SHEIK YERBOUTI

For one of Frank Zappa's poppier (for him) albums, this is fantastically entertaining. And while you mostly get displays of Zappa's raunchy humor (I Have Been In You, inspired by Peter Frampton's insipid 70's hit I'm In You, Broken Hearts Are For A$$holes, Bobby Brown. Dancin' Fool and Jewish Princess, a harmless song that so pissed off some Jewish groups that Frank wrote Catholic Girls to placate them, there are also songs that show Zappa's unique compositional style (Flakes, Wild Love).

Frank does some great soloing in Rat Tomago, The Sheik Yerbouti Tango and Yo' Mama. And Patrick O'Hearn gets to step out for a bass solo on Rubber Shirt. But to me, the musical highlights are mostly by keyboardist Tommy Mars, who was one of the finest keyboardists Zappa ever employed.

While this may not have enough "serious music" for the humorless fan, and might be too racy for the prudish listener, this album could serve as a great introduction as to what Zappa was all about.