Frank Zappa - WHat albums are good?

[speed]

Just wondering what Zappa albums I should pick up, as the dude has a huge discography.

 

[DiscipleOfPlato]

Broad discography indeed...63 records to be precise! He's an immensely talented composer with an eccentric personality and sense of humor, and if you don't fancy progressive music, you probably wouldn't appreciate his work. Ask yourself whether you like music along the lines of Yes, Rush, and King Crimson (though Zappa isn't remotely as heavy as any of them), and then decide whether you think it's worth investigating. If you feel inclined, I would recommend "Joe's Garage Acts I, II, and III"(available in a single box-set, originally released separately) as well as "We're Only In It for the Money" with the mothers of invention, simply because they aren't quite as bizarre as his other recordings, and I believe they are a bit more accessible.

 

[NAD]

Although I listened to him when I was much younger, I'm just now getting reacquainted with his work. I started off with Zappa Picks by Larry LaLonde, a "best of" collection of sorts. Has stuff from all over his catalogue, and is all very good.

 

[DeepInMisery]

I've had "Over-nite Sensation" and "The Grand Wazoo" recommended to me.

 

[Dead Slayer]

Joe's Garage Acts I-III (2 Disc set)
Sheik Yerbouti

 

[SodomizerOfMankind]

all of em zappa is god

 

[metu]

I suggest Hot Rats.

 

[jonnykungfu]

If you have a couple thousand bucks, buy the whole damn catalogue.


Seriously, there is not a bad record there.

His best to start out with would be One Size Fits All, Overnight Sensation, or Apostrophe probably. Or if you're more into 60s stuff, go for We're Only in it for the Money. Or if you're more into humor, go for Zappa in New York. Or if you want instrumental stuff, go for Hot Rats or Uncle Meat.