Name: Hot Rats
Brand: Frank Zappa

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

238411

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2020-05-06

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Universal

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0824302384114

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

238412

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2012-08-06

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Frank Zappa

Genre GB

Classic

Label GB

Frank Zappa was an American composer, lyricist, songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, bandleader, conductor, producer, and filmmaker. Born on December 21, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland and passed away on December 4, 1993, in Los Angeles, California. Zappa's music combined elements of contemporary classical figures such as Igor Stravinsky and Karlheinz Stockhausen with a love for doo-wop and rock &amp; roll. He was known for his satirical lyrics and wicked sense of humour that delighted fans even when pushing the boundaries of taste.Zappa was a prolific record maker who produced massive amounts of music on his own labels including Bizarre Records, Straight Records, and Barking Pumpkin Records. After unhappy associations with Warner Bros. Records and MGM in the past, he gained control over his old albums in the 80s and began reissuing them through Rykodisc. Throughout his career, Zappa stayed at the forefront of technology investing in equipment and home studio facilities to have full control over production.In 1988 he released his official autobiography and embarked on a world tour before being diagnosed with cancer in late 1991 which ended his live performances. His wife Gail became the figurehead of the Zappa Family Trust (ZFT) until her death in 2015. The ZFT continued producing posthumous releases under their children's guidance.

UMC, short for Universal Music Catalogue, is a prominent label under the UK branch of Universal Music. Established around 2016, UMC has been dedicated to preserving and promoting an extensive collection of music from various genres and eras. With its rich catalogue, UMC offers music enthusiasts a diverse range of timeless classics and hidden gems.

In 2023, UMC underwent a rebranding process and emerged as Universal Music Recordings. This new identity further solidifies their position as a leading force in the music industry. As Universal Music Recordings, they continue to curate and release exceptional music that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Whether you're seeking iconic hits or discovering lesser-known treasures, UMC (now known as Universal Music Recordings) ensures that the power of music remains accessible to all who appreciate its magic.

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Hot Rats is the second solo album by Frank Zappa. It was originally released in October 1969. Five of the six songs are instrumental ('Willie the Pimp' features a short vocal by Captain Beefheart). It was Zappa's first recording project after the dissolution of the original Mothers of Invention. In his original sleeve notes Zappa described the album as "a movie for your ears." Because Hot Rats largely consists of instrumental jazz-influenced compositions with extensive soloing, the music sounds very different from earlier Zappa albums, which featured satirical vocal performances with extensive use of musique concrète and editing.

Multi-instrumentalist Ian Underwood is the only member of the Mothers to appear on the album and was the primary musical collaborator. Other featured musicians were Max Bennett and Shuggie Otis on bass, drummers John Guerin, Paul Humphrey and Ron Selico, and electric violinists Don 'Sugarcane' Harris and Jean-Luc Ponty. This was the first Frank Zappa album recorded on 16-track equipment and one of the first albums to use this technology. Machines with 16 individual tracks allow for much more flexibility in multi-tracking and overdubbing than the professional 4- and 8-track reel-to-reel tape recorders that were standard in 1969. 

Hot Rats

Music GB

Buy Frank Zappa - Hot Rats (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.