FRANK ZAPPA & Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra – Lumpy Gravy 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Frank Zappa’s first fully solo studio experiment in tape collage, orchestral chaos, and mad-scientist precision.

Album Front Cover Photo of FRANK ZAPPA & Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra – Lumpy Gravy Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

“Lumpy Gravy” isn’t just another oddity in Frank Zappa’s catalogue—it’s the moment he decided that traditional album structure was for people who still sorted their socks. Born from a 1967 orchestral project that got legally punted to Verve, the record mutates into a wild collage of strings, chatter, tape splices and Zappa’s trademark mischief. It’s messy, brilliant and unapologetically strange, the kind of album that reminds you Zappa never aimed to please—only to provoke.

Table of Contents

Album Description:

“Lumpy Gravy” is Frank Zappa at full experimental voltage—a record that dodges every attempt to define it. Released by Verve in 1968 after a contractual tug-of-war with Capitol, it became Zappa’s first true studio solo album, the moment he stepped outside the Mothers and built a world that didn’t need a rock band to stand upright.

The album’s famously bloated credit line, Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra, wasn’t a psychedelic prank so much as a legal disguise. Capitol couldn’t credit Zappa by name in 1967, so an imaginary orchestra became the stand-in for a studio full of top-tier musicians. When Verve took over and stitched the project into its final form, Zappa’s name returned—but the bizarre orchestra title stayed, mostly because it suited the chaos a little too perfectly.

Musically, the album behaves less like a soundtrack and more like a runaway collage. Orchestral surges drift into musique concrète textures, tape edits hop around like they’re trying to escape the mixing desk, and motifs appear just long enough to get your attention before dissolving again. It’s Zappa composing with scissors, tape and a slightly mischievous sense of power.

The spoken segments—the so-called “voices inside the piano”—add that surreal narrative haze the album is known for. Despite the myths, none of this was recorded inside an actual piano; the effect comes from Zappa’s love of building miniature worlds out of dialogue and atmosphere, dropping the listener in without a map.

Notably, no Mothers of Invention appear anywhere on the record. Every orchestral line comes from session musicians whose clean precision sits in sharp contrast to the album’s deliberately fragmented structure. Zappa took their discipline and reshaped it into something that feels like controlled chaos.

“Lumpy Gravy” was never meant to charm the charts, but it aged into a cult artifact—a reminder that Zappa preferred provocation over predictability. For listeners who appreciate music that refuses to stay in its lane, the album still delivers that pleasant, bewildered grin he specialized in.

Album Key Details: Genre, Label, Format & Release Info

Music Genre:

American Rock, Jazz Fusion Rock

Label & Catalognr:

VERVE 2317 046

Album Packaging

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) with artwork and photos on the inside cover pages.

The album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics, and artwork/photos.

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo
Total Weight: 230g

Year & Country:

1968 – Made in UK / GB

Production & Recording Information:

Producers:
  • Nick Venet – Producer Nick Venet was an American record producer known for his early work at Capitol Records, shaping sessions for The Beach Boys, Bobby Darin, and The Kingston Trio. Active across the 1950s–70s, he helped define the West Coast studio sound. Nick Venet Wiki
Recording Information:

Recorded: February 1968

Band Members / Musicians:

Vocals
  • Larry Fanoga – vocals, chorus
  • Harold Kelling – vocals
  • Glenn Phillips – vocals
Guitars
  • Dennis Budimir – guitar
  • Jimmy "Senyah" Haynes – guitar
  • Tony Rizzi – guitar
  • Tommy Tedesco – guitar
  • Al Viola – guitar
Bass
  • Chuck Berghofer – bass
  • Jimmy Bond – bass
  • Roy Estrada – bass, chorus
  • Bob West – bass
Keyboards
  • Pete Jolly – piano, celeste, harpsichord
  • Michael Lang – piano, celeste, harpsichord
  • Lincoln Mayorga – piano, celeste, harpsichord
  • Paul Smith – piano, celeste, harpsichord
Drums & Percussion (Drum Set)
  • Jimmy Carl Black – percussion, drums
  • Frank Capp – drums
  • Alan Estes – percussion, drums
  • Victor Feldman – percussion, drums
  • John Guerin – drums
    John Guerin (John Payne Guerin) was a leading American session drummer active in jazz, rock, and pop. He recorded with Thelonious Monk, Nancy Sinatra, Linda Ronstadt, and Jaco Pastorius, and was part of the legendary Wrecking Crew.
  • Shelly Manne – drums
Woodwinds
  • Donald Christlieb – woodwind
  • Gene Cipriano – woodwind
  • Bunk Gardner – woodwind
  • Jules Jacob – woodwind
  • Ted Nash – woodwind
  • John Rotella – percussion, woodwind
French Horns
  • Vincent DeRosa – French horn
  • Arthur Maebe – French horn
  • Richard Parissi – French horn
Brass
  • Kenny Shroyer – trombone
  • Jimmy Zito – trumpet
Strings
  • Arnold Belnick – strings
  • Harold Bemko – strings
  • Joseph DiFiore – strings
  • Jesse Ehrlich – strings
  • James Getzoff – strings
  • Philip Goldberg – strings
  • Harry Hyams – strings
  • Ray Kelly – strings
  • Jerome Kessler – strings
  • Alexander Koltun – strings
  • Bernard Kundell – strings
  • William Kurasch – strings
  • Leonard Malarsky – strings
  • Jerome Reisler – strings
  • Joseph Saxon – strings
  • Ralph Schaeffer – strings
  • Leonard Selic – strings
  • Tibor Zelig – strings
Chorus
  • Monica Boscia – chorus
  • Louis "Louie The Turkey" Cuneo – chorus
  • Bruce Hampton – chorus
Percussion (Additional)
  • Gene Estes – percussion
  • Emil Richards – percussion

