FRANK ZAPPA – Hot Rats 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Reprise TELDEC German Gatefold LP Release

Album Front Cover Photo of FRANK ZAPPA – Hot Rats Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

Hot Rats isn’t just an album — it’s the moment Frank Zappa broke free from gravity. This 1969 beast slithers out of the speakers like a neon-pink serpent, fusing jazz, rock, swamp-boogie and sheer cosmic weirdness into something that still feels dangerous. From the explosive swagger of Willie the Pimp to the unreal, almost cartoon-bright precision of Peaches en Regalia, every second is Zappa flexing his studio wizardry. It’s wild, it’s brilliant, it’s unrepeatable — the kind of record that rewires your brain before you even notice what’s happening.

Table of Contents

Album Description:

“Hot Rats” stands as Frank Zappa’s first *official* solo studio album after the breakup of the original Mothers of Invention, released in October 1969. Built almost entirely on instrumental compositions, it reshaped Zappa’s public identity and became one of his most influential records. Its blend of jazz-rock fusion, precision editing, and multi-layered arrangements marked a major leap forward in his production style.

The late-sixties musical landscape was shifting, and Zappa used that freedom to push beyond genre boundaries. The album fuses jazz, rock, blues, and orchestral textures, presented with dense arrangements and extensive overdubbing. Tracks such as *Peaches en Regalia* highlight his compositional detail, while *Willie the Pimp* injects raw blues energy and remains the album’s sole vocal performance.

Zappa surrounded himself with a group of exceptional musicians, each contributing a distinctive voice. Ian Underwood’s woodwinds form the backbone of much of the record, while Jean-Luc Ponty adds electric-violin fire to the closing track. Don “Sugarcane” Harris delivers high-intensity violin improvisation, and Captain Beefheart provides his unmistakable vocal performance on *Willie the Pimp*. These contributions give the album much of its character and unpredictability.

Recording took place primarily at TTG Studios and Sunset Sound in Hollywood. Zappa relied heavily on multitrack recording, tape editing, and overdubs — techniques that were still uncommon at the time. These studio experiments shaped the album’s highly polished, almost surreal layering of instruments, creating a sound that was far beyond standard late-sixties production aesthetics.

The album’s striking visual identity also attracted attention. The cover, photographed by Andee Nathanson and featuring a color-shifted image of a woman emerging from a crypt-like setting, sparked mild controversy but quickly became iconic. It reinforced the album’s experimental spirit and added to its reputation as a bold artistic statement.

Today, “Hot Rats” is widely regarded as a landmark in jazz-rock fusion and a defining moment in Zappa’s catalog. Its adventurous arrangements, meticulous studio craftsmanship, and innovative use of technology continue to influence musicians across genres. The album’s legacy endures as a vivid example of how far rock music could stretch when guided by curiosity, discipline, and a refusal to follow convention.

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

Music Genre:

Rock, Jazz Fusion Rock

Jazz-fusion rock blends improvisation, complex arrangements, and electric instrumentation, merging jazz techniques with rock’s energy. “Hot Rats” became a defining example of this hybrid form, pushing studio technique and composition far beyond typical 1969 rock records.

Label & Catalognr:

Reprise Records / Teldec – Cat#: RS 6356

Album Packaging

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

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Weight: 280 gram

Year & Country:

1969 – Germany

Production & Recording Information:

Producers:
  • Frank Zappa – Producer As producer of “Hot Rats,” Zappa built the album around dense multitracking, razor-sharp edits, and a studio-as-instrument approach that pushed late-60s technology to its limits. He oversaw every arrangement, tape splice, instrument layer, and mix decision, crafting a sound that fused jazz improvisation with rock precision. His hands-on control shaped the album’s signature clarity, stereo depth, and experimental structure.
    Frank Zappa Wiki
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Cal Schenkel – Album Cover Design For “Hot Rats,” Cal Schenkel delivered one of the most striking visual identities in Zappa’s catalog. The surreal, infrared-tinted photograph paired with his stark layout echoed the album’s experimental textures. Schenkel’s work framed the music as something outside mainstream rock packaging, giving “Hot Rats” a bold, other-worldly aesthetic that sharpened its cult status among collectors and fans.
    Cal Schenkel Wiki
Recording Location:

