and dragging several times just within one song. Pretty good as background music, but I found actively listening to some of the longer songs to be tiring.
Zappa was always known as alternative. This album confirms that.
Eh
Weird again
Didn't mind this.. lots of jazz. 3/5.
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
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
I enjoyed the opening of some songs, and how he included indigenous sounds and modern beats.
Первый раз услышал его у Карвая и с тех пор так и не понял в чем его фишка и почему этот чел такой известный
Галя, я не выкупаю
звучит даже интересно, особенно для своего года, но скорее 3.5
zzzzzzzz, canta horrendo los dos segundos que salió. Y sí es buena base pero hola? Okay es claramente un álbum para usar de música de fondo lo comprendo, entrenido cmo después de la 3era canción. Dios qué es esto, es como CAMP, interesante pero RARO. Es que no puede durar 12 minutos es fastidiosoo ajajja. Mejor el instrumental del video de los europeos en vacaciones, un tre por los instrumentos que me imagino el tipo es multi instrumentalista y la cabra...me salió Peaches en Rgealia en spotify DJ y...me gustó porque estoy en otro mood. 3
Was dreading the Zapster (I’m not on as many layers of irony as him) but this was ok. Nothing special. Background music
Put on the first track and immediately recognized it, along with all the melodies and changes. Growing up, a buddy let me borrow a Zappa compilation and this had to be where I know it from. The whole album jams, especially the first track. 3.6/5.0
Great
funny, weird guy i liked it
Zappa is a hell of a guitarist. I bet seeing him live in 69 was something else. I feel like this is best seen alive as opposed to spun in your living room via album 55 years later. It would be a 5 star if I was in concert I bet.
this was fun and crazy!!
A wild run through the genius mind of Frank Zappa.
Peaches En Regalia is fun track.
Good percussion, riffs, compositional ideas, the voice is excellent with the style. After several listens it may seem tiring to the ear because of its excessive instrumentals resembling an endless suite, although they all seemed to tell a story despite not having lyrics
An incredibly creative album, I enjoyed listening to this SO much!! Loved the jazz and the mix of the songs together. First time Ive given an album 5 stars without the dopamine hit cos this is simply... fascinating to me
Just like a hot rat its 3 stars from me.
Hørt på solsenga på Granka. Kul, men litt mange veldig lange soloer, måtte spole etter 8 min med gumbo variations.
Ganske trivelig og kult, men det blir fort for mange endeløse soloer også.
its nice background music fav song: The Gumbo Variations
First side is very good then it drops off
First track is really fantastic, I admire the rest but it's a big drop off
I enjoyed it
this was fun for a monday, cool, funky
I don’t know anything about Zappa; I just have this notion in my head of some strange dude doing some strange music. Which may usually be the case. This was an interesting fusion of jazz and rock. It’s a bit chaotic and off kilter, but that’s ok, I was expecting that from him. It was definitely more accessible than I thought it would be. And I was pleasantly surprised there were vocals on only one song. This 3 would be a 2 or less if there were more.
An extremely enjoyable listen despite being mostly instrumental. This was my first pass at Frank Zappa and I was pleased with the songs. His use of a variety of instruments made this collection more entertaining and the beats were captivating on every track.
empezó muy cool, si tenía sus vibras bacanas, bien, temas muy muy largos
it's pretty fun background music. not my favorite but not bad at all. peaches in regalia and little umbrellas were my favorites
The world needs more Zappa. I need to listen to more.
Eh, it's fine. A collection of instrumental jams (minus one vocal section with Captain Beefheart on "Willie The Pimp") that serve as enjoyable background music. It's "jazz-influenced" but the more jazzy numbers don't really hit the mark. Best bits are the instrumental section of "Willie the Pimp" and "Son of Mr. Green Genes."
Love some of the guitar work
It's 1969. Everyone is dropping LSD and giving each other STIs. Frank, on the other hand, is straightedge and making... whatever the fuck this is. I liked the jazzier weirdo tracks more than the psych tracks, which is odd for me. The guys was obviously a genius, even at this young(er) age.
Alright
Sounds like cool 70s TV and movie theme songs.
Em, I think that might have been great... It's harder work than I need first thing in the morning.
