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Freak
Out (1966)
Frank Zappa’s landmark and groundbreaking first release is anything but freaky. It was the first gatefold vinyl album and gives us a first glimpse of the imaginative and creative way in which Zappa’s album covers were designed. As we know Zappa produced so many different styles of music throughout his career but funnily enough his first recording was for the most part quite straightforward and stripped down rock music with hints of blues influence also. Compared to other artists Freak Out is eccentric but relative to Zappa’s catalogue is almost easy listening when you look at his later albums such as Weasles Ripped My Flesh. Hungry Freaks Daddy opens the album an upbeat rock song that has a catchy tune and strong fun lyrics, a good start. Next is Ain’t Got Know Heart this is one of my favourite Zappa songs of all time in essence it is a mock love song , with crooning vocals and send up lyrics . To me it is a real love song and a really good one, a highlight. Go Cry On Someone Elses Shoulder and Motherly Love follow. The former is a bluesy mock love ballad which is very tongue in cheek but works, the latter is a bouncy happy go lucky track which is worth its place on the album. How Could I Be Such A Fool contines the mock love song theme in some style it is one of the better tracks on the album with a bit of doo wop style thrown in. Wowie Zowie is a strange but very quirky track which leans more towards pop music and the first side plays out with the classic You Didn’t Try To Call Me perhaps the best song on the album and it fits in perfectly with the mock love theme that is going on. An excellent first side to an album nearly all the songs are very good and there are a few classics in there also. Anyway The Wind Blows is another favourite of mine and quite possibly the greatest Zappa song of all time (high praise). This version is good but not as good as the one that appears years later on The Lost Episodes. I’m Not Satisfied is more rock and blues which again is consistent with the album so far and hits the spot alright. You’re Probably Wondering Why I’m Here is great fun and next is most peoples highlight of the album as a whole the politically motivated and witty Trouble EveryDay this is one of Zappa’s most recognizable songs . Zappa offers us an interesting political commentary on the LA Race Riots and way race and colour still played a large part in American culture a very innovative and satirical piece. Unfortunately the last three songs on the album are to my mind an unlistenable blur of strange sound recordings that remind me of the worst elements of Zappa’s music, it goes avante garde at the end and feels out of place on a rather flowing lyric driven album. They don’t do much harm though and Freak Out is one of Zappa’s best albums in my view. You should buy this album for the social context, the music and the pure fun that is Zappa’s debut, essential.
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