FRANK ZAPPA'S JUKEBOX

• various artists: frank zappa's jukebox
  (2008, cd, uk, chrome dreams cdcd5023)

Ever wonder what Frank Zappa listened to when he was a teenager? Well, here's your answer...
Chrome Dreams compiled an album of doo-wop tunes, old blues songs and contemporary classical pieces that FZ mentioned in interviews, that he played as a DJ on radio shows, or that he covered with his band.
They're all here: The Robins, The Four Deuces, The Turbans, The Cadets, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and even Igor Stravinsky, Anton Webern and Edgard Varèse.
It's an extreme mixture of styles, but that's exactly what Zappa's music was as well. Each song on this album will make you think of a number of Zappa compositions.
As a bonus, you get a 16 page booklet that has a lot of info on the original artists, plus an explanation and a link to the Zappa Universe.
Highly recommended.