Like many misguided students in the early 2000s, I had a Zappa phase, so this wasn’t totally new to me. Albums like this can be pretty hit or miss, but I had a good time throughout. Favourite track: Willie the Pimp
Again, a bit weird. Some good stuff, some crap. Overall ok, think I expected more.
Well aware of Frank Zappa but never really go into him. Some interesting songs here! Worth another listen soon i reckon!
My biggest gripe about Zappa is usually his lyrics and voice. This album was immeasurably improved by him essentially keeping his mouth closed for most of it
Okay ja interessant wel, maar langzaamaan werd ik er gek van!
groot zappa fan maar dit is niet m'n favoriet. wel lekker gitaarwerk
Sort of as expected. Not my fave, but glad I gave it a listen.
Was not at all familiar with him before this. It's got a lot of that psychedelic sound, the violins made me think of Kansas. Interesting stuff.
muy muy muy instrumental cosa que no me termina de cerrar pero el rulo zappa sabia guitarrear como nadie
Cool groovy background music.
Jam jazz, a freshman year at University classic. Kind fun, heard most of this before l. 3/4
good shit frank. feels like the invention of the genre agnostic jam band performance. very neat. favorite song is Son Of Mr. Green Genes
Rating: 7/10 Get me off of Frank Zappa's wild ride. This was really interesting and wacky experimental shit though, just super out there. He's a lot better when he's just jamming out and seeing where he progresses these wild songs than when he's being making comedy music
Kinda cool actually. Didn't change my life but it was fun to listen along to and was weird and creative enough to win me over eventually. The funny little kazoos are weird but also fun to see how modern bands still love to throw em into songs even now 5.8/10
I'm a big Zappa fan but this was never an album I held in much esteem and listening to it again in 2026 hasn't changed that. It lacks many of the things I enjoy most in Zappa's music, notably his unique lyrics and vocal delivery, and the complex, musically-unorthodox and virtuosic compositions. Hot Rats is paradoxically overly structured and yet meandering, carefully curated yet half baked. Nearly every song devolving into aimless noodling but never steps outside of its tightly constrained parameters. While it seems uncharacteristically unimaginative, there's some high points for sure. Little Umbrellas is wonderful, some of the licks in the guitar solo on The Gumbo Variations showcase Zappa's trademark guitar stylings at their best, and Captain Beefheart's verses on Willie the Pimp make for a great opening few minutes, before it nosedives into a loose jam that doesn't really go anywhere. It's still Zappa at the end of the day, so it's not bad. But I've never understood the hype for this album and I don't think I ever will.
dang dude long song 3/5?
Not my favorite Zappa
Many times when I give out a 3 it's because an album is just fine. Middle-of-the-road albums that are not bad, but not particularly good either. Hot Rats is not one of those. Hot Rats is anything but middle-of-the-road, I'm just not sure where I land on it. Look, the man named his son "Dweezil", he's clearly some kind of eccentric genius... or at least he's definitely eccentric. It's really interesting music, which I'd definitely enjoy in smaller bursts. As an album? It's just a bit much. I only need so many Frank Zappa guitar solos. Still, very interesting and technically clever music.
Peaches en Regalia is obviously great but the rest is kind of just Zappa mush that I didn't care for.
Enjoyable listen
wombo combo jazz en rock
3,5
Not really my thing but can’t deny the musicianship and intricacies to this album. Doubt I’ll ever go back to it but that’s just due to tastes and preferences.
I think the name frank Zappa scare me for some reason… but this was good and I enjoyed it!
I’ve never considered myself a Frank Zappa fan, but Hot Rats was a genuinely enjoyable surprise. I went in expecting something far more guitar-heavy, yet what stood out wasn’t quantity, it was quality. When the guitar does arrive, it’s sharp, expressive and superbly played. This is jazz fusion I can really get behind. The musicianship is exceptional throughout, and the largely instrumental format allows the arrangements to breathe. There’s space, groove and a real sense of experimentation without it feeling self-indulgent. “Son of Mr. Green Genes” instantly caught my ear and I can’t help thinking the opening has a similar feel to the intro of Toast of London, which made me smile. “Peaches en Regalia” is another standout: bright, melodic and brilliantly composed. Favourite tracks: Son of Mr. Green Genes; Peaches en Regalia Least favourite track: “Willie the Pimp” The vocal delivery and drawn-out feel make it less enjoyable than the instrumental highlights it leans more into chaos than cohesion. Album artwork: A striking and colourful cover
Great first couple of tracks, but loses steam on the second half.
