Apostrophe(')

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Awesome choice! Finally I get people liking Frank Zappa 5

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.

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

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

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

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

Zip-Zap-Zoppa do be a boppa

It’s Zappa alright

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.

Half an hour of weirdness. But it kinda okay

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.

what an edgelord

Not my thing

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.

I feel like I must be missing something, but I just don't get it. I also found the Mothers of Invention records to be amongst my least favourite on the main list. Like those, this just comes across to me as someone trying too hard to be deliberately zany. Always a joke that just isn't funny. Sorry, Frank. It's not you, it's me. Rating: 1 Playlist track: Uncle Remus Date listened: 02/08/24

One of my all-time favourites!

Apostrophe (') is Zappa at his most accessible. His jazz and rock bona fides are on full display and his absurd lyrics, save for 'Uncle Remus,' carry throughout the album. Absent are the experiments in noise that typify his earlier work with the Mothers of Invention. This makes for a short and engaging album that still encapsulates Frank Zappa's unique anti popular music approach.

Every time I listen to Zappa, I think I should listen to more Zappa

Hey ladies, I'm Frack

Frank, you got to love his style and funk. He is different and I'm sure some of the younger generation just don't get him or the music. I love most of it. Please Don't Eat the Yellow Snow has been a classic most of my life! Standouts: Don't Eat the Yellow Snow/Nanook Rubs i, Cosmik Debris, Apostrophe' Rating: 4.25

Some of zappas more relatable work. +1 for making me think of the lost lake trails

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Cosmik debris, Don’t eat the yellow snow, Uncle Remus

Jazz fusion, progressive rock. Se le iba la cabeza bastante... Un 4, venga.

A pretty good example of Zappa's zaniness alongside some good rock guitar and psycho-manic disjointed instrumentation. Personally I prefer the jazz-funk-rock instrumentals of Grand Wazoo and Hot Rats over the amusing, but silly vocal songs.

Playfully irreverent, frequently inappropriate, musically brilliant. It gets a little silly for my taste at some points, but when this is good, it sizzles. Not Zappa's best, but still a lot of fun. Fave Songs: Uncle Remus, Apostrophe', Cosmik Debris, Don't Eat the Yellow Snow

General culture

I guess you have to give him credit for knowing when to end the song. I did not need to be reminded to watch where the Huskies... but then he continues to Nanook Rubs It, with its sick guitar licks. Just a really enigmatic album to listen to.

Alls ekki hans besta. Þokkalegt að sumu leyti þó.

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'.

It is such a weird and eccentric album. Thankfully, it was short. I don't see myself revisiting it.

This seems definitely the most approachable of the albums we’ve heard from the list… and sonically it is pretty interesting, definitely doing a lot more to demonstrate craftsmanship while not being entirely experimental. What keeps holding me back is the lyrical writing isn’t particularly clever, it just comes off as juvenile. Most of it is a miss for me, though Uncle Remus is the closest where it comes to working as there is a fun/joy in the vibe that I can more easily engage with. Overall, it was good to hear a different aspect of his catalog, but Frank is just not my cup of team.