FRANK ZAPPA - HOT RATS 12" Vinyl LP Album

- German Release with Gatefold Album Cover

"Hot Rats" is the second solo album by Frank Zappa. It 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. In his original sleeve notes Zappa described the album as "a movie for your ears."

 

FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold German Release 12" LP Vinyl Album album front cover

Hot Rats: Zappa's Sonic Sauerkraut Soirée
Album Description:

Guten Tag, Musikfreunde! It's Frank, your favorite sonic chef, here to dish on the Deutsche edition of my culinary masterpiece, "Hot Rats." So grab your schnitzel and sauerkraut, and let's dive into this sonic feast.

Context is King, Kids

Released in Deutschland in 1969 by Reprise/Teldec Records, "Hot Rats" landed in a Germany still rebuilding and redefining itself. While the world was grooving to psychedelic rock and hippie anthems, I unleashed a sonic experiment that defied categorization and embraced a fusion of jazz, rock, blues, and even a touch of orchestral madness.

Genre? What Genre?

Some call it jazz fusion, others call it experimental rock. I call it music, and music doesn't adhere to labels. "Hot Rats" is a melting pot of styles, showcasing my eclectic tastes and relentless pursuit of sonic exploration. From the funky basslines and gritty vocals of "Willie the Pimp" to the complex, multi-layered instrumental brilliance of "Peaches en Regalia," this album is a sonic rollercoaster that will take your ears on a wild ride.

The Players: A Motley Crew of Virtuosos

This sonic adventure wouldn't have been possible without the help of some incredibly talented musicians. Captain Beefheart, the blues-rock iconoclast, lends his gravelly vocals to "Willie the Pimp." Jean-Luc Ponty, the French violin virtuoso, adds a touch of fiery brilliance to "It Must Be a Camel" with his electrifying solos. And let's not forget the contributions of Ian Underwood, Sugarcane Harris, and the legendary session drummer John Guerin, who all bring their unique flavor to the mix.

Studio Shenanigans: Where the Magic Happened

"Hot Rats" was recorded primarily in Hollywood, at TTG Studios and Sunset Sound Recorders. We experimented with different recording techniques, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with the technology of the time. Extensive overdubbing and tape editing were used to create a rich, multi-layered sound that was both innovative and groundbreaking for its era. The result is a sonic landscape that is both raw and polished, capturing the energy and spontaneity of the performances while still maintaining a high level of technical precision.

Controversies? We've Got 'Em

The German release of "Hot Rats" featured a unique gatefold cover, which, while not as controversial as the original US release, still raised some eyebrows with its risqué imagery. The explicit lyrics of "Willie the Pimp" also caused a stir among some conservative listeners, but hey, who said music had to be safe and sanitized?

A Sonic Smorgasbord for Your Ears

So there you have it, folks. "Hot Rats" is a sonic feast that defies categorization and challenges your musical preconceptions. It's a testament to my lifelong dedication to musical exploration and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. So crank up the volume, let the music take over, and experience the Zappa magic for yourself. Guten Appetit!

Music Genre:
  Acid Psych Prog Jazz Fusion-rock 
Album Production Information:
 

The album: "FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold" was produced by: Frank Zappa

Label & Catalognr Information:
Reprise Records 44 078 RS 6356 30,926
Media Format:
  12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram  
Year & Country:
  1969 Made in Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Frank Zappa – electric guitar, percussion, octave bass
  • Ian Underwood – organ, clarinet, flute, piano, saxophone

      Ian Underwood (Full-name: Ian Robertson Underwood ) was born in 1939 and an American multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and composer who is best known for his work with the musical group the Mothers of Invention, led by Frank Zappa. Underwood played various instruments, including keyboards, saxophone, and flute, on many of Zappa's recordings, and was also a contributing composer. He played a significant role in the development of Zappa's eclectic and innovative musical style and was a member of the Mothers of Invention from 1965 to 1970.

  • also featuring
  • Max Bennett – bass on all tracks except "Peaches en Regalia"

      Max Bennett an American bassist and session musician. He is known for his work as a session player in the 1960s and 1970s, appearing on numerous recordings by prominent artists in various genres, including jazz, pop, and rock. Bennett's bass playing can be heard on recordings by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley, and Quincy Jones. He was also a member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of Los Angeles-based session musicians who played on numerous hit records during the 1960s and 1970s.

