Reviews (page 5 of 8)
That’s the beauty of this exercise, I start putting things into perspective. After Captain Beefheart, the other wild project Zappa was involved in, this album feels surprisingly accessible. It playfully runs through all the phases of rock from that era, with sharp, irreverent humor. But unlike Beefheart, it’s clean, tight, and much easier to follow. It also really helps to get some understanding about Zappa’s talent and why he has such a cult following. The talent is obvious, and I find it just as interesting, maybe even more, than other albums from the same time, because it is very well written and has that extra dose of irony.
Holds up well for being nearly 60
4/10
01) Hungry Freaks, Daddy - 8,0 02) I Ain't Got No Heart - 7,0 03) Who Are the Brain Police? - 6,5 04) Go Cry on Somebody Else's Shoulder - 8,0 05) Motherly Love - 7,0 06) How Could I Be Such a Fool - 7,0 07) Wowie Zowie - 7,5 08) You Didn't Try to Call Me - 6,5 09) Any Way the Wind Blows - 7,5 10) I'm Not Satisfied - 6,5 11) You're Probably Wondering Why I'm Here - 7,0 12) Trouble Every Day - 6,5 13) Help, I'm a Rock - 5,5 14) It Can't Happen Here - 1,0 15) The Return of the Son of Monster Magnet - 1,0 TOTAL: 6,17 (62/100) Current ranking: 419/550
Frank Zappa is one of the most annoying people that has ever lived. This was an endurance test. It has its moments but the problem is that he ruins everything with his grating voice and childish humor. Fuck I can't stand a single thing about him or his fans. Everything he touches is the most grating, try hard bull shit. 12 minute song that is just chimpanzee sounds, moaning and burp noises. Cool thanks, insufferable tool.
6.5/10
6/10
I liked this better than Only In It For The Money. A bit more accessible and slightly less reliant on the parody - the music stands up pretty well aside from the concept. I didn't really get the satire of freak culture tbh, didn't know what the lyrics were about beyond surface level, but never mind. They must have been very out there for 1966 I liked the mixture of doo-wop and bluesy rock 'n' roll, it's a nice variety and each song brings something new. Zappa's weirdness is also relatively quite restrained (for the first half anyway) so this is a decent album for someone like me who hasn't acquired the taste Nearly gave this a 4 as I write but the last 3 tracks bring it down a lot and reduced some of the positivity from what I thought earlier. That cream cheese nonsense is seriously irritating. So it's 3/5
Not my cup of tea
did not like, no more please
Pre-listening thoughts: hmmm... curious. People either seem to love or hate Frank Zappa so let's see where I fall. Post/during listening thoughts: it is rare that an album leaves me with my jaw hanging open. And this one was not in a good way. Almost tempted to give this a one but the first few tracks imo save it from being terrible and unlistenable. Now there are a few songs on here that are unlistenable. Yikes! 3/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: I Ain't Got No Heart, Motherly Love Least fav tracks: lowkey... everything else...
Don’t mind if I do!! I’m freaking out that at the tender age of 29, I finally understand the Deep Purple lyric “Frank Zappa and the Mothers.” I was always perplexed by the inclusion of said mothers. Who were they? Why were they with Frank? Now, before I lose any more of my previously untarnished credibility, I discovered this a few months ago. Despite my late arrival to the party, I hope to sift through the smouldering wreckage of the French nightclub and find what it was that set it ablaze. It’ll be odd to hear Frank Zappa doing music, and not just taking down news anchors in whatever heavily tailored short form content loops I’ve been on. Hungry Freaks, Daddy - Oh no. I don’t like that song title. It sounds like how people speak on the internet now. I do love a good freak mention though. Mr. America? Is this a Hulk Hogan song? I wouldn’t be surprised if this song could somehow predict the future. This is wild. Very cool instrumentation choices, an a super likeable track. I Ain’t Got No Heart - That guitar lick in the background. This is not what I expected. I was kind of just thinking this album would be fart noises in an attempt to be subversive, but here we are getting coherent psychedelic pop. Sounding excellent. Who are the Brain Police? - We’ve had hearts and now brains. I’m seeing a shoulder up ahead as well. I’m concerned about the lack of autonomy we have over the body parts here. I wish I could answer this query. Go Cry on Somebody Else’s Shoulder - Man. This is fantastic. A throwback with a tongue firmly planted in the cheek. The ironic thing? This is actually a pretty good song, even if you listen to it unironically. Yeah the background vocals are a little silly, but I love the atmosphere they create. Completely insane. I’m in love. Motherly Love - Aside from the “turkey in the straw” kazoo solo, this one was mkre standard for the time. Not hating it, but not as exhilarating as the previous tracks. How Could I Be Such a Fool - So many rhetorical questions on this album. Well, maybe not rhetorical. Unanswerable? Whatever. It’s also my review writing style. To ask questions that will never receive responses. Wowie Zowie - Progressive feminist slay mixed in with a nod to a childlike regression precipitated by a trip on bad acid. More 50’s nonsense. Get the straitjackets. You Didn’t Try to Call Me - More of the same sentiment from the band and a reduced sentiment of praise from me. Overall, fine, but kind of a filler track. Anyway the Wind Blows - Am I finally picking up on the theme here? Back and forth between teeny-bopper breakup songs and starry-eyed odes to love. This song has a lovely chorus. I’m Not Satisfied - YUUEAHHH. HELL yeah dude. Oh no, Frank, don’t kill ur slef. ur gud at song. YUUEAHHH. That’s my new favourite sound. I’m telling ya. This shit is in my Q zone big time. You’re Probably Wondering Why I’m Here - I was wondering, yes. Why are you in my office with this bizarre song? Oh. You also don’t know. Yeah that’s fine. Rip a kazoo solo. Pull up a chair. THE YUUEAHHs ARE BACK!! Score. Trouble Every Day - Uhh yeah this should be the title of this website. Another scorching zinger provided by yours truly. Wait a second I’m not yours. Nice try, idiot. Cool song. Why aren’t more albums cool like this? Help, I’m a Rock - Ok. I’ve seen this before. What you’re going to need to do is remain perfectly still, which should be relatively simple considering your predicament. I will fetch a green onion salve and consult with Garlac the wizard. He will ask of you a riddles three. Your answer to these riddles will be irrelevant as your communion eith Garlac becomes complete on the final syllable of the third riddle. He will transition you from rock to Parsnip which any hack Shaman can return to human form with a simple Beetwort juice. It Can’t Happen Here - Insane. True. Art. The Return of the Son of Monster Magnet - Put Susie Cream Cheese on the line. I have some questions about this song title. Yeah hello Ms. Cream Cheese. Sorry. Mrs. Cream Cheese. Yeah, Isn’t Monster Magnet some horrible modern butt rock band? Or am I thinking of that the guy who calls himself “Monster Truck?”The one who did that anti-mask song with Kid Rock. Anyway. I think this song is about him. HELP. I’m on a song with Kid Rock. Say hello to Mr. Cream Cheese for me. Stay out of the sun you rascals. After sitting here with my jaw agape for the full 13 minutes, I’ll call this one “The Jenius of the Jungle.” I’ve heard some Zappa lyrics that are just literally lines about shit. Just poop lyrics. Not a metaphor. Needless to say I thought this would suck. I love bizarre and avant-garde tinged art, but I find when people are stuck for “far out” ideas, they return to the bathroom. Now. This album did anything but circle the drain. The debut effort from the Mother of Invention is and completely insane in all the best ways and somehow politically relevant to this day. From art pop to jazz fusion to comedic parodies that ridicule overdone musical tropes whilst improving on them at the same time. I did not realize I needed this, or that something almost 60 years old could still sound out there in this over saturated age of oddity we live in today. This is what I want music to be. A love letter to the art form with pointed criticisms of said art form sprinkled in to keep lousy bands on their toes. Not something you lazily play next to your smelly RV on a pay and park beach, but something to be studied and felt. Something that makes an impact. I give this 12 Freaks Up, which with inflation, translates to about 5 Stars. Freak out! 5 HIGHLIGHTS: Hungry Freaks, Daddy, I Ain’t Got No Heart, Go Cry on Somebody Else’s Shoulder, Anyway the Wind Blows, Trouble Every Day, Help, I’m a Rock, It Can’t Happen Here
Sometimes crazy, sometimes amazing, sometimes both.
why is Freak Out! considered a good album? I find it annoying. I understand it's satire but the lyrics are annoying. The music is unlistenable. It doesn't sound like pop music and the Zappa is missing the actual music that is evolving. The year before The Beatles put out 3 great albums. Dylan was putting out albums. The Rolling Stones had great albums. His point is invalid. It's just annoying. No one is claiming that 1960s pop was incredible but it was incredibly listenable. This misses on listenability as well as being an endless, unfunny, pointless joke. Imagine if an SNL skit went on for an hour, with the same joke, but also with terrible music. Fuck, I really cannot express how much I dislike this album.
Weird, satirical, against the grain. It is bunch of different things and they kinda work! I know next to nothing about Zappa aside from he was prolific and very very intelligent. Hoping to hear more from him
This has to have left a real mark on the doors
Weird concept satirical album. Maybe big at the time but nothing of interest now.
Debut album. Frank Zappa. A commentary on the music scene and society. Satire. Psychedelic rock, concept album. Zany. Lyrically ingenious throughout. Has to be listened to as an overall journey. What is astounding is this was made as early as 1966 ! Gloriously weird, ingenious and maddening. Brilliant ha !
Man I did not know what I was getting into.
Too much kazoo
Wild and weird, especially for 66. This album is insane, but somehow still relatively accessible which is very impressive. Plus adding in its place as one of the first concept albums AND one of the first double albums, it's definitely earned its place here.
Existing between doo-wop and insanity.
I'm really not sure how to approach this album. Over the years, I've tried to like Frank Zappa's records. Indeed I have this album (and some others) in my collection. But I'm not really assured of Zappa's much-vaunted brilliance. In ranking this record, I think there are two aspects - firstly, do I like it and second, was it an influential record. However, this is an opportunity to reassess it. So I think that Frank Zappa was an important artist, and influential, but I only think this is an OK record - a bit clever-dicky in the lyrics front. But maybe that's what's needed. After all his railing about America, I wonder what he'd have made of the current situation.