Really cool blend of jazz and rock, but some songs feel that they overstay their welcome. Likes: Peaches En Regalia, Son of Mr. Green Genes, It Must Be A Camel
You know what, even if I'm not too keen on the stinky cheese-rank smell of this album, it sounds impeccably mixed for a dino album that I was guessing was from the mid 70's, but actually 69 which is a little crazy. But Zappa using one of the first 16-track recorders, which definitely accounts for having so many goddamn instruments but them all sounding clear as day. This dude is so smart but most of the time he's like Jacob Collier because he's too smart to ever be fun to listen to. But at least he's funny, and if you're in the mood for jazz electric guitar (I don't think I ever have been once in my life) he is a phenomenal player.
Great jams but it doesn’t make me want to go back and listen to it more.
I get it, but also I don't
Decent Jazz album. Didnt drag on too long which I like.
Vibes - just vibes on vibes on vibes on vibes. Impeccable
Album 50 Top 3 favorites off the album: It Must Be A Camel, Peaches En Regalia, Little Umbrellas 6/7 OF THE LICC SIGHTED IN THE FIELD??!!?!?!!? I wasn't expecting his voice to sound like it does. I didn't actually have an idea of what it would sound like, but my lack of imagination didn't imagine it as that. This was a jam heavy album. I can get behind that in general, but a lot of this jamming went on a little long for my taste. I like that one effect that I can't describe right now, on the bass, the sploinky one. That's the technical term, too. Peaches En Regalia had an old videogame feel, like something I'd hear in an old Pokemon game. I liked it. It Must Be A Camel was fun for the polyrhythms. He named his daughter Moon Unit. He named his son Dweezil. I can't decide which is worse. At least if you're Moon Unit, you can shorten it to Moon which is nice. But Dweezil??? After listening to this album, I think I understand why, fundamentally as a person, he did it. In conclusion: 50th album? Not bad.
Funky Zappa album solid
Frank Zappa is a legendary guitar player, this album is a great mix of style but it can be a bit overwhelming at the end of one or two song with the guitar blasting notes. But overall great album
I totally get what Frank Zappa was going for, and why he was such a big deal. I do appreciate his contribution to music, but oh this album was tough for me. I think Frank Zappa is an acquired taste, and I just don’t have it.
sympa mais sans plus
Herregud, evighetslånga låtar. Jobbigt att lyssna på. Förstår inte helt grejen med Frank Zappa annat än att jag trots allt blir lite fascinerad. Det är inte dåligt, bara inte riktigt min grej.
Talented but not totally my jam. Still an interesting sound
love willie the pimp
good jazz - neer listened to him before!
Alright mostly instrumental. Enjoyed the vocals when there was some on willie the pimp.
hab nur das 1. Lied gehört
I liked it. Cool jam-band vibe and mostly instrumental.
I just had the weirdest morning commute ever.
If someone was curious about Frank Zappa's musical talents, I would submit this album. It certainly showcases his gifts. However, it is missing his incredible wit and sharp take on things usually present in his lyrics. Though there are a few songs on here with lyrics, they are not compelling, interesting, or as fun as typical Zappa. The music, while it does have its Zappa vibe, is more jazz and session driven. Jazz isn't a bad thing, and it is not surprise that he can pull it off.
Cool breakfast background music
weirdly intricate and funky
Ground breaking
Glad I listened to it - quite a ride but also a bit much to take in one session. Musically fanstastic.
I was in a bad mood and put off listening to this because at various points in my life I've had Zappa's music forced on me including the life stuff where he just plays mind numbingly long guitar solos and the I usually hate the vocals and lyrics on his long ass songs. However, this was all instrumental basically and I found it largely enjoyable background music that occasionally gripped me. The Gumbo Variations was interminably, gratingly long for no reason seemingly.
Impressive instrumentals and very little vocals. Even more impressive considering Zappa performed, wrote, and produced it all. Not my favourite record by a long shot, but the skill is evident here.
I like how fun it is, although kind of annoying at times, the riffs are fun.
5/10
Very eclectic. Really enjoyed.
It’s aight
Good cleaning music💯
It's a hot mess! There's clearly an abundance of talent but Frank really needed a mate to tell him to quality not quantity. Given he put out 3 albums in 1969, I'm of the belief that could have been one, and a mighty good one it could have been.