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting "Lumpy Gravy" Part One:
  1. The Way I See It, Barry
  2. Duodenum
  3. Oh No
  4. Bit of Nostalgia
  5. It's from Kansas
  6. Bored Out 90 Over
  7. Almost Chinese
  8. Switching Girls
  9. Oh No Again
  10. At the Gas Station
  11. Another Pickup
  12. I Don't Know If I Can Go Through This Again
Tracklisting "Lumpy Gravy" Part Two:
  1. Very Distraughtening
  2. White Ugliness
  3. Amen
  4. Just One More Time
  5. A Vicious Circle
  6. King Kong
  7. Drums Are Too Noisy
  8. Kangaroos
  9. Envelops the Bath Tub
  10. Take Your Clothes Off (covered by the NederBeat band “Gruppo Sportivo”)
Album Front Cover Photo
A dramatic, stylized portrait of Frank Zappa with long curly dark hair and a thick mustache, photographed from an extreme high angle so his head appears large and his feet seem distant. He stands against a reddish-brown background, wearing a blue T-shirt with the word PIPCO printed across the chest, suspenders draped over his shoulders, and a small red pin on the left strap. The lighting creates strong shadows under his facial features, giving the image an exaggerated, almost caricature-like intensity. Text elements on the right side of the cover run vertically, describing an electric symphony and chorus, while the album title appears in bold yellow lettering. The Verve Records logo sits in the lower left corner, anchoring the composition. The overall look is theatrical, surreal, and intentionally distorted, emphasizing attitude and artistic personality.

The image shows a striking, stylized photograph of Frank Zappa standing beneath a sharply angled overhead camera, making his head loom large while his feet seem far away. His long, curly hair frames a shadowed face with a strong mustache and pointed beard, and the lighting deepens the dramatic contours. He wears a blue T-shirt with the word PIPCO boldly printed across the chest, suspenders running over his shoulders, and a small red button pinned to one strap.

He stands on a wooden surface tinted by reddish studio lighting, which blends into a warm background gradient. The composition exaggerates depth and perspective, creating a warped, almost fisheye feeling. The right side of the cover contains stacked vertical text in black and yellow, announcing the album title and the large ensemble credited on the recording. A small Verve logo anchors the lower-left corner, identifying the label.

The overall visual effect is surreal, humorous, and intentionally off-balance — a design that matches the album’s experimental spirit. The photograph conveys character through posture, lighting, and angle, emphasizing a sense of eccentricity and theatrical presence.

Album Back Cover Photo
A dramatic portrait of Frank Zappa wearing a tall black top hat, leaning slightly forward with a wide grin and expressive eyes. The figure is dressed in a dark formal jacket with a white bow tie, set against a warm red background. The lighting creates deep shadows around the face and hat brim, adding theatrical impact. In the figure’s left hand, a white cloth or glove is extended outward as if being presented or offered. A small printed speech bubble near the upper right corner asks a cryptic question about a phase and money. The lower right shows a Bizarre Records illustration logo, featuring an old-fashioned mechanical contraption in a round frame. The overall composition blends humor, surrealism, and showman energy.

The image presents Frank Zappa dressed in a theatrical costume, wearing a tall, gleaming black top hat that catches the overhead light. The brim creates a dramatic shadow that partially masks the upper face, while the lower half is lit warmly, revealing a wide grin and expressive mustache. The figure leans slightly forward toward the viewer, heightening the sense of performance and intimacy.