Frank Zappa, you are out of your GODDAMN MIND. Condragulations you're the winner of this week's challenge. Nota: 4.0
Sellainen huumorilevy, aikansa parodiaa
Man I don’t know how to rate a Frank Zappa album! I like him! 6/10 Favorite track - go cry on somebody else’s shoulder
Interesting for sure, but no matter how often I try, Zappa doesn't really work for me.
After listening to over 900 albums on 900 days, it's a bit refreshing to listen to someone just doing something a bit different. Here's to Zappa.
Just because it’s weird doesn’t mean it’s good.
Some of it is pretty good, but some of it is too avant garde for me.
Weird... funny at times, annoying at times... Guess, if I were drunk, this would be incredible... Sober, however, this is mostly meh, significant, but not overly enjoyable.
4.5
I always meant to getting around to hearing what Frank Zappa has to offer. Well, now I just did. It's pretty strange stuff, but I did like "Trouble Every Day" so that one will make the playlist. The rest didn't do much for me. "Wowie Zowie" was kinda fun too I guess.
An emotionally intense record to me. To some lyrics I could relate a little too well and I was actually uncomfortable. That is not the record‘s fault, just my own vulnerability. But it probably speaks to the strong writing on here. I liked how socially conscious they were - most of the love songs were not traditional love songs either which I liked. Trouble Every Day was very interesting and then followed by Help, I‘m A Rock was hilarious - Help I‘m A Cop lmao. 3 stars for all this and the added obscurity on top.
Fucking so weird. My first taste of Zappa and I am blown away. Genius. Punk. Psychedelic. Funk. Blues. Dripping LSD. Psychosis. Complete mind fuck.
Had to turn it off after like 4 songs
Zappa was just weird
Fun listen after reading nixonland. The satirical more poppy songs were a highlight. Got super weird at times but it’s Frank Zappa
Nothing special
A pretty good album with an easy listen vibe. I liked I Ain't Got No Heart, Go Crystal On Somebody Else's Shoulder and Trouble Everyday the most.
Radical. I don’t think it reaches the same highs as We’re Only In It For the Money, but I think overall it’s of a higher quality
This is PURE GOLD, absolute historic evidence of the way that genius can magnetize other geniuses in a crowd.
Overly intellectual snobbery posing as buffoonery. There is talent to be sure but the songs feel drained of joy and pleasure. I’ll take Beefheart any day over Zappa.
This album had its way with my ear holes. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. 3/5 Album 34/1001
Interesting enough to be on the list. Is it wasn't I'd have never heard of Suzi Creamcheese!
Satirical, pastiche-y and almost completely sui generis. When it's good - the middle section, particularly Trouble Every Day - it is brilliant. Probably dragged down a little by the less listenable end - but even there the influence this section had is obvious - Damo Suzuki's Can era vocals on I Think I'm a Rock, Supergrass I Should Coco on the last songs sped up vocals..
Well, that was “interesting”. I can only assume that copious amounts of acid were consumed during the writing of this album. In parts the album seems to be pastiche, decades ahead of Flight of the Conchords but laying down a path for them. In other places, it has a focus on playful experimentation with sounds and production. The last track was wild. I was definitely hearing huge amounts of inspiration for Trevor Horns production on Welcome to the Pleasuredome (which I immediately listened to for reference) with its animal noises and the frequent “ooh ah” utterance. The ensemble stands up well, displays fine musical understanding and is really creative especially when taken in context of the era, but it’s not my kind of thing in all honesty. Very much deserving of its place on this list, but not what I’d term a particularly enjoyable listen
Generally love some Zappa but this one is more annoying than catchy.
On first listen, I was struggling to give this as high as a 2, mostly because I wasn't paying attention, and I would only cue in on the distracting chaos that occasionally happens (and that really happens at the end for the last 3 tracks - so that's the taste I had in my mouth after chewing on this album). But then I started it again...and again...3 full listens. I kept hearing those first couple seconds of track 1 thinking this is bound to be great. But I kept having to convince myself to get over the talk-singing as soon as the vocals enter - I found it really unappealing. But as I pushed through and forced myself to pay more attention to the songs...the music, it's actually pretty smooth sailing. A classic mid-60's sound that somehow reminds me of They Might Be Giants - surprising musicianship with occasionally (or not so occasionally) ridiculous or far-reaching lyrics. If this were a 12-track album, it might even approach 4 star territory for me, which, on first listen I would have though was ludicrous. It's really a lesson in listening intentionally, and not boxing something in based on preconceived notions ('oh great...a Frank Zappa album...not gonna like this'). Overall, I think I'm at a 3.5 falling to a 3. But I'd listen to the majority of this again and it would probably continue to grow on me.
Love me a bit of Frank Zappa. Weird and amusing and then even more weird. It's a bit long for one sitting but I made it through. Not the sort of thing I can listen too every day but I will listen again and the score may go up. (edit : I have and it won't)
Ludicrous Frank Zappa Shit
Wow. That was weird.
Never seen the attraction
I hated this.
Never been a Zappa fan so admittedly came into this release with some negative bias. Turned out to be more listenable than expected. I'm sure it sounded weird as fuck to people in 1966. Despite it being ahead of it's time and one of Zappa's earlier tamer releases, it's still just not for me. A couple decent tracks out of the 15, but none I'd likely return to. It hit a nice stride in the middle but dropped off completely for me at the last 2 tracks. 2/5
Am I on acid? Honestly? I had a really fun time listening to this. It took a lot of risks Help, I'm a rock!
Ок
Goofiness and yes, a bit freaky. And clear hints of what was to come.
Fav: Anyway The Wind Blows Least Fav: The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet Generating this album on April Fool’s Day was an omen. It’s great to have a laugh at, but for listening it’s absolutely terrible. What do you mean the last song is 12 minutes???????
Obnoxious I suspect Zappa would have appreciated that description
Obviously talented enough to make whatever they want, this is an interesting eclectic mix. I can see how it influenced Sgt. Pepper.
Strong lyrics, great recording, annoying vocals and melodies.
That’s what I’m talking abut
Tää oli ihan kiva. Jaksoi hyvin kuunnella koko levyn.
Ihan ok, mutta liikaa.
Ei parasta zappaa. Sekoilun määrä on kuiteskin vakio ja muutama hyvä styge tässäkin
Ihan jees aikansa rokkia.
Isot pointsit tamburiinin liiallisesta käytöstä, fuusijazzista ja kazoosta! Tyylipuhtaampiakin rocklevytyksiä on toki kuultu.
It’s pretty incredible how fresh this sounds. Zappa was a visionary and errr still catching up to him to this day.
Wowza- lots going on here. I found some a little too intense, but can't second the genius either.
From what little I knew of Frank Zappa, I didn’t think I would like this album. I am pleasantly surprised. I try not to read the reviews or the Wikipedia article before listening to ann album. I listened to this on a road trip and came away with the impression that The Mothers were trying to make fun of their other musical genres. I wasn’t surprised when I read the Wikipedia article and found that it was supposed to be satirical. That said, I think it’s a pretty good album.
You're probably wondering why I gave this album a 4, and so am I
I like Zappa much better on his own. This comes off as smarmy.
What? Weird. Some songs remind me of my ex-wife, like “Go cry on someone else’s shoulder” and “How could I be such a fool?” Left me craving creamcheese.
Definitely odd at times. Not as musically interesting or exploratory as expected. 2/5 Won’t listen again
I really hate the cult of personality this participation trophy of a musician has. I am firmly of the belief that some people should speak less.