Outside of his novelty songs like "Valley Girl", Zappa's mostly unknown territory for me. I really dug the instrumentals on this album. Favorite song: "Son of Mr. Green Genes"
Pretty good. Just not sure i would seek it out.
Not really as weird as I expected. Simpsons: Yes
Wish I listened to this back when I still did drugs. Willie the Pimp drops this album down by a full point. I like this more then the other loose structured albums.
Love a short album. In another world Frank Zappa plays dr. frankenfuter in rocky horror
Oh bro can shred like this ???
Ahead of its time. Very influential and unique listen. 8/10 [KEEP]
Tried and didn’t like it
Didn't hate it! Was perfectly fine to work to.
it’s weird but that’s what makes it so charming and groovy
First experience with Zappa. Wasn’t disappointed.
Had never heard before, enjoyed the first track, Peaches en Regalia, as well as Little Umbrellas, which had a very Barney mille/WKRP vibe lol.
It was an interesting album to listen to. There were lots of different styles of music.
Favourites: 1. Peaches En Regalia Least Favourite: Little Umbrellas
Wonky and honky and skronky and pretty fun
Ganske nice, fulgte litt dårlig med mens jeg jobbet men tror jeg kommer sjekke det ut igjen
Dette er kult som et album, veldig ålreit lytt.
Coherent and interesting
It's good
Ziemlich psychedelisch
lovely guitar riffs, but I prefer songs with lyrics, some songs are soo long to not have some lyrics, melody is amazing tho
what an eclectic mix of sounds and beats. i don't know what i expected from this but it definitely wasn't this. i feel like i'm at a psychedelic carnival surrounded by all sorts of different people and sounds.
I found this instrumental album to be hard to listen to with the horns playing the same thing over and over
Last two tracks were so good, but the rest were whatever.
His second album. Psychedelic Rock. Willie The Pimp is a really nice jam as is Son Of Mr. Green Gene's. From there it loses it's vibe a little for me. I do like Zappa, I love Freakout, Mother's Of Invention. This album is good though.
Not one I particularly enjoyed. I can understand that in the late 60’s this would have been quite groundbreaking. I have a hit and miss relationship with Zappa’s music.
Initially loved this, but as the album wore on either it became more chaotic, or the novelty wore off, either way unlikely to cpme back for repeat visits
bit weird but the whimsical cool kid kind of weird
Ooh is this all instruments? Nvm. Only 6 tracks but 40 minutes that's kinda crazy. Okay his voice is annoying. But it's okay it sounds like it is mainly instrumentals. This is vibey. Is this what they play at an american diner? Instruments yum. That was fun.
Rock & Roll jam band
proper raamatulugemise taustakas… hea tempo, pole liiga vali aga pole liiga vaikne/“igav”
While I can appreciate it, I just wasn’t that into it.
If this is Frank Zappa, what does Evasive Zappa sound like, am I right!?! But really, I have a lot of respect for Frank Zappa and his general philosophy on life and music, even if “jam band” music isn’t my thing. I’ve watched a lot of interviews of Frank over the years and he’s always struck me as the kinda guy who is very intelligent but got mediocre grades as a kid because he was chronically under stimulated and didn’t apply himself (and also just hates authority). Jam Band music like Frank’s is a great place to go for lessons on improvisation and how to craft a solo… but for the life of me I can’t understand why people listen to it purely for fun, especially without drugs; do y’all read textbooks before bed too? This album is very guitar-centric, but I do want to highlight some fun instrument spotlights that stood out to me, like the clarinet parts on “Peaches En Regalia” or the glockenspiel (maybe it’s just a keyboard that sounds like a glockenspiel?) on “It Must Be A Camel”. Both feel like underutilized solo instruments and I enjoy the change of pace. This was a fun listen and a wild way to start a Tuesday. I should have played it at 4am to see what kind of dreams it would have evoked. Maybe another day. “Peaches En Regalia” “Little Umbrellas” “It Must Be A Camel”
ful instrumental album, deluje kao neki film (promene u ritmu, instrumentima, atmosferi), nisam siguran da li sam ga dobro skapirao, ali je bas zanimljiv projekat, i stvara zanimljiv vajb mogu da zamislim film bez zvuka sa samo ovim albumom iza
solid
5.7/10
Do I like this? Do I hate this? I really don’t know. It doesn’t annoy me enough to be rated 1, I don’t love it enough to make it a 5. Everything else in between is an option though. Ummm…..3 bags of popcorn, two sodas.