Frank Zappa wears a dark formal jacket over a white shirt finished with a small bow tie. The ensemble is intentionally stage-like, blending elements of magician, ringmaster, and satirical showman. The background is a rich reddish-orange tone, evenly lit, creating a warm field that contrasts with the deep blacks of the hat and coat.

In the extended hand, Frank Zappa holds a soft white cloth or glove, positioned as if being presented to the audience. The gesture has a curious mixture of ceremony and parody, underscoring the playful tone of the image. The lighting highlights the folds and smooth texture of the fabric, giving it a ghostly glow.

A printed speech bubble appears in the upper right corner with stylized text asking, “IS THIS PHASE 2 OF: WE’RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY?” The words reference a larger artistic cycle, adding an extra layer of commentary. At the bottom right sits the Bizarre Records logo, drawn as an antique mechanical cage-like device, grounding the image in the visual identity of the label.

Photo One of Inside Page Gatefold Cover
A high-contrast black-and-white collage showing people in various poses, mixed with studio photography, handwritten chorus credits, and vertical album text. The left portion features musicians performing with instruments in a rehearsal or recording space, while the right side blends cut-out photos of people layered over one another, some smiling, some looking away. The handwritten list labeled 'chorus' includes multiple names and playful annotations. The Verve logo and catalogue number appear near the top, while graphic elements such as arrows, boxes, and stylized text contribute to the chaotic visual layout. The overall image resembles an experimental scrapbook combining orchestra documentation, candid imagery, and surreal montage.

The image is a dense, high-contrast black-and-white collage combining photographs, handwritten notes, and graphic elements. On the left side, a vertical title reads “the ABNUCEALS EMUUKHA electric SYMPHONY orchestra & chorus”, printed in bold, stacked lettering. Below this text is a documentary-style photo of musicians rehearsing or recording, with visible instruments and studio chairs arranged across a wide floor.

The center section contains label information, including the Verve Records logo, the catalogue number, and boxed design elements reminiscent of mid-century print layouts. Several small doodles and signatures appear nearby, suggesting production credits or informal acknowledgments. This area acts as a hinge between the structured left portion and the more chaotic right side.

On the right half of the composition, cut-out photographs of people overlap one another, creating a lively, almost theatrical tableau. Some figures smile directly toward the viewer while others look away or point, heightening the collage’s sense of movement and spontaneity. One prominent image shows a couple dancing or posing together, their expressions bold against the stark background.

A large handwritten section labeled “chorus:” lists numerous names, each written in casual, uneven handwriting. Several entries include humorous parenthetical notes, as well as crossed-out and corrected words. Additional mentions such as “omit Lawrence” and “and the rest of the guys from Atlanta” contribute to the informal, scrapbook-like feel of the artwork.

The entire collage mixes documentation, satire, and visual noise — reflecting a deliberately unpolished aesthetic that matches the experimental spirit of the music. The layering of text, images, and handwritten credits creates a sense of creative excess and playful disarray, as if inviting the viewer to decode a visual puzzle piece by piece.

Photo Two of Inside Page Gatefold Cover
A stark black-and-white collage mixing mechanical diagrams, bold handwritten instructions, fragmented silhouettes of people, and surreal cut-out imagery. Across the top, large lettering commands the listener to play side one first and turn the volume all the way up. On the left, a sharply dressed _PERSON_ appears mid-gesture, while a circular mechanical assembly arcs across the lower half of the image. Multiple duplicated head silhouettes form a patterned field, and a large upside-down face appears on the right. Near the bottom, a small seated _PERSON_ is depicted in a comic-like vignette with tiny printed text. Technical notes and Verve trademark lines run along the edges, giving the whole composition a chaotic mix of instruction sheet, satire, and avant-garde album art.

The artwork is a highly stylized black-and-white collage blending illustrated mechanics, handwritten commands, photographic fragments of people, and abstract negative-space shapes. Dominating the upper portion is a bold message in thick, uneven lettering: “NOTE: listen to side one first AND TURN IT ALL THE WAY UP!!” The instruction adds a mischievous, almost rebellious tone to the visual layout.

On the left side stands a sharply dressed _PERSON_, captured mid-gesture with their arm raised slightly. Their figure is printed in heavy halftone, giving a newspaper-like texture. Beneath them sweeps a large curved line resembling a drum rim or mechanical housing, overlaid with a highly detailed linear drawing of gears, pistons, and rods that suggest an exploded technical diagram.