TTG Studios & Sunset Sound – Hollywood, USA

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Captain Beefheart – vocals on "Willie the Pimp" Captain Beefheart, born Don Van Vliet (1941–2010), was a groundbreaking musician, singer, and artist known for his avant-garde rock fusion. As the visionary behind "Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band", his 1969 album "Trout Mask Replica" redefined experimental music. With a unique blend of blues, jazz, and surrealism, his influence spans generations. Learn more in his biography.
  • Frank Zappa – electric guitar, percussion, octave bass Zappa’s guitar work on “Hot Rats” anchors the fusion-driven sound, shifting between melodic phrasing and sharp rhythmic accents. His octave-bass parts, overdubs, and percussive touches shaped the album’s layered textures, especially on pieces like “Peaches en Regalia” and “Son of Mr. Green Genes.” His approach treated the studio as a compositional tool, defining the album’s identity.
    Frank Zappa Wiki
  • Jean-Luc Ponty – violin on "It Must Be a Camel" Ponty’s electric violin on “It Must Be a Camel” adds a fluid, jazz-oriented voice that elevates the song’s unusual rhythms and shifting harmonies. His phrasing moves between lyrical lines and sharp, angular accents, complementing Zappa’s intricate arrangement. Ponty’s tone and improvisational bias help give the track its modern-jazz edge, widening the album’s fusion palette without overpowering the ensemble.
    Jean-Luc Ponty Wiki
  • Don "Sugarcane" Harris – violin on "Willie the Pimp" and "The Gumbo Variations" Sugarcane Harris delivered some of the album’s most aggressive and free-form soloing, especially on “The Gumbo Variations,” where his violin lines spiral into bluesy distortion and raw improvisation. His tone—gritty, expressive, slightly unhinged—perfectly matched Zappa’s push toward boundary-breaking fusion. His interplay with the rhythm section injected urgency and spontaneity into these jams.
    Don “Sugarcane” Harris Wiki
  • Lowell George – guitar (uncredited) Lowell George’s uncredited guitar contributions on “Hot Rats” add subtle rhythmic accents and textural colour, particularly in ensemble passages where Zappa layered multiple instruments. His touch is felt in the blended tones and supportive phrasing that help drive the album’s fluid, jazz-rock interplay. Though brief, his presence enhances the collaborative studio atmosphere surrounding the sessions.
    Lowell George Wiki
  • Max Bennett – Bass guitar Max Bennett was a powerhouse session bassist whose smooth, precise tone carried him through eras of jazz, pop, and fusion. He worked with the L.A. Express, logged countless West Coast sessions, and slipped into Zappa’s orbit with the same calm skill he brought everywhere else.
    Max Bennett Wiki
  • Shuggie Otis – bass on "Peaches en Regalia" On “Peaches en Regalia,” the teenage Shuggie Otis brings a warm, melodic bass feel that locks tightly with Zappa’s stacked arrangements. His playing adds bounce to the tune’s shifting sections, bridging the jazz-inspired harmonies with a subtle groove. Though young, his tone control and rhythmic intuition help give the track its smooth, flowing pulse, supporting one of the album’s most iconic compositions.
    Shuggie Otis Wiki
  • Ian Underwood – organ, clarinet, flute, piano, saxophone Underwood is the album’s secret engine; he performed an enormous portion of the melodic and harmonic layers, often overdubbing multiple wind and keyboard parts. His contributions drive tracks like “Peaches en Regalia” and “Little Umbrellas,” where his precise playing anchors the harmonic complexity. His versatility allowed Zappa to build dense arrangements far beyond what a standard ensemble could achieve.
    Ian Underwood Wiki
  • John Guerin – drums Guerin’s drumming on “Willie the Pimp” lays down a loose yet driving groove that acts as the foundation for the extended improvisations. His subtle jazz phrasing, ghost notes, and dynamic shifts keep the track fluid without overwhelming the soloists. His approach bridges the album’s rock edge with its heavy jazz-fusion sensibility, giving the jam its unmistakable momentum.
    John Guerin Wiki
  • Paul Humphrey – drums on "Son of Mr. Green Genes" and "The Gumbo Variations" Humphrey’s crisp, controlled drumming gives “Son of Mr. Green Genes” its steady backbone, navigating the tune’s shifting accents and layered instrumentation with precision. On “The Gumbo Variations,” he switches into a looser, more exploratory mode, supporting Harris’s violin and the ensemble’s wild improvisations. His stylistic adaptability adds depth to the album’s fusion palette.
    Paul Humphrey Wiki
  • Ron Selico – drums on "Peaches en Regalia" Ron Selico’s drumming on “Peaches en Regalia” adds a subtle rhythmic push beneath Zappa’s meticulously layered arrangement. His playing keeps the track grounded while allowing the complex melodic sections to breathe. With tight snare work and understated cymbal touches, Selico helps sustain the song’s buoyant pulse without drawing focus away from the intricate orchestration.
    Ron Selico Info
  • Harvey Shantz – Snorks Harvey Shantz’s contribution to “Hot Rats” is one of the album’s most curious details: the “snorks,” a playful, organic sound effect layered into selected passages, adding humour and texture to Zappa’s already experimental palette. Though brief, these vocalised noises highlight the album’s willingness to embrace odd sonic elements, reinforcing its surreal, free-form studio atmosphere.
    Harvey Shantz Info

