You've opened a real can of worms here. Whenever people ask for opinions about the "best" Zappa albums they get a wide divergence of suggestions because he produced so many different kinds of music -- the early silly yet brutal "comedy" Zappa, the sophisticated jazz/rock Zappa, the Flo and Eddie Zappa, the guitar Zappa, etc.

By way of background (and giving away my age), I stumbled onto We're Only In It For The Money in about 1969, when I was in 9th Grade. I was stunned. I bought (and still have and play!) every album that came out thereafter (and before!) and attended at least one concert every time he came through NYC -- whether at the Fillmore East, the Palladium or the Felt Forum -- until his death.

When it comes to suggesting an album or albums, it's very difficult because my associations date back to 1969 or 1975 or whenever -- associations that will mean nothing to you. That said, I'll suggest a few, pointing out my biases. Take it with a pound -- not just a grain -- of salt.

Early Zappa/Mothers -- We're Only In It For the Money (1968). A hilarious yet brutal take on American Culture. If you like this, try Freak Out and Absolutely Free.

Early "Jazz/Rock" Zappa -- Hot Rats (1969). If you like this, try Waka/Jawaka and The Grand Wazoo.

Early Comedy/Guitar/Flo and Eddie Zappa -- Live At The Fillmore East June 1971. A personal favorite because I attended several of these. Incredibly nasty skits (warning: some indecent but hilarious material) and amazing and amazingly sophisticated music. If you like Flo and Eddie, try Just Another Band from LA (1972).

Middle Zappa: Apostrophe (1974), which you cited. Just a great all-round album. FWIW, probably my most-played album during college. If you liked this, I'd suggest Over-Nite Sensation (1973), One Size Fits All (1975), Roxy and Elsewhere (1974) and (a little more distantly) Zappa in New York 1978.

A Bit Later: Joe's Garage Parts I and II (2 albums, 1979), which you also mentioned -- Both biting social commentary and heavenly guitar. "Watermelon in Easter Hay" (from Part II) contains one of the great guitar solos ever played. If you like the "guitar" Zappa (and live his guitar solos were simply overwhelming) there are several guitar solo collections such as "Shut Up 'N' Play Yer Guitar".

Happy listening!

e

• Tempest Sub Construction Pix

You are the definitive Zappa source. Thank you for all the insightful suggestions and historical context. I envy you having experienced his music personally. Foolish me. Your summations of his vast body of work will be of great help to me. Because, you know... "my python boots are too tight. Whaaaaaahh. I could'nt get em off las night. Twaaaaa-dudlempf, A week went by,waaarwump, an now it july, waadudleudleump. I finally got em off an my girlfriend cried... You got stink foot, doontdodoontdoontdooon, stink foot darlin, doontdodoontdooontdododoodleoont. Your stink foot.....puts a hurt on my nose.Twaaaatwaaaatwaaaatwaaa." What fabulous stuff! Oh, and dynamite job on that sub. "Herrrre fidooo, nice little puppy. Fetch me the slippers."

I was very lucky to have stumbled onto FZ at an impressionable age. I am firmly convinced that early exposure to FZ opened my ears so that, decades later, I now love all sorts of music. The present day composer refuses to die!

Have a great time listening!

• Cats, Tubes, Speakers, Shop, etc.