@avclub-59c4e0a1cedba7dc5ff1541ac8b60028:disqus I've heard several people make the exact same comment that he "hated music," but I never really understand what people mean by this. Pop music? Possibly. However, he had a very genuine love for doo-wop, '50s rhythm and blues, and classical music.

@avclub-59c4e0a1cedba7dc5ff1541ac8b60028:disqus I've heard several people make the exact same comment that he "hated music," but I never really understand what people mean by this. Pop music? Possibly. However, he had a very genuine love for doo-wop, '50s rhythm and blues, and classical music.

I think they're just vastly different musicians. I like them both without feeling any need to rank one over the other.

I think they're just vastly different musicians. I like them both without feeling any need to rank one over the other.

Hopefully, some of these issues will be fixed (or just further complicated) with these new reissues. The new Hot Rats CD contains the original vinyl mix.

Hopefully, some of these issues will be fixed (or just further complicated) with these new reissues. The new Hot Rats CD contains the original vinyl mix.

The problem with 80s Zappa for me is that was the point where he really began to value complexity over musicality. There's still some great stuff there, but I really can't think of an 80s release that I would recommend to a newcomer.

The problem with 80s Zappa for me is that was the point where he really began to value complexity over musicality. There's still some great stuff there, but I really can't think of an 80s release that I would recommend to a newcomer.

Ha, I remember that movie! Good ol' Griffin Dunne. I also remember a scene of "Frank" in his home studio working on some generic new age music.

Ha, I remember that movie! Good ol' Griffin Dunne. I also remember a scene of "Frank" in his home studio working on some generic new age music.

For several years, I was content with the five or so Zappa LPs in my dad's record collection. It was when I heard Strictly Commercial that I thought, "Oh shit, now I need to hear everything."

For several years, I was content with the five or so Zappa LPs in my dad's record collection. It was when I heard Strictly Commercial that I thought, "Oh shit, now I need to hear everything."

I actually know a lot of people who can't stand The Grand Wazoo, which has always puzzled me. It's probably in my top five Zappa albums. The riff to "Eat That Question" is one of the best things he ever did.

I actually know a lot of people who can't stand The Grand Wazoo, which has always puzzled me. It's probably in my top five Zappa albums. The riff to "Eat That Question" is one of the best things he ever did.

I agree with you on Joe's Garage. Even in the height of my Zappa fandom, I always thought it was a bit overpraised. It also kind of marked the beginning of his lyrics going from silly and dirty to just plain gross.

I agree with you on Joe's Garage. Even in the height of my Zappa fandom, I always thought it was a bit overpraised. It also kind of marked the beginning of his lyrics going from silly and dirty to just plain gross.

@avclub-b6e5391be8277308d0801a0be95ac706:disqus A good chunk of Zappa's material (maybe even a majority) is sung by other vocalists though. Guys like George Duke, Ray Collins, and Napoleon Murphy Brock have great voices.

@avclub-b6e5391be8277308d0801a0be95ac706:disqus A good chunk of Zappa's material (maybe even a majority) is sung by other vocalists though. Guys like George Duke, Ray Collins, and Napoleon Murphy Brock have great voices.

Hmmm, I've heard many criticisms of Zappa, but a lack of misanthropy sure isn't one of them.

Hmmm, I've heard many criticisms of Zappa, but a lack of misanthropy sure isn't one of them.