Lumpy Gravy is a dynamic, ambitious album, and a dramatic entry to the field as a modern composer for Frank Zappa in 1968. There are a tonne of ideas throughout the record– muscically and otherwise. (Not least of which is idea of conceptual continuity and the Big Note.) The tunes and melodies are hooky, complex, and expertly performed by the Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, and the more unconventional music — and dialogues — can be captivating in their own right.

A fascinating look at early Zappa’s mind, Lumpy Gravy is a weird album that takes some getting used to, but pays dividends to the persistent listener.