For me and with the exception of Hot Rats I can't stand any of Zappa's records until Waka/Jawaka. From that album thru to the mid-80s though the man could do no wrong. After then he had some great stuff like Thing-Fish and Them or Us sprinkled in with more throwaway efforts. I think the bottom line though is whether or not you agree with his sort of worldview. If you generally agree that those he targets with scorn and derision deserve this fate (as I do) I think it makes his use of the rock and roll bully pulpit more tolerable.
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