OVERALL: I wish this was more than a great concept. I had to sit through this entire album, and the only songs I remotely likes were ones that weren't too experimental. Experimental doesn't always mean bad, but sometimes you should tone it down. The last song did not need to be twelve entire god forsaken minutes, and It Can't Happen Here did not need to have three movements. I wish I got my hour back. There are good songs here, the best by far being Trouble Every Day, but all of the good is outweighed heavily by dogshit, and the last two songs alone singlehandedly ruin any hope of a rating higher than 3/10. I am never listening to most of these songs ever again. I've heard really good things about Frank Zappa, so I was kinda expecting more, but it is what it is. Super experimental, personally I didn't like it very much but if you're freaky then you would probably love this. The review for The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet that I wrote is over 100 words, I need to go to bed. Hopefully I get blessed tomorrow (technically today). SONG AVG: 5.2733/10 PERSONAL RATING: 2/10 Hungry Freaks, Daddy: What the fuck. This went from really good to really weird to really good again to really weird again to really good again again. Great lyrically, the lyrics are probably going to be timeless or relevant for a really long time. I don't really know what to say about the instrumental, I guess I didn't really like the kazoo but it wasn't horrible. I didn't really like the vocals too much. It's really interesting and sounds good sometimes, but the weirder parts bring it down. 6.75/10 I Ain't Got No Heart: Really good. I love the instrumental, and the vocals are pretty good usually (why does he throw up at the end). The lyrics are okay. I guess the instrumental is kinda generic, but it still sounds really good and has some interesting stuff happening. Score lowered because of the weird ending. 7/10 Who Are The Brain Police?: What is happening. I don't really like the weird drunk moaning sounds, but what the hell is the interlude? Actual jumpscare, I was not ready at all for that. Who the fuck are the brain police and why did they infect this song. I don't know what is happening at all, the outro is also weird as hell. Unbelievably experimental, and I don't think I like it. I guess everything else was fine, if not good, but what did my ears witness. 2/10 Go Cry On Somebody Else's Shoulder: It was at this point that I looked up what this album was about. It's apparently about Frank Zappa's perception of American pop culture and is pretty satirical. Anyways, this is probably a satirical doo-wop song. It feels like a doo-wop song on hard drugs, so I guess it sounds good. Idk man, I guess I'm too stupid to understand what this is supposed to mean. 6.55/10 Motherly Love: How do I even review this? I like the instrumental, but I hate the kazoo. I guess it sounds alright mostly, but I don't like the outro. Also, this is about fangirls, right? I guess the good and the bad balance each other out. 5/10 How Could I Be Such A Fool?: Where did this come from and how is it on the same album as Who Are The Brain Police? This is the least experimental song so far, and it's my favorite so far (I don't care if I'm basic). Nice horn arrangement and harmonies, pretty good overall. istg if ts is a parody song i will run over a family of 7. 7.75/10 Wowie Zowie: Okay this has to be a parody song. It actually sounds not that bad, but it's really goofy. I kinda like Sherry, so I guess I like the outro? The instrumental is pretty good, though. Nice sounding but complete nonsense. 7.25/10 You Didn't Try To Call Me: Again, a pretty nonexperimental song is probably my favorite so far. I like the instrumental a lot, great drums and really nice horns. Also the outro sucks, but I can kinda ignore that. 7.8/10 Anyway The Wind Blows: Okay, when are we gonna get back to weird acid trip, because I'm very confused. It was at this point that I realized it was a double album. Anyways, pretty good, similar to the last song, but without the pachuco so I like it more. Please don't be a parody song, please don't be a parody song, please don't be a parody song, please don't be a parody song, please don't be a parody song... 8/10 I'm Not Satisfied: Okay, when is this gonna get weird because this is really conventional but also really good. Pretty standard, but still sounds good and has pretty good lyrics. Captures the feeling of being depressed pretty well. 7.75/10 You're Probably Wondering Why I'm Here: Someone play Baba O'Riley, both because of the title and because I need to be saved from the weird stuff. What is that goddamn intro. Also, they fucking murdered the kazoo player halfway through their solo. This song is actually capable of making people insane. The "yeah :DDDD" in the chorus is funny as hell. This sounds like a Bo Burnham song (derogatory). I think this is supposed to be singers in a bar complaining back to the audience, which is a nice concept but I don't like the execution. 3/10 Trouble Every Day: Where did the satire go. This is a song about the Watts riot, and it does a pretty good job at covering it. Great lyrics, pretty good instrumental, okay vocals. I guess this is a rap song. Really nice and bluesy, if this was the only song on this album I've heard I would probably want to listen to the whole thing. Sadly still relevant, great commentary on racial unrest. 9/10 Help, I'm A Rock!: I really don't want to write a whole description on this song, I was going to just put "I refuse" and move on, but I don't think I should do that. I guess it has a good concept, that's about it. The instrumental is not interesting at all, the entire first half is literally just random syllables, and the lyrics are really not that good when there are actually lyrics. Also, the outro is not good. I know that this is not a genre that I like, but I genuinely cannot see how someone would love this song outside of the concept. I guess if you're freaky enough, you would like this. 1.25/10 It Can't Happen Here: This has to be intentionally bad. Gotta be a drug trip or something. Please, I beg you to listen to this and tell me 2 things you like about it. I can barely make up something. 0/10 The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet: The following are my thoughts throughout the song: cream cheese... I swear I heard the Kendrick scream, I am not going crazy. It's midnight, I am too tired for this shit. I guess this is funny, although I can't really laugh right now. Good drums I guess, sometimes the instrumental break that is way too long is fine. What is even happening. This does not need to be over 12 minutes long. I am currently in creamcheese purgatory. No sir, I did not pick up on that. Why are we sped up right now. I swear I heard a sped up "fuck". THANK GOD IT'S FINALLY OVER. I hope I can give this a negative rating. 0/10
Sometimes weird, sometimes very good. The final song was..... Interesting. I can imagine this blew people's minds when it first released. Completely unlike anything else at the time
I generally don't like this type of music, but this was pretty cool.
I don't listen to this Zappa/Mothers album often, but I appreciate its innovation, especially for its time. It leans more on lyrical concepts than musical exploration.
I’m constantly impressed by the level of musicianship on Zappa and TMoI records. What were the chances of brilliant musicians who were also just so weird coming together in this way? Not something I would put on regularly or possibly ever again but still a record that stretches music into a strange new space.
They were going for something, I'm just not sure what.
Started listening to this and made a comment to my wife that it's not quite as weird as I expected it to be. Then the second half came on and I was put in my place. It's not a bad record, but it's not one I see myself putting on again anytime soon.
Satire finally done right. Music actually serves the lyrics and isn't an incoherent or boring nightmare. Chaotic on purpose, and not just for the sake of chaos.
Musically a great album. Lyrically? TBD
Kind of meh, doesn't really stand out. But not bad, just not for me.
In the late 90s, I bought my first - and only - Frank Zappa CD in a shop in Barcelona. It was a compilation that was largely comprised of Freak Out. For all Freak Out is a concept record, I don't think the material was helped or hindered by my listening to it in a fragmentary manner. After all, the album's twisted mix of contemporary pop pastiche and musique concrete isn't meant to be stylistically coherent. It is more like listening to an AM radio station - but an AM radio station that hates you. The snide critiques just keep on comin'. Until the final offering breaks down into chaos. This ain't the hit parade either, because nothing really sticks out. An obvious comparion is the Bonzo Dog Band's The Doughnut in Granny's Greenhouse, from two years later. There is the same variety, the same high and low humour, and the same reflective commentary on both the normies and the freaks. But the Bonzos welcome everyone, Normie and Freak alike, into their silliness, whereas as Zappa is content on keeping everyone out. No silliness, but frequent meanness. Still, the music is not as gruelling or punishing as Hot Rats, which we listening to a few weeks back. Of course, this isn't really Zappa's music. This is him messing around with music that other people like. It is not so exacting, not so rigid. But it isn't exactly loose and funny either. 2.5 This is hard to judge. It isn’t bad music, for the most part, but it is slathered in such a thick layer of irony that it is hard to credit it with much but adolescent contempt for music and people that aren’t as cool as the Mothers of Invention. To put that kinder - it consistently has the quality of the smartest kid in the class being merely facetious. It is also worth pointing out that nothing here is actually funny - Dylan and The Beatles (both of whom are conceivable targets of some of the pastiche here) were both very funny in their songs when the mood took them. That said, the effectiveness of the comedy is not so much my problem with this stuff. I know Frank Zappa is clever and good at music but what does he love? There’s the rub. There is no risk in anything here because there is no sincere attempt to create anything that people might love. He’s a wee prick, that’s about it. 2.5/5
Just not my kind of weird
Sounds fun and musically interesting
Trouble Every Day - Great Song
Great psychedelic 60s music
So friggin weird. Proggy in some parts, but weird as hell.
A clear parody of the musical culture of the 60s. Zappa took everything on the pop charts and thumbed his nose at it. "Help, I'm a Rock" is genius. And it gets better! "It Can't Happen Here"? Creamcheese Creamcheese Creamcheese Creamcheese Creamcheese Creamcheese Creamcheese Creamcheese Creamcheese Creamcheese
What I assume a bad acid trip is like. I was so glad when this ended.
Great
I mean I appreciate they’re pushing boundaries and the music is super inventive but it feels smug and indulgent and when it finally ended I have to admit I just felt relief.
I just don't really get Zappa I guess. I like the irony, wit, and philosophy, but the music usually just sucks. Maybe you just had to be there? There are a couple cool tracks here, "Trouble Every Day" being my favorite, but for a double album there's gotta be more for this to be more than a 2.
Великие люди развлекаются как могут. Лучшая песня - How Could I Be Such A Fool.
This was super fun. A psychedelic record that just seemed to be making fun of psychedelic music. The lyrics are funny. You feel like you are in on the joke as you listen.
Some fun, weird tracks. But so many that are self-righteously confident that they're Saying Something Important, and you know how I feel about that.
zappa's ambitions for big concepts unfortunately were not always matched by his actual insights or aesthetic completeness, a fact made all the stranger by the fact that he p much nailed it right out of the gate HFJFSHFS. this isnt my favorite record of his but it's arguably the most compelling of his career in many many ways. frank comes in with a clear interest and affection for various types of pop music but cuts them all open to drain every last speck of warmth or optimism, using pop culture as a canvas to bring tumultuous 60s anxieties and hatreds to the forefront. in that way its more than just a subversion, its an act of released tension and catharsis via desecration. and ofc its near perfectly structured, with the bubbling seedy underbelly eventually taking over and turning the record's last few tracks into a chaotic subconscious sprawl. and somehow all of this is summarized in surprising depth by the title...freaking out is bringing something suppressed to the surface. ive talked before about how frank doesnt have the deepest worldview lol, and even at the best of times i have v little ideological interest in "exposing" popular art as an evil machine (i seek to understand its material circumstances but my view of art philosophy isnt compatible with caustic dismissal of the objects and their meaning), but this is surely his best ever cross between semi-traditional songwriting pleasures and an actually expressive and vibrant conceptual framework. its a drag being a rock.
Too much of the crazy zappa I don't like a much and not enough good guitar zappa
Listened a while back and forgot to review. From what I really remember the whole album feels very satirical in its lyrics and it all feels like a joke about the music industry at the time.
Nothing special... didn´t make me freak out
Best album title for one of the weirdest bands of their era (next to captain beefheart). Rocking, trippy and full of spunk (sperm funk sorry for the crassness and inaccurate genre but it seems to suit them). Really a one of a kind mind that Zappa guy was. Who are the brain police had a weird Scarborough fair choir chant. Go cry on somebody else is a funny turn on a classy 50 do-op love song. First two tracks are good rocking singles. Wowie Zoie has some goofy xylophone and weirdo lyrics. You didn’t try to call me and any way the wind blows have some very catchy choruses. Help, I’m a rock….is cool? Lol one of the weirder songs I’ve heard in awhile. No /mothers of invention to me means no ween, no primus, no animal collective, no residents. I think having heard other Zappa stuff first as well as opposed to not hearing this in the era it was released takes off some of the bonker aspects of the songwriting/musical choices but a fun listen if you wanna “freak out.”
