HOT RATS

Frank Zappa's first solo album, Hot Rats is a far-cry from the da-da adventures and audio collages of the original Mothers of Invention. Mostly instrumental and filled with long jams between Zappa, Jean-Luc Ponty and Ian Underwood, this slickly-produced album--one of the first 16 track recordings made--is filled with hummable tunes. The opening track, "Peaches en Regalia," is one of Zappa's most enduring songs and the album's only vocal track, "Willie the Pimp," is by Zappa's long-time friend Don Van Vliet, a.k.a. Captain Beefheart.

This is probably the first FZ album that Most-Folks-Who-Don't-Even-Like-Frank Zappa ever bought, and the one that began to establish him as a virtuoso musician and composer.

Here are my ratings: (5/5)

1. Peaches En Regalia.... 5 stars - This tune has a pretty and laid-back melody and it's also relatively brief in length which adds to its value as easy listening. Zappa at his most beautiful.

2. Willie The Pimp.... 4 stars - Contains Zappa's best solo on this album.

3. Son of Mr. Green Genes.... 5 stars - This is my second fav track on this album and has some magnificent composing.

4. Little Umbrellas.... 4 star - What can i say

5. The Gumbo Variations... 5 stars - This piece is somewhat extended, it lasts 17 minutes. But it is the jewel of "Hot Rats" because of the Sugarcane Harris' violin solo, which is nothing short than musically sublime; with an incredible tone to go with it! Sugarcane's solo is the highpoint of the album. Frank Zappa puts in a nice solo for about 3 minutes after the violin wraps up, but it pales in comparison to Sugarcane's stuff. Frank my hat is off to you.

6. It Must Be A Camel... 5 star - some insaine Jazz with a twist...

The fact that it is instrumental doesn't take this album in the "jazz field" forwhat I am concerned. It is still very rockish, but brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. It will last. Exceptional.

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