Two stars for the music, bonus star for the album name.
I would listen to this as background music but its not really my thing. I can see why people in the 60s would love this though
Hmmm
The instrumentals were cool but I really didn't like the vocals. I don't see myself revisiting this one.
I honestly dont know how to feel about this.
Very experimental, but not unlistenable. Moderate enjoyment in listening to this. I keep hearing phrases and refrains from other, later works which this might have influenced.
This is another album where you have to respect the innovation for the time it was created and acknowledge how groundbreaking it must have been etc. But if you just listen to it without qualifiers its not terrific. Might be interesting to listen to on drugs but not something I would seek out to listen to again. Best song: Peaches En Regalia (i guess?)
okay frank! fuck 'em up! half sick video game music, half extremely obnoxious saxophone that made me almost skip "The Gumbo Variations"
Frank Zappa has always lived in the mythology of rock n' roll as a legendarily weird dude in my head. I've tried listening to this album a few times hoping for some revelation that would lead me into loving his sound, to no avail. Don't get me wrong, I did NOT hate this album. I didn't even dislike it. I just think maybe it wasn't something that grabbed me and entranced me like it seems to do for others. There are a lot of cool and interesting sounds here. Bro is all over the place and I respect it tremendously, but it will not be affecting my rotation, and thus I must give it no greater than a 3 (that's my rubric dammit and I will act on it arbitrarily)
The Gumbo Variations was crazy. Kept this album up by itself
Enjoyed this one, but I think the songs ran on for a bit too long.
Not what I expected, but pretty good.
Random thoughts: * Is this psychedelic jazz? Whatever it is I liked it! * I've always been a little bit intimidated by Frank Zappa. There is so much discography and he's so weird. I just didn't know where to begin. I obviously should have started here. * There is just enough weird on here but not too much. * There was also a little jam band feeling in here with the solos and such. * I continue to be amazed at the variety and cool new music that was being made in the late 60s. I see why it is a musical period that is so beloved. * I'll have to remember to put this one on every once in a while.
Weird (complimentary). Some songs went on for too long, otherwise I'd rate this higher.
A little weird
einfach Zappa: nicht zuviel hören, dann ist es sehr gut.
Technically proficient and cool, this rock jazz album is just fine
😏
Too jazzy for me.
An almost entirely instrumental jazz odyssey, and therefore since he doesn’t spew his contemptuous lyrics at the audience, one of the best Zappa albums.
Alright listen.
This was a fun little jazzy rock album. I enjoyed a lot of it but it was a drag at times too, I would probably really like this with repeat listens but for now it’s alright.
Long jazzy songs
This was mostly great. Love the guitar work.
A collection of jam sessions that never really go anywhere. But I do admire Zappa, just not my cup of tea
Enjoyed this one. The instrumental aspect was quite interesting.
not as crazy as other zappa records which i like. Doesn't do a whole lot for me personally but really really good musicians obv.
funky instrumentals. Tbh I liked franks Zappa’s other work more Favorite Track: Willie the Pimp
This list has taught me that I quite enjoy Frank Zappa. I liked this one!
Brilliant and difficult to listen to in same measure. Maybe that's the point but I don't want to listen to the whole album again. Peaches En Regalia is great though.
Learning what Beefheart vocals sound like on "Willie the Pimp" gives me anticipation for his albums. With that out of the way, this is very clearly instrumental jazz-rock jams with little formal structure. They clearly show technical prowess, but I don't know how much I enjoy them. "The Gumbo Variations" is a bit of a slog to get through, but most other tracks are fun enough.
