Frank Zappa, the iconoclastic musician known for pushing boundaries, had a wide and varied taste in music. In a 1975 interview with Let It Rock magazine, he shared a list of his favorite albums and songs, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a musical genius. Let’s delve into Zappa’s selections and explore the music that resonated with him.
Zappa’s Top 10 Albums and Songs: A Diverse Mix
Zappa’s list transcends genres, encompassing rock, R&B, classical, and avant-garde music. His choices reveal an appreciation for both technical proficiency and emotional impact.
-
“Supernaut” by Black Sabbath: Zappa praised this heavy metal anthem as “prototypical” and lauded its well-crafted execution, particularly the background guitar riff.
-
After the Gold Rush by Neil Young: Zappa admired the album’s directness, melodic simplicity, and demo-like quality.
-
Between the Buttons by The Rolling Stones (US Release): Zappa favored the American version of this album for its social commentary, considering it superior to The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
-
Abbey Road by The Beatles (US Release): Zappa highlighted the exceptional mastering and engineering of this iconic album, though he critiqued the stereo placement.
-
Muddy Waters’ first album: Zappa simply declared this blues landmark “wonderful.”
-
The Devils of Loudun by Krzysztof Penderecki: Zappa appreciated this dramatic classical piece for its production quality and Tatiana Troyanos’ powerful vocal performance. He even recounted the enema scene with a mix of admiration and dark humor.
-
The Complete Works of Edgar Varèse Vol. 1: This avant-garde composition opened Zappa’s eyes to new musical possibilities.
-
“Three Hours Past Midnight” by Johnny “Guitar” Watson: Zappa recognized this track for its outstanding guitar solo.
-
“Story of My Life” by Guitar Slim: Another blues guitar masterpiece that made Zappa’s list.
-
“Who Will Be Next?” by Howlin’ Wolf: Zappa found this blues song deeply serious and impactful.
Beyond the Top 10: More of Zappa’s Favorites
Zappa also mentioned several other notable tracks and artists, including Mott the Hoople, The Orchids, Tomorrow, The Velours, The Paragons, and Richard Berry. He particularly praised Berry’s uncredited influence on R&B and shared an anecdote about Berry selling the rights to “Louie Louie” for a mere $5,000.
Let It Rock: Zappa’s Enduring Legacy
Frank Zappa’s diverse musical tastes reflect his innovative spirit and rejection of conventional boundaries. His “Let It Rock” interview provides a valuable insight into the music that shaped his creative vision, solidifying his legacy as a true original. His appreciation for technical excellence, emotional resonance, and artistic innovation continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike.