Complete Track-listing:

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

Disclaimer: Track durations shown are approximate and may vary slightly between editions or reissues.

Album Front Cover Photo
The front cover of Frank Zappa’s album Hot Rats shows a surreal, infrared-style photograph with heavy magenta tones. A woman with wild, curly red hair rises from an empty concrete pool, her eyes staring directly at the viewer while only the top half of her face is visible above the edge. Her pale arms reach outward, fingers splayed dramatically on the concrete border. Behind her, the landscape glows in unnatural pink hues, with trees, grass, and shadows tinted like a dream warped by heat and color inversion. At the top, FRANK ZAPPA is printed in bold black capital letters, and at the bottom the title HOT RATS appears in matching type. The overall effect is eerie, theatrical, and unmistakably part of Zappa’s strange artistic universe.

This front cover of the German first TELDEC pressing of Hot Rats is a vivid, otherworldly image built around a surreal and colour-shifted photograph. Dominated by glowing magenta and deep infrared tones, it shows a woman emerging from the edge of an empty concrete pool. Only the top half of her face is visible at first glance — wide, dark-rimmed eyes peering directly at the viewer — while her curled red hair spills outward in a fiery halo. Her arms stretch over the faded concrete lip of the pool, fingers extended as though she’s climbing out of some forgotten dreamscape.

The background is a field of unnaturally tinted grass and thick trees washed in hot pink, turning the setting into something between a psychedelic hallucination and a horror tableau. Subtle signs of age appear on this physical copy: small scuffs along the edges, a faint handwritten marking in the top right corner, and light surface wear that testifies to decades of real-world handling. These imperfect details anchor the image in the physical reality of vinyl collecting, where every sleeve carries its own history.

At the top, the artist’s name FRANK ZAPPA is printed in bold black capitals, commanding the upper margin with stark clarity. At the bottom, the album title HOT RATS mirrors that visual weight. Label logos — including the distinctive Bizarre Records emblem — sit at the upper right. The result is a front cover that radiates the album’s experimental spirit: bold, mischievous, and tinged with a warped sense of humour, perfectly matching the groundbreaking fusion sound within.

Collector’s Note: Why the Hot Rats Cover Never Became Iconic

The strange truth is that the *Hot Rats* cover never became instantly recognizable because it simply refuses to play by the usual rules of iconic album imagery. Where iconic covers hinge on bold symbols and instant readability, this one presents a surreal dreamscape that works more like a mood than a logo. Its strength—its weirdness—also makes it harder for the mainstream brain to latch onto.

The composition hides more than it reveals. The woman’s eyes barely peek over the concrete ledge, and the infrared-magenta palette turns the whole scene into a warped hallucination. Iconic covers typically offer clear shapes or immediately legible subjects, but *Hot Rats* greets you with ambiguity, distance, and an intentionally unsettling sense of “what am I looking at?”

Zappa’s visual strategy didn’t help either. He never built a consistent visual brand across albums; each release looks like it crawled out of a totally different universe. Where other artists grow mascots, signature fonts, or repeated symbols, Zappa changed identities every record. Without repetition, images rarely evolve into cultural shorthand.

The psychedelic infrared effect—cutting-edge in 1969—also tied the cover tightly to its era. It’s bold, yes, but it ages like a specific photographic experiment rather than a timeless visual motif. It’s not a prism, not a banana, and not a baby swimming toward a dollar bill. It’s a memory of a moment rather than a universal symbol.

