Are There Any Artists Better Than Frank Zappa?

[KingCrimson250]

I took a survey and the answer was "No, he is basically the best," though the only person polled was myself so it may be biased.

His 70s-era instrumental stuff is the best. It's hard to think of a better fusion album than Grand Wazoo, and Hot Rats is, well, Hot Rats.

 

[JazzAnarchy]

Yes

 

[MCab]

Do you know what you are? You are what you is.

And I love "Jesus thinks your a jerk." That song is for anybody who would be offended by it. I've been one of those jerks myself.

 

[If Not For Grace]

Almost All of em

 

[The Theory]

I took a survey and the answer was "No, he is basically the best," though the only person polled was myself so it may be biased.

hahaha! Nicely phrased. Kudos.

Anyway, Zappa is not a favorite artist of mine, although I generally enjoy what I hear. And if I take a step back from my personal favorites, it is hard to argue against Zappa--he is the best I can think off at combining absurd technical prowess, amazing songcraft, is highly original, and a weird/off-beat sensibility, as well as being VERY prolific (you know, putting the ol' icing on the cake).

My personal favorite musical artists are less balanced, like The Residents (high on original/weird/prolific, low on technical prowess/songcraft) or Sonic Youth (high on technical/songcraft/prolific, low on weird). And I don't think it is bad for an artist to be very strong in some areas but weak in others. But Zappa does all of them very well.

 

[Amber the Duskbringer]

Yes

This

 

[Fenny the Fox]

Depends what criteria you use, honestly.
-Skill and sheer knowledge of what he did with music? No. Can't find better/more talented.
- Proliferation and creativity? He was definitely up there.
-As far as musicality goes, though? Yeah, I would say there are better artists.

 

[If Not For Grace]

UP There

Could you have meant OUT THere? LOL

 

[Fenny the Fox]

Could you have meant OUT THere? LOL

When it comes to creativity...aren't they the same thing?

 

[markb77]

While I admire his musical abilities, it's always been difficult for me to get past the potty joke lyrics and the " look how many notes we can play each measure" style that seems to dominate so much of his music. I have a few of his albums, but they don't get much play.