Best 70's Zappa Album? - Progressive Rock Music Forum

Welcome to the gauntlet that is Zappas 70's discography. I gotta go with Sheik, though Sleep Dirt and One Size are pretty damn close.

The most dangerous man in America.

As much as I'm a fan of his early 70's fusion experimentation, OSFA is my personal favorite Zappa record ever!

"I am so prog, I listen to concept albums on shuffle." -KMac2021

So many great albums by the great Frank Zappa. I'll have to wait before I can vote.

Roxy and Elsewhere is to my mind the quintessential Zappa album. The Helsinki Concert comes a close second.

There are a lot of these albums that I love, but I pick Sheik Yerbouti as my personal favorite because it was my entry point for Zappa and for other sentimental reasons. Many years ago, I was with some friends in the second row awaiting the main act for a concert for some mostly-unheard-of, up-and-coming-band called Van Halen. During the intermission, they were playing Sheik Yerbouti over the speaker system, and I was going crazy trying to figure out who the artist was, it was love at first listen. The next day, I took myself down to the local record store, and asked the clerk who that was, thinking it was a long shot that he would know, but he smiled as if he knew I was on the doorstep to discovering a lot of great music, and pointed me to the very ugly Sheik Yerbouti album and I bought it without hesitation. As far as the concert, it was great as David Lee Roth almost jumped on our heads 259 times, and VH would go on to major popularity of course, but the thing I remember most about the entire experience was that Frank Zappa recording. I still love that album, nostalgia or not.

Edited by TCat - July 15 2018 at 09:40

I prefer the Overnite Sensation/Apostrophe period.

...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined
to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology...

Yet again, I cast my vote for Sheik Yerbouti.

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Love early 70s-era Zappa. Many great offerings. But, OSFA is my personal favorite.

He neither drank, smoked, nor rode a bicycle. Living frugally, saving his money, he died early, surrounded by greedy relatives. It was a great lesson to me -- John Barrymore

I'm really in to Over-Nite Sensation right now but ask me next week & I may pick something else.

Edited by Argo2112 - July 16 2018 at 13:28

Many of those are actually Mothers of Invention and Mothers albums, not technically solo (Frank Zappa) releases. I know Frank changed the labeling in later years, with the CD re-releases, giving him band credit (oddly), but many originally were Mother's albums. Us old timers and long-time fans still keep straight which one are MOI, Mothers, and Frank Zappa releases.

There are other good (and crazy) earlier Mothers of Invention albums too, like We're Only In It For the Money, Absolutely Free, and Freak Out!

If it was included, I'd vote for the best of all, the double-album Mothers of Invention classic: Uncle Meat (now credited as by Frank Zappa).

Edited by Boojieboy - July 16 2018 at 13:14

Poll Question: Which one do you think is the best?
Poll Choice	Votes	Poll Statistics
Burnt Weeny Sandwich	2	[5.13%]
Weasels Ripped My Flesh	2	[5.13%]
Chunga's Revenge	0	[0.00%]
Filmore East - June 1971	0	[0.00%]
200 Motels	2	[5.13%]
Just Another Band From L.A.	0	[0.00%]
Waka/Jawaka	1	[2.56%]
The Grand Wazoo	1	[2.56%]
Over-Nite Sensation	4	[10.26%]
Apostrophe	2	[5.13%]
Roxy & Elsewhere	3	[7.69%]
One Size Fits All	12	[30.77%]
Bongo Fury	0	[0.00%]
Zoot Allures	0	[0.00%]
Zappa In New York	2	[5.13%]
Studio Tan	2	[5.13%]
Sleep Dirt	1	[2.56%]
Sheik Yerbouti	3	[7.69%]
Orchestral Favorites	0	[0.00%]
Joes Garage Acts 1-3	2	[5.13%]
You can not vote in this poll

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
Scorpius Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: June 22 2016 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 281	Post Options Post Reply Quote Scorpius Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Best 70's Zappa Album? Posted: July 14 2018 at 23:00
	Welcome to the gauntlet that is Zappas 70's discography. I gotta go with Sheik, though Sleep Dirt and One Size are pretty damn close.
	The most dangerous man in America.

irrelevant Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: March 07 2010 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 13382	Post Options Post Reply Quote irrelevant Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 00:09
	One Size Fits All.
	New album! http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7385

Frenetic Zetetic Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: December 09 2017 Location: Now Status: Offline Points: 9233	Post Options Post Reply Quote Frenetic Zetetic Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 03:46
	As much as I'm a fan of his early 70's fusion experimentation, OSFA is my personal favorite Zappa record ever!
	*"I am so prog, I listen to concept albums on shuffle." -KMac2021*

Mascodagama Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: December 30 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 5111	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mascodagama Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 05:20
	There are six albums here I could easily have picked. But I probably love Burnt Weeny Sandwich the most.
	Soldato of the Pan Head Mafia. We'll make you an offer you can't listen to. Bandcamp Profile

Manuel Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: March 09 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 12408	Post Options Post Reply Quote Manuel Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 05:58
	So many great albums by the great Frank Zappa. I'll have to wait before I can vote.

maryes Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: August 16 2009 Location: rio de janeiro Status: Offline Points: 990	Post Options Post Reply Quote maryes Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 07:23
	One Size fits all Edited by maryes - July 15 2018 at 07:23

Walkscore Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: February 16 2017 Location: Toronto, Canada Status: Offline Points: 231	Post Options Post Reply Quote Walkscore Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 07:35
	Roxy and Elsewhere is to my mind the quintessential Zappa album. The Helsinki Concert comes a close second.

