Beefheart & Zappa... where to start?

if you're going to do anything, get an entire album.  One song really doesn't do either of them justice.  For Beefheart, I suggest you start with the album Safe As Milk and then, if you are really adventurous, buy his one of his best albums, Trout Mask Replica, but it is really a challenging album so listen to it a few times.  As for Zappa, I started with Freak Out! and went on to get some of his better ones such as Lumpy Gravy, We're Only In It For The Money, and Hot Rats.  All of these albums are amazingly creative and should definetly not be missed!

There's no easy way to start with Beefheart - you've got to jump right in with an open mind!

With Zappa, any of the albums mentioned are a good start - I particularly like "We're Only In It For The Money", but "Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch" is a fantastic starter too, as it contains a broad spectrum of Zappa's work condensed into less than 30 minutes. And it's got Steve Vai on - what other reason could you need

Hot Rats is an excellent album. It's almost completely instrumental except for the song Willie the Pimp, which is sung by Beefheart.

Frank Zappa is easily absorbed using "Over-nite
Sensations" and "Apostrophe". Absolutely brilliant
CD's. Jazz heads like "Hot Rats", abstract heads like
the early stuff, guitar freaks like the later stuff. "Joes
Garage" has its moments .
As for Capt. Beefheart, I would rather sit next to
surface to air missile launchers. Its about that
relaxing, actually I remember "Spotlight Kid" as being
pretty digestible.

Edited by DallasBryan

Zappa: I started with Freak Out! But that one's pretty weird. The I got the compilation Cheap Thrills.

Captain Beefheart: Get the Best: Trout Mask Replica. I don't really enjoy Safe As Milk that much. Not weird enough.

Frenchie, the way you get into Beefheart is like jumping into a pool. When you first jump in it is freezing and not too enjoyable. Then when you stay in the pool you start enjoying it and you don't want to get out. Lame analogy but it sums it up pretty well.

thanx guys. i liked the song "her eyes are a blue million miles" and "clear shot". i'll buy trout mask and freak out

Personally I've started with SHIP ARRIVING TOO LATE..., but I don't think it's a good choice to start with Zappa (It's grown on me later). My 2nd was ZOOT ALLURES, and it was the real great experience to me - to the date ZOOT ALLURES (1976) is my most favorite album by Zappa!

Also I recommend to you to start with SHEIK YERBOUTI (1979) or TINSEL TOWN REBELLION (1981).