The Zappa lore goes deep and it all starts here. RIP Frank ILY
This really is an interesting album, has all the hallmarks of early Zappa, to the weird parody-like bits to straight up blues psych-rock all performed in their unique style and may have been more clever than initially perceived. "Freak Out!" is an appropriate title for the record, as it sounds years ahead of it's time, raw, experimental and testing the bounds of "normal" music, it must have been freaking out a lot of minds at the time. Never been much of a Zappa/The Mothers of Invention fan, but this one stands out as one of those records you "should" hear, but not necessarily like.
Ved ikke helt om jeg er på Frank Zappas bølgelængde, humor-wise, men det er MEGET bedre end det sidste album vi havde med det her band!
Ville have været en 4'er hvis de havde droppet det sidste kvarter hvor de blir helt åndssvagt. Ellers er det faktisk virkeligm fedt, meget diverst men de spiller det hele vildt godt.
This was fun! +3 !
you know when an album features zappa you know it's going to be one hell of a ride. experimental is a good word for this one, even for the time. it's music from another dimension. while sometimes an acquired taste, there's no denying how creative this album is; a crazy funhouse where every door is something completely different from the last. and talk about those... what are those, kazoos?
Just because it was influential doesn't mean it was good. Maybe if I was on drugs. A lot of drugs. 3/10
Recht abgehoben ...
Was that a ... kazoo? Trouble Every Day was good - depressing that it's so relevant in 2025, but that's where we are. I found the satirical doo wop, Go Cry on Somebody Else's Shoulder amusing. Don't forget to press your khakis.
What a mess. Frivolous, and not in the fun way.
This is all a bit dramatic and OTT - which I guess is the whole point of The Mothers. I didn't laugh - or even smile - throughout. Ha, bloody ha.
Interesting album, I don't think I'd seek out the album to listen to again but I wouldn't skip if any songs ended up on a generated playlist.
I just listened to this two days ago after pulling the Hot Rats album on this website. It had been like three decades since I'd last heard it. This time I at least knew what I was in for--as a 16 year old kid expecting something in the lines of other rock at the time, I had no idea what to make of it. Back then the only song I really loved was Trouble Every Day. Upon re-listen, it's easy to see why. That's definitely the most accessible traditional rock song. But then again, you get the sense that he just does songs like that to prove he can before delving back into weirdness--his bread and butter. Another example of this is Anyway the Wind Blows, which is a solid doo-wap kind of early 60s rock song. Other songs like Hungry Freaks have promise, but then why the wazoo? I guess the wazoo is one Zappa's things. Outside of that, the album is all over the place. But that's kind of Zappa's thing. In some ways, it fits in with acid rock of the era, like Jefferson Airplane or Love. I Ain't Got No Heart is decent... I just don't love many of Zappa's choruses. It's like many of the songs that have promise go off into strange choruses, bridges or breakdowns, which is pretty consistent through much of Zappa's work. I didn't find this album as good as Hot Rats, which seems to have polished some of the concepts that Freak Out began. Frank Zappa is always like this though. When he's on, it's really good. But you also never know what kind of spaced out stuff you're going to hear on a given album. A genius for sure, but one who often gets lost in weirdness. And this album is probably among the less weird of his vast discography. In any case, it's fun to listen to Zappa again after all these years, but I can't say I'll go back to this for another decade or two.
I think it's funny that the guy who signed them only heard "Trouble Every Day" and thought they were a straight up blues band.
Hrm. For the longest time now, I've been sitting here tryna figure out how exactly I want to review this album. It's not for lack of opinions and feelings about the album and the artist at the center of it — Zappa is one of my favorite artists of all time, as it happens — but... Gosh, I'm just not sure how exactly I wanna put it all together. 'Coz, look, this album is a lot. Across psychedelic rock, doo-wop, musique concrete and jazz, it skewers pop music, satarizes then-contemporary American culutre, and, well, sometimes it just plain freaks out. All spread throughout two records: this was the second-ever double album, only beat to the punch of being the first by Bob Dylan's BLONDE ON BLONDE. For any average listener, it's way too much. Heck, even for someone like me who gets a lot of what it's doing it's daunting. And this isn't even getting into my thoughts on feelings on Zappa himself. To keep it brief, he's definitely the smartest man I've gone back and forth on wondering if I agree with him or not. Some days; others... If you ever get the time, go read THE REAL FRANK ZAPPA BOOK and you'll see what I mean. But let's keep the focus on this album. I think if there's anything I wanna focus on, to structure my thoughts around... Let's go back to how I said I get a lot of what this is doing. Honestly, in some way, I feel like that's a detriment. It's a similar sort of way I felt about TROUT MASK REPLICA, actually. With that album, I listen to it and I can understand all the eccentries and oddities around it. I'm not as repulsed by it as I know a lot of people are. But at the same time, I feel like I'm kind of, y'know, seeing through the Matrix, as it is? 'Cuz the deeper I got in to TROUT MASK REPLICA, the more it sounded to me like just kind of odd blues music that goes on for an hour. My last go around with it, I actually wasn't terribly impressed, and I ended up slapping it a three outta five. Now, FREAK OUT!, as I said, has a lot more going on than TROUT MASK REPLICA does, at least on a more obvious level. The pop, the psych, the doo-wop — on that level, I enjoy it way more. But, like, I'unno. Actually understanding what's going on here, the whole album just... Doesn't strike me as weird as I feel it should? I hear the skewed pop songs, and I get how stupid Zappa thinks they are, but as I'm listening to them they just sound like slightly odd pop songs. Y'know? It could just be that I'm too used to this kind of music for it to feel as strange as I think it should, but I can't be sure one way or the other. Although what's funny is that when this album actually does get as freaky as I feel it should be I like it a bit less. Neither "Help, I'm A Rock" or "The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet" scare me, and at a point I'm just left wondering when they're gonna end. Especially "The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet" — it's actually only the basic tracks of a monster Zappa wanted to make, but Verve refused to shell out any more money for overdubs, and honestly, I'm kind of really glad they didn't? Goodness, take me back to the white blues of "Trouble Every Day" — or even "Who Are The Brain Police?", for that matter. I'm not against Zappa being all experimental and avant-garde, but it's never been my favorite part of his discography. I've more just accepted it as part of what he does than anything else. And as a matter of fact, the 60's generally aren't my favorite part of Zappa's discography. Oh, sure, there's albums like HOT RATS and CRUISING WITH RUBEN & THE JETS that I couldn't imagine going without, and even while I do generally enjoy a fair bit of the stuff he put out in the 60's, the 70's are more where it's at for me. ONE SIZE FITS ALL, OVER-NITE SENSATION, APOSTROPHE ('), ROXY & ELSEWHERE, SHEIK YERBOUTI, ZAPPA IN NEW YORK... **That's** the good stuff. Hell, I even listen to a number of his **80's** albums more, particularly YOU ARE WHAT YOU IS. It kind of makes me wonder why they don't get as much respect as these early Mothers records do. APOSTROPHE (') has never made a "greatest albums" or "essential albums" list. Of course I'm just speaking from personal bias in this matter, but I just wish there could be a bit more acknowledgement this man did a lot more than two albums in the 60's for the 60's commenting on the 60's. Y'know? And just like everything else, I know how impressive this is for the 60's. Hell, it's arguably the first concept album, depending on how you view stuff like PET SOUNDS and IN THE WEE SMALL HOURS. There's a lot of weird sounds being made across this record, and it opened the door for a lot more freak and outsider music. The fact alone that he was even allowed to do all this, regardless of Verve putting their foot down on "Monster Magnet"... This is a man making it clear from the very first album what the fuck he does and how much he doesn't give a shit what anyone else cares. "No commercial potential" and all. To that end, there is a part of me that feels bad for liking the dumb pop songs the best out of everything here. These are songs where the whole joke of them is that they're deliberately banal and stupid, and Zappa spends a lot of liner notes for the album razzing them for being inoffensive and safe. I'm supposed to laugh at them, not earnestly like them. But, y'see, listening to these songs again, I wound up thinking about how a number of them got reinterpreted for CRUISING WITH RUBEN & JETS. That's an album where, through parody, Frank got to sincerely and earnestly show his love for greasy 50's R&B and doo-wop. And considering that I've listened to that album a lot more than I have this one... That's not nothing. I can tell you what much. Coming to the end of this review, I'm honestly still not sure if I talked about this album the right way or not. Now, everything I said is truly how I feel, let's not get that confused. More, like I said, this album is just a lot. And short of writing a 33⅓ book about it, I'm not sure I could really capture every corner I'd want to about it. Hell, I've spent so long talking about Zappa as if he's the only member of the band, I completely forgot to mention how talented the people backing him are. Jimmy Carl Black, Roy Estrada, Ray Collins, the billion people in the Mothers Auxiliary... The last thing I wanna do is forget Zappa's band (I don't hold the Roxy one in such high regard for nothing), but again, between the mountain this album is, and how much I don't really ever revisit this era of Zappa **or** The Mothers... Yeah. I suppose I should actually just close this review out before I find something else to go on forever about. Giving this album a rating... I'd honestly stick it with a 3? I do think this is something people should give a spin, just to help expand their musical horizons if nothing else, but it's absolutely not the first Zappa album I'd recommend to people. This is the kind of thing that needs to be eased into a little — and certainly, my pop-melody lovin' ass never chooses this first over anything else. And when I do, I'unno. I'm just not wild about it. Maybe if I was a freak in 1960's L.A. (instead of a freak in 2020's New Brunswick) I'd be hipper to it. As it stands, though... If absolutely nothing else, if this album hadn't become a cult hit with the Laurel Canyon freaks, I don't know if we would've gotten the rest of Zappa's expansive discography. And what a shame that would've been, huh? That mother be crazy. Sincerely forever, Listie Creamcheese
Lost my review, unfortunately. 4.5 bumped down to 4.
