Hot Rats
by Frank Zappa

Instrumentally, this is probably Frank Zappa's strongest release including everything he did with the Mother Of Invention. The music on here just feels so full of life and ideas that it is so easy to get lost in the soundscapes he creates. This is primarily done through the use of his guitar which is simply phenomenal and it displays the control and quality he has over the instrument. On every track he shines with the guitar highlights for me being The Gumbo Variations and Willie The Pimp. We are treated to a diverse array of instrumentation as well with fantastic performances from his whole ensemble. A special mention has to be given to the incredible work from Ian Underwood who stands out as a vital piece of the puzzle which makes this all come together. The compositions from Zappa are just superb also with each one being allowed to breathe and given time to develop so that at the end of each track you go into the next one feeling extremely fulfilled with what you have heard. Overall, Zappa displays his musical genius once again with some progressive jazz rock that stood out at the time it was released and still stands out today as a musical masterpiece. (Edited)

oh thank god i was worried. you see i really like this and i dont want to turn into some tool trying to interlectulise an art form of beauty emotion fun and expression. Fortunately you think this is overrated. Maybe its just too fun or somthing? (Edited)

Here, Mr. Zappa proves his worth as a guitarist. 'Willie the Pimp' with its vocals from Captain Beefheart has one of the most amazing guitar solos ever. Throw a bit of jazz into a rock line up and you have a recipe for Hot Rats. (Edited)

From Cojo7 04/15/2016 14:03 | #163852 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Great music from Zappa, whatever genre of jazz or experimental rock it fall under. For a guy so well known for his comedic personality later in his career, he sure does make a good instrumental album with only one track of singing from Captain Beefheart. The guitar parts are spectacular, especially on Willie The Pimp and The Gumbo Variations. Peaches En Regalia is an all time classic and the other songs never drag because of the tremendously skilled musicians at work, I can hear how much of a perfectionist Zappa was. Great album that is far too low on the charts here, not even in the top ten for 1969! (Edited)

The invention of jazz rock? Masterpiece of this genre? Crazy tunes and noizes? Yes, yes and yes. Love it! (Edited)