I have been hearing so much about Zappa lately that it has sparked my curiosity. I'd like to know more about his music. Does anyone have any recommended listenings for me (or any other non-Zappa fan) to start with? I like pretty much straight-up rock-n-roll and blues. I've been listening to Thing Fish which is hilarious, but I'm interested in some of that amazing guitar work that I hear so much about.
Well if you're interested in hearing just great guitar work, I would recommend Shut Up And Play Yer Guitar (3 CDs) and Guitar (2 CDs). It's just Frank solos, so if guitar solos is what you're interested in, these two are the CDs to get.
If you want to hear some of Frank's music (lyrics and all with great solos thrown in), I would recommend:
Sheik Yerbouti
Zoot Allures
Joe's Garage
Really great stuff.