Hot Rats

 Zappa's  "Blessed Relief", "Twenty Small Cigars", "Grand Wazoo" and "Waka Jawaka", along with countless others, is some of the most wonderful music I've ever heard. I saw him in concert three times and was amazed that he encouraged people to vote and had a voting registration area set up as you arrived at the venue.  His testimony in front of congress concerning censorship of music is noteworthy (John Denver was with him) and a testament to what kind of a man he was.  His last work at the end of his life, "The Yellow Shark" is, IMO, a final tribute to his true genius. Those who might dismiss him for his sarcasm and sexual innuendo are missing the true measure of his musical prowess. I have to say that it was Frank Zappa's music that first led me to John Coltrane...and from there into the rich and limitless world of jazz and elsewhere. 

Died to young indeed! I have the album as well and might have to put it on todays playlist.

Cancer Sux!

In case someone is wondering if they like him, listen to "Apostrophe".  If you do not love that, you will not be a fan of his other stuff, either.  Yellow snow and cooties?  Yup.

Don't go where the huskies go, please don't eat that yellow snow.

He always had great supporting players.  I saw him with Adrian Belew.

My fave albums are Hot Rats, Apostrophe but enjoy most.  Yellow shark was too difficult for an orchestra to play.  So Frank played a synclavier

This Hot Rat wasn't much for music.  He liked the whine of a 6-71 blower.