Finally, Zappa wasn’t a mainstream megastar. For an album cover to go global-icon mode, it needs saturation: posters, shirts, reissues, cultural references, all the endlessly repeated background noise that makes an image part of collective memory. *Hot Rats* became musically iconic, but visually it remained a cult artefact—cherished by collectors, invisible to everyone else.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats album, showing the same surreal magenta-washed scene as the front but framed wider: a woman with fiery, curly hair peers from inside an empty concrete pool, her eyes shadowed and intense while her hands grip the pool’s edge. The surrounding grass and trees glow in hot pink and infrared-like tones, creating an eerily artificial landscape. At the top right sits the catalog number RS 6356, while faintly printed track titles and production credits appear along the lower edge of the image. The composition feels both theatrical and unsettling, as if capturing a frozen moment from a psychedelic fever dream.

This back cover of the first German Hot Rats TELDEC release expands the album’s iconic surreal photograph into a wider, even more dreamlike frame. The woman reappears in the drained concrete pool, her vivid curls glowing like a burning halo against the intense magenta wash. Only her eyes and hands rise above the pool’s edge, giving the scene a haunting, half-emerged presence. The infrared-style colour treatment blankets everything — grass, trees, shadows — in an unnatural pink glow that dissolves the boundary between real space and psychedelic illusion.

The setting feels deserted and strangely timeless: tall trees stand in the background as towering silhouettes, their trunks faded into deep, shadowy bands of purple and black. The vacant pool stretches behind the figure, revealing cracked concrete, faint debris, and odd geometric angles that pull the eye into the scene. Subtle signs of wear on this physical copy — including gentle scuffs, corner impressions, and a small area of surface loss near the bottom — add a collector’s sense of history to the artwork.

At the top right corner sits the catalog number RS 6356, the only strong typographic element on an otherwise image-dominated back sleeve. Near the bottom, the tracklist and credits are printed in faint, nearly translucent white text, blending into the intense magenta grass and becoming legible only upon close inspection. This design choice reinforces the album’s mood: experimental, mysterious, and deliberately difficult to grasp at a glance. It is an image that rewards slow looking — a visual echo of the album’s layered, exploratory sound.

Photo One of Inside Page Gatefold Cover
Inside-left gatefold collage of Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats German TELDEC pressing, featuring a grid of photographs showing Zappa in various states of performance, studio work, candid conversation, and surreal artistic experiments. The top row shows Zappa under bright stage lighting, in a control room wearing a green t-shirt, and seated at a table mid-gesture during a meal. The middle row includes a street portrait with another man at iron gates and a psychedelic long-exposure image with streaks of neon light and scribbled lettering. The bottom row shows a faint blue-toned image of Zappa shielding his face, a decorative text panel for Willie the Pimp, and a blurred photograph of a dining table. The overall composition is a chaotic visual scrapbook reflecting Zappa’s humour, intensity, and studio-era personality.

This inside-left gatefold panel of the German Hot Rats TELDEC pressing unfolds as a vivid collage of Zappa’s world in motion. The top row features three contrasting photographs: Zappa onstage bathed in yellow and red lighting, Zappa in a studio control room wearing a green t-shirt with cigarette in hand, and Zappa seated at a table mid-conversation with a fork raised, surrounded by plates, bottles, and the casual clutter of a lived-in recording life. These images show him shifting between performer, producer, and uncompromising creative mind.

The middle row blends documentary realism with psychedelic abstraction. On the left, Zappa stands outdoors wearing a bowler hat beside another man, both captured in a candid moment near iron gates. On the right, a long-exposure photograph swirls with neon light trails and chaotic colour, with the word FLAUIENS scratched or written across the dark background, injecting a sense of playful visual anarchy into the layout.

The bottom section deepens the collage’s eclectic personality. A soft blue-toned image shows Zappa shielding his face with one hand, almost as if resisting the camera’s gaze. Beside it lies a decorative panel containing lyrics and credits for Willie the Pimp, framed in ornate lines reminiscent of vintage certificates. Further right, a blurred photograph of a tabletop scene — half abstraction, half memory — adds another layer of texture. A small printed dedication to Dweezil, Bub, and Moon strengthens the page’s personal undertone.

Together, these fragments form a visual scrapbook of Zappa’s creative universe — part candid diary, part psychedelic artboard. Each photograph offers a different angle on his eccentric world, from the raw energy of studio work to his eccentric humour and the strange beauty of controlled chaos. This gatefold interior captures the restless imagination behind Hot Rats, giving collectors an intimate look at the Zappa behind the sound.

