misanthrope's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.5
Bland and preachy towards the end. Reminds me of a George Carlin routine. Brought no insight into his music. That said, he is more appealing than his music.
rocking's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
An entertaining nonlinear life story told in a spectacularly sarcastic, laugh-out-loud writing style that lays bare the inner-workings of the world's most eccentric asshole. The last third of the book can be skipped if you are not interested in semi-irrelevant 80s libertarian political/legal philosophizing.
wildweasel105's review against another edition
5.0
This is the most complete, and authentic biography of the late, great Frank Zappa. No afficianado of this fantastic composer/rock guitarist can claim their library is complete without this volume. To read this book is to glimpse the true genius that is Zappa, and to recognize what a fantastic impact he had on modern music that continues to this day. As he was fond of quoting the early 20th century experimental percussionist, Edgar Varese, "The modern day composer refuses to die!"
Neither will Frank Zappa.
Neither will Frank Zappa.
wdantzler's review against another edition
3.0
Frank Zappa did so much for media censorship and artists' rights through the course of his life time. He challenged the status quo in the popular music of his generation with the themes of his songs and his progressive rock style. You take all of his many achievements and have the man himself recount them: it's an instant hit. This book reads like many of his lyrics, full of humor and powerful satire. He was an iconoclast in every sense and this book further exemplifies that. Ranging from the Reagan administration to the corruption of the popular music industry in his day, Zappa covers it all here. I loved hearing it all from the man himself, the development of his musicianship to hilarious stories from the road. The story telling is a little out of order and all over the place but, otherwise, as a devout fan of the man, it's a must read.
laplaine's review against another edition
1.0
I greatly appreciate the musical work of Zappa. This book, however, is terrible. I can only surmise the high ratings on this book are fans of his work and voting with a bias. The second half of this book is full of dated political rants and wander from topic to topic with little purpose. Lastly, Zappa complains, on nearly every page, even about writing this very book. Reader beware.
artupop's review
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
El universo de Frank Zappa en todo su esplendor. Tan inexplicable y heterogéneo a la par como su trabajo musical y artístico. Una ventana a una percepción del mundo a veces irreverente, otras cuestionable, y siempre cargada de crítica e individualismo. Un libro único a la altura del personaje.
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