This album came at the perfect time for me. I'm just getting into Zappa's universe, and i came across this album for a very cheap price. Being a bored guitar player looking for something fresh, I somehow found out about Zappa's intelligent, crazy, humorous music, and have not looked back since. "Hot Rats" is now my favorite album from the genius, and I think it's the perfect introduction to Frank...for someone who is not too familiar with his music. There are some cool..COOL riffs and raw guitar solos on this disk (like on "Willie the Pimp"), as well as great compositional things that he was well known for. The track "Gumball Variations" is a 16 minute groove that kicks off with a bad@%# bass line. Awesome jam section on there. My favorite, however, is "Little Umbrellas" which doesn't even feature guitar at all (at least, not that i can tell). There are some beautiful piano/organ lines that are played in tandem with a vibraphone or other instrument that not a lot of people would have dared to try within a rock context. This album is a great medium between accessible rock riffs for the average listener, as well as extraordinary compositional skills from a true, twisted genius ahead of his time, Frank Zappa.Read full review
If you put this album on and played everything sans "Willie the Pimp" people would think it's either Mahavishnu or one of the other prog/fusion groups of the 70's. The last person they would think it is would be Frank Zappa. Between Ponty on violin or just the charts themselves this album is a gold classic. Zappa started getting better players who could handle his difficult arrangements and it's nice to hear the man who once said, "Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny!-"Zappa Live at the Roxy and Elsewhere actually play it.
I always like Frank Zappa as teenage in my younger days. Frank one of kind with idea of music, there nobody like him. Now, " Hot Rats ", I have had more than one time in my life time listing to Zappa. I grow up with Zappa & Mothers. Music on Hot Rat fun and I like it and worth list or two even money. 5 out 5winner to me Frank Zappa " Hot Rats " ... You just got to love cover, Kids and again music.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a very ecelectic Zappa solo disc, a popular critics choice, but perhaps not to all tastes. Zappa really was quite experimental, this borders on rock jazz, it's pretty avant garde. Outstanding tracks include the melodic Peaches and Regelia, and a long guitar jam on Willie the Pimp, in which Zappa is reunited with Captain Beefheart on vocals. Early vintage era Zappa. In my opinion, better than Burnt Weenie Sandwiches but not as good as Chungas Revenge. It's a Rycko disc, in a green tint jewel case, remastered by Frank Zappa himself before he died. Not the best place to start if you are new to Frank Zappa, but essential once you've aquired the taste!
If you are a fan of Frank Zappa, this CD is a must have. Great stuff, great musicianship and high quality product. Highly recommend.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in CDs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on CDs