Frank Zappa Appreciation Thread

Chives · 11-04-2011, 06:04 PM

I remember reading in a book about how when Frank Zappa turned in all four albums after taking apart Lather that it changed the way record deals are done. Mainly, in the way that an contracted artist who is required to turn in a minimum number of albums before getting out of his/her contract can no longer just turn in a ton of albums at the same time the way Zappa did with Warner Bros to quickly get out of said contract. Zappa was a ballsy guy.

Also, what do people think of Thing-Fish? I saw it at a record store the other day but I've never heard much about it. I'm understanding that it's a triple album and a concept album, an apparently it's not his best work or anything, but is it worth it if you're a fan? I might be able to get it 60% off during a sale this Sunday.

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra · 11-04-2011, 06:15 PM

Apparently Joe's Garage had a stage show:

No idea what to think of it. Suppose I'd have to see the pieces of the end result to judge. Awesome concept though, knowing the story.

Howard the Duck · 11-06-2011, 04:01 AM

got Sheik Yerbouti recently and will be spinning it soon

Chives · 11-10-2011, 11:33 PM

My only problem with Sheik Yerbouti is that I usually get through three sides of vinyl then stop. That's more of a problem with me then the album itself, obviously, but despite it being good it's hard to push myself the last 20 minutes or whatever.

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra · 11-11-2011, 01:16 AM

I honestly think Sheik Yerbouti is one of his worst albums by lightyears. Basically just slapped together anything that he wrote with controversial lyrics.

Albeit, the Bob Dylan impersonation on 'Flakes' is priceless.

Chives · 11-11-2011, 01:26 AM

I agree about that Dylan impersonation on Flakes.

I might go listen to that right now.

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.

Holerbot6000 · 09-08-2012, 09:58 AM

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.

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.

**Frownland** · 09-08-2012, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holerbot6000

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.

Agreed. Sometimes the humour in the music sort of overcomes the quality of the music and it takes away my urge to repeatedly listen to it. Although I think that Sheik is one of those albums that edges both fields of music and humour, so it really just takes me being in the right mood to listen to that one.

Max Branning · 09-08-2012, 09:34 AM

Has anyone bought any of the reissues? It's about time Frank Zappa cd's were available for decent prices.

Howard the Duck · 09-08-2012, 10:03 AM

i think Sheikh Yerbouti is fine

quite catchy and probably his best attempt at "pop"

11-10-2011, 11:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chives Music Addict Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 299	My only problem with Sheik Yerbouti is that I usually get through three sides of vinyl then stop. That's more of a problem with me then the album itself, obviously, but despite it being good it's hard to push myself the last 20 minutes or whatever. __________________ [My last.fm] [My Tumblr]

11-11-2011, 01:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
Chives Music Addict Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 299	I agree about that Dylan impersonation on Flakes. I might go listen to that right now. 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. __________________ [My last.fm] [My Tumblr]

11-04-2011, 06:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
Chives Music Addict Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 299	I remember reading in a book about how when Frank Zappa turned in all four albums after taking apart Lather that it changed the way record deals are done. Mainly, in the way that an contracted artist who is required to turn in a minimum number of albums before getting out of his/her contract can no longer just turn in a ton of albums at the same time the way Zappa did with Warner Bros to quickly get out of said contract. Zappa was a ballsy guy. Also, what do people think of Thing-Fish? I saw it at a record store the other day but I've never heard much about it. I'm understanding that it's a triple album and a concept album, an apparently it's not his best work or anything, but is it worth it if you're a fan? I might be able to get it 60% off during a sale this Sunday.

09-08-2012, 09:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
Max Branning Groupie Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 22	Has anyone bought any of the reissues? It's about time Frank Zappa cd's were available for decent prices.