what is the deal with frank zappa?

Question

compare him to other artists
describe his style
reccomend songs
i've heard respectable people reccomend him before but i can't find any samples of his songs, and i'm wondering if i would like him

thank you kit walker, that was a very excellent answer

Answer 1

Frank Zappa (RIP) released well over 60 albums in his 27 years as a recording artist. You can't really compare him to other artists, Frank is Frank, and there's never been anyone quite like him in the history of rock. His material really varied throughout the course of his career, as he went through many transitional phases musically. His 60's material could be very psych/experimental at times. By the early 70's he'd rearranged his lineup and employed the vocal talents of 'Flo and Eddie', who were actually Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan, formerly of 'The Turltes'. This lineup lasted for a couple years, and can be heard on 200 Motels, Chunga's Revenge, Fillmore East - June 1971, and Just Another Band From L.A. The later featuring the epic piece 'Billy the Mountain'. I think everyone needs to hear that song!
After this phase, Frank rearranged his lineup once more. Many feel that this was his most creative period between 1972-76.
I've always enjoyed everything by Frank, but a good introduction to his music would be these albums;
Over-nite Sensation
Apostrophe
One Size Fits All
Zoot Allures
Bongo Fury (with Captain Beefheart)
The above were his most popular and easily accessible to the new listeners ears. Frank released so many albums, and every few years his style really seemed to changed, along with his musicians and band line ups. He never wanted to sound stale.
After you've delved into the above, check these two out, they're great live rock albums, and funny as he**!
Fillmore East - June 1971
Just Another Band From L.A.
Then try these;
Chunga's Revenge
Roxy & Elsewhere (also a live album)
Sheik Yerbouti
Joe's Garage
Shut Up n' Play Yer Guitar

His earlier psych albums released between 1966-69, were very innovative, with great writing, musicianship, along with his wry sense humor thrown in. Some of the better albums from this period would include;
Freak Out!
Absolutely Free
We're Only in It for the Money
Uncle Meat
Hot Rats

The recording techniques used on the 'Freak Out' album inspired much of the studio trickery used by George Martin /The Beatles on Sgt. Pepper.

Some of his 80's material was quite good too, but much different from what most consider his most creative period during the early 70's - late 70's.

This site is great. It lets members rate and review, and even add artists to its ever growing data base. Here's the Frank Zappa main page. Check out some of the members reviews:
http://rateyourmusic.com/artist/frank_zappa

Here's some great videos, the 2nd one features a young Steve Vai, and it still blows me away! These will give you an idea of the diversity and style throughout his career:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9H0WJBoXew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW53fiwyskA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYr0So3Mzz8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew3Dq82Q1bQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL1Th7cWDIU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohVpYt_S8lY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB4XEBNZsME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlLMzmnjJBo
Great interview/performance on the Mike Douglas Show, where Frank plays 'Black Napkins' with Mikes talk show band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJA1nRMyVxI pt 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pO7UeXvqX0 pt 2
Zappa on CNN's Cross Fire, great. You must watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ISil7IHzxc
This is hilarious, Mike Nesmith(The Monkees) and Frank/roll reversal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNJy-OgCzB0
Some more Zappa videos:
http://www.searchforvideo.com/music/f/frank-zappa/
Franks first television appearance, 1963. He plays 'a bicycle' on the 'Steve Allen' show. He was virtually an unknown at this time: http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/48434/detail/

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

A nice sampler but by no meaning a total representation of his music is "Strictly Commercial" which amazingly highlights his commercially viable songs. Frank Zappa, in all his various forms, was a stalwart in the music industry for doing it his way no matter how bizarre or uncompromising the work. Comedy rock is a handle that is commonly used to categorize his body of work, yet this description is almost considered derogatory by versed fans of his music. My advice Freak out! or Strictly Commercial is a good place to begin. The Zappa music tree is extensive playing with artists from the Turtles, Captain Beefheart, Steve Vai pushing all these artists (and more) to great heights.

Answer 3

Zappa is a style unto himself. The best way to prepare yourself is to think about how progressive jazz might affect a rock groove. And even that will not open your mind wide enough to accept him until you actually go through the experience. Enjoy the journey.

Answer 4

Unique.A very distinctive guitar sound.He explored the parameters of 'accepted' music at the time..poking fun at the hippies with "Freak Out!"..commercialism with "We're Only In It For The Money"..paying tribute to Doo-Wop with "Rueben & The Jets"..a musician's album with "Hot Rats" with Capt. Beefheart,Jean Luc-Ponty and some of his usual friends...rock stars with "Live At The Fillmore East" and "Just Another Band From L.A."...Ohhh! Many,many others..my particular favourites are "Weasels Ripped My Flesh"..(nice 'Neon Park' cover)..."Hot Rats".."Zoot Allures"..."Joe's Garage.. Acts 1,2&3"..which contains one of my favourite guitar solos of all time in 'Watermelon In Easter Hay'..oh,and "Apostrophe" and "Overnite Sensation" and...You get the picture..You could do worse than trying out "Joe's Garage"..a tirade against music being made illegal..as metaphorically it is today..From Iran to FM Radio...Suzy Creamcheese was never like this! RIP Frank Z.

Answer 5

I always had a like for "Billy was a mountain." He was a virtuoso musician. His style was satirical. He also did a song called "Don't eat that yellow snow" I also believe he was an ambassador of music in France. I think he did a song "Joe's garage" He was in a class by himself.

Answer 6

Picture a jazz ensemble playing doo-wop and you sort of have an idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_i_HVBD9ks

Answer 7

FZ music examples ....
http://www.myspace.com/frankzappa

http://www.myspace.com/frankzappa88

http://www.myspace.com/lowfi4track

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5ORGWfJiTI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_i_HVBD9ks&feature=related