I’m at a 4. This is my first time listening to ANYTHING by Frank Zappa ever, so starting at the debut is probably a good point; I'm vaguely aware of his place in this general era of music, but I couldn't tell you the first thing about the guy before listening to this. I did enjoy this a lot, though. Admittedly, the last 20 minutes or so of the album cloud & overshadow the first 40 minutes, and tried their hardest to do a Men in Black-esque mindwipe on me, which probably worked to some degree. It is impossible to talk about this album in full without acknowledging that the final 20 minutes feel like a glimpse into the very molecules of the drugs that powered so much of the 1960s, and those molecules seep their way through the music & into the mind, and it is… certainly a trip of sorts. I’m not sure how to feel about that part of the ride – I didn’t hate it, but I’m not sure it’s a trip I’d willingly hop onto again. Those first 40 minutes are really good though, and they’re strong enough to keep this at a stable 4 – a lot of it is riffs on other artists of the 60s, especially on the folksier/hippie side of things, but there’s some doo-wop, rock & a little bit of the Beatles scattered throughout. “Go Cry on Somebody Else’s Shoulder” is the blatant obvious pastiche here, specifically of “Put Your Head On My Shoulder”, but the album works mainly because it plays these genres totally straight, in a very Weird Al-adjacent way that strikes a good chord with me. The best way to parody something is to do it as faithfully as possible, and Frank Zappa & friends here completely nail that vibe. When they do play it totally straight though (namely on “Trouble Every Day”, the standout of the album for me), it just tells me that they could’ve REALLY done some great work without having to riff on the entire culture of the 60s to that point. Granted, this album wouldn’t be as good without it, but there are moments here where the writing feels contrarian, a little too loose, or just outright toxic in its negativity. It’s never *bad* writing, but it occasionally tries to punch below the belt a little too much, to the point that even Trey Parker & Matt Stone would probably tell him to dial it back. Ultimately though, I liked it – for 1966 in particular, this feels well ahead of schedule. It’s far from perfect, but so much of what’s here in its experimentation & willingness to go against the grain feels innovative in a way that’s hard to describe, but once again, kind of easy to feel after listening to it. Apparently, Paul McCartney once said this album acted as one of the inspirations for Sgt. Pepper’s, so… I’m excited to get that one now. As far as this album goes though, it’s a solid, solid 4 for me -- no less than a 3.
Always a trip
Not good, but not as awful as some of the other Zappa entries on this list.
You know, when I got this album, my first thought was, "Well, I'm not really in a Zappa mood right now, but this album's at least iconic, so I'll take it over the past few albums I've gotten." However, I was wrong. As it turns out, I was absolutely in a Zappa mood! I enjoyed this album quite a bit! Of the two Mothers albums I've gotten, I'd definitely say that I prefer Freak Out! over We're Only In It For The Money. I don't know what it is about this one that makes me prefer it. I just do. Of course, this album isn't for everyone. It still has a lot of that Zappa quirkiness that puts a lot of people off from his music. The style here is certainly of an avant-garde nature. However, I think the execution of this album is strong enough to make that work for me for one big reason: the theming of the album. Freak Out! is somewhat of a thematic concept album pertaining to LA's "freak scene," as well as the general culture of the US in the mid-60s. Many of these songs are quite critical of said US culture, with the obvious examples being the opener, "Hungry Freaks, Daddy" and the album's biggest highlight, "Trouble Every Day." I think the fact that these songs have things to say is what makes them so appealing as actual pieces of art rather than meaningless nonsense. Other songs like "I'm Not Satisfied" and "Any Way the Wind Blows" are more personal to Frank Zappa himself, with the latter being written about his divorce. This creates a bit of a balance between Zappa-specific ideas and general thoughts on culture while still tying into the general idea of tapping into Frank's mind. The writing, by the way, is quite good. The songs are mostly good. The one song on here that kind of feels nonsense-y to me is the closer, "The Return of the Son of Monster Magnet," but given the themes and buildup to the song, I think it works for the most part. Overall, this is a weird album that I like. I get that it's not for everyone, but it is for me. Light 4/5.
It's just not that good, right? Maybe you had to be there. Was going to give this two but the self indulgence of "It Can't Happen Here" tipped me over to 1 and Monster Magnet confirmed it.
i generally really quite like frank zappa so i was disappointed with this. doesnt have his usual charm
Fine
Of course there are some very odd tracks, and parts of tracks, but this album is still pretty decent! I would listen to most of it again
Frank Zappa was a genius. This album is such a fun listen.
Funny little album but I can't for the life of me remember any songs on this. Like the sound, some of the lyrics are funny. I can see this growing on me if I become more familiar with it. Favorite track(s): Hungry Freaks Daddy, anyway the wind blows Will I revisit?: low priority Current rating: 5/10
This album was much different from what I expected from a Frank Zappa album. Then Side 4 hit, and it was exactly what you would expect from a Frank Zappa album.
Some good samples in this one
You can taste the vitriol Zappa has for 60s American culture dripping off this record. I admire it for that. However, in terms of personal enjoyment, I find several of the tracks completely unlistenable. Some are funny, and I found myself at different points feeling like Zappa was musically writing punchlines. However, it’s a big mess, and not something I’d like to listen to again.
Not nearly as polished as some of the Mother's (or even just Zappa's) albums, but there's enough here to enjoy. I can definitely see why this didn't take off when it was released, especially if you aren't familiar with this band's sense of humor. People who claim this album comes across as "lol so random" are unfamiliar with how time works.
Decent but wouldn't listen again
Psychedelic man ✌🏼. Can only imagine how this would have landed with ‘the squares’ in 1966!
Freak Out is weird because it's not one single thing, it's a load of stuff all thrown together and not really in a way I can enjoy. Agree that Trouble Every Day is a strong track, the first two tracks are also good but then followed up by rubbish and/or stuff that just doesn't fit with anything else. It also closes with a mental and mostly crap 12 minute classic 60s overindulgence of sounds when everyone was clearly off their tits on every substance possible. 2/5, disappointing.
A very weird, very mixed bag. Some well put together, interesting semi-psychedelic songs, mixed in with a lot of real nonsense. Trouble Every Day is a highlight, the closing track is a real nonsensical lowlight. I don't think it quite merits a 3, there's just too much crap in there. 2/5.
A sprawling mess but with nuggets of glory. The crazy stuff is fun but doesn't warrant repeated play. The shorter tracks are inconsistent. Some are very good. It does sound a little dated. There's no doubting the album's influence.
It's alright. Like. Uhm. It has these seemingly unironic pieces that sound like they want to be the Beach Boys (Anyway the wind blows) as well as bits that make you wonder what on earth obliged them to put them to tape, let alone press them onto a record. Besides a general appetite for tomfuckery (The Return of the Son of...) It's also rather long. You could say I didn't care much for it but realise some people may disagree with me on that. Not a lot of people, though. Loud people, probably.
Not the best by Zappa or the Mothers era
100% belongs on this list. But I, personally, do not enjoy the attitude and edge of this album. I ranked other Zappa on this list 4 and 3 but am not feeling as warmly towards this one.
Can see that it's revolutionary for its time. Tough listen all the way through though.
Like a musical version of R Crumb comics. I like comics. I like music. But Crumb and this album are not appealing to me.
Weird. Entertaining. Blues
I tried to like this one, as I always do any Frank Zappa. Real recognize real, but not so easy listening
If you don't listen to closely, it sounds like somewhat standard 60s British invasion, with psych elements. Occasionally they interject a 50s Doo-Wop and song. But then the kazoo kicks in which perks up the ears. Then pay attention to the words, and rlyou realize this is a weird fucking band. Which makes sense because it's a Zappa project. This is a lot more tolerable to me than Captain Beefheart (which I'm sure we will have to listen to at some point). I love this era of music and am a big fan of psych rock. But I don't love Zappa's weirdness for the sake of being weird. I do 💯 agree with the sentiment "I'm not black but there's a whole lot of times I wish I could say I'm not white."
Has its moments in the middle. Could’ve used some editing; sure, obviously, though a tidy album would not exactly have been in the spirit of the endeavor. Last song is a disaster. Yeah, well, so’s the world, baby! Lol
I couldn’t take this seriously. I don’t think they could either.
An hour of psychedelic nonsense. The only redeeming factor is I never have to hear it again!
Ugh. Too-cool hippies decide they’re smarter than everyone else in the room and record a bunch of masturbatory nonsense designed to freak out the squares. It’s parody music most of the time, and it’s not funny. I think it’s supposed to be funny. Weird Al for the acid generation.
Was going to make another comment about Zappa as adjacent to Captain Beefheart with no heart (Captain Beef?). After having just listened to the Everly Brothers, you know what snark away buddy. I think this one is more sincerely trying to do something than Hot Rats was, even if some of the ideas are straight up dumb. C for effort. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
I think I like Zappa now, but this one is a bit much. I imagine the psychedelic rock aspect is tongue in cheek, because everything Zappa does has to be Versus something. But even so, it’s too much like other 60s psych rock for me.
1.4 Fucking wank. So disappointed to read this was Frank Zappa after, always presumed the guy would have been decent despite not knowing any of his stuff. Turned it off at Help I'm a Rock. I had some German band banging bits of metal together the other day, give me that any day of the week.
Ehh I can’t get there on this one, it’s too kitschy, too ironical. I mean overall it’s fine and it’s influential, but it’s sort of annoying. I’m sure when I come back and listen to it again I’ll love it, but right now I ain’t got time for this sarcastic bullshit.
I respect Frank Zappa and his massive influence on all sorts of music. I just haven't found anything of his that makes me want to listen to more than 15 minutes. This album is the same. *shrugs* 2/5 for some funny lyrics and making fun of 50's Dop Wop.
really incredible mixing for 1966, Zappa + Tom Wilson were an unstoppable duo
Right off the bat I’m loving this. Super experimental especially for the time. Damn I liked this a lot. I expected not to for some reason, but I’m a sucker for a good concept album. May have to check out more Zappa. The last three songs are pretty wild compared to the rest of the album, I could see those turning some off of it. I can’t decide if it’s a 4 or 5 I’m feeling a heavy 4.5 may end up leaning 5 one day but those last few songs kinda throw it off.