  • Captain Beefheart – vocals on "Willie the Pimp"

    Captain Beefheart (Full-name: Don Van Vliet ) Captain Beefheart was the pseudonym of Don Van Vliet (1941-2010), an American musician, singer, and artist. He was best known as the frontman of the experimental rock group Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band, which he formed in the 1960s. Captain Beefheart's music was characterized by its eclectic and unconventional style, blending elements of blues, avant-garde, and psychedelic rock. He was known for his distinctive and often abstract vocals, as well as his innovative approach to composition and arrangement. Captain Beefheart retired from music in the 1980s to focus on painting and died in 2010 from multiple sclerosis.

    Read more...

    The origin of Captain Beefheart's stage name is uncertain, but there are several theories. According to one story, it was inspired by a passing comment made by a friend about a drawing that Don Van Vliet (Captain Beefheart) had created. The friend reportedly said the drawing looked like a "captain's hat" and the "beef heart" of a steer. Another theory is that the name was a reference to a fictional character created by Van Vliet, who was depicted as a bluesman with a heart made of beef. However, Van Vliet himself was often cryptic and evasive when asked about the origin of his stage name, adding to the mystery surrounding it.

    Don Van Vliet was born in Glendale, Los Angeles, California, United States on 15/01/1941. He was the first child of Glen Alonzo Vliet 27/06/1909 and Willie Sue Warfield 03/09/1913.

    When he was 25 years old, his father Glen Alonzo Vliet died (10/02/1966). When he was 66 years old, his mother Willie Sue Warfield died (20/02/2007).

    On 17/12/2010, he died in Arcata, Humboldt, California, United States when he was 69 years old. In Dec 2010, he was buried in Trinidad Cemetery, Trinidad, Humboldt, California, United States.

  • John Guerin – drums on "Willie the Pimp", "Little Umbrellas" and "It Must Be a Camel"

      John Guerin (Full-name; John Payne Guerin ) is an American drummer and percussionist. He is known for his work as a session musician in the 1960s and 1970s, appearing on numerous recordings by prominent artists in various genres, including jazz, rock, and pop. Guerin's drumming can be heard on recordings by artists such as Thelonious Monk, Nancy Sinatra, Linda Ronstadt, and Jaco Pastorius. He was also a member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of Los Angeles-based session musicians who played on numerous hit records during the 1960s and 1970s.

  • Don "Sugarcane" Harris – violin on "Willie the Pimp" and "The Gumbo Variations"

      Don "Sugarcane" Harris was an American electric violinist and guitarist. He was a pioneer of the electric violin and a prominent figure in the development of jazz-rock fusion. Harris began his career as a session musician and later formed the jazz-rock group The Don Harris/Debbie Sherry Quartet. He collaborated with many notable musicians, including Frank Zappa, who produced several of his albums, and Jeff Beck, with whom he formed the group The Jeff Beck Group. Harris was known for his virtuoso playing style and innovative approach to the electric violin. He passed away in 1999.

  • Paul Humphrey – drums on "Son of Mr. Green Genes" and "The Gumbo Variations"

      Paul Humphrey Paul Humphrey an American drummer and percussionist. He is known for his work as a session musician in the 1960s and 1970s, appearing on numerous recordings by prominent artists in various genres, including jazz, rock, and funk. Humphrey's drumming can be heard on recordings by artists such as Frank Zappa, The Doors, and Lou Rawls. He was a member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of Los Angeles-based session musicians who played on numerous hit records during the 1960s and 1970s. Humphrey is regarded as one of the most influential drummers of his time, known for his groovy and funk-infused playing style.

  • Shuggie Otis – bass on "Peaches en Regalia"

      Shuggie Otis (Full-name: Johnny Alexander Veliotes Jr. ) Shuggie Otis is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He was born in Los Angeles in 1953, and is the son of the legendary blues guitarist and bandleader Johnny Otis. Shuggie Otis began playing music at a young age and learned to play various instruments, including guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards. He recorded his first album, "Here Comes Shuggie Otis," in 1969 at the age of 16 and became known for his blend of blues, soul, and psychedelic rock. He went on to release several more albums in the 1970s and 1980s, but did not achieve widespread commercial success until later in his career. Otis's music was re-discovered and celebrated by a new generation of fans in the 1990s, and he has since continued to perform and record. He is considered a highly influential and innovative musician, known for his virtuoso playing and his eclectic blend of styles.

  • Jean-Luc Ponty – violin on "It Must Be a Camel"

      Jean-Luc Ponty a French jazz violinist and composer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most innovative jazz violinists of all time. Ponty began his career in the 1960s and quickly gained recognition for his virtuoso playing and his eclectic style, which blended elements of jazz, classical music, and rock. He has collaborated with many prominent musicians, including Frank Zappa, John McLaughlin, and Al Di Meola. Ponty is known for his inventive and experimental approach to the jazz violin, and his recordings and performances have influenced many musicians in the jazz, classical, and rock worlds. He has released over 30 albums as a leader and continues to tour and perform to this day.