Hot Rats, Zappa’s movie for your ears is quite the trip. It starts out with bluebirds (cartoon) flying around your head as you stroll through a peach orchard (real) in full blossom. It’s also starting to get warm, and you’re feeling thirsty. You follow the central lane to the far edge of the orchard, it eventually leads to the rather seedy Lido Hotel. Oh good, just in time to have a cool afternoon drink with your buddy Willie. One drink leads to two. It’s about time to wrap it up and be on your way when another friend moseys up to the table and sits himself down across from you. The Son Of Mr Green Genes (best song) offers to buy the next round. Willie begs off saying he has to get back to work (ha), but you’re OK for just one more. Green Genes tells the tall, exotic waitress to make them both doubles. The drinks arrive, his has two little umbrellas in it, yours is significantly stronger than the last two. He mentions he a regular here. It’s never a good idea to drink this much on an empty stomach, so it’s decided to get something to eat. Today’s special; you guessed it - Gumbo Variations (worst sax I’ve heard in a long time.) It’s still hot for this late in the day, let’s take a dip in the pool and check out the girls. The pool is empty, there are no girls. Deal breaker, time to head out. You thank Green Genes for the drinks and line up a taxi. She (the waitress) shows up a few minutes later, dressed as a belly dancer in harem garb leading a camel. “Where do you want to go?” she asks. Yep, Frank is weird. (2.8*s)
Zappa has a reputation for being eccentric and weird. I figured he would inevitably end up on this list and was looking forward to consuming something from his collection. I definitely didn't expect this to be an instrumental jazz fusion album. Figured this might be a bit of a snooze but I found myself enjoying Hot Rats in spite of myself. The jams, while at times a little long-winded, are pretty catchy and fun. There was enough in this to keep me listening through the full duration. It's nothing special but manages to scratch a certain itch. I'm interested in hearing something else by Zappa that is closer to his signature weirdness. Preferably something more like the first few minutes of Willie The Pimp. 2.52 stars
It was cool, a bit corny in a sense but I think that's mostly because so many artists have done something like this or inspired by this. Bro can shred.
He has a unique voice and I appreciate the wacky energy.
Basically all instrumental. You can’t deny Zappa’s prowess in guitar playing. It was a good experience, but niche enough I can’t put it up above a 3.5/5.
Solid, but didn’t really grab me. Enjoyed it though.
Really good instrumentals, very experimental, felt really psychedelic
Good
I don’t know how to explain this except for saying it was a lot of guitar solos.
Not sure !!
Bueno
I can see that this would have been fun to make, but it’s not all that much fun to listen to.
My first Zappa. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Certainly a better jam artist than Phish.
achei bem chato :( willie the pimp tem uma ideia boa mas fica muito chato com os 10 minutos de fritação outras músicas tem timbres e arranjos muito legais, mas o que mata é a fritação infinita, fica muito chato :(
3,5
Jazzier and Funkier than I expected. I guess I never listened to Zappa before.
Good Psychedelic rock but a bit too fussy at points
3.5/5 This album is really good, an eclectic sound, playful nuttiness but really soulful rhytmns. I think at times it can be a bit too playful but overall a good listen. I like a lot of lounge and international jazz and this feels like the rock extension of that. At some points the instrumental solos roll one after another and I do think I’m listening more to a jazz album in that way
Practically instrumental (bar a turn by Beefheart on Willie The Pimp, and possibly all the better for it. Peaches En Regalia is one of the great rock instrumentals, Willie has a grimy little Dr John groove, and the whole album has moments of pleasantness. Overall it suffers from meandering in places, and Zappa never really was one for quality control, but it's one of the better Zappa albums so far. A very very high 3
Pre: About time I dug into some Zappa Post: fun jazz abstract guitar jam album, reminds me of king crimson
Zappa, a genius, has never made music that appealed to me, a man of a much lesser intellect. I'm sure it's great on some levels but not for me.
Very, very good instrumentation, but I enjoy goofy lyrical Zappa more. 3/5
it's okay i guess? i'm just not a fun of jazz really. fun, but, uh, not smth i'm comfortable listening to on a regular basis
Fine
Well it's not what I expected. Very 70s, mainly instrumentals. Interesting.
I definitely was not in the right state of mind to fully give this a fair shot today. The first half I could appreciate, but the latter half aggravated my pounding headache. Will definitely have to revisit and revise my review later on.
Zuhause, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Joa, schon gar nicht so geil.