3/5
Kinda fun, very weird. Bit too much parody for me. Also the last track was one of the worst things I've ever heard
Have a kinks / very 1960s vibe - enjoyed!
I’m so confused. What just happened to me? Send help. I need a shower and an adult. Even my dog is staring with a concerned look. If these guys had a podcast today everyone would listen to it but they all secretly hate it. They talk just for the sake of talking. Sounds like it could be background music for a horror movie in an insane asylum, specially toward the end. I think they hate women. I NEVER want to hear this again.
The *~sO rAnDoM x"D*~ of the 60s.
Well at least it’s a different I guess. Different isn’t always enjoyable though
My favourite of all the weird albums we've had so far.
I enjoyed parts of it, but it was a little bit weird and I was relieved when it was over.
Fuck this for existing. Found out this is Frank Zappa, I've always thought I should get into him but maybe I was wrong.
Frank Zappa for album #69 just feels right for some reason. in my senior year of undergrad, in between all my classes and other obligations, I did a marathon listening session to most of Zappa's work with the Mothers and as a solo artist until about the early 80s. my favorite era is probably 1973-75, but 1967-69 is also pretty compelling. unfortunately, I've never gotten a whole lot out of this, the Mothers' debut. like, yes, there's some brilliant songs here, and the satirical angle is pretty well-preserved across both LPs, but I'm really not all that into all of the sonic experiments that take place. Zappa's fondness for doo-wop music is not one that I share, and I think the musique concrète endeavors here aren't quite as strong as they would be on subsequent albums like Uncle Meat. still, though, bands have to start somewhere, and this is far from the worst place to start! "Hungry Freaks, Daddy", "Who Are the Brain Police?" and "Trouble Every Day" remain some of Zappa's most iconic songs for good reason! I think I'm good on "The Return of the Song of Monster Magnet (Unfinished Ballet in Two Tableaux)", though. my favorite Zappa material is the stuff where he rocks harder, and thankfully he gets there pretty quickly after this. light 7/10.
-this is actually really interesting and fun. frank zappa and his gang had some very unique ideas back in the day -a lot of the songs were more just entertaining and fun for the novelty but some like Anyway The Wind Blows were genuinely really good. A definitive 3.5 stars -Favorites are I Ain’t Got No Heart, Anyway The Wind Blows, and Trouble Every Day
i'm not gonna lie - i've never really been a huge fan of TMOI. This album was definitely a bit more palatable.
4/10
Interesting because they completely subvert tropes of both classic and psychedelic rock, but as an album to just listen to and enjoy it kind of falls flat
I did not like this even one bit. It felt like a joke album. They could play their instruments I guess? But that’s all the good I have to say on it
It’s clever and it’s a virtuoso record but it feels a little too novelty for it be something I’ll happily revisit. I can objectively see its brilliance and there are some really good moments on it - but it feels like a 60s Tenacious D - if you weren’t there it’s not so funny anymore.
1.5
Frank Zappa is one of my favorite artists, so you're probably wondering why I gave this album the rating it did(and so am I). Well, when he was part of The Mothers Of Invention, it doesn't hit the same for me. This is definitely Psychedelic Rock, but I don't like cream cheese, and it just goes wayyy off the deep end. The album is still good, but about half of it is filler. Favorite song: "You're Probably Wondering Why I'm Here"
My problem with Zappa is that he is so clearly talented. He could sing, write, play, arrange, produce, everything. And when he tries, he’s very good. But so much of this record is dedicated to “freaking out the normies”, that the good bits get lost.
Favorite Track: Go Cry On Somebody Else's Shoulder
I thought Frank Zappa was cool when I was younger, but I always thought I would grow in my appreciation for him, and that hasn't really happened. I still like him, but I like him the same amount and in the same way that I liked him when I was younger. This album is fine, and there are lots of cool things about it, but it's also hard to say that I like it. However, I like it a hell of a lot more than Capt Beefhart, which I find very comparable to this. 4/5, but I have no idea why
Not sure what I just listened to. Giving 2 for the somewhat rock vibe but that was otherwise just weird.
Zappa is a skilled musician, parody is funny. But he was so pissed people didn't want to play his avant garde that he went full-tilt with a whole album thumbing his nose at all parts of the 60s music industry. It's adept at capturing the sound of the different styles and twisting the message. But it's also... unoriginal and not very good. He sacrificed his integrity and skill on this one. It's fine, a passing listen is at least funny, and there are moments that sound cool, but by the end of every song it's just "yea, okay. Got it." Plenty of assholes in the history of the music industry who are willing to spite themselves just to "show" the doubters. Frank Zappa is definitely one...
subjugated my ears to this album for its entirety. my ears now need counselling - 0/5.
Wonderful and chock with irreverence!
This is another one that goes downhill. I hate that I spent my lunch break listening to the second half of this.
My WHOLE LIFE, people I respect as musicians have been trying to sell me on Frank Zappa's greatness. No matter how many time I try, I just can't. This was no exception. Much of the music IS great. I love the experimentation. But there is something about the goofy feel to the compositions overall that just turn me off. Frank's voice and delivery, the lyrical content... I just can't take any of it seriously and that makes me just not care enough to be invested in it.
The Mothers of Pretention. The vibe I get from Frank Zappa is that he dares you to like his music. It's like he intentionally tries to be conventionally odd and/or contrary to norms for the sake of being odd/contrary and then passes it off as some kind of "genius" or being on some kind of level that many people don't understand and in turn those people who do like this music can congratulate and feel good about themselves for recognizing such "genius" as if it was some kind of virtue. I don't get the appeal, I didn't enjoy this and don't want to try to like it. It was simply an unenjoyable experience. 1.5/5
I cannot put myself in the 60s, I'd reckon this would have turned some heads though. I do love me some Zappa, this isn't my favourite ere though.
this is a vibe for sure
No drugs were hurt in the making of this record.
The Mothers of Pretension! Simply not good.
Lots of similar sounding psych rock albums on this list. This one was probably the most enjoyable of the bunch with quite a clean sound despite the age
Weird vibes, cool and funky but not my thing - “help I’m a rock” is Eric’s ringtone lol
sorry did not like this
I've generally found that listening to Zappa is more an experience than simply listening to music. For better AND for worse. Bonkers that this is 66. Thoroughly confusing record. I frequently forget I'm listening to satire, given how well certain songs just straight up do the merseybeat sound or doo-wop or whatever perfect. And then something like "you're probably wondering why I'm here" comes on. And then Trouble Every Day is straight ahead great. And then the record vomits up it's skeleton and all pretense is dropped. Turns out I really enjoyed Hot Rats and I really enjoyed in it for the money. So I guess I like Zappa.
Just another band with a bunch of white people thinking they're doing something innovative, which might have worked in the 60s, but in 2024 is pure bullshit. For a band called "Mothers Of Invention", this shallow content is a bit disappointing.
Not good, not bad.
Odd. Not really sure I enjoyed this, but then I didn’t switch it off either? I’ll guess my mind went blank so I’ll give it the average 3 to be fair!
quite terrible, can't get through this one either
I did not expect to like this, but in the end the wackiness and sarcastic comments on the dark side of American society won me over. I need to listen to more Zappa I guess.
No
More approachable than I expected. Found "Motherly Love" kind of cringe. But generally enjoyed having this on in the background. Just "out" enough to elicit "what are you LISTENING to" comments from the family but not so far out that they demanded I turn it off.
Overall, not as bad as I expected. A few songs were downright listenable. Tim found it "utterly charming." I found it too weird for words.
This was strange. I genuinely liked “Trouble everyday”. The only other comment I would have is that I guess it is better and more interesting than most “2’s” but not enough to get to a 3. 2.5
Well…when you name your kids Dweezil and Moon Unit (Zappa), that pretty much sums it up. I can appreciate the sardonic approach here, but overall it falls flat. Ranking up from the bottom based on sheer bizarre factor.
This album is a bit of a head scratcher. I guess it’s fairly influential (cited as an inspiration for Sgt Pepper?? I don’t hear it). I get the social commentary they’re going for, but it’s just so on the nose and unfunny. A handful of decent tracks, but musical this is all over the place.
This sounds like the way hippies smell and drugs taste. Some interesting stuff but a lot in here I wouldn’t consider music. My son got a kick out of the kazoo or whatever that was…so there’s that.
This fucking sucks. 1/5
This is genuinely one of the worst albums I’ve ever heard. Frank Zapa should have been tried at The Hague for crimes against humanity.
Horrible
"Hey you know something people I'm not black But there's a whole lots a times I wish I could say..." FRANK "...I'm not white" oh ok
That was a fun listen. I think I should put it in the shuffle that will play at the cottage.
Absolutely delightful. Really enjoyed this. So fun and funny.
Man, his lyrics are mostly dumb and some songs go on too long but holy shit this fucks. Giving it a five because I feel that it is very likely that I sit and listen to this in its entirety again. So much fun, the Mothers are awesome.
This is wacky and wild and wonderfully impudent. But take heart, all you uptight, overstrung, Karens and Chads. It can't happen here.
Zappa 100%. Cream Cheese.
idk if i can sanction their buffoonery
very 60's frank. use occasionally or unseen effects may occur
The birth of a sneering, cynical, doo-wop loving countercultural genius.
Mom, I tore a big hole in the convertible
A very ambitious debut from one of the most inventive and surreal artists/groups of their era, Zappa and his Mothers really push the boundaries of what ‘pop’ music can be from the get go. There are some great songs on here - notably the opener - and some interesting psychedelic experimentation, culminating in a 12 minute musique concrete piece where the live band play something between free jazz and proto-metal which is then overdubbed by a barrage of tape manipulation that must have given Brian Wilson and George Martin a real kick up the backside for their studio wizardry in the coming months. The fact that all of this was possible in 1966 is insane - doesn’t mean it sounds good though
I’m a sucker for early Zappa, and I still can’t believe they were doing this in ‘65.
i like to have fun and listen to music 🙂
Not bad
Second half nice and wacky first half boring
Kinda cool progrock album!
