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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Apostrophe(')

Frank Zappa

1974

Apostrophe(')
Album Summary

This album has been submitted by a user and is not included in any edition of the book.

Apostrophe (') is the sixth solo album and eighteenth in total by Frank Zappa, released in March 1974 in both stereo and quadraphonic formats. An edited version of its lead-off track, "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow", was the first of Zappa's three Billboard Top 100 hits, ultimately peaking at number 86. Apostrophe (') remains Zappa's most commercially successful album in the United States. It was certified gold by the RIAA on April 7, 1976 and peaked at number 10 (a career-high placement) on the Billboard 200 chart in 1974. Continuing from the commercial breakthrough of Over-Nite Sensation (1973), this album is a similar mix of short songs showcasing Zappa's humor and musical arrangements. The record's lyrical themes are often bizarre or obscure, with the exception of "Uncle Remus", which is an extension of Zappa's feelings on racism featured on his earlier song "Trouble Every Day". The first half of the album loosely follows a continuing theme. "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow" and "Nanook Rubs It" tell of a dream the singer had where he saw himself as an Eskimo named Nanook. It continues into "St. Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast," which Zappa said was inspired by a television commercial for Imperial margarine.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.01

Votes

69
Genres
Rock

Submitted by

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Reviews

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Tue Jan 16 2024
5

Where should I begin? I find myself utterly content in the embrace of anything produced by Frank Zappa. It's clear that certain aspects of his work might ruffle feathers or cause a stir, and understandably so. Yet, it is the music itself—the timbre of his voice, infused with layers of biting, almost scathing irony—that elevates nearly every piece he has created to the realm of masterworks. "Joe's Garage" stands apart, but "Apostrophe" remains, in my estimation, a pinnacle of his achievements. "Yellow Snow," for instance—what more needs to be said? Moreover, I remain perplexed and intrigued by the elusive question: why, indeed, are the pancakes sleazy? I rated Hot Rats already a 5 on here (being the only Zappa in the list). So, this has to be another 5. Well chosen!

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Sun Jan 07 2024
5

Love me some Zappa. Thanks for the album, congrats on finishing!

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Sun Jan 07 2024
4

One of the few Zappa albums I actually somewhat like. He's generally not my thing, but some catchy stuff here and the talent is undeniable.

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Fri Jan 12 2024
4

Zappaese is the language of anti-music, on Apostrophe verbal on the pedestrian domestic. Why should sex get a special carve-out for music? The seamlessness thus takes the flavor of soul, with proggy composition and solos with fusion characteristics. The mix is all about voices and guitars, smothers the keys, unapologetic rock. Mighty compelling, but sadly to a limit, I think, as an exercise in negation.

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Thu Feb 22 2024
1

I know I'm stepping om some toes - and believe me I listened all the way through - but I simply cannot hear the genius in it. It's all jibberjabber to me.

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Sat Apr 06 2024
5

Awesome choice! Finally I get people liking Frank Zappa 5

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Sun Jan 07 2024
4

Zappa is pretty fun. I am torn between liking him and wanting everyone who worships him to FOAD. it's a strange place. 4/5.

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Fri Feb 09 2024
4

I have mixed feelings about this album, I'm a huge Zappa fan, but this isn't one of my favourites. During this mid-70s period his humour became too sophomoric for me with songs about pee, masturbation and other bodily functions. The only redeeming song for me here is Uncle Reemus which echoes the classic Zappa virtuoustic sound. But seeing as he released over 60 albums over 30 years and this list only includes 1 or 2 albums is just plain sinful. So I'm bumping this up a bit to address this travesty.

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Sat Feb 10 2024
4

I much prefer Zappa’s releases under his own name compared to the Mothers of Invention crap. 7/10

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Sat Feb 10 2024
4

7/10. Ah, yes. I actually listened to this album shortly after getting Hot Rats on the main list, because I had really liked that album, and figured maybe I liked Zappa and should listen to more of his stuff. What I discovered? That I only really like Zappa's music when he keeps his mouth shut. That said, relistening to this with that expectation going in, I tuned out the singing a bit more, and this was a pretty fun album, definitely more enjoyable than the Mothers of Invention albums that made the main list. And I do really like Cosmik Debris.

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Sat Feb 24 2024
4

Frank Zappa's unique sound, his way of manipulating sounds and music, his peculiar vocal timbre, and his masterful arrangements all make him a true genius. He is one of the few artists who can capture your attention without even needing great melodies

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Wed Feb 28 2024
4

J'ai zappa et c'est un de ces bons albums

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Sat Jan 13 2024
3

It's Zappa, so enjoyable enough. I didn't see anything that really shocked me though.

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Wed Jan 24 2024
3

My usual issues with Zappa- you can't argue with the musical ability but it fails to engage me at some emotional level. I'm happy to accept my sonic palate is insufficiently refined for it. The writing is so unserious though, but not quite hitting the true quill craziness of similar acts like Captain Beefheart at their best.

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Thu Feb 22 2024
3

I think the original list is already over-saturated with Zappa. Many - if not all - of those albums were for me unlistenable gibberish. (I know, I know, for some people it's like I'm insulting the pope by saying this). The album suggested here is actually quite listenable. And even somewhat interesting. So thank you for showing me that there is some Zappa that I can digest with little effort.

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Fri Feb 23 2024
3

Half an hour of weirdness. But it kinda okay

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Thu May 02 2024
3

A standard Zappa LP - some good ones, some bad ones, all of the tracks equally odd in their own way. Really enjoyed the guitar work here, wish some of the lyrics were a bit more serious to complement the instrumentals but that’s asking a lot given the territory.

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Sat Mar 09 2024
2

I'm generally a fan of Zappa but he's real hit or miss. Although this is one of his most commercially successful albums, I'm kinda baffled as to why. Across its short 32 minutes this just became more and more annoying as it went on.

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Sat May 04 2024
2

I feel like a curmudgeon whenever I have to review a Frank Zappa album. I just don't get it. I think he's highly overrated. Technically he's a very good guitar player, but if a good guitar player plays stuff that isn't enjoyable to listen to is he really a good guitar player? 2 stars, because it's short and more listenable than most Zappa, and I actually liked the song Apostrophe'.

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