Zappa?

I can't say I'm a Zappa fan. I'm more like a Zappa enthusiast; I appreciate and enjoy his work, but don't have a craving to own everything he has recorded. I just recently discovered Yellow Shark. Its Mr. Frank's contribution to his "classical music" interest. His compositions are performed by the Ensemble Modern. After listening to this CD, I now want to own everything Zappa has recorded. Some of the compositions on Yellow Shark just blow me away; its just sheer brilliance. I know that this recording may not be what you are looking for. And, there are probably just as many Zappa fans who wouldn't touch his classical work with a ten foot pole as there are fans who will tell you that these recordings are a "must have" for the Zappaphile. All I can say is that this album is one of the most remarkable ablums I have heard in a long time (not to mention the audio quality is fantastic) and one would be remiss not to give it a listen at the very least.

I'm 44 so I didn't see Frank live enough times, total of seven shows all told. To this day a standard to which all live bands should be held to (Steely Dan comes close though).

I'd strongly suggest you buy every record Zappa released, but that's just me. My favourite studio record is Tinseltown Rebellion (Zoot Alure, Joe's Garage, and Sheik Yerbouti are all close seconds). Must haves for any Zappa fan are the live albums "Does Humor Belong in Music" and "Live in New York". I'd also recommend you check out Boulez Conducts Zappa, the London Philharmonic release, and of course Jazz From Hell. Absolutely brilliant musician, I doubt there'll be another in my lifetime close to FZ. He was a genius.

Still have a special affinity for "We're Only In It For the Money" after all these years. Don't have "Joe's Garage" but will soon.
Johnrob, you're right when you say music threads are the best part of Audiogon.

Don't think anyone mentioned another of Frank's earlier albums, Uncle Meat. I'd rate this double LP with his best efforts. I saw the Mothers perform this live, and also saw Frank and the Mothers with Flo & Eddie on their Live at the Fillmore, 1971 tour. That was some gig. I can't forget Frank's ranting about getting busted for porn while performing the same material in Miami. Suppose the mores in Vermont differed from Miami!

From the older albums, 'Burnt Weeny Sandwich' and 'Chunga's Revenge' are very nice too !