Chill album, chill music
Bon, on va remettre les pendules à l'heure. Il y a des disques qui sont comme ces films d'auteur chiants à mourir que tout le monde prétend adorer pour avoir l'air intelligent en société. Vous savez, le genre de film en noir et blanc, sous-titré en ouzbek, où un type regarde un pot de fleurs pendant trois heures. "Hot Rats" de Frank Zappa, c'est un peu le "pot de fleurs" du rock. Un disque totem pour intellos de la musique, un truc qu'il faut "comprendre" pour être digne. Et si tu n'aimes pas, c'est que t'es un con, un plouc qui n'a rien pigé au "Génie". Eh bien soit, je suis un con et je vous emmerde. Mais reprenons depuis le début, Frank Zappa, le grand manitou moustachu, venait de dissoudre son groupe, les Mothers of Invention. Il en avait marre des boulets, il voulait faire sa musique, la vraie, la pure, sans compromis. Résultat ? Un album quasiment instrumental, une démonstration de force technique qui laisse l'auditeur moyen sur le bord de la route, en train de faire de l'auto-stop en espérant qu'un camionneur fan de Motörhead le sorte de ce cauchemar. L'album s'ouvre sur "Peaches en Regalia", et ça commence presque bien. Une petite mélodie entraînante, un truc qui pourrait presque passer pour de la pop si elle n'était pas déconstruite, triturée, et violée toutes les huit mesures par un changement de rythme improbable. C'est comme essayer de baiser un robot qui changerait de position toutes les deux secondes sans te prévenir. C'est virtuose, mais c'est épuisant et, au final, tu n'as pris aucun plaisir. Et puis, le miracle, la lumière au bout du tunnel de la prétention : "Willie the Pimp". D'un coup, Zappa se souvient qu'il a des couilles et qu'il sait jouer du rock'n'roll. Il invite son pote Captain Beefheart à pousser une gueulante. C'est sale, c'est lourd, et surtout, Zappa nous balance un solo de guitare qui dure une éternité, mais une bonne éternité. Le genre de solo qui te fait pousser les cheveux, qui te donne envie de voler une bagnole et de rouler à fond la caisse. C'est la seule fois sur tout le disque où la musique semble venir des tripes plutôt que du cerveau. Un point pour ça, et c'est bien payé. Après cette bouffée d'air frais, on replonge la tête la première dans la fosse septique du jazz-fusion. "Son of Mr. Green Genes", "Little Umbrellas"... Je n'ai rien à en dire, parce que mon cerveau a activé son mode veille pour se protéger. C'est une succession de notes, une architecture sonore impressionnante, mais c'est aussi vide d'émotion qu'un discours de politicien. C'est de la musique pour lire des bouquins de philo, pas pour boire des bières entre potes. C'est de la musique qui se regarde le nombril en se trouvant formidable. Heureusement, il y a la face B et "The Gumbo Variations" et ses dix-sept minutes de jam. DIX-SEPT. Normalement, c'est le genre de truc qui me fait fuir, sauf que là, ça fonctionne. Pourquoi ? Parce que ça pue l'improvisation, la vraie. Ça sent la sueur, les musiciens qui se cherchent, qui se répondent, qui se poussent dans leurs retranchements. Le violoniste est en transe, le saxophoniste semble vouloir accoucher d'un alien par son instrument. C'est le bordel, mais c'est un bordel vivant, c'est un dialogue de sauvages, pas une récitation de poésie. Un deuxième point, va. Et peut être un troisième point... Pour le doigt d'honneur, pour le courage d'avoir sorti un disque pareil, un album exigeant, complexe, anti-commercial au possible. Zappa n'a jamais cherché à plaire, il faisait sa musique, et si ça te plaisait tant mieux, sinon, va te faire foutre. Cette attitude, je la respecte profondément mais ça ne m'oblige pas pour autant à trouver ça génial. En conclusion, "Hot Rats" est un album crucial pour l'histoire de la musique. Il a prouvé qu'on pouvait mélanger les genres, repousser les limites techniques et formelles. C'est une leçon, mais parfois, les leçons c'est chiant, et moi, la musique, je ne l'écoute pas pour apprendre, mais pour ressentir. Avec ce disque, j'ai surtout ressenti l'envie pressante de passer à autre chose. À un bon vieux disque de The Cure, par exemple. Un truc simple, direct, qui parle au cœur plutôt qu'au cortex cérébral. Allez, sans rancune, Frank. Mais ton disque, il va prendre la poussière sur l'étagère. Verdict : 3 sur 5 et c'est cher payé.
Jazzier Phish. Some is good, some is just too much noodling.
It was ok. Liked some of the songs.