The British magazine Mojo dedicates an in-depth analysis to Frank Zappa, publishing its ranking of the 10 best albums made by the brilliant composer from Baltimore. “In every city there is always a loon, an outcast who is mocked but also, perhaps, slightly revered because he dares to think differently. He might even appreciate our music”, declared Frank Zappa in 1966, on the eve of the release of “Freak Out!”, the first Mothers Of Invention album – recalls Mojo. Over the next 26 years, until his death on December 4, 1993, Zappa made his outsider status a true trademark, turning anger into art and using humor as much as his extraordinary virtuosity to create some of the most provocative and innovative music of the 20th century.
“His production – underlines the magazine – crosses psychedelia, hard rock, jazz fusion, progressive rock, doo-wop, avant-garde and contemporary classical music. He was so prolific that, when the author of this article met him a few months before his death, he himself wasn't sure whether he had published 52 or 54 albums. Since then his catalog has expanded to over 75 records: a true labyrinth in which it is easy to get lost. It is therefore not surprising that Zappa enthusiasts argue for decades, often with great enthusiasm, on which are his essential works. Ask ten fans which are his best albums and in all likelihood you will get ten different rankings, accompanied by long explanations and perhaps even some afterthoughts. This selection – concludes Phil Alexander on Mojo – is therefore intended to represent an introductory guide to the work of the great American musician”.
Here are the ten best Frank Zappa albums – from tenth to first – according to the British magazine (here is the complete report):
10. Frank Zappa And Ensemble Modern – The Yellow Shark (1993)
9. Frank Zappa And The Mothers Of Invention – Uncle Meat (1969)
8. Frank Zappa – Chunga's Revenge (1970)
7. Frank Zappa – Joe's Garage Acts I, II & III (1979)
6. Frank Zappa – Lumpy Gravy (1968)
5. Frank Zappa – Läther (1996)
4. Zappa/Mothers – Roxy And Elsewhere (1974)
3. Frank Zappa And The Mothers Of Invention – One Size Fits All (1975)
2. Frank Zappa – Hot Rats (1969)
1. Frank Zappa/The Mothers Of Invention – Freak Out! (1966)
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