Frank Zappa is en blijft een legende. Hoewel ik The Mothers of Invention minder vind dan zijn solowerk, is dit wel een 'freaky', maar wijs album. 3.6
I was expecting a lot more from this album. There is a weird moment here or there, but for the most part it is just a straightforward rock/blues album. The last three songs are strange, I kind of expected the whole album to be like that. There are some silly lyrics, but besides that and the last few songs I don't think I would have guessed this is Frank Zappa. This reminds me of Pink Floyd's debut album (if that makes any sense). Mid 3.
freaking out rn
Wowie Zowie, I'm Not Satisfied after this one! My biggest issue with this album is that it sounds very dated, and just doesn't hold up, much like The Stooges, and with some songs on Led Zeppelin. It's hard to tell exactly what makes it feel dated/not hold up, especially when older artists like Frank Sinatra hold up quite well, although I think it's a combination of that unclear, blurry, "garage rock" sound that sounds like they ran their guitar amp through an television missing it's antennas; the jumbled, drawling vocals that simultaneously drown out, and are drowned out by the instruments; and the yap-congested, obscene lyrics sung by someone who took singing lessons from SimplyPiano, and I'm not just talking about that one guy, it's all of them. (CREAM CHEESE!!!! 🗣️🗣️🔥🔥) On that note, the one "inbred guy" (Reich, 2024) on the vocals sounds like a deeply Québécois homme qui chantant en Anglais. It's not all bad though, there are some good tracks, even the bad tracks are kind of a jam, and the most notable track, "Go Cry On Somebody Else's Shoulder," doesn't contain any of the aforementioned issues.
Bland, shallow, overly cliché, often annoying. Wowie zowie, this sucks! "You know it doesn't bother me at all / That you're only 18 years old / 'Cause I got a little motherly love for you baby" -Zappa. Well he was 26 at the time but still Also why do they get the inbred guy to start yapping on vocals sometimes???
Some cool moments in between some absolute shite
This was like really bad. Most of this album didn’t need to be recorded. It sounds like some teenagers recording their joke songs in the basement. Maybe one of them finds the tape years later and goes wow we were really bad, but looks back on the time fondly. Seriously though there’s like 30 minutes of them just screwing around at the end of the album. Before that the actual songs feel like they’re supposed to be satirical takes on 50s rock and roll but they miss the mark by a mile and it just sounds stupid.
A monument. So ahead of time. For sure not the most accomplished piece, but what a debut...
I really hate everything about this sonically. There may be some valid social commentary within? Alot of it is joking around. The vocals hurt too much to closely listen. Yuck.
There are some good moments, but all in all it seems too straightforward and amateur. Hungry Freaks, Daddy was weirdly spoken word and kind of felt like third graders 'singing' at a school concert. Who are the Brain Police again felt really amateur and little kiddish. Go Cry on Someone Else's Shoulder has roots of being good, but they didn't do anything cool and different, it just felt like they were trying to mock it but didn't do anything cool, they just played bad. Wowie Zowie, I get it you are trying to be satirical, but you weren't good. Then Return of the Son Monster Magnet was just some weird bad LSD trip sex orgy, that a person didn't want to be at and was trying to get out of but couldn't seem to find a way out because everyone was wearing bird or monkey masks before turning into cartoon chipmunks that just kept going (much like this sentence). Motherly Love was okay, but left me confused. Are you actually saying you are mama's boys or mocking being a mama's boy...I honestly can't tell and I think that might be one of the overall problems with this album. I can't tell what they are trying to do because they aren't really doing any of it well. It really felt like third graders wrote and performed this album.
Frank Zappa is a weird cat. This album speaks to that. I sorta categorize the songs on this album into a few different styles (if that's a way to make some sense of this). Anti-Establishment Poetry over Whacky Jazz/60's groove rock: Hungry Freaks, I'm Not Satisfied, You're Probably Wondering Why I'm Here, Trouble Everyday Pseudo Do Wop: Go Cry on Somebody Else's Shoulder, Wowie Zowie Kazoo Rock???: Motherly Love Melodramatic 60's break up songs with bad changes: Ain't Got No Heart, How Could I Be Such A Fool, You Didn't Try to Call Me, Anyway the Wind Blows Psychedelic Potpourri: Who Are the Brain Police, Help I'm a Rock, It Can't Happen Here, Return of Son of Monster Magnet. Out of those categories I probably like the Pseudo Do Wop the best. The Anti-Establishment songs are okay. Maybe they were more revolutionary back in the 60's but they have a pretentiousness about them. If you've ever watched a Frank Zappa interview, that remark is not far off. Regardless of what I think about Frank Zappa's personality, he is a creative musician. I liked Trouble Everyday. It sorta has a Bob Dylan vibe to it. I'm not a fan of the Melodramatic stuff. First of all, it's pretty hard to take them seriously. Doesn't feel like genuine sorrow. I'm Not Satisfied is a total downer. wtf? Is this supposed to be a blues song or something? Might as well just sang "Nobody loves me, Everybody hates me, Guess I'll go eat worms." That's what MY Mother would tell me when I cried about shit. The psychedelic freak out songs just sound weird for weird's sake. ooo... I'm totally freaking out. SO, overall... interesting songwriting but lacking any melodies to make "good" music. And even though it seems to have a sense of humor at times, it's kind of a pretentious mocking humor and not a FUN kind of humor. I won't call it "bad" music. I'll just leave it at "it's different".
This was … interesting. Some of it was just really weird, but then songs like Wowie Zowie and Anyway the Wind Blows were fun. Go Cry on Somebody Else's shoulder was funny with the sock hop vibe. Trouble Every Day sadly hits home still today. Help, I'm a Rock and It Can't Happen Here were way bizarre. As was the last track, which also felt unnecessarily long so they could fill up the end of the record, but probably they were just enjoying jamming and being weird. Is cream cheese a metaphor for something that also involves an orgy in the jungle? The album intrigued me enough to give it a full second listen once I got a feel for what it was all about. Its weirdness did grow on me a bit.
So I started this album thinking this is fine. I don't love it, I don't hate it. It's bizarre and not going out of my way to listen to it. It's fine. The jokes really aren't funny and outstay they welcome a bit but it's perfectly fine background noise. Then Help! I'm a Rock and It Can't Happen Here happened. Did not like these two. Finally we get to Return of the Son of the Monster Magnet. Collosal waste of time. It's just noise. And it's 12 minutes of it. It's a fifth of the album? Why? It takes an album I'm already ready to be over and makes it a slog.
Some of it’s cool but there’s just this air of tongue in cheek, pretentious heavy handedness that I find kind of boring.
All over the place. The best part is probably the diversity of instruments and arrangements. Sometimes the joke bits feel a bit strained. Sometimes ('Somebody Else's Shoulder') they work. 'Wowie Zowie' and 'You're Probably Wondering' were pretty good too. I’m rating this a 4 because I like stupid things. I do want to make it clear that this is stupid and not genius.
Favorite tracks: Hungry Freaks, Daddy; Go Cry On Someone Else's Shoulder; Motherly Love; Wowie Zowie; Trouble Every Day; Help, I'm A Rock; It Can't Happen Here. I really needed this energy today, the day after Election Day. I've never listened to Frank Zappa before; he did a bit with Mike Nesmith/The Monkees once, so I had a positive impression going into this. I thought it'd be a lot harder to get into, but I found the songs juuust complex/weird enough while still maintaining their artistry. Idk, I think I have a fairly high tolerance for this specific kind of noodling! I'm glad this exists, and I'm glad I listened to it. I'll enjoy adding it to my collection. 4 1/2 stars. (Edit, 8/18/25: After listening to Zappa's Hot Rats, I decided to bump this up to a 5. What can I say, it really stuck with me!)
Aside from all the cult vibes, the music just isn't for me and has none of what I enjoy.
It's where it all started: the genius of Frank Zappa. Hard to believe this is one of the first double albums. By today's standards, it's 1 CD being an hour long. But it definitely has some great pieces on it. "Trouble Every Day" is still such a relevant song, and yet I wish it wasn't. The experimental piece of "The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet" is probably my least favorite of the pieces, but I still dig it. Help I'm A Rock... Help I'm A Rock... Huge Zappa fan, and I do put this on every so often, even the shorter songs are a little dated, but they're so inventive. Classic album.
The musical arrangements are super interesting - so varied and eclectic but really well crafted. Hungry Freaks, Daddy is a typical rocker with some great guitar riffs. Meanwhile Go Cry on Somebody Else's Shoulder is a do-wapper that is just as bubblegum fun as any standard teeny bopper but with such clever, sarcastic lyrics. If you didn't pay attention to the lyrics, you'd probably think these guys are talented but can't figure out what genre they want to be in. But when you listen to the lyrics and the vocal delivery, you realize how much eye rolling they're doing at the various genres and pop culture at the time. Satirical genius. Trouble Every Day is satirical but also very on point - perhaps intended to be a faux psychedelic song but in fact a masterclass. But man oh man, Frank Zappa has an awful voice. The rest of the band, who take turns in the lead, are really no better...except when they feign reverence to do wap. Also notable how this was only the second double album (really?) with the second disc (sides three and four) containing a couple prog rock stylings, Help I'm a Rock and The Return of the Son of Monster Magnet. That doesn't quite bump it up to a 5 for me, but it sure makes it a very solid 4. You have to listen to this album with ears and mind wide open. If you don't, you won't get it. But if you do, it is a hell of a ride.
I know it was revolutionary but not something I will choose to listen to
Slow 60s rock. Easy listen, but nothing that I must hear again.
I enjoyed how this started as a fairly straightforward 60s psych rock thing and descended into madness.
Very surprised with this album after really not enjoying the "We're Only in Tt for the Money" one. But this one is so fun and wonky while still keeping great melodies and mixing in a bunch of different musical styles. Wouldn't mind coming back to it. 7/10
ytes
I can understand how this album would be revered from certain people at the time for challenging so many things so early in music history/development. At this time, however, it is only just okay and fine, to me. I'd probably give it 3 stars for my own personal enjoyment, but I do think that the listener has to remember it is from 1966, and that is very early for the way it is playing with musical convention and listener expectations. Therefore, I bumped it up to a 4 to take into account the influence and impact.
