I gather that you are a Zappa fan, and I apologize for such a blunt dismissal. I have repeatedly attempted to lend an interested ear to his recordings on the recommendations of friends or even strangers, but I can never seem to get what the big deal is about. I like the 'Eric Dolphy Memorial Barbecue', though...
Me too. I love that Eric Dolphy tune. And some of the stuff off "Shut Up & Play Yer Guitar" is smokin'. But, for me, the lyrics are what ruin most of Zappa for me. Too much sophomoric humor (i.e. potty humor) and attacking of easy targets. I almost got beaten up by two Zappa-heads in a bar last Friday for saying as much. I fully agree that Zappa was a musical powerhouse, but Beefheart beats him hands down as a poet, a crafter of language. He's also a better painter.