A lot of my friends, including/especially those with musical tastes as refined and open-minded as my own, say they’re baffled by my love for the music of Frank Zappa. However, once a discussion starts revealing the when, how, and what behind their own first exposures to the extensive Zappa catalog (with nearly 100 albums released by the time of his death), I find that my friends simply went too deep, too fast, into the stacks of wax that comprise Zappa’s output.
Some — okay, much— of Zappa’s music requires a gradual introduction by way of his more accessible and recognizable works, a bit of preparation, if you will, in order to warm up to his more adventurous compositions and recorded performances.
Although I’m a longtime Zappaphile (and the author of the pictured comic book bio) with around 80 vinyl albums and I dunno how many CDs making my floorboards sag ever downward toward the basement, my own favorite Zappa releases aren’t necessarily the ones I’d recommend to listeners wanting a taste of his most accessible stuff. Zappa painted outside the lines so much, it was often hard to see the whole picture...
Sooo, with December 4 marking the 20th anniversary of Frank Zappa's death, these are my recommendations, explanations, and related exultations for anyone looking for a crash course in Zappology.
Read on...
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
 | The Lost Broadcasts DVD - £9.99 |
| The Interview Sessions CD - £9.99 |
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