3.3
I'd wager a guess that Ween or Frank Zappa take inspiration from this.
Off the wall and fun. 3.5/5
Weird but I liked it. I’ve heard of Frank Zappa but pretty sure I’ve never heard any of his songs
Enjoyed this until the last two songs. Won’t be listening again
Freaky
In one word, this album is absolutely bizarre. A wid blend of parody, chaos, and social commentary make this an intriguing listen, but not a very enjoyable one. Fun as a gimmick, but nothing I'd ever come back to. Top tracks: How Could I Be Such A Fool; Help, I'm A Rock; The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet
I know this is supposed to be one of the greatest albums of all time but it sounds like another mid-60's Psychedelic rock album to me. Not bad but then compared to the Beatles or Pink Floyd it's average.
Some really nice music. A handful of songs had really cringe lyrics though
Wish they hadn’t invented this one
I liked the sound this album had, made me think a bit of early Pink Floyd at times, like on 'Who Are The Brain Police', and 'You're Probably Wondering Why I Am Here' with its quirky kazoo, for example. Overall it felt like something I should have enjoyed more, but didn't for some reason. It think it got a bit too silly honestly. In addition, it felt relatively lengthy, which wasn't in its favor. Weak 3.
Didn't really leave any big impressions. Had an ok sound but some of the experimental parts were hit and miss. I actually enjoyed "You're Probably Wondering Why I Am Here" the most. Was feeling generous and was going to give the album a weak 3. But the last track going on for 15 minutes pushes it down to a 2 star, it was just plain annoying.
Refreshing different to Beatles, Zombies etc.
Took me a few songs to get into it, but once I did, it became very good.
A 1966 album that sounds like a 90s coffee shop art rock project. Very weird, nothing that's necessary to repeat, huge future sounds. Violent femmes, proto-punk, clearly an influential album
Brilliant
Strange album. Just didn’t really feel it.
Day 48 - October 9th, 2024 Live laugh love Frank Zappa. 5/5
Strange, but creative. Repulsive, but interesting. Demands your attention like driving by a car accident. Reminds me a bit of Zappa, Steve Vai, Pink Floyd,, Zep, and the Beatles.
I dig this one a lot. In a way, it feels like a prelude to punk with their feelings of consternation and irreverent disrespect for everything people seemed to hold sacred in the 60s. The big difference is that they have the talent and creativity of Frank Zappa which makes this a lot more enjoyable than a lot of punk and post punk music for me. Great counter culture album that doesn't forget tot focus on the music.
Meh
Early Frank Zappa offers a sort of psycho doo-wop with teenager themes sung in funny voices. It really freaks out in the end. As smart and subversive as it may have been, it no longer resonates.
# Playlist track - Anyway The Wind Blows # Notes - This starts out super interesting. It's a dazzling journey crashing on so many different styles and references that I cannot help but admire it. - There is such a thing as "too much kazoo" for an album. Lol. - Taking 3 stars out for the last 3 tracks. They are incredibly annoying. Maybe that's the point? Couldn't stand it, so congrats if that's what you wanted.
Yeah, I'm not on enough hard drugs to be able to enjoy this album
I mean honestly for a Zappa album it's kind of restrained. It is super cool to see this album as an evolutionary step in rock coming out of the blues and the freak scene in the west coast in the 60's. I'm deducting a star for 12 minutes of noodling being the last song.
Bloody hell this album could have been an email. I’m sure a load of groovy dudes thought it was far out man, but it is way too baggy.
It just didn't connect with me. I understand that what they were doing was a blend of absurdism and experimental, and I appreciate it, but it's not an album I want to listen to
I've heard this before, as well as several other Zappa albums. A big part of Zappa's whole project is that he's different from other mainstream rock, he's almost defined in contrast to prevailing rock. But this CD was released in 1966, and rock has evolved outward in every direction since then. At this point, listening to it near 60 years later, if you're not a rock historian it's impossible to notice that this is not the same as "You Really Got Me" and "Satisfaction". In fact, sonically, it's much more similar to "You Really Got Me" and "Satisfaction" than is mainstream rock from even the mid-70s that was consciously trying to rip those guys off. Recording and amplification technology just evolved, songwriting techniques evolved, and it leaves all that mid-60s stuff sounding very dated (in some cases good, but clearly of that period). For a guy like Zappa, that kind of defeats the purpose. It doesn't help that many of these songs ("Go Cry On Somebody Else's Shoulder" the most obvious) are lampooning aspects of pop culture at the time that would've been familiar to contemporary listeners but are now just completely buried, as if he was making fun of insider details of a Cotillion ball. Then there's the music itself. Even on his good songs, Zappa is not a good singer. He's got just an OK voice, and on many songs he's not even trying, partly for comedic effect. The Mothers have nice vocal harmonies on many songs, but nearly as often they're intentionally abrasive - the chorus of "Who Are The Brain Police" I think is supposed to be a musical joke, and it is kind of funny, but it's also as ugly a harmony as you can possibly come up with. Even some of the nicer backing parts they'll often just subtly screw up, like on "Wowie Zowie", and I think they're doing it for comedic effect, not due to incompetence, but it's tough to tell and either way it sounds terrible. Some of the songs are pretty funny though.
I'm glad I finally listened to this one. I'm not super familiar with Zappa's discography, but I do love Hot Rats. This isn't exactly similar to that one, but it was very ahead of it's time - I actually had to double check the date. Kind of mind blowing that something like this came out in 1966, pre Sgt Peppers even! I appreciate what they were going for with the satirical songs in the first half, but I find them a bit boring. Probably because I find the musical styles that most of them imitate a bit hackneyed. It starts to get really interesting from around "Trouble Every Day" though, from then on I loved it. So, bit of a mixed bag, but I'll give an extra star for the sheer creativity and innovation.
This is satire people. Zappa made a career lampooning music and the music industry. This is the birth of brilliance
I have a lot of feelings about this. Most of them are good. I think there's no dispute about this album falling under the Experimental Rock genre because there were a lot of moments where I thought to myself "what the fuck is going on". But whatever was going on was fucking cool as. I really liked Hungry Freaks Daddy and Any Way the Wind Blows, very catchy indeed. Go Cry on Somebody Else's Shoulder sounded like a young Donald Trump who tried to be a backing singer for a jazz band but failed so he went into his daddy's business instead. I really liked the album in its entirety, but I really did have to be in the mood for this one.
Jaysus
Frank Zappa is a wild cunt 2*, fucking bizarre but entertaining at times.
No había escuchado a Zappa antes y es muy random pero interesante
Weird but not overly bizarre
I’ve found you really have to be in the mood for Frank’s humor and zaniness to not go over like a lead balloon. I wasn’t really in the mood but this album isn’t very out there either. I guess I’m just hoping a more Zappa album will come along on a day I’m in the mood to listen
From 1966, something truly impressive. This album builds a bridge between the culture and the counter-culture of its day. It includes plenty of doo-wop sounds and sentiments, but always with satire. The message: the times they have a-changed and if you're still living in the (then, not so distant) past, that's...cute. Other songs on the album are in-your-face cultural and political statements. That includes the opening track, "Hungry Freaks, Daddy," and also my favorite on the album "Trouble Every Day." As another review noted, that latter song is "sadly, always relevant." It truly is. That song may easily have been written yesterday, and yet this was nearly 60 years ago, the Beatles hadn't released Sgt Pepper, and (as another review mentioned) Americans hadn't landed on the moon yet. That bridge from the culture to the counter-culture is one-way, by the way. And it lands you in a swamp of psychedelic and experimental expression as the album wraps up. (You may get impatient.) This album forms, at least in my mind, a trilogy along with Absolutely Free and We're Only In It For the Money. That third album made fun of both the establishment (and decried its dangers) and also the (now trendy) counter-culture. Zappa was the Jon Stewart of the late 60s music scene: observant, talented, even-handed, satirical.
8/10. :) It's a brilliant record. Although, it did get somewhat dull over time. :)
Sounds like a bunch of people doing a lot of drugs decided to hit record in a studio and see what happens. If I took the same amount of drugs, I'd probably give this five stars, but it's not going to get a rave review in my unaltered state.
I quite enjoyed the first 3/4's or so of the album. But the back portion went off the rails for me. Especially Can't Happen Here.
Zapppappapapaaaaa! Onhan tämä sellaista vekkulia musaa. Hyvälle mielelle tulee ja homma toimii! 4/5
Jotain kiinnostavia ideoita, mutta välillä mennään reilusti huti sekoilun kanssa. Hyvä, että levy on olemassa mutta kerralla kuunneltuna 2/5
My dumb ass almost wrote some shit about how this reminded me of Zappa, completely unaware until looking it up that of course it does he is literally there. That’s what I get for having only listened to Joe’s Garage. Anyway, great album, much like Joe’s Garage.
Challenging, diverse, thought-provoking and quite pleased with itself
This album is an all time classic, and quite important, due mostly to the time it was released. It wasn't until 1967 that psychedelic rock was firmly cemented in the public consciousness, by way of records like Hendrix's 'Are You Experienced' and Jefferson Airplane's 'Surrealistic Pillow'. Well really, this album is more of a mix between total experimentation with the rock genre, psychedelic rock (which would become more popular soon after its release), and parody/satire based on the pop music of the 50s and early 60s. None of which really fall flat.
2+
Is interesting but I think I just don't understand it. What's with the cream cheese?
Classic frank.
Apparently this is some kind of parody of 50/60s high school rock'n'roll but then it's also really pointlessly weird for no good reason. Feels like an odd in-joke that I don't get. And while fragments of the normal songs are OK, the utter bollocks that passes for the final track is just an irritating, deliberate 'look-how-zany-we-are' effort. I'm sure Zappa is a genius but this was more annoying than funny.