  • Ron Selico – drums on "Peaches en Regalia"

      Ron Selico an American drummer and percussionist. He is best known for his work as a session musician in the 1960s and 1970s, appearing on numerous recordings by prominent artists in various genres, including jazz, rock, and pop. Selico's drumming can be heard on recordings by artists such as Frank Zappa, Wayne Shorter, and Chet Baker. He was also a member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of Los Angeles-based session musicians who played on numerous hit records during the 1960s and 1970s. Selico is regarded as one of the most talented and versatile drummers of his time, known for his ability to adapt to different musical styles and his dynamic and musical approach to drumming.

  • Lowell George - guitar (uncredited)

      Lowell George (Full-name: Lowell Thomas George ) was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was best known as the lead guitarist and frontman of the band Little Feat. George formed Little Feat in 1969 and the band became known for their unique blend of rock, blues, country, and R&B. They released several critically acclaimed albums in the 1970s, including "Dixie Chicken" and "Feats Don't Fail Me Now." George was known for his soulful voice, virtuoso guitar playing, and his songwriting, which was characterized by its humor, social commentary, and storytelling. He passed away in 1979 at the age of 34. Despite his relatively short career, George has been recognized as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of his time, and his music continues to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike.

     Lowell Thomas George was born in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States on 13/04/1945. He was the first child of Willard Hampton George 20/07/1889 and Florence Louise Shrote 28/01/1910.

     When he was 11 years old, his father Willard Hampton George died (23/10/1956).

     On 19/04/1950, he lived in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States. His occupation was an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer.

     On 29/6/1979, he died in Arlington, Virginia, United States when he was 34 years old.

  • Harvey Shantz – Snorks
Complete Track-listing of the album "FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold"

The detailed tracklist of this record "FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. "Peaches en Regalia" 3:38
  2. "Willie the Pimp" 9:25
  3. "Son of Mr. Green Genes" 8:58
    Side Two:
  1. "Little Umbrellas" 3:09
  2. "The Gumbo Variations" 12:55
  3. "It Must Be a Camel" 5:15

 

Front Cover Photo Of FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold German Release 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold German Release 12" LP Vinyl Album album front cover

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold German Release 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold German Release 12" LP Vinyl Album album back cover

Photo One Of The Inner Gatefold FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold German Release 12" LP Vinyl Album

Collage of photos with Frank Zappa on the inner page

Collage of photos with Frank Zappa on the inner page

Photo Two Of The Inner Gatefold FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold German Release 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold German Release 12" LP Vinyl Album inner gatefold cover

Close up of record's label FRANK ZAPPA - Hot Rats Gatefold German Release 12" LP Vinyl Album Side One

Record Label Details: Yellow Colour and Steamboat Logo Reprise Records 44 078 RS 6356 30,926 , GEMA

Record Label Details: Yellow Colour and Steamboat Logo Reprise Records 44 078 RS 6356 30,926 , GEMA
 
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
FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - In Europe / Inspiration WorldWhite
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA & MOTHERS OF INVENTION - In Europe / Inspiration WorldWhite (1971, Holland)  album front cover

WORLDWHITE Hi-Fi Concert Serie WWA 13 , 1971 , Holland

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,"

In Europe / Inspiration WorldWhite (1971, Holland)
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
FRANK ZAPPA & Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra - Lumpy Gravy
Thumbnail of FRANK ZAPPA & Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra - Lumpy Gravy (1968, GB)  album front cover

VERVE 2317 046 , 1968 , UK (United Kingdom)

"Lumpy Gravy "is the debut solo album by Frank Zappa, recorded with a group of session players he dubbed the Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra.

Lumpy Gravy (1968, GB) 12" LP
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
FRANK ZAPPA - Waka / Jawaka - Hot Rats (1972, USA)
FRANK ZAPPA - Waka / Jawaka - Hot Rats (1972, USA)  album front cover vinyl record

REPRISE 44209 , 1972 , Germany

"Waka Jawaka" is the jazz-influenced precursor to The Grand Wazoo (November 1972), and as the front cover indicates, sequel of sorts to 1969's Hot Rats. According to Zappa, the title "is something that showed up on a Ouija board at one time."

Waka / Jawaka - Hot Rats (1972, USA) 12" Vinyl LP
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) albums