This was my first introduction to Frank Zappa, and I surprisingly liked it. Unfortunately, my next experience with Zappa was the Sheik Yerbouti album, which is nothing at all like this. I'm glad I heard this first, or I would probably have never bought another Zappa album. This album has some terrific instrumentals that really defy categorization. Jazz influenced for sure, but certainly it is not jazz. There is a lot of humour in it at times, and some unusual sounds. Made by what, I dunno. My favourite track is the 18 minute plus "The Little House I used to live in" which features 2 fine piano solos, a violin solo and an organ solo. The organ being played by Zappa. Also included are 2 vocals, the doo-wop "WPLJ" and "Valarie". As good as they are though, the instrumentals are certainly the stand outs.