Frank Zappa - Hot Rats

October 10th, 1969

Bizarre/Reprise

Frank Zappa's 'Hot Rats' turns the big 5-5. It's what many refer to as 'peak' Zappa - I wouldn't disagree in any way. Zappa's freaked out fusion of Jazz's balls-to-the-wall unpredictability and the experimental lean of raunchy rock collide with an exuberantly rugged elegance. A coming together of things which seem to be at odds with one another, yet have always existed side-by-side. Described by Zappa as a 'movie for your ears', Hot Rats is an artsy, at times piss-takey, at times super serious piece of musically bold ambition. 

Peaches En Regalia. What an intro. No words, yet it lets the listener know that Hot Rats isn't going to be an everyday experience. The ever-changing up-and-downs of flow and feel keep the listener guessing, on their toes, on the edge of whatever, wherever, the edge is. 

Hot Rats rolls in on a wave of bombastic sprite, a vivacity and lushness of life. The next track, Willie The Pimp, has words. Once again, they're not the everyday experience. Into the dirt we go. Swamp-y submersion. Covered in a holy-moly-thrift-store-scent, Willie is a dirty one indeed. Unwashed and reeking of last weeks leftovers and dusty forgotten things. Spent all his money and awaits the next government cheque. Brew breathe. Onions essence. 

Hot Rats, in many ways, leaves the 'out there'-ness out there and hones in on musicianship. You still get the quizzical, baffling bouts of what-the-fuckery along the way, but they're more in tune with the overall feel of it all. Aligned on a consistent level.

Little Umbrellas has this snake-charming-like looseness. A head-bopping, body-gyrating groove. Electric keys evoke a sleazy, laidback laze. A level of trust in the process which to many looks like a total lack of conscious being, but to some brings it all home. 

The drummer's on one. He's probably on many. Hot Rats ends how it begins. No words, just go! 

Eat your greeeeens x