To the right, a wide field of repeated head silhouettes appears — each identical, forming a patterned block that injects rhythm into the composition. Close by, a large upside-down face of a _PERSON_ emerges from the negative space, creating an unsettling but humorous juxtaposition. Another smaller cut-out of a seated _PERSON_ appears near the bottom center, reading or speaking inside a vignette framed by tiny printed text.

Additional production notes sit along the far right margin, including a Verve trademark notice and printed information about stereo compatibility. Small schematic diagrams in the corners reinforce the illusion of a technical manual colliding with absurdist collage. The overall design feels deliberately chaotic — part assembly guide, part visual satire, and wholly aligned with the album’s experimental ethos.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of the UK Verve Records Side One label for the album “Lumpy Gravy,” showing a dark grey background with the large Verve script logo at the top, a long-play arrow graphic through the spindle hole, catalog number 2317 046, 33⅓ r.p.m. speed marking, credits for The Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and detailed rim text indicating manufacturing in Great Britain under licence from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

This close-up reveals the Side One label of the UK pressing, printed in a matte dark grey tone that contrasts sharply with crisp white lettering. The large flowing Verve Records script dominates the upper portion, its bright, hand-drawn aesthetic standing out against the subdued background. Around it, small-print licensing text explains that the record was manufactured in Great Britain under licence from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the owner of the Verve trademark at the time.

A bold arrow-shaped graphic stretches across the label horizontally, pointing outward from the spindle hole. This arrow creates the visual anchor for the words LONG PLAY, reinforcing that the release is a traditional full-length LP rather than a single or extended play. Just above it, the speed marking reads 33⅓ r.p.m., printed in large, easy-to-read type on the left side.

The central text block identifies the album as Lumpy Gravy, performed by the Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Production credit is given directly beneath, and the compact layout places the composition title Lumpy Gravy – Part 1 on the right, along with the catalog number 2317 046. To the lower right, the publisher is listed as Carlin Music.

The rim text encircles the label in fine print, stating the manufacturer’s rights and prohibiting unauthorized reproduction or broadcast. The wording is entirely in English, typical for UK MGM/Verve pressings of the era. A faintly visible texture in the background suggests the original paper stock used by Polydor Records Ltd., the company responsible for UK distribution at the time.

Verve Records, United Kingdom Label

This UK Verve label variant features the late-1960s monochrome MGM-era design. It is printed with a matte dark grey background and the signature bright white Verve script, combined with the long-play arrow graphic characteristic of several UK pressings during 1967–1969. This particular label layout was used by Verve (UK) between 1967 and 1970.

Colours
Dark grey background with white text and graphics
Design & Layout
Large Verve script logo at top; horizontal LONG PLAY arrow; left-aligned speed; right-aligned catalog number
Record company logo
The Verve logo is a stylized handwritten script inside an implied circular framework. It conveys a modern jazz-inspired visual identity, originally used for Verve’s jazz catalog before being adapted for rock/experimental releases.
Band/Performer logo
None — all performer credits are in plain text.
Unique features
Arrow-shaped LONG PLAY graphic through spindle hole; MGM licensing text; Polydor distribution credit
Side designation
Large “1” printed on both left and right sides of the spindle hole
Rights society
None explicitly listed
Catalogue number
2317 046
Rim text language
English
Track list layout
Single track title “Lumpy Gravy – Part 1” printed on the right; album title centered on left
Rights info placement
Rim text around circumference; licensing text below Verve logo
Pressing info
Manufactured in Great Britain under licence from MGM
Background image
Flat matte dark grey fill; no photographic texture
Close up of Side Two record’s label
Close-up of the UK Verve Records Side Two label for “Lumpy Gravy,” showing a dark grey matte background with bright white text, the large Verve script logo, the LONG PLAY arrow graphic passing through the spindle hole, catalog number 2317 046, 33⅓ r.p.m. speed, and complete MGM licensing and UK manufacturing text around the rim.

This Side Two label is printed on a dark matte grey surface that gives the white lettering high contrast and crisp legibility. The large flowing Verve script dominates the top of the label; its calligraphic shape is a stylized signature originally designed to evoke a modern jazz aesthetic. Beneath it sits small-print text stating that the disc was made in Great Britain under licence from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., owners of the Verve trademark.

A striking horizontal arrow graphic labeled LONG PLAY cuts directly across the center, passing through the spindle hole. This arrow served two functions on UK Verve pressings of the period: visually branding the LP format and dividing the label into two clean text blocks — upper technical details and lower recording credits. The speed marking 33⅓ r.p.m. and the large side number 2 appear on the left, with the year © 1968 printed below.