Photo Two of Inside Page Gatefold Cover
Inside-right gatefold panel of Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats German TELDEC pressing, featuring a striking black-and-white portrait of Zappa on the left side, his long hair wild and uncombed, moustache and goatee sharply defined, and a patterned scarf tied loosely around his neck. Below the portrait is a decorative Captain Beefheart cameo-style frame with a small colour photograph. To the right of Zappa’s portrait is a vivid pop-art block of neon colour with Ian Underwood shown in a stylised cut-out pose over abstract shapes. The bottom section contains musician credits, engineer listings, studio details and the full tracklists for Side One and Side Two printed in white against a black background. The layout combines stark portraiture, psychedelic colour, and dense technical credits in a single bold composition.

This inside-right gatefold panel of the German Hot Rats TELDEC pressing presents one of the album’s most visually arresting juxtapositions. The left half is dominated by a stark black-and-white portrait of Frank Zappa, his long unkempt hair falling in loose waves and his trademark moustache and goatee sharply defined. A patterned scarf knots loosely around his neck, softening the severe expression in his eyes. Beneath this portrait sits a decorative cameo-style frame featuring a small, colourised photograph of Captain Beefheart, reinforcing his key vocal cameo on the album.

To the right, the page erupts into full psychedelic colour. A pop-art block of neon pink, green, yellow, and blue overlays a stylised cut-out image of Ian Underwood, who appears mid-performance, leaning into a microphone with intense concentration. The surrounding abstract shapes echo late-1960s experimental printing techniques, creating a bold contrast with Zappa’s black-and-white realism. The effect is deliberate: a split view of the album’s contrasting energies, one reflective and grounded, the other vibrant and electrically charged.

The entire lower section of the gatefold is a dense field of printed information. Musician credits, recording personnel, studio names, engineering roles, and copyright statements are arranged in tight, justified blocks of white text against a solid black background. The complete tracklists for Side One and Side Two sit prominently on the right, giving the page a functional backbone beneath the artistic collage. The typography is crisp but packed, demanding close attention — exactly the kind of deep-dive detail Zappa fans relish.

As a whole, this interior panel blends portraiture, pop-art, and documentary credits into a single layered composition. It captures the duality of Hot Rats: meticulous studio craftsmanship on one side and explosive colour and imagination on the other. For collectors, this gatefold is a window into the personalities and processes that shaped one of Zappa’s most legendary albums.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of the Side One Reprise Records yellow riverboat label for Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats German TELDEC pressing, showing the classic stylized riverboat illustration at the top, the bold red-orange Reprise ‘r’ logo, the catalogue number RS 6356, the GEMA collection society box, and the tracklist printed in clean black type. The label is pressed on a warm mustard-yellow background with a matte finish, and the rim text states manufacture by TELDEC Germany. Side One includes Peaches En Regalia, Willie the Pimp, and Son of Mr. Green Genes.

This Side One label of the German TELDEC pressing of Hot Rats features the iconic Reprise Records yellow riverboat design, a visual trademark used throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. The background is a warm mustard-yellow, soft in tone but unmistakably vivid, giving the label a vintage character that instantly signals the era of release. The thick vinyl centre spindle hole sits perfectly in the middle, surrounded by clean, evenly spaced typography.

At the top sits the detailed Reprise riverboat illustration: a stylized showboat with billowing flags, tall decorative smokestacks, and curved awnings, drawn in a crisp black line-art style. This graphic was Reprise’s hallmark emblem, symbolizing entertainment, theatricality, and the label’s roots in artist-driven creativity. Just beside it is the bold red-orange Reprise “r” logo set within a square, marking this as part of the label’s established visual identity.

Below the logos, the artist name FRANK ZAPPA is printed in strong uppercase lettering, followed by the album title HOT RATS. The tracklist is laid out in three neatly numbered lines: “Peaches En Regalia,” “Willie The Pimp,” and “Son Of Mr. Green Genes.” The catalogue number RS 6356 appears to the right, paired with the STEREO designation and the Side 1 marker.

The left side features the boxed GEMA rights society indicator and the German marketing number (30 926), unique to this TELDEC-manufactured edition. Along the rim, fine black print reads: “MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY BY TELDEC GMBH,” identifying the pressing plant and confirming the record’s regional origin. The bottom triangle contains the 33 RPM speed marker, typical of Reprise labels of the time.

All elements combine into a clean, balanced layout: centred track titles, symmetrical logo placement, and a classic late-60s yellow Reprise aesthetic. This label not only identifies the pressing but embodies the unmistakable style of Reprise/TELDEC production during Zappa’s early solo years.

