Quote:
Originally Posted by Chives
It's very obvious that Sheik Yerbouti is a very commercially-minded album. It's what the people wanted, judging by the sales figures of the album. It's a shame it's not a masterpiece or anything but since I've had my good share of chuckles over the songs I can't dislike it too much.
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It actually plays too much like a comedy album to my ears. Zappa has always written goofy/funny lyrics, but in support of the music, I think. Records like Overnight Sensation and Zoot Allures have their funny moments, but still work very well as rock records. Sheik is just relentlessly over the top. Bobby Brown is funny, but I'm not sure I need to hear it more than once. I felt the same way about Joe's Garage, You are What You is, etc. None of that stuff holds up very well from that period.
I don't think Zappa really struck the right balance again with his commercially minded albums until 'Them or Us' - admittedly still a pretty slight album, but with a bit more music to sink one's teeth into.