The lower half contains the album title Lumpy Gravy, the performing ensemble (the Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra and Chorus), and production credit. On the right, the catalog number 2317 046 appears in bold type next to the track listing: Lumpy Gravy – Part 2 with publisher attribution to Carlin Music. The logical, minimal layout reflects the restrained graphic style of MGM/Verve labels distributed by Polydor Records Ltd. in the UK market.

Along the outer rim is a full circular band of legal text in English: a standard rights-warning formula confirming manufacturer control, prohibiting unauthorized broadcasting and copying, and identifying ownership of the recorded work. The rim text and clean monochrome palette are characteristic of late-1960s British Verve pressings. The paper stock’s subtle texture can be seen beneath the ink, suggesting a matte-coated paper typical of Polydor-printed labels of this era.

Verve Records, United Kingdom Label

This label represents the late-1960s UK Verve design, produced during the MGM licensing period and distributed by Polydor Records Ltd. It features a matte dark grey background, the iconic Verve script logo, and the prominent LONG PLAY arrow graphic used by Verve between 1967 and 1970. This variant is specific to British-manufactured LPs of the era.

Colours
Dark grey background with bright white print
Design & Layout
Large Verve script at top, LONG PLAY arrow across spindle hole, left speed & year, right catalog number
Record company logo
The Verve logo is a stylized handwritten script designed to resemble an artist’s signature, originally associated with modern jazz releases before becoming an MGM-era identifier.
Band/Performer logo
No performer logo; all credits set in plain text.
Unique features
LONG PLAY arrow, MGM licensing line, Polydor UK distribution credit
Side designation
Large “2” printed on left and right sides
Rights society
None shown on this label
Catalogue number
2317 046
Rim text language
English
Track list layout
Part 2 printed on right, album title and ensemble printed on left
Rights info placement
Full circular rim text; additional license line under logo
Pressing info
Manufactured in Great Britain under licence from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Background image
Flat dark-grey printed paper with subtle matte texture

Collector Notes & Album Curiosities

Sideways background, buried clues, and the oddball studio debris that help decode the glorious mess known as “Lumpy Gravy.”

Collector’s Note: Meaning of the PIPCO Shirt

The “PIPCO” lettering on the shirt isn’t a random fashion choice. It refers to the Performing Improvisational Pictorial Comedy Organization — an underground improvisation troupe active in California during the mid-1960s, living in the same countercultural current that fed early avant-garde rock and multimedia performance.

Their shows mixed satire, theater, improv, and unpredictable visual stunts, making them a natural part of the experimental ecosystem surrounding the Mothers’ early days. The name appearing on the shirt signals a link between the album’s surreal tone and the free-form artistic scene that shaped Zappa’s creative world.

For collectors, it’s a small but telling detail: the cover doesn’t just present an album — it captures the whole late-60s art-happening energy that fed his early work. The PIPCO reference is one of those “if you know, you know” easter eggs that anchors the photo firmly in its original cultural moment.

Collector’s Note: The “Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra”

The elaborate name “Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra” is pure Zappa mischief. It wasn’t a standing orchestra but a playful umbrella title he used to describe an ever-shifting collection of studio musicians, chosen for their precision, adaptability, and willingness to dive into his most eccentric compositions.

The phrase itself was part satire, part world-building. Zappa loved giving serious-sounding institutional names to musical ensembles that were anything but traditional, turning session players into a fictional orchestra with its own mythology. It let him frame experimental work with a tongue-in-cheek sense of grandeur.

For collectors, this credit line marks a turning point: Zappa moving beyond rock-band identity and building a personal universe of recurring names, characters, and musical constructs. The Emuukha tag shows up across several projects, signaling the early DNA of his future large-ensemble experiments.

Collector’s Note: Why “Lumpy Gravy” Is Zappa’s First Solo Studio Album

“Lumpy Gravy” holds a special place in Zappa’s catalog because it’s the first project fully credited to him alone. Unlike the Mothers’ albums, this wasn’t a band effort but a studio construction built from orchestral sessions, spoken-word fragments, razor-sharp edits, and experimental tape work done entirely under his direction.

The sessions didn’t revolve around a touring group or fixed lineup. Instead, Zappa assembled an eclectic mix of top-tier studio musicians and classical players, treating the studio like a laboratory. The result is a record that feels more like a personal manifesto than a rock album — his filmmaking brain applied to sound.