Reprise Records, Germany Label

This German TELDEC-pressed Reprise label uses the classic yellow riverboat design — a signature style associated with late-60s Reprise LPs. The artwork blends theatrical imagery with clear functional layout, making it instantly recognizable to collectors. This label design was used by Reprise Records between 1968 and 1973.

Colours
Mustard-yellow background, black typography, red-orange Reprise square logo
Design & Layout
Top logos, centred artist/title, left-aligned rights boxes, bottom RPM triangle
Record company logo
Detailed black riverboat illustration; red-orange Reprise “r” emblem
Band/Performer logo
No dedicated band logo; standard typed name “FRANK ZAPPA”
Unique features
GEMA rights box, German marketing number (30 926), TELDEC rim text
Side designation
Printed as “Side 1” to the right of the catalogue number
Rights society
GEMA (Germany)
Catalogue number
RS 6356
Rim text language
English
Track list layout
Three numbered tracks centered under album title
Rights info placement
Left and right rim text, outer edge of label
Pressing info
Manufactured in Germany by TELDEC GmbH
Background image
Plain solid yellow; no texture or pattern
Close up of Side Two record’s label
Close-up of the Side Two yellow Reprise Records riverboat label for Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats German TELDEC pressing. The top features the classic black riverboat illustration with flags, smokestacks and decorative trim, accompanied by the red-orange Reprise ‘r’ logo. Side Two displays the catalogue number RS 6356, the GEMA rights box with the German marketing code (30 927), and the tracklist for Little Umbrellas, The Gumbo Variations, and It Must Be a Camel. Manufactured in Germany by TELDEC GmbH, the rim text encircles the mustard-yellow background in crisp black type, completing the late-60s Reprise label aesthetic.

This Side Two label of the German TELDEC pressing of Hot Rats features the unmistakable Reprise Records yellow riverboat design, presented here on a warm mustard-yellow background that immediately evokes the label’s late-1960s era. The printing is sharp and clean, with the spindle hole perfectly centred in the matte-finish paper label. The track numbering and spacing are even, giving the label a highly balanced, symmetrical look.

The top of the label showcases the ornate riverboat illustration — a stylized showboat complete with tall smokestacks, fluttering flags, curved railings, and intricate decorative lines. This emblem served as Reprise Records’ visual identity, symbolizing artistic showmanship and the label’s roots in musician-driven creativity. To its right sits the bold red-orange Reprise “r” logo in a square box, providing a striking contrast against the yellow background.

Below the artwork, the performer credit FRANK ZAPPA appears in uppercase, followed by the album title HOT RATS. The track listing is printed in a clean three-line layout, listing “Little Umbrellas,” “The Gumbo Variations,” and “It Must Be A Camel,” all credited to Zappa. To the right, the catalogue number RS 6356, the STEREO format, and the Side 2 designation are neatly arranged in a right-aligned block.

The left side contains the boxed GEMA copyright society stamp, alongside the German market code (30 927), which identifies this variant uniquely as a TELDEC-manufactured edition for the German market. The rim text is printed in a tight circular band, reading “MADE IN GERMANY BY TELDEC GMBH” and the familiar Reprise rights restrictions. At the bottom sits the 33 RPM speed symbol inside a black triangle.

The overall layout, typography, and yellow riverboat background remain consistent with Side One, making Side Two instantly recognizable as part of the same pressing. Together, the design elements reflect Reprise/TELDEC’s precise production standards and the unmistakable vinyl aesthetic of the late 1960s.

Reprise Records, Germany Label

This Side Two label uses the classic Reprise yellow riverboat design, produced in Germany by TELDEC GmbH. It reflects Reprise’s late-60s visual identity, combining the iconic riverboat line-art with bold typography and structured layout. This particular label style was used by Reprise Records between 1968 and 1973.

Colours
Mustard-yellow background, black text, red-orange Reprise logo
Design & Layout
Logo banner on top, centred titles, right-aligned side info, bottom RPM triangle
Record company logo
Detailed riverboat illustration with flags and smokestacks; Reprise “r” square emblem
Band/Performer logo
No performer-specific logo; standard uppercase performer name
Unique features
German GEMA box, marketing code (30 927), TELDEC pressing rim text
Side designation
Printed as “Side 2” near catalogue number
Rights society
GEMA (Germany)
Catalogue number
RS 6356
Rim text language
English
Track list layout
Three numbered tracks printed under album title
Rights info placement
Left and right outer rim text
Pressing info
Manufactured in Germany by TELDEC GmbH
Background image
Solid mustard-yellow with no patterns or texture

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