246 - Frank Zappa - Freak Out!

Let's face it. After several weeks of listening to Freak Out!, I am hardly any closer to understanding Frank Zappa as I was beforehand. This album gets a lot of respect from me. But do I like it? Do I hate it? Emotionally, I'm very confused by this album.

The first half of the two-LP set is a collection of pop songs. But listen to the lyrics and notice the instrumentation. While there are several contemporary sounding, doo-wap, or classic rock n roll songs, Frank has put his own twist on each of them. The love songs actually are critical of love and love songs themselves. A certain punk-like apathy is used in much of the vocal delivery...which in some songs remind me of Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers.

Lastly, there is a collection of long, experimental songs which fill the second LP. Some are elaborate soundscapes or sound collages. You know how intrigued you were when you first heard The Beatles' "Revolution #9?" Well, this was recorded two years before and has more interesting moments to me than the Fab Four's later creation.

It is a very clever album. Intellectually speaking, there is much to absorb and debate in these songs. I would find it a good exercise to write up a paper analyzing the lyrics and Frank's use of pop genres to further highlight his lyrics. But if you were to walk up to me on the street, I probably would struggle to think of a song that latched itself to my head. During my time of listening to the Top 500 Albums list, I've had numerous songs stuck in my head (the good and the bad). However, even with nearly a month of listening, the songs on this album have yet to hook me.

Songs I Knew I Liked: None

Songs I Now Like: Looking over the list while listening, I can tell you that I do enjoy hearing "Motherly Love," "You Didn't Try To Call Me," and "Anyway the Wind Blows."

Songs I Can Go the Rest of My Life Never Hearing Again: Much of the album I wouldn't miss. Some songs I felt compelled to skip after repeat listens, but "Wowie Zowie" leads the pack in grating on my nerves.