For collectors, this distinction matters. “Lumpy Gravy” marks the moment Zappa steps out as an autonomous composer, free from the commercial framing of a band identity. It’s the blueprint for the sprawling, genre-defying body of solo work he would build over the next decades.

Index of FRANK ZAPPA Vinyl Record Discography and Album Cover Gallery

FRANK ZAPPA - 200 Motels
FRANK ZAPPA - 200 Motels (1971, Germany) album front cover vinyl record

United Artists Records UAS 29 218 XD , 1971 , Germany

"200 Motels" is the 1971 American-British musical surrealist film cowritten and directed by Frank Zappa and Tony Palmer and starring The Mothers of Invention, Theodore Bikel and Ringo Starr.

200 Motels (1971, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - 200 Motels (Unofficial)
FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - 200 Motels TMOQ Green Vinyl (1971, USA) album front cover vinyl record

TMOQ TradeMark Of Quality , 1971 , USA

Bootleg recording capturing a live performance from the iconic rock band. Released on green vinyl, this collector's gem is alternatively known as "Contempo '70" among enthusiasts, distinguishing it from the official 200 Motels album

200 Motels TMOQ Green Vinyl (1971, USA) 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Apostrophe
FRANK ZAPPA - Apostrophe (1974, Germany) album front cover vinyl record

DISCREET DIS 59201 , 1974 , Germany

Frank Zappa's 1974 cult classic "Apostrophe" on 12" vinyl. Features Zappa staples like "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow" & a stellar band with Jean-Luc Ponty & Napoleon Murphy Brock.

Apostrophe (1974, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA - As An Am
FRANK ZAPPA - As An Am album front cover vinyl record

FOO-EEE RI-70537  

"As an Am" features recordings from three separate shows. Track 1 is from May 19, 1981 at Rockline, KLOS-FM, Los Angeles, California; tracks 2 and 3 are from May 21, 1982 at Sporthalle, Cologne, Germany and tracks 4-6 are from October 31, 1981 at The Palladium, New York City.

As An Am 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Bobby Brown b/w Stick it Out
FRANK ZAPPA - Bobby Brown b/w Stick it Out album front cover vinyl record

CBS S 8216   , 1979 , Germany

"Bobby Brown" is a satirical and humorous song that explores the life of the titular character, touching on themes of narcissism and societal expectations.

Bobby Brown b/w Stick it Out 7" Vinyl Single
FRANK ZAPPA CAPTAIN BEEFHEART THE MOTHERS - Bongo Fury
FRANK ZAPPA CAPTAIN BEEFHEART THE MOTHERS - Bongo Fury (1975, USA) album front cover vinyl record

LaDISCREET DS 2234 / 31,936 bel , 1975 , USA

This is the album released by Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart in 1975. The live portions were recorded on 20 & 21 May 1975 at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, Texas. Studio tracks were recorded in January 1975

Bongo Fury (1975, USA) 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Chunga's Revenge (Three International Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Chunga's Revenge (Three International Releases) album front cover vinyl record

Zappa's first effort of the 1970s marks the first appearance of former Turtles members Flo & Eddie on a Zappa record, and signals the dawn of a controversial epoch in Zappa's history

Chunga's Revenge (1970, Canada) Chunga's Revenge 1st German Release Chunga's Revenge (1970, Germany)
FRANK ZAPPA - Freaks And Motherfu*#@%!
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA - Freaks And Motherfu*#@%! album front cover

FOO-EEE RI 70539  

"Freaks and Motherfu*#@%! 12" Vinyl LP Album" captures a memorable live performance at Fillmore East, New York City, on 13 November 1 1970. The album features a blend of Zappa's unique musicality and humor, with tracks like "Call Any Vegetable" and "Wino Man" showcasing his avant-garde style. This LP offers a glimpse into Zappa's experimental genius during that era

Freaks And Motherfu*#@%! 12" LP
FRANK ZAPPA & THE MOTHERS - Grand Wazoo
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA & THE MOTHERS - Grand Wazoo (1972, Germany) album front cover

REPRISE 44209 , 1972 , Germany

This is the 1972 jazz fusion album by Frank Zappa. Composed and recorded during Zappa's period of convalescence following his assault in London, the album, along with its "twin brother" Waka/Jawaka (July 1972), represent Zappa's foray into big band fusion, the logical progression from Hot Rats (1969), which used a much smaller lineup.

Grand Wazoo (1972, Germany) 12" LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Guitar
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA - Guitar (1988, USA) album front cover

Barking Pumpkin Records D1-74212  , 1988 , USA

Guitar is the 1988 album by Frank Zappa. It is the follow-up to 1981's Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar; like that album it features Zappa's guitar solos excerpted from live performances, recorded between 1979 and 1984. It garnered Zappa his 6th Grammy nomination for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance".

