Released 45 years ago this September
You Are What You Is
Frank Zappa · 1981
70 min · 20 tracks · alternative rock · classical · jazz fusion
A kaleidoscopic blend of satire and musical experimentation, merging rock with Zappa's signature avant-garde flair.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- satirical commentary on society
- dynamic journey with peaks
- playful irreverence throughout tracks
- wave-like pacing for engagement
- quirky narratives and characters
Maybe skip if you want
- seeking straightforward song structures
- prefer predictable listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 23, 1981, 'You Are What You Is' is Frank Zappa's 12th studio album, following the ambitious double LP 'Joe's Garage.' At this point in his career, Zappa was deeply entrenched in blending intricate musical forms with sharp social commentary, reflecting a prolific period characterized by innovative approaches to rock music and lyrical wit.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Captain Beefheart· The Residents· Henry Cow
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Teen-age Wind 3:02
- 2 Harder Than Your Husband 2:28
- 3 Doreen 4:43
- 4 Goblin Girl 4:06
- 5 Theme From The 3rd Movement of Sinister Footwear 3:35
- 6 Society Pages 2:26
- 7 I'm A Beautiful Guy 1:56
- 8 Beauty Knows No Pain 3:01
- 9 Charlie's Enormous Mouth 3:36
- 10 Any Downers? 2:08
- 11 Conehead 4:28
- 12 You Are What You Is 4:23
- 13 Mudd Club 3:10
- 14 The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing 3:10
- 15 Dumb All Over 6:14
- 16 Heavenly Bank Account 4:02
- 17 Suicide Chump 2:49
- 18 Jumbo Go Away 3:43
- 19 If Only She Woulda 3:47
- 20 Drafted Again 3:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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