Mortte Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: November 11 2016 Location: Finland Status: Offline Points: 5538	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mortte Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 08:14
	Burnt Weeny Sandwich. I haven´t heard those all, but enough I think I can vote. Really love the first Mothers!

TCat Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin Joined: February 07 2010 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 11612	Post Options Post Reply Quote TCat Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 09:39
	There are a lot of these albums that I love, but I pick Sheik Yerbouti as my personal favorite because it was my entry point for Zappa and for other sentimental reasons. Many years ago, I was with some friends in the second row awaiting the main act for a concert for some mostly-unheard-of, up-and-coming-band called Van Halen. During the intermission, they were playing Sheik Yerbouti over the speaker system, and I was going crazy trying to figure out who the artist was, it was love at first listen. The next day, I took myself down to the local record store, and asked the clerk who that was, thinking it was a long shot that he would know, but he smiled as if he knew I was on the doorstep to discovering a lot of great music, and pointed me to the very ugly Sheik Yerbouti album and I bought it without hesitation. As far as the concert, it was great as David Lee Roth almost jumped on our heads 259 times, and VH would go on to major popularity of course, but the thing I remember most about the entire experience was that Frank Zappa recording. I still love that album, nostalgia or not. Edited by TCat - July 15 2018 at 09:40

HolyMoly Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Retired Admin Joined: April 01 2009 Location: Atlanta Status: Offline Points: 26133	Post Options Post Reply Quote HolyMoly Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 10:35
	Really tough to say. Not sure I have a clear favorite . OSFA is certainly up there, but so is Grand Wazoo, Sleep Dirt, Zappa in New York, and Sheik Yerbouti. But lately, the one that has earned a whole new lease on life for me is 200 Motels, which I’ve been listening to several times a week. It’s certainly flawed (poor sound quality mostly), but the mix of orchestral and rock tunes is quite fascinating (the lo-fi actually enhances the mysterious sound). And I think the album sides are very well organized and sequenced- each one acting almost as a suite. What the hey - I’ll vote for 200 Motels. Get rid of some of that inner tension. Rip off a few more ashtrays.
	My other avatar is a Porsche It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased. -Kehlog Albran

The Dark Elf Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member VIP Member Joined: February 01 2011 Location: Michigan Status: Offline Points: 12702	Post Options Post Reply Quote The Dark Elf Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 11:58
	I prefer the Overnite Sensation/Apostrophe period.
	...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology...

dwill123 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: December 19 2006 Status: Offline Points: 4455	Post Options Post Reply Quote dwill123 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 11:58


verslibre Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: July 01 2004 Location: CA Status: Online Points: 15019	Post Options Post Reply Quote verslibre Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 12:14
	Yet again, I cast my vote for Sheik Yerbouti.
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Junges Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: February 19 2006 Location: Brazil Status: Offline Points: 620	Post Options Post Reply Quote Junges Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 13:46
	Zappa In New York


tboyd1802 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: June 01 2012 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 898	Post Options Post Reply Quote tboyd1802 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 17:04
	Love early 70s-era Zappa. Many great offerings. But, OSFA is my personal favorite.
	He neither drank, smoked, nor rode a bicycle. Living frugally, saving his money, he died early, surrounded by greedy relatives. It was a great lesson to me -- John Barrymore

For Nobody's Bush Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Groupie Joined: February 20 2018 Location: Dallas, NC Status: Offline Points: 81	Post Options Post Reply Quote For Nobody's Bush Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 15 2018 at 17:40
	Somehow I love Just Another Band from L.A., Billy was a Mountain, indeed.

Argo2112 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: June 20 2017 Location: New Jersey Status: Offline Points: 4452	Post Options Post Reply Quote Argo2112 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 16 2018 at 08:29
	I'm really in to Over-Nite Sensation right now but ask me next week & I may pick something else. Edited by Argo2112 - July 16 2018 at 13:28

The.Crimson.King Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: March 29 2013 Location: WA Status: Offline Points: 4591	Post Options Post Reply Quote The.Crimson.King Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 16 2018 at 10:21
	Studio Tan for me. It was my 1st FZ album ever and I still recall the first time I dropped the needle on Greggary Peccary and thought, WTF! This is amazing! Edited by The.Crimson.King - July 16 2018 at 10:22
	Mutiny in Jonestown : Progressive Rock Since 1987

Boojieboy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: April 02 2016 Location: Earth Status: Offline Points: 581	Post Options Post Reply Quote Boojieboy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 16 2018 at 13:05
	Many of those are actually Mothers of Invention and Mothers albums, not technically solo (Frank Zappa) releases. I know Frank changed the labeling in later years, with the CD re-releases, giving him band credit (oddly), but many originally were Mother's albums. Us old timers and long-time fans still keep straight which one are MOI, Mothers, and Frank Zappa releases. There are other good (and crazy) earlier Mothers of Invention albums too, like We're Only In It For the Money, Absolutely Free, and Freak Out! If it was included, I'd vote for the best of all, the double-album Mothers of Invention classic: Uncle Meat (now credited as by Frank Zappa). Edited by Boojieboy - July 16 2018 at 13:14

Mortte Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: November 11 2016 Location: Finland Status: Offline Points: 5538	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mortte Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 16 2018 at 22:49
	^You can go vote here: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=107652&KW=Zappa You know this is 70`s Zappa-albums-thread (I don´t think there is not much difference it is Zappa or Mothers album, Zappa was always absolutely leader of his bands too), Uncle Meat and those earlier great Mothers albums were made in the sixties.