Guitar (1988, USA) 12" 2LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats (Two Different Versions from Germany) 12" LP
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats (Two Different Versions from Germany) album front cover

This was released in October 1969. Five of the six songs are instrumental ("Willie the Pimp" features a short vocal by Captain Beefheart). It was Zappa's first recording project after the dissolution of the original Mothers of Invention.

Hot Rats - Germany Manufactured by TELDEC

Hot Rats - German Reprise Records
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - In Europe / Inspiration WorldWhite (1971, Holland) album front cover
FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - In Europe / Inspiration WorldWhite

Recorded in 1971 at Ahoy Hallen in Rotterdam. This collector's gem showcases the eclectic genius of Frank Zappa and his band. Side One features tracks like "Peaches En Regalia" and "Tears Began To Fall,"

FRANK ZAPPA - Joe's Garage Act I
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA - Joe's Garage (1979, Holland) album front cover

CBS 86101 , 1979 , Holland

This album "Joe's Garage Act I" is the 1979 rock opera by Frank Zappa. Zappa self-deprecatingly describes the album as a stupid little story about how the government is going to do away with music

Joe's Garage Act I (1979, Holland) 12" LP
Updated FRANK ZAPPA & Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra - Lumpy Gravy album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
FRANK ZAPPA & Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra – Lumpy Gravy

Zappa’s “Lumpy Gravy” is where he ditches the whole band identity and plunges into a wild orchestral collage stitched together with tape edits, surreal moods, and his trademark sideways humor. A fever-dream of strings, quirks, and attitude — and the first glimpse of the sprawling sonic universe he’d build for years to come.

FRANK ZAPPA - The Man From Utopia
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA - The Man From Utopia (1983, Holland) album front cover

CBS 25251 , 1983 , Holland

The album is named after a 1950s song, written by Donald and Doris Woods, which Zappa covers as part of "The Man from Utopia Meets Mary Lou".

The Man From Utopia (1983, Holland) 12" LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Meets the Mothers of Prevention
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA - Meets the Mothers of Prevention (1985, USA) album front cover

Barking Pumpkin Records ST-74203 , 1985 , USA

The album's title is a reference to the lobby group, the PMRC, who were campaigning to require record companies to put warning stickers on albums they considered offensive, and to Zappa's former band, The Mothers of Invention.

Meets the Mothers of Prevention (1985, USA) 12" LP
FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - One Size Fits All
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - One Size Fits All FOC (1975, Germany) album front cover

DiscReet Records DIS 59207 (Z) , 1975 , Germany

" One Size Fits All FOC" is the 1975 rock album by Frank Zappa The album features the final version of The Mothers of Invention, with George Duke, Chester Thompson, Ruth Underwood, Tom Fowler and Napoleon Murphy Brock.

One Size Fits All (1975, Germany) 12" LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Orchestral Favorites
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA - Orchestral Favorites album front cover

Discreet Records DSK 2294 , 1979 , USA

"Orchestral Favorites 12" is the original release capturing live recordings of the "Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra" at Royce Hall, UCLA in 1975

Orchestral Favorites 12" LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Piquantique Stockholm
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA - Piquantique Stockholm 1973 album front cover

FOO-EEE RI 60544

Piquantique a recording capturing Zappa's performance at Solliden, Skansen, Stockholm, on 21 August 1973, with one track from the Roxy in December 1973.

Piquantique Stockholm 1973 12" LP
FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Poot Face Booogie
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Poot Face Booogie album front cover

AMAZING KORNYFONE (aka KORNYPHONE) , 1971

"Poot Face Booogie" is a captivating 12" LP vinyl that combines live recordings from Frank Zappa's 1971 performance at Ahoy Rotterdam with studio recordings from 1968. Notably, Zappa sings "Geef Mij Wat Vloer Bedekking Onder Deze Vette Zwevende Sofa"

Poot Face Booogie 12" LP
FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Roxy & Elsewhere
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - Roxy & Elsewhere DLP FOC (1974, USA) album front cover

DISCREET 2DS 2202 31,792 , 1974 , USA

Most of the songs were recorded at The Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, California on December 8, 9 and 10, 1973. The material taken from the Roxy concerts was later amended with some overdubs in the studio

Roxy & Elsewhere (1974, USA) 12" 2LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Saarbrücken
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA - Saarbrücken 1978 album front cover

FOO-EEE RI-70543

This is an unofficial 2LP vinyl album that captures Frank Zappa's live performance at Ludwigparkstadion, Saarbrücken, Germany, on 3 September 1978.

