Album Rating: 4.0

yeah it definitely requires some patience, although unlike Uncle Meat where there's tons of stuff going on and so many complex passages, this kind of drags and has a few bits here and there that could really use some trimming.

Album Rating: 4.0

Well I can become a little bit frustrated when the lyrics seem to take more room and importance than the music itself since English is not my mother tongue. And I'm more fond of the 70s when it comes to Zappa. I feel this actual album didn't click to me yet, cause it doesn't contain enough gorgeous musical bridges like I'm used to.

Album Rating: 4.0

absolutely, though when it comes to vocal Zappa, this reminds me of Absolutely Free quite a bit. only issue is, this doesn't contain as much instrumental passages as that did. Here, the vocals take more importance to make use of the political satire, but on Absolutely Free, the mothers equally balanced the politics with intricate, jazzy instrumentals that made the two suites seamless and practically flawless.

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

There's too much information in this album too process in a single spin especially some of the vocal/guitar parts at the end of the first few tracks. There's a density to this one.

Album Rating: 4.5

@Jethro: That makes sense even if I disagree.



I know the lyrics are in the forefront on here, but I wouldn't say that the music is really played down per say. Maybe make sure you're in a silly mood next time you give it a spin.



@Fripp: Maybe the "Society Pages"-"Conehead" medley could use a bit of trimming, but in my opinion, that's about it.

Album Rating: 4.0

@Fripp, Absolutely Free? 1967? Not too much dated?

Album Rating: 4.0

When it comes to political satire, it's always going to be dated with few exceptions. The production isn't as good, but it works far more better as an album than this, and serves its purpose in only 38 minutes compared to the 60+ minutes of this. Dated? Maybe, but it's a better album overall.

Album Rating: 4.0

@Ars; You're right, they give all they got instrumentally, but I still prefer when they prioritize the instrumental passages over the lyrics. And I'll take your advice about the mood to get before re-listening to the album.

Album Rating: 4.5

"in only 38 minutes compared"



So you listen to the version without "Big Leg Emma" and "Why Don'tcha Do Me Right"

added?





Also, I wouldn't compare the two albums too much, since what they're satirizing is different.

Absolutely Free satirizing sex, fake people and the changing culture, as compared to You Are

What You Is satirizes, the government, religion, racial inequality, and drug use.

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

Why try to compare?

Album Rating: 4.0

It all begun when Fripp presented me Absolutely Free.

Album Rating: 4.0

those two tracks make it around 41 minutes.



Absolutely Free was mainly political satire as well, however from an entirely different standpoint.

Album Rating: 4.5

"those two tracks make it around 41 minutes. "



I know I was just wondering. :P



"Absolutely Free was mainly political satire as well, however from an entirely different standpoint."



That's what I was saying.



Honestly, my biggest problem with Absolutely Free is that I feel like The Vegetable suite (with the exception of the flawless Invocation & Ritual Dance of the Young Pumpkin) overstays it's welcome by like 2 songs. Also I never cared for "Status Back Baby."



The rest is gold though, without those flaws, I would have 5'd it.

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

There's not much political satire in You Are What You Is really. Maybe some on the surface. I think it's more about indulgence.

Album Rating: 4.5

Only 3 songs are focused on indulgence.



Plus not all of satire of YAWYI is political. He also covers drug use, suicide, and race

stereotypes. In the silliest way possible of course.



(P.S. I'm listening to it as we speak, up to "Conehead" :D)

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

I more struck by the vocals than anything else in this album. Why do the lyrics and subject matter get discussed more than the musical content?

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

I'm

Album Rating: 4.5

"Why do the lyrics and subject matter get discussed more than the musical content?"



You know what you're right!



"Suicide Chump" has awesome bluesy guitar, and Ray White provides god teir vocals in "Doreen", plus those lounge moments in "I'm a Beautiful Guy" and "Beauty Knows No Pain" is wonderful" and just about everything else. :D

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

It's Zappa working for the first time in the studio he built. Of course the music is going to be indulgent. Introducing Steve Vai, come on!

Album Rating: 4.0

^^^^ This