Saarbrücken 1978 12" 2LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Sheik Yerbouti (Two European Releases) 12" 2LP
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA - Sheik Yerbouti (Two European Releases) album front cover

Known for its satirical lyrics and complex compositions, "Sheik Yerbouti" offers a unique blend of rock, jazz, and humor that has made it a classic in Zappa's discography.

Sheik Yerbouti - England Release Sheik Yerbouti - Holland Release
FRANK ZAPPA - Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch
FRANK ZAPPA - Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch (1982, Holland) album front cover vinyl record

CBS 85804 , 1982 , Holland

This album features five tracks composed by Zappa, and one song, "Valley Girl", co-written with Moon Unit Zappa, his daughter, who provided the spoken monologue mocking some of the Valley girls at her school

Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch (1982, Holland) 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar
FRANK ZAPPA - Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar 3LP Box-set (1981, Holland) album front cover vinyl record

  CBS 66368 , 1981 , Holland

"Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar" highlighting Zappa's virtuosity on the electric guitar. This album is a collection of instrumental compositions and improvised solos, emphasizing Zappa's exceptional guitar skills

Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar Box-set (1981, Holland) 12" Vinyl 3LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Them Or Us (Two European Editions) 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Them Or Us (Two European Editions) album front cover vinyl record

The album opens with "The Closer You Are", a soulful cover that showcases Zappa's versatility. His rendition of this classic by The Channels brings a new dimension to the song, setting the tone for the auditory adventure that follows.

Them Or Use - European Edition Them Or Us - French Edition
FRANK ZAPPA - Tinsel Town Rebellion
FRANK ZAPPA - Tinsel Town Rebellion DLP FOC (1981, Holland) album front cover vinyl record

CBS 88516 , 1981 , Holland

"Tinsel Town Rebellion" was conceived by Zappa after he scrapped the planned albums "Warts and All" and "Crush All Boxes", and it contains tracks that were intended for those albums.

Tinsel Town Rebellion DLP FOC (1981, Holland) 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA 'Tis The Season To Be Jelly , Live in Sweden 1967
FRANK ZAPPA 'Tis The Season To Be Jelly , Live in Sweden 1967 (Unofficial /Bootleg) album front cover vinyl record

FOO-EEE RI 70542 , 1967 , Stockholm

The hilarious album front cover of Frank Zappa's unofficial album "'Tis the season to be jelly" is an illustration of Frank Zappa wearing an Oxygen tank and showing off his green smelly sock.

Tis The Season To Be Jelly , Live in Sweden 1967 (Unofficial / Bootleg) 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Unmitigated Audacity (Unofficial / Bootleg)
FRANK ZAPPA - Unmitigated Audacity (Unofficial / Bootleg) album front cover vinyl record

FOO-EEE RI-70540

Unmitigated Audacity 12" Vinyl LP Album captures the energy of Frank Zappa's live performance at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, on 12 May 1974. This album features an eclectic mix of Zappa's iconic tracks,

Unmitigated Audacity (Unofficial / Bootleg) 12" Vinyl LP
Updated FRANK ZAPPA - Waka / Jawaka - Hot Rats (1972, USA) album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
FRANK ZAPPA - Waka / Jawaka - Hot Rats (1972, USA)

"Waka Jawaka" is the jazz-infused precursor to The Grand Wazoo, acting as a spiritual sequel to 1969’s Hot Rats. Released in 1972, the album blends complex horn arrangements with Zappa’s signature guitar work, and its title, according to Zappa, came from a Ouija board session.

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FRANK ZAPPA - You Are What You Is
FRANK ZAPPA - You Are What You Is (1981, Holland) album front cover vinyl record

CBS 88560 , 1981 , Holland

"You Are What You Is" is a captivating double LP gatefold vinyl album that showcases Zappa's musical and artistic prowess. Inside the gatefold cover, you'll find stunning artwork and photos.

You Are What You Is (1981, Holland) 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Zoot Allures (Two European Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
FRANK ZAPPA - Zoot Allures (Two European Releases) album front cover vinyl record

"Zoot Allures" was Zappa's only release on the Warner Bros. Records label. Due to a lawsuit with his former manager Herb Cohen Frank Zappa's recording contract was temporarily re-assigned from DiscReet Records to Warner Bros.

Zoot Allures - German Release Zoot Allures - Netherlands Release

The Mothers of Invention (with Frank Zappa) Vinyl Albums Discography